Snapped my high wind weapon and am looking for a replacement. I use a Vanguard 5.2 for strapless surf but when the wind is 25knt+ I prefer a fast, strapped surfboard for riding bigger waves + boosting big air. Looking for a snappy board around the 5.5-5.11 mark, which strikes the right balance in weight and strength.

Loved the Caution Trespass 5.5 and when it died last year I had a shaper (katana) make me a copy since there are no dealers anymore for Caution. The custom was really nice to ride but not strong enough....

Looking for suggestions on what boards should be on my list:
- Firewire PRO_file (5.11)
- ......

Thanks for the suggestion. Given that my last Katana custom 5,5 showed heeldents already after the 1st session and snapped after 10 sessions I am a bit reluctant going to a local surfboard shaper again. My firewire Vanguard is still in great condition after 2 seasons

Might be a bit expensive shipping wise, but I would order a custom from John Amundson. His high wind strapped boards have been dialed for years. My favorite production board was an old North Rocketfish (designed by John). It was a 5' 5", absolutely perfect for me.

Mark Stone in Gero makes really strong boards.

A bit heavier than others but you'll struggle to put any heel dents in them

jackforbes said..
I'm riding a custom Smook board, it has a ****load of carbon and zero heel dents - I haven't used it with straps but it is holding up to some fairly brutal punishment so far (see pic). I probably made it a bit too thin as I was going for a stupidly light low volume board (2kg/12L). It is insanely fast and a lot of fun.

how much did you pay for that board?

If you like your FireWires then check 'the slab'. It's going to be the latest pointy nose board from FireWire in kite construction . Coming out in a 5'6 and 5'10 in the next few weeks. Shaped by pyzel and based on John John model. Been surfing the 6'2 heaps and love it. 5'10 will be my new weapon for summer! Pre order now and should be available before end of November I hear.

Sugarqube.

Any new twin tips and surfboards out soon?

Correction Jimmy Lewis

Woott said..
Thanks for the suggestion. Given that my last Katana custom 5,5 showed heeldents already after the 1st session and snapped after 10 sessions I am a bit reluctant going to a local surfboard shaper again. My firewire Vanguard is still in great condition after 2 seasons

It's a custom - you just ordered it too light.

I borrowed a mates North Pro the other day and it was like riding a concrete jetty. Nice and strong though. Get one of those if that's your thing

Seriously though Delta boards are known for being strong.

I have a Katana on order and it will probably be light - he has some new tech we are both keen to try on a kiteboard.

In regards to custom poly boards, heel dents can be good for a while,,, tilll tha board is worn out

weight vs strength is always what we are looking for. Personally I like the feel of polyester/urethane, flex is perfect, durability is average but those sessions when you have your shape and your indents right where you need em{yours} make up those memories of epic boards!

Then they fall to bits!!! arrrggghh!!

It's a fine line between the stiffness of "sturdy" boards and those that flex like a normal surfboard. Give me one that flexes any day, even if it means I have to purchase a board more often. The stiff boards just don't feel right off a hard turn.

If it's for high wind, strapped and jumps... What about something in snowboard or twin tip construction?

It's strong but will flex because it's thin. A bit like a twin tip. For example:

www.spleene-kiteboarding.com/directional-waveboard-zone/

toppleover said...
I like the look of the Naish Globals for a high wind strapped board. The older ones were Bullet proof but heavy, not sure how the lighter newer ones hold up.
For boosting, I'd just grab a TT.

Nah, my TT's only come out in flatwater freestyle and unhooked. Big air & slashing waves sessions with SB are the best. Just have to accept the risk of a board breaking in half now & then. All worth it.

I enjoy my Axis new wave - perhaps not a big wave machine but take the punishment from boosting pretty well (but can still be broken!)

I also agree with Dafish ,Woott , Jackforbes Trying to get surf board weight 2.2 to 2.4klg but has the strength and flex I was sick of production boards back in 2012 So I teamed up with local surf board maker We have tryed a lot of different materials And I think we have found a good fit So yes you can get a good custom brd as long as they are willing to think outside the box and not make it to heavy and too stiff

PRAWNDOG said...
Those smook boards look awesome, how do you get them, can only see a Facebook page

Through face book or I can give you details