quad vs thruster

beech · Since 21 Aug 2010 485 Posts Longview, WA Obsessed

Ok so I'm gonna try the directional thing this season. I'm 6' 185 lbs and thinking a 6' surfboard sounds about right. From what I've read on here and elsewhere the quad fin setup sounds faster and upwinds better. Thruster tends to drag a little more but this can be a good thing good in waves. I'll be riding a lot this summer in the river near Longview in 15-20 mph and want something that will go up wind well, and be fun on the downwinders.

So, is the difference that noticeable between quad and thruster for upwinding, or is it more personal preference and riding style? If the price is right on a thruster and I buy it, will I be kicking myself sayin I shoulda got the quad??

If you've ridden both types... sound off!!!

forrest · Thu Feb 24, 11 9:36 pm

I think you'll be happy with a quad if you're just riding in the river. You can still have a blast in the ocean. In waves I really prefer the tighter turning of a thruster, but I think once you got your quad dialed in you'll love it just as much. The quad will also do better when there isn't quite as much power.

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

I prefer the thruster setup myself in both ocean and river. I like being able to spin and throw the board better with the thruster. I'm a surfer at heart and throwing big spray is always a plus for me. I just normally use different size fins on my board to get different styles.

Now if were talking a FISh board then thats a different story...

forrest · Fri Feb 25, 11 8:09 am

Kochease makes a good point about different fin setups.

beech · Since 21 Aug 2010 485 Posts Longview, WA Obsessed

How's about the upwinding in the river kochease? Thruster ok for that? Can u change fins to improve it?
Thanks for the info Forrest

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

It really comes down to personal preference. The quads will go upwind better, and will be a bit looser when carving. Thrusters won't go upwind quite as well, but will hold your bottom turn and slash much better.

Personally for me, its not worth it for me to ride a board that goes upwind better, for what I feel is a compromised board when riding waves. Since my whole purpose when kiting is to ride waves, I don't want that experience sacrificed for better upwind performance. That said, this is really only relevant in lighter wind conditions. When you are lit, everything is going to go upwind well.

I have a good friend that I ride with a lot, and he mostly rides a quad in light wind conditions. He can go upwind much better on the quad than I can on the thruster. If that is really important to you, then get a quad. If carving a tight line, and keeping your tail planted when you do is important to you then get a thruster. Unfortunately, you can't really have both.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

The advice is good so far. Also, use the search button. This has been discussed at least 10 times before. One final thing to add is that you can also take the middle fin out on the thruster and ride it as a twin-fin. It's even looser than a Quad and can be a fun thing to play with.

mcsailor0303 · Since 18 Mar 2009 184 Posts The Dalles Stoked

All good stuff! You are going to love the surf board! So fun!

I would ask what kind of style riding you want to do? My experience has always been thruster for slashy stuff, quad for big drawn out turns. Coming from a windsurf background, I have always liked drawn out big wide turns, so I like quads. I have also found that for me the quad goes up wind better, but I think it's just mental (more fins, so it helps go up wind...right? Wink

)

Best thing would be to take a couple tacks on a quad, then a couple on a thruster and see what YOU like better! Most shops would love to let you try a couple boards at a time (the right shops that is!' Very Happy

')

Good luck with your decision!

foghater · Since 31 Aug 2008 135 Posts Stoked

Alot of surfboard shapers are now putting in enough fin boxes that you can go either way.

Stretch makes a nice one.. In fact they had a used on for sale in Oregon Surf shop..

sick board..almost bought it.

mystery curd · Since 14 Jun 2010 98 Posts Floating

When I made the move to a surf board I was concerned about upwind capabilities. My thruster travels upwind better than my twin tip and I prefer the way it(thruster) rides and handles better as well. So much so, that I haven't even tried out a quad... yet.
My two cents, hope it helps!

beech · Since 21 Aug 2010 485 Posts Longview, WA Obsessed

I'm liking the idea of NOT paying 500-800 bones for a new board. Smile

Paying in the 200s for what sounds like a nice used thruster will be fine. And guess what eventually I might just have to add that sweet quad to my quiver as well. Its all good. I just hope summer starts early this year!!! Very Happy

hip in white salmon · Since 11 Jul 2007 149 Posts Stoked

I was in your shoes not long ago. I went to see Art at North Pacific and he let me take both out for free!! I rode the Thruster and fell in love with it on the first ride. Then I took out the quad and it felt like it...well like it was hard to turn quickly.

I bought a new Thruster and ride it 3x as much as my twin tip...you are gonna love it!

Have fun and see ya out there!

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Try before you buy. Come to HR for a windy weekend and get free demos from North Pacific and Big Winds (don't know about Windance).
Funny, but my opinion and experience is different from everyone else's.
I liked the tri-fin for long drawn out carves.... but prefered the quad for everything else (especially slashing the river swell)
Fins are important. But so is shape and stance (strap placement).
I'm 6'2" and 185.....6' x 19" sounds perfect for your size.

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

Beech: upwind is never an issue when I 'm on a surfboard. Once you learn the stances that work best for that board, its usually super easy to get upwind. Plus the surf board is really fun on those huge river swell days, alot of fun to carve on.

Next time your going out swing by my place and grab my F-one signature surfboard, try it out and see if you like the feel of the thruster. It's a 5'10 a good overall size.

Straps or no straps?? if straps I will have to take her virginity and put straps on her for the first time lol Very Happy

rich · Since 30 Nov 2005 306 Posts portland Obsessed

sheesh, learning to jibe a surfboard is just fun period. you'll have a great time.