FCS 2 AM PC Tri-Fins Set Yellow L
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Al Merrick's Thruster Template, Built for Progressive Surfing
The FCS II AM PC Tri-Fins set carries one of the most respected templates in surfing: the Al Merrick design, refined over decades of shaping for the world's best surfers at Channel Islands Surfboards. The geometry is purpose-built for surfers who want power out of the bottom turn and snap off the lip, not a compromise between the two.
The wide base and raked-back side fins generate exceptional drive down the line and hold on rail. The narrower tip keeps the release point precise so the board pivots when you ask it to. The smaller center fin on this template accelerates that release through turns, reducing the drag that a larger trailer would add. The result is a fin set that rewards committed surfing: draw a long line for speed, then snap off the top without the fins holding you back.
Performance Core (PC) Honeycomb Construction
The PC designation means Performance Core, FCS's honeycomb internal structure encased in a fiberglass shell. The honeycomb core delivers a medium flex pattern that sits between the stiff response of a full fiberglass fin and the lively snap of a softer material. That flex range translates to positive feedback through turns: you feel the fin load and release rather than getting a dead, rigid response or unpredictable flutter.
PC construction is robust enough for regular use across a wide range of conditions, making it one of the most practical performance constructions in the FCS lineup. It is not a specialty construction for one type of wave; it is the go-to build when you want performance feel in everyday surf.
FCS II Plug System
These fins are FCS II compatible, meaning they drop directly into FCS II boxes without a tool or key. The click-in mechanism holds the fin firmly under load while still allowing quick swaps between sessions. FCS II plugs are among the most widely installed fin systems on production performance shortboards today.
Note for surfers with original FCS (FCS 1) boxes: FCS II fins are not directly compatible with FCS 1 plugs. FCS offers an adapter that allows FCS II fins to be used in FCS 1 boxes, sold separately.
Suggested Conditions and Board Match
FCS specifies this template for hollow, steep waves and punchy beach breaks, paired with performance boards featuring deep concaves and moderate-to-extreme rocker. That combination makes sense: a high-rocker, concave-heavy board needs a fin that can match its drive and pivot characteristics. A fin set with insufficient base area would leave the board loose and lacking direction; too much area and the board becomes stiff. The AM template threads that needle for performance shortboard shapes.
For surfers on flatter, fuller-nosed boards or small, weak surf, a different template will likely perform better. This is a fin set for performance surfing in quality surf.
What Is Included
Each set includes three fins: two matching side fins and one center trailer fin, all in the AM PC construction. The set ships ready to install into FCS II boxes.
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Specifications
- Fin System
- FCS II
- Fin Setup
- Tri (3-fin set)
- Construction
- Performance Core (PC) honeycomb
- Template Designer
- Al Merrick, Channel Islands Surfboards
- Flex Pattern
- Medium
- Suggested Conditions
- Hollow steep waves, punchy beach breaks
- Recommended Board Type
- Performance boards with deep concaves and moderate-to-extreme rocker
- Fin Style
- Carver / drive-oriented thruster
- MPN
- FAML-PC04-LG-TS-R
- UPC
- 9340935048557
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between FCS 1 and FCS 2?
- FCS 1 (original FCS) uses a two-tab plug system that requires a fin key to install and remove fins. FCS 2 (FCS II) introduced a tool-free click-in mechanism that locks the fin into a single-slot box without any hardware. FCS II fins are not directly compatible with FCS 1 boxes without an adapter, but FCS sells an adapter for that purpose.
- Can you use FCS 1 fins in FCS 2 boxes?
- No, original FCS 1 fins do not fit FCS II boxes. The plug and tab system is different. FCS does make a compatibility adapter that allows FCS II fins to fit into FCS 1 boxes, but going the other direction (FCS 1 fins into FCS II boxes) requires a different adapter approach. Check FCS's current adapter lineup for your specific box configuration.
- What makes the Al Merrick AM template different from other FCS fin templates?
- The AM template was developed by Al Merrick of Channel Islands Surfboards and optimized for radical, progressive surfing. The raked side fins generate exceptional speed and drive down the line, while the wide base locks into the rail on turns. The smaller center trailer fin reduces drag off the top, giving the surfer quick release when snapping or hitting the lip. It is built for committed, powerful surfing rather than relaxed cruising.
- What does Performance Core (PC) construction mean?
- Performance Core refers to FCS's honeycomb internal core structure wrapped in a fiberglass shell. The honeycomb creates a medium flex pattern, meaning the fin bends slightly under load and springs back, delivering responsive feedback through turns. It is more lively than a full solid fiberglass fin and more controlled than softer materials, making it a versatile choice across a range of conditions.
- What type of waves are the FCS II AM fins best suited for?
- FCS recommends these fins for hollow, steep waves and punchy beach breaks. They pair best with performance shortboards that have deep concaves and moderate-to-extreme rocker. That combination maximizes the drive and pivot characteristics the AM template is designed to deliver.
- How many fins come in the set?
- The set includes three fins: two side fins and one center trailer fin, all built in the AM PC construction. Everything needed to run a thruster setup is included.
- Are the FCS II AM PC fins available at Island Water Sports in store?
- Yes. Island Water Sports carries FCS fins in store and online. The AM template is one of the most popular thruster sets stocked, so you can see it in person at the South Florida location or order online.