Futures

Futures · Small rake thruster fin set (Futures)

Futures AM3 Honeycomb Review

8.8/ 10 Estimated score

8.8

Estimated from 3 independent sources (no numeric scores published)

Average price$145Range $145–$145 across 1 retailersSee sources

The AM3 is the small end of Al Merrick's Futures template family: a rake foil in Honeycomb construction with 13.80 in² of side area, aimed at lighter surfers and at heavier surfers who want a looser board. $145 USD.

View on Futures

Quick specs

System: Futures
Setup: Thruster
Construction: Honeycomb
Template family: Rake (Al Merrick)
Side area: 13.80 in²
Height: 4.38 in

Futures builds the Al Merrick fins around a rake template: a swept tip and moderate base that holds through a turn instead of pivoting sharply. The AM3 is the small size in that family, so it keeps the same feel as the AM2 but with less area under the board.

Honeycomb construction sits in the middle of the Futures range. The core is lighter than solid fibreglass, which reduces swing weight, while the outer layup keeps a firm base and a slightly softer tip.

Two rider groups buy this size. Lighter surfers use it as an everyday thruster set, and heavier surfers drop from the AM2 to the AM3 when they want a stiff, well-glassed board to feel looser in small surf.

Pros & cons

Smallest of the Al Merrick rake templates, so turns stay tight and quick
Honeycomb keeps swing weight low without going to full carbon pricing
Flat foil side fins are predictable and forgiving through the turn
Works as a small-wave option for heavier surfers already riding AM2

13.80 in² of side area gives up hold in solid, hollow surf
$145 is more than Futures' entry-level thruster sets
Fits Futures boxes only
No independent numeric score published for the AM3 specifically

How it surfs

Futures does not publish an independent numeric rating for the AM3 in Honeycomb, so the score shown here is an estimate drawn from the published template data and the retailer listings linked below. It sits in line with the rest of the Futures rake family on Surfex.

The practical decision is area, not brand. If you weigh above roughly 75 kg and surf mostly head-high waves, the AM2 is the safer default. Pick the AM3 when you are lighter, or when your board already feels stiff and you want to shorten the turning radius.

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
AM3	Base 4.34 in / height 4.38 in / area 13.80 in²	43 to 61 kg	All
AM2	Larger rake template	68 to 86 kg	All

How it compares

Board	Best at	Wave range	Aggregate score
Futures AM2 Techflex	All-round rake	Waist to overhead	8.9
Futures P6 Alpha	Pivot and quick turns	Beachbreak	8.8
Futures R6 Blackstix	Flex and drive	Open face and points	8.9

Verdict

The small rake option in the Al Merrick line. Best for lighter surfers, or as a small-wave set for anyone who wants a stiff board to turn tighter.

Estimated score: 8.8 / 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

8.8/ 10

8.8

3 sources, none scored

Source	Score	Summary
Futures Fins — AM3 Honeycomb listing	No numeric score	"Futures publishes the AM3 as a small rake template in Honeycomb with 13.80 in² side area, 4.38 in height, 4.34 in base and a flat foil."
Futures Europe — AM3 listing	No numeric score	"The European Futures store lists the AM3 in the Al Merrick line as the small size of the rake template."
The Surfboard Warehouse — Futures AM3	No numeric score	"An independent retailer stocking the AM3 Honeycomb thruster set with the Al Merrick template details."

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

$145

$145–$145 · 1 retailers

Retailer	Price	vs. average
Futures	$145	—	Visit

Frequently asked questions

What weight range is the Futures AM3 for?+

Futures places the AM3 in the small band, roughly 43 to 61 kg, though heavier surfers also use it to loosen a stiff board in small waves.

AM2 or AM3?+

The AM2 is the larger rake template with more hold for surfers around 68 to 86 kg. The AM3 has 13.80 in² of side area and turns tighter with less drive.

What is Honeycomb construction?+

A lightweight honeycomb core with a fibreglass outer layup. It cuts swing weight compared with solid glass while keeping a firm base.

Will the AM3 fit FCS boxes?+

No. This set uses the Futures single-tab system and needs Futures boxes.

How much does the AM3 Honeycomb cost?+

Futures lists it at $145 USD for the thruster set.