FCS II Kolohe Andino Signature Performance Core thruster fin set (FCS II) — full deck view

Photo: surffcs.com Kolohe Andino tri fins

FCS
FCS · Signature Performance Core thruster fin set (FCS II)

FCS II Kolohe Andino Review

Average price$155Range $155–$155 across 1 retailersSee sources

Kolohe Andino's FCS II signature template sits between a control fin and a pivot fin: a wide base for drive, moderate depth so it does not drag, and 35 degrees of sweep. FCS sells it in Performance Core at $155 USD across four sizes.

View on FCS
Quick specs
System
FCS II
Configuration
Thruster (tri) set
Material
Performance Core (PC)
Sizes
XS, Small, Medium, Large
Medium base
4.53 in / 115.0 mm
Medium depth
4.53 in / 115 mm

FCS builds the Kolohe Andino template in Performance Core, a multi-layered resin transfer moulded construction where flex extends progressively from the base through the tip. FCS says that pattern helps hold drive through a turn rather than washing out at the top.

The published fin data puts the medium at a 4.53 inch base, 4.53 inch depth and 14.73 square inches of area with 35.1 degrees of sweep and a flat foil. The large runs a 4.67 inch base, 4.70 inch depth and 15.84 square inches at the same sweep.

Sizing is by rider weight: X-Small under 55 kg, Small 55 to 70 kg, Medium 65 to 80 kg and Large 75 to 90 kg. Because the depth is modest for the base width, riders often size up one bracket without feeling like the fin is dragging.

Pros & cons
  • Wide base gives drive without the drag of a taller fin
  • 35 degree sweep sits between the Performer and the raked MF and JW templates
  • Performance Core flex extends progressively from base to tip
  • Four sizes from under 55 kg to 90 kg riders
  • Flat foil and moderate rake make it less loose than a pivot-focused template
  • Only offered in Performance Core, so there is no cheaper Neo Glass option
  • $155 is premium pricing for a thruster set

How it surfs

The reason this template gets recommended for beachbreak is the base-to-depth ratio. A wide base generates drive out of the bottom turn, while the shorter depth releases earlier at the top than a deeper control fin, so the tail comes around without needing to over-rotate.

One buyer summary on the FCS product page puts it well: a nice wide base, not too tall so it does not drag too much, and a rake profile that sits between the extra drive of the Performer and the longer rake of the Mick Fanning and Julian Wilson templates.

Against the rest of the FCS signature range, the Kolohe Andino fin is the beachbreak specialist. Choose the Performer if you want the safest all-round option, and the Mick Fanning or Julian Wilson templates if you spend most of your time on long, open point waves.

Volume & sizing chart

Use the chart below as a starting point. Add half a litre if you are less experienced, subtract half a litre for a looser feel.

SizeVolumeRider weightBest for
X-SmallGrom templateUnder 55 kg / 120 lbAll
Small13.85 sq in55 to 70 kg / 120 to 155 lbAll
Medium14.73 sq in65 to 80 kg / 145 to 175 lbAll
Large15.84 sq in75 to 90 kg / 165 to 200 lbAll

How it compares

BoardBest atWave rangeAggregate score
FCS II PerformerAll-round balanceEveryday surf9.8
FCS II Mick FanningRaked drivePoints and open faces8.9
FCS II Julian Wilson AirCoreSignature rakePoints and reef9.8

Verdict

A well-judged beachbreak thruster set. The wide base and modest depth give it drive without drag, and the 35 degree sweep lands between FCS's all-round Performer and its more raked signature templates. Performance Core only and $155 keeps it in premium territory.

Estimated score: 9.0 / 10
Estimated from 3 independent sources — see full list below.

What reviewers around the web are saying

Surfex does not test gear directly. Below are independent retailer and editorial sources. When a source publishes a numeric score, it is normalized to a five-point scale; otherwise the source is listed without a score.

Estimated score
9.0/ 10
9.0
3 sources, none scored
SourceScoreSummary
FCS product pageNo numeric score"Published fin data confirms a 4.53 inch base, 4.53 inch depth, 14.73 square inch area, 35.1 degree sweep and flat foil for the medium."
FCS Australia community postNo numeric score"FCS's own breakdown of how the KA template was developed with Kolohe Andino and where it sits in the signature range."
FCS buyer feedbackNo numeric score""Nice wide base, not too tall so doesn't drag too much, and the rake profile really suits beach breaks sitting between a bit more drive than performers and not as much rake as MF or JW fins.""

Where to buy & average price

Listed prices come from verified retailer pages. The average price below is an unweighted mean of verified retailer prices — converted to USD (≈) when retailers list in different currencies. Click any retailer to verify the native-currency price.

Average price
$155
$155–$155 · 1 retailers
RetailerPricevs. average
FCS (USA)$155Visit

Frequently asked questions

What waves is the FCS II Kolohe Andino fin best for?+

Beachbreaks and everyday surf. The wide base drives out of turns while the moderate depth and 35 degree sweep let the tail release earlier than a deeper control template.

What size Kolohe Andino fin should I buy?+

FCS sizes by rider weight: X-Small under 55 kg, Small 55 to 70 kg, Medium 65 to 80 kg and Large 75 to 90 kg.

How much do FCS II Kolohe Andino fins cost?+

FCS lists the Performance Core tri set at $155 USD, the same price across all four sizes.

What is Performance Core?+

It is FCS's multi-layered resin transfer moulded material. The flex pattern extends progressively from base to tip, which helps hold drive through a turn.

Kolohe Andino or Performer fins?+

The Performer is the safer all-round template. The Kolohe Andino fin has slightly more drive and a rake profile aimed at beachbreak surfing.

What are the exact medium fin dimensions?+

Base 4.53 in (115.0 mm), depth 4.53 in (115 mm), area 14.73 sq in (9500 sq mm), sweep 35.1 degrees, flat foil.