FCS 2 AM PG Tri-Fin Set Black-Acid M
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Al Merrick's Signature Fin Template in Performance Glass
The FCS 2 AM PG Tri-Fin Set is Al Merrick's signature three-fin template translated into Performance Glass construction. Merrick shaped boards for the world's best surfers for decades, and this fin set encodes that competitive knowledge directly into the foil geometry. The result is a tri-fin that drives hard through power sections and releases cleanly when the turn demands it.
Raked Side Fins for Speed and Drive
The side fins carry a pronounced rake, sweeping the leading edge back toward the tail. That geometry builds speed and hold through bottom turns and sets up the kind of drive that translates directly into projection off the top. The increased surface area along the raked template maintains contact with the water through drawn-out carves, so power does not bleed off mid-turn.
The smaller center fin on the medium and large templates is intentional and functional. A reduced center fin produces quick release at the tail, allowing the board to pivot and snap through tight, vertical maneuvers without dragging. Speed and release, tuned by the same hand that shaped the boards these fins were designed to ride.
Performance Glass Construction
Performance Glass (PG) is FCS's workhorse high-performance construction. Woven fiberglass layers are laminated and shaped to deliver a flex pattern that sits between entry-level plastic and the elite carbon/fiberglass blends. The result is a fin with meaningful flex response under load, good snap-back out of turns, and durability that holds up to consistent use in punishing conditions. PG fins are the go-to choice for surfers who want a performance-oriented fin without the premium price of full carbon.
Ideal Conditions and Board Match
This fin set was built for hollow, steep waves and punchy beach breaks where generating speed quickly and transitioning into vertical surfing are the priorities. The template rewards an aggressive, rail-to-rail approach rather than a drawn-out, arcing style.
Board compatibility matters with these fins. They perform best on performance shapes with deep concaves and moderate-to-extreme rocker. Boards in that category are already tuned for speed and pivoting, and the AM PG template amplifies those characteristics. Pairing them with a flatter, more relaxed hull will underuse what the rake and smaller center fin are designed to do.
FCS II Fin System Compatibility
This set is designed for the FCS II fin system. Installation is tool-free: slide each fin into the FCS II plug, push forward, and click into place. Removal is equally fast, making fin swaps at the beach practical rather than a production. If your board runs the original FCS plug pattern, you will need FCS II compatible boxes or conversion tabs.
Fin Family: Carver
FCS classifies this set within the Carver fin family, defined by powerful, drawn-out turns with added hold. The AM template sits at the performance end of that family, prioritizing drive and release for surfers pushing radical, progressive surfing in punchy conditions.
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Specifications
- Brand
- FCS
- Model
- AM PG Tri-Fin Set
- Fin System
- FCS II
- Configuration
- Tri-Fin (3-fin set)
- Construction
- Performance Glass (PG)
- Fin Family
- Carver
- Ideal Conditions
- Hollow steep waves, punchy beach breaks
- Recommended Board Type
- Performance boards with deep concaves and moderate-to-extreme rocker
- Gender
- Unisex
- MPN
- FAMM-PG01-MD-TS-R
- UPC
- 9340935081912
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the FCS II Al Merrick PG fin template designed for?
- Al Merrick's signature template is built for radical, progressive surfing. The raked side fins generate exceptional speed and drive, while the smaller center fin on this template allows quick release through turns. It is best suited to hollow, steep waves and punchy beach breaks.
- What does PG (Performance Glass) construction mean for a surfboard fin?
- Performance Glass uses woven fiberglass laminated into the fin foil. It delivers a flex-and-snap response that is more performance-oriented than basic plastic fins, at a lower price point than full carbon blends. The result is a durable, responsive fin suited to regular performance surfing.
- What board types work best with the FCS II Al Merrick AM PG Tri-Fin Set?
- This fin set is recommended for performance surfboards with deep concaves and moderate-to-extreme rocker. Those shapes already bias toward speed and pivoting, and the AM template amplifies those tendencies. Flatter, higher-volume boards are not the intended match.
- Are FCS II fins compatible with the original FCS plug system?
- No. FCS II fins are designed for FCS II boxes only. If your board has the original FCS plug pattern, you would need FCS II compatible plugs or conversion tabs to use this set.
- Why does the Al Merrick template use a smaller center fin?
- The reduced center fin on this template is engineered to allow quick tail release through turns. A smaller center fin decreases drag and pivot resistance, which enables snappier, more vertical surfing to complement the drive produced by the raked side fins.
- What fin family does the FCS II AM PG Tri-Fin Set belong to?
- FCS classifies this set in the Carver family, which is characterized by powerful, drawn-out turns with added hold. The AM template is positioned at the higher-performance end of that family, emphasizing drive and release for progressive surfing.
- Where can I buy the FCS II Al Merrick AM PG Tri-Fin Set?
- This fin set is available at Island Water Sports in store and online. The team at Island Water Sports can help match the right fin template to your board and surf style.