What Is Pro Glass and Why Surfers Prefer It
If you want stronger drive, better control, and reliable performance, many experienced surfers choose Pro Glass fins.
Pro Glass fins are made from solid layers of fiberglass and resin, producing a stiffer, more responsive fin than lightweight composite constructions.
This guide explains what Pro Glass fins are, how they perform, and why serious surfers prefer them.
What Is Pro Glass?
Pro Glass is a type of fiberglass surfboard fin construction made from solid layers of woven fiberglass cloth laminated with resin.
Unlike lightweight honeycomb or plastic fins, Pro Glass fins are:
Solid throughout
Heavier
Stiffer
Extremely durable
This construction produces a direct and predictable response in the water.
Many surfers describe Pro Glass as having a "connected" or "drivey" feel.
How Pro Glass Fins Are Made
Pro Glass fins are built using multiple layers of fiberglass cloth saturated with resin, then compressed and cured into a solid panel.
The fin templates are then:
Precision cut
Foiled by hand or machine
Finished and polished
This method produces:
Consistent flex
Strong base stiffness
Clean foil accuracy
The result is a fin that performs reliably wave after wave.
Why Surfers Prefer Pro Glass
1. Stronger Drive Through Turns
Pro Glass fins resist unwanted flex, which translates into better projection out of turns.
Instead of absorbing energy, Pro Glass fins transfer power directly into forward speed.
A dependable example is the 4.75" Performance Thruster Fins – Pro Glass, designed to deliver clean projection and reliable control.
2. More Predictable Control
Pro Glass fins maintain their shape under load.
This gives surfers:
Consistent rail hold
Reliable bottom turns
Stable high-speed control
This predictability is especially important in powerful surf.
3. Better Hold in Critical Sections
Because Pro Glass fins are stiffer, they provide more grip when waves have real push.
This helps prevent:
Tail slides
Loss of drive
Uncontrolled release
Many surfers prefer Pro Glass fins for everyday surf because they provide confidence in a wide range of conditions.
4. Long-Term Durability
Pro Glass fins are extremely durable.
They resist:
Tip flex fatigue
Structural weakening
Small impact damage
Well-made fiberglass fins can last for years of regular surfing.
Pro Glass vs Honeycomb Fins
The biggest difference between Pro Glass and honeycomb fins is flex behaviour.
Pro Glass Fins
Provide:
Strong drive
Clean projection
Direct response
Solid feel
Honeycomb Fins
Provide:
Lighter weight
More flex
Looser feel
Slightly faster release
For a detailed comparison see:
Fiberglass vs Honeycomb Fins — Real Performance Differences
Who Should Ride Pro Glass Fins
Pro Glass fins suit surfers who want:
Reliable control
Strong turns
Solid drive
Predictable performance
They work particularly well for:
Intermediate surfers
Advanced surfers
Everyday conditions
Powerful waves
Popular Pro Glass Fin Types
Performance Thrusters
Thruster sets benefit greatly from Pro Glass construction because they require reliable drive and control.
Example: 4.75" Performance Thruster Fins – Pro Glass
Balanced performance for everyday surf.
Twin Fins
Twin fins often feel smoother and more controlled when built in fiberglass.
Example: 5.7" Upright Twin Fins – Pro Glass
Fast, responsive twin fin performance.
Longboard Center Fins
Longboard fins benefit from Pro Glass stiffness and durability.
Example: 10" International 4A Center Fin – Volan Pro Glass
Smooth trim and dependable hold.
When Pro Glass Makes the Biggest Difference
Pro Glass fins make the biggest difference in:
Steeper waves
Faster boards
Strong turns
Heavier surfers
These conditions place higher loads on fins where fiberglass construction performs best.
Common Questions About Pro Glass Fins
Are Pro Glass fins better than composite fins?
Many surfers prefer Pro Glass because they provide stronger drive and more predictable control, especially at higher speeds.
Composite fins are lighter, but fiberglass fins typically feel more solid.
Are Pro Glass fins heavier?
Yes.
Pro Glass fins are heavier than honeycomb fins, but the weight difference is small and rarely noticeable while surfing.
Many surfers prefer the solid feel.
Do Pro Glass fins last longer?
Yes.
Solid fiberglass construction resists fatigue and structural weakening better than lightweight composite materials.
Are Pro Glass fins good for beginners?
Yes.
Beginners often benefit from the stable and predictable feel of fiberglass fins.
The Bottom Line
Pro Glass fins provide dependable performance, strong drive, and predictable control.
That’s why many experienced surfers choose fiberglass fins for everyday surfing.
If you want a fin that delivers reliable performance in real surf, Pro Glass remains one of the best choices.