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Bark 14s (not a review - a question)

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Created by billboard > 9 months ago, 14 Apr 2011
billboard
QLD, 2817 posts
14 Apr 2011 1:39PM
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Hi all - has anyone paddled both the Bark Dominator 14 and the Bark Expedition 14 ? If so can you please tell me your thoughts on both boards and how they compare in all aspects.

Please note - I am only interested in these two boards as a comparison and not any other brand as a comparison.

paul.j
QLD, 3367 posts
14 Apr 2011 2:02PM
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pretty sure one is a cruiser and one is for racing, one is fast and one is slow, now all you have to do is guess what one is what!!!!!!!

surfanimal
NSW, 1658 posts
14 Apr 2011 2:08PM
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The Expedition is a cruiser, super stable, basically an oversized semi gun shaped surfboard template.

Really good for crusing the bays or coastline's.....also a good training board where speed isn't the focus but logging many miles is.

The Dominator is a race board, I wouldn't say 'tippy' as such but you cement your feet in the one position, put your head down and race it without much room for anything else.

If you want to race and be fast the Dominator is the board however if you want to enjoy the gentler side of SUP'n, the Expedition would be the board.

Hope that helps....I've had them both BTW.

billboard
QLD, 2817 posts
14 Apr 2011 9:42PM
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paul.j said...

pretty sure one is a cruiser and one is for racing, one is fast and one is slow, now all you have to do is guess what one is what!!!!!!!


You never cease to amaze me what a wealth of information you are All I gotta do is to guess whether its useful or not !!!!!

billboard
QLD, 2817 posts
14 Apr 2011 9:52PM
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surfanimals said...

The Expedition is a cruiser, super stable, basically an oversized semi gun shaped surfboard template.

Really good for crusing the bays or coastline's.....also a good training board where speed isn't the focus but logging many miles is.

The Dominator is a race board, I wouldn't say 'tippy' as such but you cement your feet in the one position, put your head down and race it without much room for anything else.

If you want to race and be fast the Dominator is the board however if you want to enjoy the gentler side of SUP'n, the Expedition would be the board.

Hope that helps....I've had them both BTW.


Thanks for that. I am currently paddling a 12.6 Lahui and love it in flatwater but I wanna start doing more open water paddling and its a wee bit tippy for my ability so am trying out some 14s for size and suitability. Have paddled the bark dominator and it's a nice, quick and stable board but have heard and read great things about the expedition but dont have the opportunity to try one so I thought I would put it out there. I've borrowed a 14 mitcho for a few days so it'll be interesting to see how that compares with the dominator. Its been interesting trying these type of boards as I have absolutely no idea about this type of paddling so I really notice the differences in the boards and its quite dramatic - even more so than surfing sups I reckon. All good fun.

Simondo
VIC, 8024 posts
14 Apr 2011 10:22PM
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billboard said...
Its been interesting trying these type of boards as I have absolutely no idea about this type of paddling so I really notice the differences in the boards and its quite dramatic - even more so than surfing sups I reckon. All good fun.


Yes, there can be quite big differences between boards when you don't expect them to be that different... eg, two Naish 14's... Very similar templates, but different rockers and rails, and they are distant cousins at best.... quite different boards.

Even though you don't want info on other boards.... try and get a paddle on a Naish 17, or SIC F18. You'll locate a Naish 17 more easily... these boards are brilliant coastal tourers. But from memory, you're a light weight BB, right?... So 14 should be great for you... The rudder's are a great advantage off shore.

Farquo
QLD, 108 posts
15 Apr 2011 8:02AM
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BB
I have a 14 bark exp for sale on the breeze. Excellent stable board. Perfect for light offshore and flat water cruising.

billboard
QLD, 2817 posts
15 Apr 2011 8:09PM
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Simondo said...

billboard said...
Its been interesting trying these type of boards as I have absolutely no idea about this type of paddling so I really notice the differences in the boards and its quite dramatic - even more so than surfing sups I reckon. All good fun.


Yes, there can be quite big differences between boards when you don't expect them to be that different... eg, two Naish 14's... Very similar templates, but different rockers and rails, and they are distant cousins at best.... quite different boards.

Even though you don't want info on other boards.... try and get a paddle on a Naish 17, or SIC F18. You'll locate a Naish 17 more easily... these boards are brilliant coastal tourers. But from memory, you're a light weight BB, right?... So 14 should be great for you... The rudder's are a great advantage off shore.


Mate, I hear ya. There are a couple of N-17s for sale locally at the moment and I have been very tempted but I know I am going to love them and my garage isn't so I have had to avoid temptation. I am having a lot of fun trying out different boards and everyone has been so helpful with advice and offering up boards for me to try. I reckon if I had the money I would look at a bigger board with steering but at this stage I think it will be either a production 14 or maybe a Lahui custom 14 - not sure as yet, but having a ball with the process.

Makaha
1145 posts
15 Apr 2011 7:30PM
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Farquo said...

BB
I have a 14 bark exp for sale on the breeze. Excellent stable board. Perfect for light offshore and flat water cruising.



sounds so excellent so why sell it???

Zimbo Reagan
WA, 469 posts
15 Apr 2011 8:27PM
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I did quite a lot of research on this board and the Lahui Kai 14 and this is what made me choose the LK

The bark is a more of a flat water and light dw.
The bark originates from California where flat water racing/ conditions are more prevalent and the board was born put of those conditions.

Should say I am talking about the Bark Dominator not Expedition.

billboard
QLD, 2817 posts
16 Apr 2011 11:17AM
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Zimbo Reagan said...

I did quite a lot of research on this board and the Lahui Kai 14 and this is what made me choose the LK

The bark is a more of a flat water and light dw.
The bark originates from California where flat water racing/ conditions are more prevalent and the board was born put of those conditions.

Should say I am talking about the Bark Dominator not Expedition.


Mate I am glad you say that. I really love the stability of the bark and its so smooth and sleek through the water whereas the lahui feels a bit less refined BUT I really like the lahui for some reason and it is so fast. I wanna start getting more open water time on the boards in coming wks and then make my decision. Thanks for your input.


DavidJohn
VIC, 17569 posts
16 Apr 2011 1:29PM
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Someone's a happy chappy..

DJ

#at=34

Farquo
QLD, 108 posts
16 Apr 2011 3:03PM
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Makaha said...

Farquo said...

BB
I have a 14 bark exp for sale on the breeze. Excellent stable board. Perfect for light offshore and flat water cruising.



sounds so excellent so why sell it???


I just got back from a session after not riding it for some weeks and now having second thoughts on selling it. they are an awsome board.



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"Bark 14s (not a review - a question)" started by billboard