epoxy or poly? Im looking to get a new fish shape and I was wondering about changing it up. any input? thanks
This is really raw advice and could differ from board to board: Poly is said to be the highest performing because of the way it flexes and is used by pros because they are sponsered and don't have to pay for the new board they get every day. Epoxy is harder to ding and will last longer the poly, but the performance is sacrificed a little, but unless you're a pro, you'll barely notice the diference. Just make sure that you don't buy and epoxy pop-out, (pop-outs seem to favor cheap plastic-like epoxy that really shoudn't even be allowed in the water.)
Do you really mean EPS or Poly? Epoxy is a kind of resin, EPS is a kind of Foam. If you're thinking about changing up foam, then i think you mean trying EPS foam. I personally don't like the EPS boards ive ridden...they feel too stiff and buoyant.
Listen to the guys question ? Epoxy or Poly then you surley mean Resins? If you are buying a fish off of the rack, good chance it's epoxy. Remember, you are not buying a fish for hi-performance types of surfing. You can rip a fish to death, but the fish is generally ridden differently in my perspective. In reality you can get a big-ole-thick fish in wood, epoxy, polyester, surf tech, aviso and may more options and they will perform so simliar that the issue then relies on the fin set up and dimensions more then anything else. For this type of board, get what feels good in your hands and that will function correctly for you. Don't worry about what it is made out of as long as it's a reknown shaper, or someone trustworthy of their craft! If you want a shortboard and have money (and that you not ask)...poly it is!
Check out Firewire Surfboards. You kinda get the best of both worlds with a stringerless EPS blank thats vacuum bagged in a epoxy shell and that has parabolic balsa rails. Besides being super durable the flex is amazing. What sold me was the guy at the shop flipped upside down, stepped on it and pressed it to the floor.Try that with a poly and you'll have broken or flex cracked board. I bought a 6'6" tri but they have a full line of shapes. I gave mine a good workout in Nicaragua and the spring and snaps out of turns was amazing. I have plenty of poly boards and love them but I think the Firewires are making the best new technology style boards. Good luck!
support a local shaper - some make great boards for competitive prices, and can be customized for your style and for east coast waves!
WRV Coils, 100x more durable then a firewire, and all the performance. If WRV wasn't an east coast shaper these things would be blowing up. I was sketchy on my purchase, but after a good 10 sessions i swear by it. You can feel the flex off the bottom, and this thing has taken some closeout beatings and guaranteed sand burys without a spot on it. Anyways check them out, best performing non-poly board on the market, minus firewire, but i've heard too many horror stories about them breaking for an 800 board. Coils only set you back an extra 100 over tradional shapes.
epoxy is just a resin, just a way to saturate fiberglass onto the foam of your choice. epoxy is a way better way to go if you want a board to last and be safe for the environment. as for firewires the only thing that i do not like about them u get a rail ding and the balsa rail is compromised your flex patterns are ruined, and creates a very weak spot for another more catastrofic break. in poly or epoxy rail damage can be an easy fix if done by the correct person.
