Just curious to know people's views on brushed carbon boards. Am yet to ride one, just wanting to know if the pro's outweigh the price difference.
yes. they do. I used to think it was a waste of time to have one but I wouldn't be without a carbon board now. Especially my race board, but even my surf SUP is carbon.
I prefer the cheaper constructions for their added durability. I don't notice a huge difference in downwind/flat water paddling (not racing). There is a difference for sure, but there are bigger gains to be had by working on my cardio fitness. Meanwhile if the wind is up or I am taking the board through breaking waves it is less likely to ding if I fall on it.
I had a lovely experience yesterday on my near new carbon board, where an old fart on a mal paddled in front of me and was pushed back into me as he ride to "push" through the wave sitting up in front of us both. His mal and fins went straight into the nose of the board, and left a couple of scratches. If it had have been a normal epoxy it would have had half the nose ripped off or at least been punctured to the foam. So just cruising, I dunno where you get the durability angle from, as IMO the carbon boards are almost bullet proof. The only real issue is that they can be a bit corky because they are so light. In wind, they sometimes don't have the weight you need to bring them around thru turns. Otherwise, the lightness is unbeatable.
Test ride them. Get lots of time on them - because a full carbon is quite a different feel - especially for those that actually surf their boards (not just ride a wave to shore). To some, they are too rigid - and to others, even too light (from what I read anyway). I think it is something you can justify when you always know you are going to pay a fair bit more... for something that might only be "slightly" better for your needs.
Are you talking starboard or just general brushed carbon style looking boards? there is a huge difference in constructions coming out of china and thailand so just because you are geting carbon doesn't always mean durability like some are finding. Look very carefully at the description of the layup and look for a full sandwich if you want maximum durability.
