I'm also thinking of getting a new board with I think similar concerns. I presently have an epoxy Magic Model 8'0 and a 9'0 Pearcson Arrow. I like the Pearrson Arrow much better. The epoxy boards feel too light and floaty to me, the PA has a much better feel to it, though it has is a twin fin set up, with no option for 1+2 or single. I'd like to have a single fin set up for a stable gliding/trimming and eventually noseriding. In anycase i want to go longer, probably 9'6 or 9'4. I mostly surf Indian River Inlet, and am thinking about and would dig any feedback on Yater Spoon and Bing I was also wondering about Donald Takyama but was somehow under the impression his boards were hard to get. I know Yater Spoons are readilly availible Bing I have not seen except by order on the internet. Thanks for any thoughts
I have a cpl Bings and I am happy about them the NR2 and the Elevator are the ones I have and they perform really well for me. Becareful not to get a Surftech copy of a Bing or Yater , Takyama's you can still find aswell
I stopped by Mahady's shaping shack yesterday and saw the 2nd board he made for Corky. So sweet. Tom is a top notch craftsman and has a true understanding of how to make the right board for the surfer and wave conditions. Nice guy too, totally stoked on surfing. ~Brian www.greenlightsurfsupply.com
Today, I was searching for the best longboard brands on google and find this old thread. I want to ask the experienced surfer that what is the best longboard brands of 2017?
No herro treade? Kids these days... I would suggest that longboard design is not progressing much, when compared to shortboard design. With that in mind, if you're looking for a "brand" name board, you're looking for execution of design and craftsmanship when choosing a longboard, rather than innovation or progressive design. However... I would also suggest that a reputable local shaper would be the way to go... someone who knows local waves, will talk to you about what you need, and be able to deliver that design with accuracy and attention to detail.
The counter argument is that a distributed brand like Stewart or G&S, etc... will deliver a known high quality product vs. some dude who might be awesome or might be some guy in a garage. So the follow-up question is how do you find out who the 'reputable local shaper' is in your area? The local board shop would typically rather sell you a board to keep their lights on than send you elsewhere. I'll start a thread...
Reputation among the local surfing community who actually RIDE the guy's shapes. Your own evaluation... if you have the eyes and hands to discern the difference between quality and crap. How often you see the guy's boards in the water. Who does the glassing; who does the actual shaping, and how much experience they have. What are the options available, in terms of design and construction.
i'll look up the shapers in the area and buy their used boards. nationally tho; other than Stewart i'd say Bing is a reputable longboard brand. I don't consider Waldens as reputable longboards, i'd say their "funshape" models are better btwn 7'-8' range
Yeah scott busby in Buxton ,been shaping a long time ,i had some of his natural art shapes way back, i still have a quad in the eye that he did in 87. Marty Keesecker at wrv been shaping since late 60s, i heard Austin was shutting down a while back.
