7S super fish

[enjoytheride]

anyone owned one of these boards or have an opinion

[Doubl O]

Yeah i have one in 6'0 and it floates like a funboard and has alot of speed. Im currently learning how to ride a short board and i was told this is the board to learn on. I have two funboards and the 7s floates just as good as the them.

[bencarey]

I have one and I love it. I just started learning, so it's hard for me to say how it is compared to anything else. No complaints from me.

[Billyourbong682]

dont buy one unless your just starting out!

[enjoytheride]

why's that
I just wanted something alittle cheaper to mess around on
I already have a couple boards by local guys but I wanted that little 5'9" superfish just to mess with for a summer board. the prices on the 7s is the most reasonable
its the same company that makes walden

[SURF FREAK]

Chinese or Taiwan board. Every time someone buys one of these imports, you are running the danger of putting good local shapers and glassers out of business. No soul. Go have one made by a shaper that knows your ability, can make a board for YOU, and is not made in some 3rd world sweatshop....so someone can make some quick cash.

[themathteacher]

7S boards are an Australian company that mass produces using a factory in the orient. I had a 6'3" shortie from them. Unlike the no-name boards, they at least stand by their product and have them made to their specifications, but as to matterials the one I bought (and sold) seemed like the fiberglass was thin, maybe only one layer, so expect some dings and repairs. I always do my own repairs, but it seemed I got a new small mystery ding a month. Just be very carefull with your board and buy a bag for it. Performance wise I liked it, had a board made by a local shaper preety much the same dimmensions with slightly harder rails and still ride it. For the money you get a better board than the no-name pop-outs.

[SURF FREAK]

I read the post on weak glassing, with a chuckle. The one I had {XL} must have had 946 layers of glass on it, and weighed more than a truck. It also had a tendency to dig a rail for no apparent reason. I have experimented with 3 or 4 of the CHINESE boards. My advice....don't waste your time. We have some GREAT local shapers ...and glassers, Support them. If you want the extra float, find someone that can shape you an epoxy. The Imports simply do NOT ride as well as an AMERICAN made surfboard, shaped by someone that actually surfs.

[panicsurf]

The boards made by Global Surf Industries like the 7S, Webber, Anacapa, Walden, South Point, and NSP are made in THAILAND and not CHINA...and no they are not a third world sweat shop. Those boards are made in the Cobra Factory in Thailand (the same factory Surftech's TUFFLITE boards) off of the templates and designs of such shapers as Al Merrick, Greg Webber, Steve Walden, and Bob McTavish...any of those guys ring a bell? The factory not only boasts clean and healthy working conditions for the employees, but most live ABOVE the national income average, and as well, are given health insurance as are ALL of their family members. Also, before any new surfboards models are rolled off the line, the shapers themselves visit the factory for the ultimate step in quality control. Thats right, Mr. Merrick himself gave the go ahead for his Anacapa line! As for the way the boards ride...that is something for you the surfer to determine. I have been a surf shop manager for 7 years now and just wanted to clear up the issue with some facts. I carry and are confident to carry the Global Surf Products. I have ridden them and even own a few, including a 5'9" Superfish which I enjoy playing on. I also have boards custom made for me and my shop by a local shaper, and other AMERICAN shapers like Ricky Carroll, Donald Takayama, Chris Birch and Rober August which I also enjoy riding.
That being said, there is also a place for the custom shaped board made by those men who dedicate their lives and souls to making a quality piece of handcrafted art. There is NOTHING like the relationship between surfer and shaper and it makes me happy to help a customer find a "magic" board that was sweated over by a guy you might see sitting next to you in the lineup before he goes to work to make the board you'll be riding next. It all boils down to one thing...PRICE. Your going to pay for what you get. It's the same reason some people drive a Toyota and some people drive a Benz. STAY STOKED

[headhigh2002]

Decent boards for the money...have a 5'9" superfish-fun in typical summer NC mush- also have local shapes for when the true swells show up. But for the $, not a bad board to have fun on. They are shaped in Thailand, can say that.

[Chicama]

I am sick of people trying to make me feel guilty for buying a board made in Thailand. I surf a Anacapa Glider and the thing is pretty much identical to a CI Flier but a good $300 less. If anything, I think the Thai shapers are just as good or better because this job is important to them and it shows in the product. Outsourcing to Thailand wouldn't be happening if boards were not way to expensive to begin with. I can't justify spending $700 on something that can snap in one session. That being said, there are some great shapers in my area that are still able to keep costs down and my next board will definitely be from a local shaper because I want something specific.

[mrossj1]

Local shapers for custom boards: $575+
Offshore, punch-out boards: $575+/-
Brand name off the shelf boards: $700+
Brand name custom: ++++

Support your local shop! Do your best to support your local shaper.

Don't let your friends of other kooks determine what you ride, ride what feels right and what you can afford.

[panicsurf]

MROSSJ1...what are you trying to say bro? Im not sure if I got your point, think about it and find a rebuttle that makes a little more sense. Im not putting you or anyone down, just a little healthy debate and intelligent discussion.

[enjoytheride]

I paid 425 for a 5'9" superfish, that was pretty much the determinging factor for buying it, I own a couple boards shaped by a local guy as well, but I was looking for a small fish like that and didnt have much dough right before summer.

Cant beat 425 for a brand new ride

[Treyliar]

:eek: are you friggin kidding me, its a 7s, to tell you the truth i can remember about 5 years ago when i sucked, i wanted one, dont buy the kook board, get something local, LSR ( local shapers rule)

[enjoytheride]

kook board?

man I could give a **** what people think of my board, I ride whatever I want
if you can afford to get a 600+ dollar board every year go for it man, i'll be the kook sprayin you in the face:)

[bmannix88]

i just bought a 7'3 last weekend the board will catch just about anything its ridiculous

[hannah]

I have been riding for about six years and I bought a 7S 6'8'' super fish for back up, and it was a good price, for a good ride. I like the boards, they are fast and float like funboard but can cut like a shortboard with the right fin system. If you are just starting out the 7S superfish is good for you but any funshaped board is good to start with. I just wanted a back up board for those days in the summer when there is not much to ride but still want a nice ride.

[brown barrel]

7S's are fun. I ride the 5'9 model that I've had since they came out...it's been busted up since day 1 but knowing how to do repairs has kept her riding good. Not as good as good as when I first got her, but still fun. I take it out whenever it's small on not heavy enough for the shorty. Now if yo suck to begin with like some of the dudes on here hating, of course the board won't be fun. No such thing as a kook board...unless you count longboards hehehe j/k they are fun too but widely used by the kook variety.

[adowcett]

I am a proud owner of a 6'3 superfish and I love it. It's really good for those small mushy days when you need a push but I have also ridden it on fun head high days and had an absolute blast. I belive it's good to support local shapers, but when I can get something that is so awsome for 350 I had to pick it up.

[PIG]

[QUOTE=mrossj1;3756]Local shapers for custom boards: $575+
Offshore, punch-out boards: $575+/-
Brand name off the shelf boards: $700+
Brand name custom: ++++

Support your local shop! Do your best to support your local shaper.

Don't let your friends of other kooks determine what you ride, ride what feels right and what you can afford.


Fully agree ith you on that one. Ain't nobody putting money in my pocket. And why would I support a local shop or shaper that are racist scumbags that support this scam war or call me a sandnigger? f...ing haole posers acting all local

[futuretarheel13]

i have a 6'8" superfish and ride in the nc mush all the time. definitely worth the money, why spend more money for an equivalent board. its got a stepdeck so the little bit of extra foam lets me catch almost anything. sick board sick price and after about 20 sessions i only have one dink in it

[mmt]

regardless, I would always go with a local shaper with whom you can discuss your ability, how you surf, and what kind of waves you want the board to be able to handle. otherwise just buy a used board, that's my philosophy on the matter. If you live by the beach there are undoubtedly skilled local shapers who will be much more than happy to talk shop with you and shape something just for you and the type of waves for the board....peace

[donkeykong]

I just bought one of these. The 6'8" super fish. I've taken it out a dozen times and already have 2 large pressure dings. dissapointing. But it's real easy to catch waves and fun to ride.... The durability can't compare to a board with S glass. At almost $500, I'd expect something not so flimsy. I wish I could call up and complain but I don't speak Thai.

[aWESome In NMB]

my very 1st board was a 6'5 superfish and i still have it and its by far my favorite...big or small it catches it all...the lost shark i got is *****in but since its alot shorter and a bit thinner i gotta have a more powerful wave to push me.

[smithtim]

it's an OK board and the price is good but if you are either a quick learning rookie or getting back into it ( like myself being away for 5ish years due to school) then one problem you'll encounter with a few weeks/months is that you'll out grow it and be looking for something new, probbaly a regualr shortboard.

[Glass]

6'6" sort of a funboard in disguise as it appears to be a basic full shortboard. My previous 2 boards I shaped and glassed myself so the only shaper I'm putting out of business is me. Previous post about the factory in Thailand is correct.These boards are shaped on CNC machines but so are most domestic boards ( including ...Lost and most others ). The glassers don't surf but they glass full time and they've gotten good at it. I understand they have pretty good jobs for Thais. The Webber is well made and really a lot of fun to ride. Greg Webber used to make all of Taj Burrow's boards and he knows design. I think people have to be careful about casting stones at imports. Your Reef flip flops and the trunks you're wearing ( unless they're Birdwells ) are all made in Asia.

[super fish]

I got a 7'3 and it catches everything and everything whether its ankle to knee or 1-3ft overhead and it rides great. I've even ridden the nose on it. so you all can suck it suckas

[SURF FREAK]

Ya'll are missing the POINT. EVERY TIME you are buying an import, you are putting an AMERICAN GLASSER and SHAPER closer to throwing in the towel. So..you like your 5.9'FISH ?? Order a 6'1'. What do you mean they don't make it ? You want it in a retro color ?? Sorry , you get RED. A little more tail rocker ? NOPE, you aren't getting that either. You weigh 140...but your bud weighs 165. He likes the board.but needs it a little thicker. SORRY. Sure you can ride anything you want. It's a free country.BUT...when you have gained the experience and are ready for that DREAM board...that boys that COULD have shaped it......are pounding nails for a living. 'Everyone wants to save a few bucks.....but in the end....it's going to cost us. THINK.

[...LostInFlorida]

Ya'll are missing the POINT. EVERY TIME you are buying an import, you are putting an AMERICAN GLASSER and SHAPER closer to throwing in the towel. So..you like your 5.9'FISH ?? Order a 6'1'. What do you mean they don't make it ? You want it in a retro color ?? Sorry , you get RED. A little more tail rocker ? NOPE, you aren't getting that either. You weigh 140...but your bud weighs 165. He likes the board.but needs it a little thicker. SORRY. Sure you can ride anything you want. It's a free country.BUT...when you have gained the experience and are ready for that DREAM board...that boys that COULD have shaped it......are pounding nails for a living. 'Everyone wants to save a few bucks.....but in the end....it's going to cost us. THINK.

you'd be suprised how many 'big name' boards are made overseas..... not necissarilly "pop outs" as people say, most are rough shaped by state of the art computers that run anywhere from 50-150 THOUSAND bucks..., and then, the REAL shaper comes in to fine tune every board by hand....

i'll name a few, JS, Channel Islands, HIC,...

i'll be the first to agree that nothing is ever going to ride as well as a custom shape, but i've had several boards that come straight off the rack and are great.

a shaper can get a board almost identical as a board off the rack... however, unless you know exactly what type of blank was used, the boards will never ride the same.

i have several customs that are awesome, but i always find myself reaching for a JS, or a Lost, or a HIC...

there is a reason why alot of the guys like mayhem and arakawa are make a crap-load of many each year.... they make GREAT BOARDS!

[smithtim]

I got a 7'3 and it catches everything and everything whether its ankle to knee or 1-3ft overhead and it rides great.

yeah it does ride pretty decent and is very to easy to catch waves on, but I just don't think that it is going to give you the output that a custom made does. If you haven't every had a custom made well I can only hope that you get that oppurtunity soon... persoalnlly I'm dreaming and scemign to get a custom big wave gun and a trip to Hawaii this winter to see how good old Waimea is doing :D

But, to agree with a post a little ways up, this all does boil down to money; I'd love to have all custom made boards but there not that cheap... lets see I was looking a 9'0 longboard yesterday for $450 at my local shop and what would that be custom?? at least $800


and brah whats with all the negativity in your post??? shouldn't you be stoked abotu that TS that's coming... go charge a big wave

[bfloyd]

you'd be suprised how many 'big name' boards are made overseas..... not necissarilly "pop outs" as people say, most are rough shaped by state of the art computers that run anywhere from 50-150 THOUSAND bucks..., and then, the REAL shaper comes in to fine tune every board by hand....

i'll name a few, JS, Channel Islands, HIC,...

i'll be the first to agree that nothing is ever going to ride as well as a custom shape, but i've had several boards that come straight off the rack and are great.

a shaper can get a board almost identical as a board off the rack... however, unless you know exactly what type of blank was used, the boards will never ride the same.

i have several customs that are awesome, but i always find myself reaching for a JS, or a Lost, or a HIC...

there is a reason why alot of the guys like mayhem and arakawa are make a crap-load of many each year.... they make GREAT BOARDS!


Good point, and alot of this was brought on in the foam(blanks) industry and the closure of Clark Foam. The saga continues, the fact is there is better (overrall) material over seas and as some of you mentioned, it certainly deals with what kind of board you want. The shaping part of it simply boils down to your preference, your ability and mainly what you plan on riding with that board.So there are plenty of elements in where the different revenues stand, why it is greater in certain areas and why it is not. Never discounting any shapers, but the material(quality of the foam) has alot to do with the finished product and the cost of an import/domestic.. This is a good reference in which you can find some general info and numbers at times dealing with this..
http://sima.com/

Better material( foam/blanks), higher demand from the consumer due to performance, durability, etc, higher demand from the shaper( in which the local surf shop down the road shaper is suffering b/c of $$$$, unlike the larger company shapers), which as an import, no need to tell you the prices tagged on to that. Much like our oil problem and my 500 dollar gas bill a month.

I think the real challenge is if you are a descent surfer and you can figure out what exact board you need in the given conditions, learning the fin system is a whole different concept. Just ask Slater coming off of runner up at Quik Pro in France. He said it made all the difference heading into the final day of competition. Last trip to the lighthouse under solid conditions, I saw a guy switch out some FCS and it was basically night and day in his performance from what he previously had under that board.

[squidandthewhale22]

i have a 5'6" super fish im trying to sell. had it for 2 monthes and it fell apart in me.

[wbsurfer]

Good point, and alot of this was brought on in the foam(blanks) industry and the closure of Clark Foam. The saga continues, the fact is there is better (overrall) material over seas and as some of you mentioned, it certainly deals with what kind of board you want. The shaping part of it simply boils down to your preference, your ability and mainly what you plan on riding with that board.So there are plenty of elements in where the different revenues stand, why it is greater in certain areas and why it is not. Never discounting any shapers, but the material(quality of the foam) has alot to do with the finished product and the cost of an import/domestic.. This is a good reference in which you can find some general info and numbers at times dealing with this..
http://sima.com/

Better material( foam/blanks), higher demand from the consumer due to performance, durability, etc, higher demand from the shaper( in which the local surf shop down the road shaper is suffering b/c of $$$$, unlike the larger company shapers), which as an import, no need to tell you the prices tagged on to that. Much like our oil problem and my 500 dollar gas bill a month.

I think the real challenge is if you are a descent surfer and you can figure out what exact board you need in the given conditions, learning the fin system is a whole different concept. Just ask Slater coming off of runner up at Quik Pro in France. He said it made all the difference heading into the final day of competition. Last trip to the lighthouse under solid conditions, I saw a guy switch out some FCS and it was basically night and day in his performance from what he previously had under that board.

defiently you want the right setup of fins for what your riding. i mean you can have a the best board out there but if you dont have the right fin setup then that board is basically useless with those fins. cause im still trying to find the right setup for my merrick for the east coast waves.

[fltraveler]

I dont really know how to look at it. To be honest i think there might be a few to many kook local shapers out there. Some guys just arent making quality hand shaped boards nowadays. Any board is gonna ride, but there are only a select few shapers who can make boards that feel like they are stuck to your feet. And if they can make these overseas at a discounted price then more power to them. Its the guys that arent making the high quality boards at home that are scared of loosing thier biz.

[...LostInFlorida]

i lucked out... i just had a custom shaped up at the shop i work at... we have about 10 Clark Foam blanks left over from a few years back.. (been saving them for a rainy day)...

I-FLEX foam is really good, it's made here in the states, so it's kinda pricey... but that's what we narrowed it down to after the EPA shut down Clarky...

[CCSurfer]

I've been surfing for the past twenty years and have had a ton of boards, and the Seven Super Fish is by far the best riding board I have ever had. I've owned two of them so far and will always have one or a board similar to it in my quiver. For the type of waves we have around here in North Carolina it seems to work very well. I think the key is to have G5 side fins and a small trailer fin. As far as quality goes it's not the best but I've had Rusty's, Channel Islands and Lost's fall apart quicker. I would not own any other board they sell, as I also agree to support local shapers. I'm getting a east coast shaper to shape a similar 5'6" right now. So to sum up the question from the begging post, the boards are a good investment for the beginer or for someone just looking to have a fun little board to ride,