Best Quad Fin Sets of 2025
Alternative surf crafts have grown increasingly popular over the past decade. Lineups once dominated by thrusters have since transformed into diverse ecosystems full of twin fins, single fins, bonzers, and more. The quad fin is perhaps the most widely used and versatile alternative to a tri-fin.
There are two main benefits to riding quads. The first is speed: quads generate more down-the-line speed and are faster off the takeoff than a thruster. There is less drag without a center fin, giving the board a more skatey feel. The second advantage is more hold, especially in bigger surf. When the board is surfed on rail, you have two fins in the wave's face instead of just one with a thruster set up. Some surfers argue this helps hold a much better line in steep or barreling conditions. That said, let’s take a closer look at 2025’s best quad fin sets.
Best Quad Fin Sets for Small and Weak Waves Reviewed
Smooth, Stylish Speed: Machado Seaside Quad Fin Set (Futures and FCS II) - $160
Maximum Drive Control: Futures Fins Controller Honeycomb Quad Fin Set - $165
Modern Flow Finesse: NVS Album Fascination Apex Series Futures Compatible Quad Fin Set - $125
Best Quad Fin Sets for Average to Good Waves Reviewed
Eco-Driven Performance: Futures Fins Rasta Honeycomb Quad Fin Set - $160
Power Meets Precision: FCS II Harley Ingleby Quad Fin Set - $208
Fast and Loose: Futures Fins Mayhem Evil Quad Fin Set - $165
Balanced All-Around Flow: FCS II Performer PC Quad Fin Set - $176
Best Quad Fin Sets for Big and Powerful Waves Reviewed
Hold for Heavy Waves: Futures Fins Pyzel Padillac Quad Fin Set - $160
Stability Under Pressure: Futures Fins EA CS Quad Fin Set - $160
A Brief History of Quads
Like the wheel or peanut butter on toast, we’ll likely never know who first glassed four fins to the bottom of a surfboard. Stories and claims go back to the 60’s, and a few shapers across the world experimented with them in the 70's.
Gary McNabb from Encinitas is often credited as one of the first prominent adopters of the quad set up in the early 80’s. Across the globe, Australian Pro Glen Winton successfully rode quads on the world stage in everything from mushy beach breaks to Pipeline. However, the quad’s popularity never really took off in mainstream surfing up until the early/mid-2000’s. Most see the quad's current popularity starting when Santa Cruz shaper Stretch began working with Nathan Fletcher. Nathan put the quad back in the public eye by charging some of the biggest waves on the planet on a four fin setup.
Being able to surf quads well in both small gutless waves and big barreling waves is what sets them apart from other configurations. However, it’s important to note that based on where the fin boxes are relative to the rail and stringer will give you a good idea of what type of conditions the board will work best. Most small wave boards with wider tails, such as fishes, will have both the front fins and the rear fins towards the rail. Conversely, a surfboard designed for larger barreling waves has the quad rears closer to the center. This type of design better holds the board to the wave while maintaining control. Below, I will break down the best quad fins of 2025, based on wave and board type.
Best Quad Fin Sets for Small and Weak Waves
Looking to get the most out of soft, mushy surf? The best quad fin sets for small and weak waves are designed to maximize speed, glide, and flow when the conditions are less than ideal. Whether you’re riding a groveler or a fish, these quad sets reduce drag and boost drive, helping you generate momentum even in knee-high waves.
Rob Machado Seaside Quad Fin Set - $160
“Modern surfing in a classic outline”
- Enhanced Speed and Drive
- Responsive and Loose Feel
- Versatile Performance
- Not Ideal for Large Waves
- Requires Specific Board Compatibility
Our Take: Rob Machado designed this template to complement his award-winning Firewire Seaside model, with small wave performance surfing in mind. Machado updated these fins from the original set by giving the front fins slightly more rake while making the rear fins somewhat more upright. This gives the board that same effortless carving feel while also enhancing the board's ability to pivot off the bottom.
This newer version is built using bamboo and carbon interlayers, laminated with resin made from recycled plastic, all encasing an ultralight foam core. The Machado Quads are ideal for any wide-tailed groveller but excel when paired with a classic fish outline.
Futures Fins Controller Honeycomb Quad Fin Set - $165
“Twin Fin Speed with Added Control”
-
Stability with Flow
- Speed Generation
- Not Ideal for Performance Shortboards
- Not for Vertical Surfing
Our Take: The Futures Controller Honeycomb Quads will bring your fish or hybrid to life, similar to the Machado fins. Designed specifically for use in wide tail surfboards, the Controller is a split keel quad setup built to fly. The combination of honeycomb and bamboo construction, a V2 foil, and a large surface area creates the perfect fin for generating speed and maintaining it through a sequence of turns. With the upright positioning of the quad rears, there is a skatey feel to the set, similar to a twin keel but with more control.
The Controller quads are also available in Alpha construction at a lower price point if you're on a budget!
NVS Album Fascination Apex Series Futures Compatible Quad Fin Set - $125
“A beautiful fin to match the performance of Album’s beautiful surf crafts”
- Enhanced Speed
- Durable G10 Fiberglass
- Specific Compatability
- Learning Curve
Our Take: The Futures Controller Honeycomb Quads will bring your fish or hybrid to life, similar to the Machado fins. Designed specifically for use in wide tail surfboards, the Controller is a split keel quad setup built to fly. The combination of honeycomb and bamboo construction, a V2 foil, and a large surface area creates the perfect fin for generating speed and maintaining it through a sequence of turns. With the upright positioning of the quad rears, there is a skatey feel to the set, similar to a twin keel but with more control.
Best Quad Fin Sets for Average to Good Waves
When the waves start to deliver, the right quad fin set can take your surfing to the next level. The best quad fin sets for average to good waves offer the perfect balance of speed, control, and drive—ideal for carving, down-the-line power, and quick rail transitions. These sets are built for performance in clean conditions, whether you're riding point breaks, reef setups, or punchy beach breaks.
Futures Fins Rasta Honeycomb Quad Fin Set - $160
“Favorite for Quick Maneuvers and Smooth Transitions”
- Versatile Performance
- Responsive and Fluid
- Unique Feel Better Suited for Advanced Surfers
Our Take: For small to medium-sized waves, the Rastovich is a great pick for any performance shortboard. Designed by free surfer Dave Rastovich. Futures updated this fin for 2024, and it now features a honeycomb construction with a V2 Foil. This combination allows for high-speed surfing and quick direction changes. The Rasta Quad has proven to be Futures' best-selling quad fin.
FCS II Harley Ingleby Quad Fin Set - $208
“A quad specifically designed for performance longboards and mid-lengths”
- Maximum Speed and Drive
- Ideal for Performance Longboards and SUPs
- Not suitable for Smaller Surfers
- May Feel Stiff for Some
Our Take: Designed by World Longboard Champion Harley Ingleby, the Harley Quad delivers maximum speed and drive for powerful surfers. It works best on a performance longboard or performance SUP, but could also be great for a larger surfer on a smaller board. This versatile fin is light and can be used in a variety of conditions.
Futures Fins Mayhem Evil Quad Fin Set - $165
“Essentially a Twin + 2”
- Speed and Drive
- Controlled Release
- Requires Solid Technique
Our Take: The Futures Evil Quad is basically just Mayhem’s Evil Twin front fins with smaller quad rears that are closer in size to sidebites than normal quad rears. These fins are designed to gain drive down the line, maintain hold in turns, or boost airs in all conditions.
FCS II Performer PC Quad Fin Set - $176
“Classic FCS II template that works in a wide range of conditions and surfboard shapes”
- Versatile Performance
- Inside Foil Technology
- Performance Core Construction
- Not Ideal for Heavy Surfers
- May Feel Stiff for Some
Our Take: The FCS II Performer PC Quad Fin Set is designed to offer a balanced combination of speed, flow, and response, making it suitable for a wide range of conditions from beach breaks to point breaks. The fins feature a well-proportioned template with Inside Foil Technology (IFT), providing a reliable "all-around" performance for surfers seeking versatility.
Best Quad Fin Sets for Big and Powerfall Waves
When the surf turns on and the waves pack serious punch, you need fins that deliver confidence, hold, and control. The best quad fin sets for big and powerful waves are designed to provide maximum drive, stability, and grip through steep drops and high-speed turns. Built for critical conditions and advanced performance, these quad sets excel in overhead surf, hollow barrels, and strong reef breaks. Discover our top choices trusted by experienced surfers chasing power and precision.
Futures Fins Pyzel Padillac Quad Fin Set - $160
“Designed for a Pyzel Padillac at Jaws”
- Hold and drive in powerful waves
- Best in powerful surf only
Our Take: The Pyzel Padillac Quads are a must-have for any big wave charger. This quad set is specially designed to pair with the Padillac Gun. The pivot template has 80/20 foils on the front fins and 50/50 foils on the rear fins for the ultimate hold in large or powerful surf. Produced in solid fiberglass construction, the Padillac quads are the perfect choice for daredevils looking for that once-in-a-lifetime wave.
Futures Fins EA CS Quad Fin Set - $160
“Designed on the North Shore for Powerful Waves”
- Enhanced Control
- Lightweight Construction
- Not Ideal for Small Waves
- Requires Specific Board Compatibility
Our Take: The Futures EA CS Quad Fin Set is designed by Hawaiian shaper Eric Arakawa and tailored for powerful surf conditions. It features a balanced template with a medium base and a medium tip, offering well-rounded performance for various boards in punchy conditions. The Control Series construction incorporates a layer of uni-carbon strips, providing a dynamic response and a lighter profile without sacrificing durability.
Best Quad Fin Sets Comparison Table
| Fin Set | Price | Construction | Fin System | Ideal Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machado Seaside Quad Fin Set | $160 | Carbon + Honeycomb | Futures / FCS II | Small and Weak Waves |
| Futures Fins Controller Honeycomb Quad | $165 | Honeycomb | Futures | Small and Weak Waves |
| NVS Album Fascination Apex Series Quad | $125 | G10 Fiberglass | Futures | Small and Weak Waves |
| Futures Fins Rasta Honeycomb Quad | $160 | Honeycomb | Futures | Average to Good Waves |
| FCS II Harley Ingleby Quad | $208 | Performance Core + Carbon | FCS II | Average to Good Waves |
| Futures Fins Mayhem Evil Quad | $165 | Fiberglass | Futures | Average to Good Waves |
| FCS II Performer PC Quad | $176 | Performance Core | FCS II | Average to Good Waves |
| Futures Fins Pyzel Padillac Quad | $160 | Fiberglass | Futures | Big and Powerful Waves |
| Futures Fins EA Control Series Quad | $160 | Fiberglass (Control Series) | Futures | Big and Powerful Waves |
FAQs About Quad Fin Sets
Got questions about quad fins? Whether you're dialing in your setup or picking your first set, our FAQ section covers everything you need to know. From choosing the right quad fins for your board to understanding performance differences, we've got the answers to help you surf smarter and faster.
What is a quad fin setup good for in surfing?
A quad fin setup offers speed, maneuverability, and drive, making it ideal for down-the-line surfing, small waves, and powerful barrels. It’s great for surfers who want more speed and less drag than a thruster.
Are quad fins better than thruster fins?
It depends on the wave conditions and your surf style. Quad fins generate more speed and work better in smaller or mushier surf, while thrusters offer more control and are preferred for vertical maneuvers and larger waves.
How do I choose the best quad fin set for my board?
Look at your board’s fin box system (FCS II or Futures), your weight, skill level, and the types of waves you surf. Fin template, material, and flex also impact performance.
What's the difference between larger and smaller quad fin sets?
Larger quad fins offer more hold and stability, ideal for bigger surfers or heavier waves. Smaller quad fins feel looser and more playful, better for small waves and progressive surfing.
Do all boards support quad fin setups?
No, only boards with four fin boxes configured for a quad setup will work. Some boards offer 5-fin boxes for versatility between thruster and quad setups.
What are the best quad fins for small waves?
Popular options include the Futures Controller, Machado Seaside, and NVS Album Fascination quad sets. These are known for generating speed and flow in weak surf.
Should I go with fiberglass, honeycomb, or composite quad fins?
Fiberglass fins are stiff and responsive, honeycomb fins are lightweight with balanced flex, and composite fins are more budget-friendly with moderate performance. Your choice depends on performance needs and budget.
What’s the benefit of using twin + trailer vs. true quad fin setups?
Twin + trailer offers looser, more skatey turns, while true quads provide more grip and speed down the line. Some surfers prefer twin + trailer for smaller boards or retro shapes.
How do I install quad fins correctly?
Make sure the larger fins go in the front boxes and the smaller ones in the rear. Always match the fin base type to your board’s fin box system (FCS II or Futures).
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Final Thoughts
We have all the best quad fins of 2025 ready to pair with your favorite surfboard. As you can see, there are no limitations to what a Quad setup can handle. They not only make small, mushy surf fun, but they are also trusted in the biggest surf on the planet. Whether you’re looking to add some get-up-and-go to your groveller with the Machado Quad or get some extra hold for that next trip to Indonesia with the EA Control Series Quad, we have a quad fin for you!
It’s important to note that these are only the top QUAD SETS. Most shapers construct boards with five fin configurations, allowing surfers to experiment with quads and thrusters. We carry an assortment of Tri-Quad sets that have quads that are not listed in this blog. Check out our tri-quad fin sets here.
If you have any sizing questions, you can always call us at 1-888-546-6176, drop a comment below, or send an email to support@cleanlinesurf.com
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