Longboard Fin Choice - Pivot vs Bliss
Fin choice can be a confusing matter, but it can make a lot of difference to the way your longboard performs. Here we will compare two of our fin models - the Pivot fin and the Bliss fin. As the name suggests, the Pivot fin is a Pivot design. On the contrast, the Bliss fin is a more all rounded design with more rake.
So, what’s the difference?
The Pivot fin
Compared side by side, the Pivot fin is clearly much wider than the more raked Bliss fin, and has a straighter, more vertical outline. Due to the Pivots bulkier design, it has more mass and surface area. The larger surface area means water grips more to the fin, which increases hold, and therefore improves stability for noseriding. That is why you see a lot of people using pivot fins with their classic longboards. We designed our Pivot fin to go with our Resolution longboard model, which is a board designed solely with noseriding in mind. Paired together, the Pivot fin and Resolution make for a fantastic noseriding experience. The more upright and vertical template creates the ability to perform pivoting turns when you have your back foot further back on the board. Small and quick directional changes define the type of turn you will get out of a pivot fin. The Pivot fin is more designed towards providing hold than turning ability, which is essentially the tradeoff of a solid noseriding fin.
Ross Williams loves to pair the Pivot fin with his Resolution longboard.
Ross Williams showcasing the excellent hold that the Pivot fin provides.
The Bliss fin
The Bliss fin falls into the ‘all rounder’ category. This is the most common design you will likely have seen across a range of different longboards, and is often the go to choice. The obvious characteristic of the Bliss fin is a larger rake (sweep of the fin / how far back the tip of the fin is in relation to the base). The base of the fin is fairly broad, and flows smoothly into a narrow tip. Due to a more refined outline, this fin is lighter and more flexible than the Pivot fin. Combining these attributes produces a fin that allows for smooth, arcing turns, much more performance driven than a Pivot fin. The rake in the tip allows the fin to load up with energy when initiating a turn, and then flex and release the energy as the turn progresses. This is why turning with this fin can feel so powerful and responsive. Getting your longboard on rail is much more likely using the Bliss fin, which will improve your turns by miles. The Bliss fin still allows for good stable noseriding, however does not provide as much hold as the Pivot fin.
Augusto Olinto loves using a Bliss fin paired with his 9’6” Fluid Drive, providing him the ability to get on rail and surf with flare.
Augusto Olinto performing smooth turns with a Bliss fin in Byron Bay, Australia.
Conclusion
Both of these fins are fantastic options, but clearly serve well in different scenarios. If you are only looking to noseride without performing many turns, then the Pivot fin would be the winner. On the other hand, if you are looking to carry out wider, smoother turns on your longboard, whilst still maintaining the ability to noseride, then the Bliss is the clear option. The great thing about fins is you can easily change them out (unless you have a glass on of course). If you can, we recommend taking a few different designs down to the beach and swapping them out during your session, this way you will quickly gain an insight to how they work on your specific longboard. Having both a pivot fin and an all rounder fin will allow you to adapt your setup to suit the surf conditions and style of surfing you wish to perform on the day.