Futures AM2 Techflex Review

9.5/ 10 Estimated score

9.5

Estimated from 1 independent sources (no numeric scores published)

Average price$152Range $145–$165 across 3 retailersSee sources

Al Merrick's most-reviewed signature template — the neutral, all-round Futures thruster. Techflex construction adds a springy carbon layer for release without going full Blackstix. The reference "one fin to buy first" if you ride a Futures-boxed shortboard.

View on Futures Fins

Quick specs

System: Futures
Type: Thruster (3-fin)
Construction: Techflex (carbon-reinforced honeycomb)
Template: AM2 — Al Merrick / Channel Islands signature
Rider size: Medium (65–85 kg) / Large (75–100 kg)
Best for: Everyday shortboarding, all-round

The AM2 is Al Merrick's baseline shortboard template — the template most Channel Islands Futures-boxed boards are shipped and reviewed with. Neutral flex, balanced foil, sized for medium-to-large riders.

Techflex is Futures's mid-tier construction: honeycomb core reinforced with carbon fibre in the base. Adds spring and release compared to the entry-level Honeycomb version of the same template.

Pros & cons

The Futures equivalent of the FCS Performer — neutral all-round template
Al Merrick / Channel Islands signature — used across the CI board range
Techflex adds carbon spring without the harshness of full Blackstix
Ships as the reference matching fin with most Channel Islands Futures-box builds

Overshadowed on Futures.com by the flashier Blackstix and JJF signature lines
Techflex is $20 more than the entry-level Honeycomb version of the same template
Not the fin for pure drive in solid surf — go JJF or Jordy Techflex for that

How it surfs

Ships as the recommended factory fin with the Channel Islands Happy Everyday, Two Happy and Fever in Futures boxes. If you bought one of those boards without fins and want to match how it was reviewed, this is the answer.

The Honeycomb version of the AM2 exists at a lower price point ($95) with a slightly softer flex — worth a look for smaller/lighter riders.

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.

Size	Volume	Rider weight	Best for
Medium	Base 4.28" / Depth 4.52"	65–85 kg	All
Large	Base 4.50" / Depth 4.63"	75–100 kg	All

How it compares

Board	Best at	Wave range	Aggregate score
Futures AM2 Techflex	Neutral all-round	Waist to overhead	9.5
Futures JJF Techflex	Drive-oriented signature	Punchy waves	9.4

Verdict

The Futures equivalent of the FCS Performer. If you ride a Channel Islands board or any Futures-box shortboard, this is the default fin to start with.

Estimated score: 9.5 / 10

Estimated from 1 independent sources — none publish numeric scores. See sources 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

9.5/ 10

9.5

1 sources, none scored

Source	Score	Summary
SwellSpy — AM2 Techflex Review	No numeric score	"The AM2s are the biggest [Futures] fins — wider base provides increased drive off the bottom."

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

$152

$145–$165 · 3 retailers

Retailer	Price	vs. average
Cleanline Surf	$145	-$7	Visit
Jack's Surfboards	$145	-$7	Visit
Futures Fins	$165	+$13	Visit

Frequently asked questions

AM2 vs the FCS Performer?+

Direct equivalents. AM2 is the Futures neutral-template default, Performer is the FCS neutral-template default. Both are the correct "first upgrade fin" for their respective plug systems.

Honeycomb or Techflex AM2?+

Techflex if you like a springier release out of turns and don't mind the $20 premium. Honeycomb for a softer, more traditional flex feel and a lower price.

AM2 vs AM3?+

The AM3 is a slightly larger, more upright variant designed for punchier waves. AM2 is the everyday default; AM3 steps up when the surf has more push.