Yes or NO - global surf industries

BWM, get ready for a sh*t storm of responses, mostly negative. While i'm a big fan of going to your local shaper I do own a McTavish that was farmed out to GSI and it's been a staple in my quiver. It's a great board, has tons of mileage on it and is still in good shape. Only damage I put on it is my fault completely, but a little ding repair and back in the game. I would buy the same board again, because the price was right and I have certainly gotten my money's worth. Plus, most importantly, the board is a blast to surf.

 

Crespo?

 

I was close HAHA, Coldest guy on SI.... I see what you did there

 

The only folks that will be bummed are shapers or friends of shapers. The GSI boards are fine and in the end it only matters to the surfer if it fits what they are looking to get from a board. They are cheap because of labor cost involved to manufacture. US and AUS are almost always made w/ a CNC machine which is figured into the cost and still requires 'merican time to run and finish. Materials are the same regardless of construction method but the american sander/laminator/fin installer/QC/ whatever guy has to make enough to keep doing it hence the higher price. And don't forget rent, insurance, taxes, cost of getting rid of waste -the list goes on. A microcosm of US manufacturing. It has become a cottage industry in the US more akin to fine cabinet making or specialty car or motorcycle parts. Hyandai, Honda, Ford or Chevrolet. Lifan, Kubota or Generac. But the mechanics (ding guys) always charge 'merican prices when you bust them up cause it is a service. All good to me. All boards are nothing but a good time. One thing for sure, the US made (or AUS) stuff sure doesn't last any longer than the asian stuff. The lifespan of the average lost, merrick, JS, rusty or etc. PU constructed board is short, really short if you use it a lot.

 

To each their own on their choice but there's nothing like putting your two cents and your shapers feedback on designing your new board.Its a very cool process to go through from beginning to end.

 

Fuk GSI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fuk GSI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fuk GSI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fuk GSI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fuk GSI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fuk GSI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Honestly, my GSI hypto had a better finish than my custom Hayden (non-pureglass)...custom had some sand throughs and a lap bump near the nose. Still a great board...but a rushed finish. Still rides great...but the QC for the GSI seems to be top notch. Hayden seems like he has the best of both worlds with GSI--global distribution of his brand and his tech is being used by GSI in other designs...sounds like a great paycheck.

Regardless, only issue with the GSI is the different type of eps foam they use. Seems like it is a lighter density than the custom hayden (could be the amotn of resin used). Regardless, I'd buy another GSI hypto...

 

get a Quiet Flight...they're cheaper than the really big name brands, but still made here in the USA. Check Catalyst inventory and buy online.

The other good thing about Quiet Flight is that every board is still shaped by Bruce Ragan. He shapes shapes all CJ Hobgood's world tour boards, so it's kinda like getting Al Merrick, Rusty, or Matt Biolos to personally shape your board...no ghost shapers...and definitely not some random worker who's never surfed nor has ever had any interest in surfing.

 

7s is sh!t, period. Why not go talk to Ashton?

 

Whoa hang on, what's this DHD pocket knife? BWM you like steel?

 

this.

 

Awesome!

 

Here it is. I support myself from money made locally from hand crafted boards so I guess you could say I'm partial to this . Local shapers are the backbone of the surf industry. They are the visionaries that literally, through blood, sweat, and tears have shaped the foundation for surfing to become the beast that it is today. Through intimate relationships with their local community, and feedback from riders whom they trust, they have helped debunk the mysteries of board design to help you and I have more fun in the water. Where do you think these cookie cutter companies get their templates from? CHINA DOES NOT GIVE A F*CK ABOUT YOU OR ANY PROBLEMS YOU ARE EXPERIENCING WITH YOUR EQUIPMENT. China does not want to build a working relationship with you with long term mutual growth in mind. China does not give me a paycheck every 2 weeks, keeping me alive, for helping direct people down the right path of achieving their vision of what surfing means to them. Think of overseas pop-outs as the means to an end and nothing more. China may offer you a reasonable price for your soul, but it's just not worth it. I implore you all to think before you buy because there will be long term consequences, and they include radically overpriced garbage and an automated 1-800 number in Mandarin. BUY LOCAL!

 

You can get boards brand new for $380-$400. Find a shaper in your area, bring $400 cash on the 29-31 of any month and make an offer. Cash talks.

I do have a pop out. I bought it off Whiskey. Its was $379 It lasted about 3 months. the deck looks like crap and i've had to get repair work on both rails. really bad glassing IMO..

I have two Jay Novak shaped boards (AKA surfboards). The first one i bought 3 years ago when i moved to SD. It was my daily driver for the past 1,000 days. Just picked up a new 5'10 from him last week - hoping to get another 3 years out of that one!

 

F**k China.

 

Exactly