Snapped my high wind weapon and am looking for a replacement. I use a Vanguard 5.2 for strapless surf but when the wind is 25knt+ I prefer a fast, strapped surfboard for riding bigger waves + boosting big air. Looking for a snappy board around the 5.5-5.11 mark, which strikes the right balance in weight and strength.
Loved the Caution Trespass 5.5 and when it died last year I had a shaper (katana) make me a copy since there are no dealers anymore for Caution. The custom was really nice to ride but not strong enough....
Looking for suggestions on what boards should be on my list:
- Firewire PRO_file (5.11)
- ......
Thanks for the suggestion. Given that my last Katana custom 5,5 showed heeldents already after the 1st session and snapped after 10 sessions I am a bit reluctant going to a local surfboard shaper again. My firewire Vanguard is still in great condition after 2 seasons
Might be a bit expensive shipping wise, but I would order a custom from John Amundson. His high wind strapped boards have been dialed for years. My favorite production board was an old North Rocketfish (designed by John). It was a 5' 5", absolutely perfect for me.
I'm riding a custom Smook board, it has a ****load of carbon and zero heel dents - I haven't used it with straps but it is holding up to some fairly brutal punishment so far (see pic). I probably made it a bit too thin as I was going for a stupidly light low volume board (2kg/12L). It is insanely fast and a lot of fun.
Mark Stone in Gero makes really strong boards.
A bit heavier than others but you'll struggle to put any heel dents in them
How about SugarQube. Haven't tried their boards but I've heard good things about them.
Select to expand quotejackforbes said..
I'm riding a custom Smook board, it has a ****load of carbon and zero heel dents - I haven't used it with straps but it is holding up to some fairly brutal punishment so far (see pic). I probably made it a bit too thin as I was going for a stupidly light low volume board (2kg/12L). It is insanely fast and a lot of fun.
how much did you pay for that board?
Select to expand quotebalidru said..
How about SugarQube. Haven't tried their boards but I've heard good things about them.
I rate this board very highly....and it's pretty tough. I have a two year old that has traveled a lot and still hanging in there. However, rider was looking for a board for bigger waves and this board design is suited to small med waves, not too much over head.
If you like your FireWires then check 'the slab'. It's going to be the latest pointy nose board from FireWire in kite construction . Coming out in a 5'6 and 5'10 in the next few weeks. Shaped by pyzel and based on John John model. Been surfing the 6'2 heaps and love it. 5'10 will be my new weapon for summer! Pre order now and should be available before end of November I hear.
Select to expand quotedafish said..balidru said..
How about SugarQube. Haven't tried their boards but I've heard good things about them.
I rate this board very highly....and it's pretty tough. I have a two year old that has traveled a lot and still hanging in there. However, rider was looking for a board for bigger waves and this board design is suited to small med waves, not too much over head.
Probably also weight related, originaly the 5'10" was designed for riders around 85-95 kg body weight, and its good in all larger waves over here, I can imagine you may be more inclined to a narower board if it gets real lumpy on a big wave face
Select to expand quoteEternalNoob said...jackforbes said..
I'm riding a custom Smook board, it has a ****load of carbon and zero heel dents - I haven't used it with straps but it is holding up to some fairly brutal punishment so far (see pic). I probably made it a bit too thin as I was going for a stupidly light low volume board (2kg/12L). It is insanely fast and a lot of fun.
how much did you pay for that board?
Board only $850 and with brass inserts for straps $900 New brd also come with Island 6 ply stringers Jacks brd was 21 lts
Select to expand quoteWoott said..
Thanks for the suggestion. Given that my last Katana custom 5,5 showed heeldents already after the 1st session and snapped after 10 sessions I am a bit reluctant going to a local surfboard shaper again. My firewire Vanguard is still in great condition after 2 seasons
It's a custom - you just ordered it too light.
I borrowed a mates North Pro the other day and it was like riding a concrete jetty. Nice and strong though. Get one of those if that's your thing 
Seriously though Delta boards are known for being strong.
I have a Katana on order and it will probably be light - he has some new tech we are both keen to try on a kiteboard. 
Select to expand quoteSugarQube said..dafish said..balidru said..
How about SugarQube. Haven't tried their boards but I've heard good things about them.
I rate this board very highly....and it's pretty tough. I have a two year old that has traveled a lot and still hanging in there. However, rider was looking for a board for bigger waves and this board design is suited to small med waves, not too much over head.
Probably also weight related, originaly the 5'10" was designed for riders around 85-95 kg body weight, and its good in all larger waves over here, I can imagine you may be more inclined to a narower board if it gets real lumpy on a big wave face
Ha, that's all we get around here when it's big....lumpy and mean. It does okay in bigger surf, but a narrower board and tail suits better I think. Still love this board a lot.
In regards to custom poly boards, heel dents can be good for a while,,, tilll tha board is worn out
weight vs strength is always what we are looking for. Personally I like the feel of polyester/urethane, flex is perfect, durability is average but those sessions when you have your shape and your indents right where you need em{yours} make up those memories of epic boards! 
Then they fall to bits!!! arrrggghh!!
Cheers all!
That new firewire board looks indeed interesting! Also like that it has FCS 2 boxes as i have some awesome fin sets for these already.
Might indeed also need to have a chat to other shapers to see what ideas they have for a purpose build board. Solutions with some bamboo or carbon in the deck might help. Hard though for me to judge it. After all I am no expert in board building, i can only explain what I will be using/abusing it for. Did not work out too well for the previous custom 
It's a fine line between the stiffness of "sturdy" boards and those that flex like a normal surfboard. Give me one that flexes any day, even if it means I have to purchase a board more often. The stiff boards just don't feel right off a hard turn.
Select to expand quotedafish said...
It's a fine line between the stiffness of "sturdy" boards and those that flex like a normal surfboard. Give me one that flexes any day, even if it means I have to purchase a board more often. The stiff boards just don't feel right off a hard turn.
Fully agree. The firewire & Caution boards have this balance in strength, weight, flex. Ridden some mainstream production boards like the SS Tyrant which are awefull. In the end I am not concerned about heel dents. Just would like the board to last 2 seasons.
If it's for high wind, strapped and jumps... What about something in snowboard or twin tip construction?
It's strong but will flex because it's thin. A bit like a twin tip. For example:
www.spleene-kiteboarding.com/directional-waveboard-zone/
I like the look of the Naish Globals for a high wind strapped board. The older ones were Bullet proof but heavy, not sure how the lighter newer ones hold up.
For boosting, I'd just grab a TT.
Select to expand quotetoppleover said...
I like the look of the Naish Globals for a high wind strapped board. The older ones were Bullet proof but heavy, not sure how the lighter newer ones hold up.
For boosting, I'd just grab a TT.
Nah, my TT's only come out in flatwater freestyle and unhooked. Big air & slashing waves sessions with SB are the best. Just have to accept the risk of a board breaking in half now & then. All worth it.
www.lib-tech.com/surf/surfboards
I seen one in the Wales, a nice bloke at blast kitboarding was trialing one, might be worth a look
I enjoy my Axis new wave - perhaps not a big wave machine but take the punishment from boosting pretty well (but can still be broken!)
I also agree with Dafish ,Woott , Jackforbes Trying to get surf board weight 2.2 to 2.4klg but has the strength and flex I was sick of production boards back in 2012 So I teamed up with local surf board maker We have tryed a lot of different materials And I think we have found a good fit So yes you can get a good custom brd as long as they are willing to think outside the box and not make it to heavy and too stiff
Those smook boards look awesome, how do you get them, can only see a Facebook page
Select to expand quotePRAWNDOG said...
Those smook boards look awesome, how do you get them, can only see a Facebook page
Through face book or I can give you details
