GEARBOX Fin System

GEARBOX is a unique new fin box design with some features not found in other fin systems.

The patented load beam collar features a cover that can be customized in a wide variety of ways to enhance the appearance of the surfboard. While still providing a superior bond to the resin system! No other fin systems offers this level of customization!

{{ Here are some key takeaway features.

• LIGHT
• STRONG
• UNDER THE GLASS
• ADJUSTABLE
• CUSTOMIZABLE
• AFFORDABLE
• DUAL TAB COMPLATIBLE

An unprecedented amount of innovation is currently occurring with fins and fin systems. Ranging from the simple to complex, tool-less fin attachment, to a wide range of other options.

Our choice was to go back to basics, with a system that is light, strong, while at the same time simple to install and easy to use. A design optimized for under the glass installation. The goal was to deliver a system that was both simple and familiar for builders to install, and surfers to use.

GEARBOX is as light as possible without compromising the strength. The unique patented design, delivers unprecedented strength for an under the glass system.

Current under the glass systems rely on the bond between the laminating resin and a plastic flange that surrounds the box. This is less than optimal! GEARBOX turns the flange concept on its head by placing the web of the flange lower down on the box, creating a load beam collar. This collar creates a flange shaped to form a cup on it's upper surface, a cover is then placed within this cup.

We select a cover material that provides optimal bonding to the resin system. The entire exposed upper surface of the cover allows the bottom laminate of the surfboard an optimal bonding area. The outer flange of the load beam encapsulates the cover. More important is the unique aesthetic created once installed in a board. Creates the appearance of a pin line around the outer perimeter of the box.

The high density expanded ABS utilized in the cover being stiff, imparts additional rigidity to the collar!

The design of the collar does not restrict the cover material, anything providing a good bonding surface is fine. For example, in a balsa wood board the cover could be balsa so that the box blends in with the surrounding wood. The design of the cover supports the application of inlays or overlays to its upper surface. Facilitating different appearances for the installation of the box.

While a wide array of stylistic uses exist for the cover, the primary criteria is good bonding with the resin system. Covers are also available in a range of primary colors to provide further customization options!

The cover also has a recessed cant angle indicator located at the outboard edge. It is used to easily check the cant angle of the box once installed in a board, and when there is a fin in the box.

GEARBOX employs a familiar screw placement, located on the inner side of the box, generating a locking force on the fin base. The fin bases have recesses onto which the screws land to help force the base into the slot. Center boxes have opposing screws. A bridge in the center of the slot ties the two sides of the slot together to resist the lateral forces on the box.

To assist in the fine tuning of a board, the slot features 5mm (3/16") of movement forward and backward. Not only does this help when installing a fin, but it also facilitates control over the performance of the fins.

The box's slot is compatible with dual tab fins, and with our own full length base.

The two step install process creates a cavity with a shelf onto which the load beam collar rests. Providing better bonding to the surfboard foam. The complete routing system makes the installation process simple. The routing system also supports a single routing option (1ROUT) if one of our HD foam support blocks are utilized. These blocks are sold separately and have been machined for a precise fit in the routed cavity and to the box. }}