8 Best Longboard Single Fins of 2025
Welcome to our 2025 review of 8 highly sought-after longboard single fins. Are you looking to cut into the pocket and hang 10 on the nose? Or are you trying to do big drawn-out turns that leave lines down the wave face? Maybe you’ve upgraded to a 2+1 egg, or you are brand new to surfing. Whatever your goal is, having the right single fin is crucial to your surfing experience. In this review, we will go over what features and characteristics make these 8 fins so great.
Best Longboard Single Fins Reviewed
Best well-rounded longboard fin template: True Ames Greenough 4-A Single Fin - $75+
Best down-the-line-fin template: True Ames California Classic Single Fin - $72+
Best classic & affordable longboard fin: Futures Performance Thermotech Single Fin - $18+
Best fast template with spring feel: Flying Diamonds CJ Nelson Parrallax Single Fin - $90
Best clean and predictable longboard fin: Flying Diamonds CJ Nelson Involvement Single Fin - $85+
Best latest and greatest longboard fin: FCS II Christenson PG Longboard Single Fin - $132+
Best well-balanced innovative single fin: FCS II PG Connect Single Fin - $98+
Best 2 + 1 longboard single fin: Futures Fins Performance Single Fin - $65+
True Ames Greenough 4-A - $75+
“The Bread and Butter of Single Fins"
- Sizes: 6.5"- 10.5"
- Materials: Fiberglass and Volan
- Wide Base
- Heavy Rake
- A little bit of everything, but not as specialized if you need a specific shape
Our Take: Designed by George Greenough, the True Ames Greenough 4A is the ideal fin for any longboarder wanting to get the most out of their sessions. In fact, this is one of the most copied fin templates of all time. The Greenough is designed to generate speed, execute beautiful turns, and hang out in the pocket. It has a broad base and a raked-out body with a thinner tip, allowing for some flexibility to release during maneuvers. The 4A shines when you want that unmistakable slide, spring, drive, and responsiveness.
The 4A comes in standard fiberglass or a premium hand-sanded Volan construction. The fiberglass fin is available in different colors and sizes (6.5” - 10.5”) to fit your board perfectly. The Volan construction turns well with a high precision foil and a significant amount of flex, geared towards someone wanting that extra slip and slide in their surfing. The idea of the fin is for the flex to come from the body of the fin instead of just the tip for that extra spring to generate speed. The Volan is excellent for waves when you want more speed over hold.
I use the 9” and 7” fin in Volan construction on my 9'0 TJ Pro. The 9” works great as a single fin, and the 7” works well as a 2+1 with True Ames side bites. My first time dropping in with the 2+1 surprised me with a quick response. I recommend throwing in the side bites if you want extra stability and response for bigger waves.
True Ames California Classic - $72+
"Stable Wave Trimming & Nose Riding Fin"
- Sizes: 6" - 10"
- Fiberglass
- Medium Base
- Medium Rake
-
It might be a little too stable depending on your preference
Our Take: The True Ames California Classic is the fin that comes to mind when thinking of the traditional longboarder. A core template in the True Ames factory and built to work with a variety of boards and fin sets, this single fin has a place in everyone's quiver.
The glassed fin has a medium base combined with a healthy amount of rake and is fuller at the tip. You’ll find that this fin will initiate turns more easily than the 4A, but will still feel stable when executing maneuvers because of the fuller tip. The Cali Classic is available in sizes ranging from 6” to 10” in length and has many different color options, allowing you to personalize your ride. The small to medium sizes pair well with side bites for a 2+1 setup on a midlength, and the larger sizes hold their own on a traditional log.
The California Classic is excellent for the surfer wanting to start walking on their board or simply master riding down the line. It’s the perfect choice for riding small, mushy summer waves, and it could help you get the hang of cross-stepping due to the added stability. While the fin is beginner-friendly, it does not hold back the more advanced surfer. Don’t sleep on this classic-style single fin: it should be in every longboarder's fin quiver.
Futures Performance Thermotech - $18+
"Best Bang for Your Buck Single Fin"
- Sizes: 6" - 9"
- Affordable cost
- Neutral template
- medium rake
- Cheaper construction and not as performance-based
Our Take: The Futures Performance Thermotech single fin is excellent for someone just starting to ride longboards or mid-lengths. The entire template is balanced and stable compared to other performance single fins. The Performance Thermotech is available in 7” - 8” and uses a screw and plate fastening to be compatible with most single fin boxes.
Plastic fins might not be the most glamorous-looking fins, but they get the job done and are budget-friendly. Thermotech is constructed from fiberglass fibers for a lightweight feel and just enough flex to maneuver the board on the wave face. Snag one for your first single fins, or simply keep it as a backup.
Flying Diamonds CJ Nelson Parrallax - $90
"Made for Speed"
- Sizes: 9.5" - 10/5"
- Materials: Fiberglass/ G10
- Fast Loose Template
- Neutral base
- It could be a little loose if you're looking for stability
Our Take: The CJ Parallax is an outstanding fin for any type of board with a single fin box. From a mid-length egg to a longboard glider, the CJ Parallax will help you excel in your turns and down-the-line speed. With a thin profile, the Parallax surf fin excels in maneuvers with a springy response. Although thin, the fin is exceptionally fast and has minimal drag.
Giving and taking certain features is key while deciding what surfing style you want. Luckily, the Parallax is a well-balanced fin that will let you excel in various styles. Flying Diamonds describes this fin as “One of the fastest and loosest fins in the world today. Bring more life to any board with this one.” With a description like that, how could you not want to try this fin out on one of your favorite shapes? Check it out on our website today!
Flying Diamonds CJ Nelson Involvement - $85+
"Well Balanced & Beginner Friendly"
- Sizes: 9" - 10"
- Materials: Fiberglass/ G10
- Wide base
- Predictable glide
- Do it all fin, but doesn't cater to a specific style of surfing
Our Take: The Involvement single-fin is a great option for someone wanting a stable, predictable ride. With all the different fins to choose from, the CJ Involvement will help you make smooth, clean maneuvers. It's not the fastest turning fin, but if you step on the tail of your surfboard, it will react well, and you can get a quick turn. This longboard fin is built with a wide base for stability and is one of the most beginner-friendly single fins on the market. Even in less-than-ideal conditions, you can expect a smooth glide.
Flying Diamonds has been in the fin-making business for many years and supports some of the best longboard athletes. In fact, Kai Sallis, who rides for Flying Diamonds, is the current longboard World title holder.
FCS II Christenson PG Longboard - $132+
"Innovative Competition Design"
- Sizes: 7.5" - 9.5"
- Materials: Performance glass
- FCS II configuration
- Medium rake
-
Built for high performance and not as beginner-friendly
Our Take: The FCS II Christenson performance glass single fin has been built with one of FCS’s latest innovations. This game changing tool-less single fin snaps in and out with ease. Especially considering you can adjust your placement of the fin during your session.
The Performance glass material used in this FCS fin is widely used by professional surfers due to the stiff flex and ability to hold in bigger waves. The Outline of the Christenson PG fin has been curated to be used by the surfer who wants to make quick turns and slashes while still maintaining hold. If you’re surfing in a competition and need a fin to help you score some high points, no need to look any further.
FCS II PG Connect - $98+
"A Little Bit of Everything"
- Sizes: 6" - 9"
- FCS II connection
- Stable wide base
- Adjustable on the go
-
Doesn't cater to a specific style of surfing
Our Take: The FCS Connect PG is another well-balanced single fin that is good for multiple riding styles. If you’re looking for a smooth, neutral fin set that will work in a variety of surf, this is worth considering. It is cut out of Fiberglass and is quite stiff. In return, the stiff fin will be responsive and predictable. If you’re a bigger surfer, this could also be a great option because it will give you the response and stability necessary to handle the extra weight.
One of the best features is the FCS II configuration for easy entry and exit to the fin box. Less time changing a fin equals more surf time, which we can all agree is a significant plus. Not only is it easy to put in and take out, but it also doesn’t require a fin key or screw, so in all reality, you can adjust while you're in the water. Fin placement in a longboard can make a huge difference, so having the ability to change and adjust the placement while in the water is a game-changer.
Futures Fins Performance - $65+
"Performance Manuvers"
- Sizes: 4.5" - 9"
- Materials: Fiberglass
- Wide base
- Strong flex
- Heavy rake
- Well-rounded but not specific to a style of surfing
Our Take: The Future Fins Performance Single Fin is a step up from the plastic performance Thermotech model. Offered from 4.6” to 9”, this single fin can be used for multiple styles of surfboards. The 4.6” fin has a symmetrical foil and is the same size as most center fins on a thruster fin setup. The bigger sizes, 6.0” and up, would pair best as a 2 + 1 setup. However, the 9” will still work well on a longboard as a classic single fin.
With a Fiberglass construction, there is a solid flex pattern throughout the fin's body. Future fin's symmetrical foil complements this, minimizing drag and maximizing glide between strokes. So, if you’re looking for a fin to do it all, this Performance fin would be a good option, depending on what size you go with. 7.0” and up will allow you to surf as a 2 + 1 or Single fin.
Honorable Mentions
Future Fins Gerry Lopez Single Fin: This fin can be used on multiple types of boards and excels as a short board or Mid-length egg single fin. If ridden on a bigger board, it would pair well as a 2 + 1. If you get the bigger size, it could work fine as a longboard single fin.
True Ames Wayne Rich Highline Single Fin: True Ames makes some of the best single fins available today. This Wayne Rich fin set is sought after and built for a variety of surf. It has a nice balance of stability and maneuverability.
Best Longboard Single Fin FAQ
What size single fin should I get for my longboard?
A good rule of thumb is to match the fin size (in inches) to your board length (in feet). So, if you’re riding a 9’0” longboard, start with a 9" fin. But it depends on your style—go smaller (8”-8.5”) for a looser feel or bigger (9.5”+) for more hold and control while nose riding.
What’s the difference between a pivot fin and a rake fin?
Pivot fins have an upright, boxy shape that helps with tight turns and quick maneuvers. Rake fins, with their swept-back design, offer more drawn-out turns and fluid rail transitions. If you’re turning fast on a log, go pivot. If you want to carve and cruise, try a raked fin.
Are fiberglass fins better than plastic?
Yes—fiberglass fins offer more flex, responsiveness, and durability. They grip better in turns and give you more feedback underfoot. Plastic fins are cheaper and fine for beginners, but most surfers upgrade quickly.
Can I use any single fin on any longboard?
As long as your board has a standard fin box (most do), you can swap fins freely. Just be sure the fin base fits your box securely and that you have a fin key and plate/screw handy. If you have an FCS II fin, you don’t need a screw or fin key.
Does fin placement matter?
Absolutely. Moving the fin forward makes your board looser and easier to turn. Sliding it back adds control and stability, especially when nose riding. It’s worth experimenting with placement—you’ll be surprised how much it changes your ride.
What type of fin is best for nose riding?
Look for upright pivot fins, usually 9.5” to 10”, with a wide base and full tip. These help anchor the tail and give you that “locked-in” feeling on the nose.
Are all single fins good for all wave types?
Not quite. Bigger, more upright fins are better for small, mushy surf and classic logging. Smaller or more raked fins work better in faster, punchier waves where you want more maneuverability.
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Final Thoughts
Well, that’s a wrap, folks! Those are our best 8 single fins available at Cleanline Surf for 2025. There is a fin out there for everyone, no matter what style of surfing you are trying to achieve. Whether you want to start with a plastic fin or upgrade to the most modern fin, we can help you find the best match. Thanks for the read, and we look forward to hearing about your longboarding sessions.
If you have any questions or need help, contact our support team by dropping a comment below, emailing us at support@cleanlinesurf.com, or call us at 888-546-6176.
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