FCS 2 AM PC Air Core Tri-Quad Fin Set Grey M
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Al Merrick's Thruster Template, Engineered Lighter
The FCS 2 AM PC Air Core Tri-Quad Fin Set is built around Al Merrick's iconic thruster template, refined over decades of shaping for radical, progressive surfing. The raked side fin geometry maximizes speed down the line while delivering the quick release through turns that performance surfing demands. This set is sold as a Tri-Quad configuration, giving you the option to run it as a three-fin thruster or a four-fin quad depending on your board setup and the conditions.
AirCore Technology: Less Weight, Full Control
The defining feature of this fin is FCS's AirCore construction. A pressed polyurethane foam core is formed to precisely mirror the geometric foil of the fin blade itself. That core occupies volume that would otherwise be filled with fiberglass during the RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding) process, which means less glass is needed to complete the fin. The result is a meaningful weight reduction without sacrificing the structural integrity or the refined foil that dictates how the fin moves through water. The hexagonal AirCore panels are visible through the translucent fin body, an honest indicator of where the weight has been removed rather than a cosmetic detail.
Performance Core Flex: Progressive and Versatile
The PC (Performance Core) construction delivers a progressive flex pattern that distributes through the fin from base to tip. At the base, where the fin is stiffest, you get drive and hold. Moving toward the tip, increasing flex allows the fin to release cleanly at the end of a turn rather than fighting the surfer. This balance makes the AM PC Air Core set a versatile choice across a range of conditions. It rewards committed, powerful turns without punishing surfers who are still developing their timing and technique. Performance Core fins are designed to work in punchy beach breaks as well as open-faced waves where drive and projection matter.
FCS II System Compatibility
This fin set is designed exclusively for boards fitted with the FCS II Fin System. The FCS II plug accepts the fin without tools, using a click-and-lock mechanism that secures the fin for surfing and releases with hand pressure for fast swaps. No fin key required. The system is available on a wide range of shortboards, fish, and hybrid shapes, and this fin's template is particularly well matched to performance shortboard outlines that respond to a raked, drive-focused setup.
Construction Summary
- AirCore pressed polyurethane foam core reduces weight while preserving foil geometry
- RTM moulding process with reduced fiberglass requirement due to AirCore core
- Performance Core progressive flex: stiff at base for drive, softer at tip for release
- Al Merrick thruster template with raked side fins for speed and quick-release turns
- Tri-Quad configuration: compatible with both three-fin thruster and four-fin quad setups
- FCS II plug system: tool-free installation and removal
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Specifications
- Brand
- FCS
- Model
- AM PC Air Core Tri-Quad
- Template
- Al Merrick Thruster (AM)
- Construction
- Performance Core (PC) with AirCore Technology
- Core Material
- Pressed polyurethane foam (AirCore)
- Moulding Process
- RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding)
- Fin System
- FCS II (tool-free)
- Configuration
- Tri-Quad (thruster or quad setup)
- Flex Pattern
- Progressive (stiff base, flexible tip)
- Side Fin Design
- Raked for speed and drive
- Gender
- Unisex
- MPN
- FAMM-PC03-MD-FS-R
- UPC
- 9340935044184
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is AirCore technology in FCS fins?
- AirCore technology uses a pressed polyurethane foam core shaped to match the geometric foil of the fin blade. During RTM moulding, this core replaces fiberglass that would otherwise fill that volume, reducing the overall weight of the fin while preserving its foil accuracy and structural integrity.
- What is the difference between a Tri-Quad fin set and a standard thruster set?
- A Tri-Quad set includes five fins total: three side fins and two center fins sized for a quad rear position. This lets you configure your board as a three-fin thruster (using three fins) or a four-fin quad (using all four without a center fin), giving you two distinct drive and release profiles from one set.
- What does Performance Core (PC) flex mean for surfing?
- Performance Core fins use a progressive flex pattern: the base of the fin is stiffer to generate drive and hold through power sections, while the tip is more flexible to allow clean release at the end of a turn. This balance suits surfers who want to push hard through turns without the fin locking up.
- What boards are these FCS II fins compatible with?
- These fins fit any board equipped with the FCS II Fin System. FCS II plugs are found on a wide range of performance shortboards, fish, hybrids, and other shapes from most major brands. No fin key is needed; the fins click in and out by hand.
- What conditions suit the Al Merrick PC Air Core fin template?
- The raked Al Merrick template is built for progressive, performance-oriented surfing. The side fin rake produces speed and down-the-line drive, while the progressive PC flex allows quick release through turns. It works well in punchy, powerful beach breaks and in open-faced waves where projection and speed are priorities.
- Is this fin set designed for a specific style of surfer?
- The AM PC Air Core set is oriented toward performance surfers who want a responsive, drive-focused setup. The Performance Core construction also makes it versatile enough for developing surfers who benefit from a progressive flex that rewards committed turns without requiring pro-level timing.
- Where can I buy the FCS II AM PC Air Core Tri-Quad Fin Set?
- The FCS II AM PC Air Core Tri-Quad Fin Set is available at Island Water Sports in store and online. Our South Florida shop carries a full range of FCS II fins for all board types and surfing styles.