MaterialTech Labs
Maximum Lift

QS RADICAL

Full biomimetics: leading-edge tubercles, trailing-edge serrations and surface microchannels. Thick NACA 0012 profile. The fin with the highest absolute lift in the catalog. +55% lift vs FCS M-5.

QS RADICAL — full biomimetics fin RADICAL

vs FCS M-5

Thicker profile (NACA 0012), higher volume, full biomimetics. The highest absolute lift in the catalog. Designed for surfers who prioritize power and grip under any conditions.

MetricRADICALFCS M-5Improvement
Sustained lift200.5 N129.3 N+55%
Sustained L/D5.154.48+15%
Max L/D9.098.06+13%

Specifications

Dimensions and materials

Base (L) 550.0 mm
Height (L) 532.8 mm
Max thickness (L) 22.8 mm
Rake 55°
Sweep
Twist (cant) 1.5°
NACA profile 0012
Weight (L, without box) 130 g
Biomimetics Tubercles + Serrations + Microchannels
Material PA-CF + 3K Twill
System FCS II

Available sizes

SizeBaseHeightVolumeWeight
S510 mm512.7 mm242 cm³96 g
M525 mm532.8 mm291 cm³112 g
L540 mm532.8 mm342 cm³130 g

Scaling factor design with thickness variations. All sizes maintain NACA 0012 profile and curvature parameters.

3 biomimetic patterns

Nature engineered in CFD.

Each feature is parameterized, simulated and optimized. Not decoration: performance validated with OpenFOAM RANS k-omega SST against a clean baseline (SPEED model).

RADICAL biomimetic features: tubercles, serrations, microchannels

Each feature was parameterized, simulated and optimized: 4 mm amplitude + 5 cycles (tubercles), 6 mm + 6 cycles (serrations), 0.5 mm + 8 channels (microchannels).

Leading-edge tubercles

4 mm x 5 cycles

Inspired by humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) flippers. Delay stall, improve control at high angles of attack. +18% lift at 20° vs clean baseline.

Trailing-edge serrations

6 mm x 6 cycles

Inspired by great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) feathers. Reduce hydrodynamic noise and improve efficiency. +9% L/D at 10° vs clean baseline.

Surface microchannels

0.5 mm x 8 channels

Inspired by great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) dermal denticles. Reduce skin friction. -12% drag at 15° vs clean baseline.

CFD

Validated simulation

k-omega SST turbulence, fine mesh (~3M cells), 4 angles of attack. Fluid: real seawater at 7.5 m/s.

RADICAL CFD simulation — lift and drag curves by angle of attack
AngleLift (N)Drag (N)L/D
101.4511.109.09
10°200.4822.059.09
15°312.6756.285.56
20°404.35202.182.00
CFD RADICAL — wake visualization and pressure distribution

Materials

High-performance manufacturing

PA-CF (carbon-fiber nylon) with 3K Twill reinforcement and epoxy coating. Standard FCS II system. The heaviest fin in the QS series at 130 g — because it packs the most technology per gram.

Maximum lift

532.8 mm height with the thickest NACA 0012 profile in the catalog. More volume, more lift. For absolute grip and stability.

3 patterns integrated

Tubercles + serrations + microchannels working simultaneously. Simulated and validated as a complete system. Maximum performance, no compromises.

Heavy but solid

130 g in size L. The heaviest in the QS series. Every gram is invested in biomimetic technology. For surfers who prioritize grip and stability.