Advice on new surfboard

[Jetdriver]

Hey everybody! I know this is a topic where there is a wide range of opinions but I’m looking for advice on purchasing a nicer surf style board. So far these are what I’m eyeballing...

-Soulcraft, specifically the Secret weapon, Jimmi8, or Jordi pro.

-Chaos, specifically the Pro, team pro, ringer, pocket rocket, or racer X.

-Doomswell, nubstep

-Phase 5 Fang or Ahi. I’ve heard good things about the Ahi and I’m already riding a Phase 5 Danielo diamond and love it. The construction is solid and this board is substantially more affordable as well.


Im looking for some opinions on the options I’ve listed or others that would be comparable and a good deal. I don’t have a lot of experience riding surf type boards as I’ve mostly stuck with skim style boards but I’m wanting to expand the quiver.
FYI, I’d rather spend a couple more bucks and get something of substantially more quality than skimp.

Thanks in advance for your advice and opinions!

[Surf406]

I ride the jimmy8 and the jordi and there both awesome getting a board taylored to your style is exactly what Soulcraft does and I couldn’t be more pleased with my choice

[Jetdriver]

Out of those two which do you prefer and why? I like the shape of the Jordi better.

[KJar]

I love the Phase 5 Ahi. I haven’t gotten a chance to ride the other boards, but I only ride Phase 5 boards, and I can’t get over the quality they provide!


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[gumby]

I love my wire (phase 5) but will be paying action to this thread also would like a new skim style.

[KJar]

I love my wire (phase 5) but will be paying action to this thread also would like a new skim style.

For a skim, I HIGHLY recommend the 2018 Phase 5 Matrix. It’s the board the top pros ride, and I got my 360 shuvits down 5th try with it. I got mine on evo for 20% off, and I’ve seen it on sale like that multiple times [emoji1417]


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[Jetdriver]

Phase 5 has some awesome skim offerings, the LEEO, Matrix, and Diamond are all sweet. I’ve also ridden the hammerhead which is a skim style with a blunt nose and the model X which is a surf/skim combo. I really like both those but the model X isn’t as responsive as I like.

I’m surprised more people haven’t chimed in as I know everyone has opinions about their favorite boards. I just don’t want to spend substantial coin on something I don’t know much about. I guess I’ll warm up my hitch hike thumb at the local reservoir!

[cnote]

the one phase 5 i rode was ok, but didn't measure up to my soulcraft for speed or responsiveness (i ride the hc pro, which he doesn't make anymore, the voodoo is close but has more volume). Have not ridden a right-sized chaos but have heard nothing but good things. it's on the list for this season to demo fo sho. Nick W from chaos has been great to work with on another project and I love to support my local Texas shapers.

I've ridden several other boards including some really good ones, but i always come back to soulcraft as my fave. recommend the chaos fins even if you don't get a chaos board - i've found they are a touch more responsive and will break free slightly better than standard Futures, but still hold and have speed when needed.

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[bsreid]

I have become a huge kanuk fan over the last couple months. Conner burns surf and vedder skim. Great group of guys and decent prices.

[Jetdriver]

Thanks cnote and bsreid. I’m gonna give Chaos a call tomorrow. I tried reaching out to someone at Soulcraft but they don’t answer the phone and actually say not to leave messages. Guess email is the only way to talk to someone, which I think kinda sucks.
I’ll check out Kanuk too. Cheers

[Jetdriver]

KJar-
EVO is a great retailer! I’ve bought several wakeboards, skis, and other gear there. Great customer service and a very friendly return policy.
Thanks for the feedback on the Ahi, I dig the shape of it and can’t imagine not liking it.

[KJar]

KJar-
EVO is a great retailer! I’ve nought several wakeboards, skis, and other gear there. Great customer service and a very friendly return policy.
Thanks for the feedback on the Ahi, I dig the shape of it and can’t imagine not liking it.

Yes! Their customer service and return is great. If you choose the Ahi, you’ll love it I don’t personally own one, but I think we might order one soon as our boat is getting delivered tomorrow, and I know my family doesn’t want to ride my finless P5 Matrix, haha!


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[NICKYPOO]

I plan on having Chaos build me a board. I’ve talked to Nick about it and he’ll actually build what I’m looking for. He definitely knows what he’s talking about and yes, he answers the phone! Without being able to demo anything anymore, being able to talk to a knowledgeable shaper is everything IMO.

In my limited dealings with Soulcraft, I have zero reason to reach out to them (him). Ever. But I hold grudges. Forever.

[Booms]

Doomswell!

[D&P Powell]

As the West Coast Tige Reunion Co-Coordinator, I have interacted with many of the different Wake Surf Board manufacturers you probably have heard of, and some you might not have heard of. I have my own personal favorite board, but in this response I just want to plug the sponsors who have supported our event over the last several years. I like to support the organizations that support us. They are (in alphabetical order);

Brigade
Chaos
Exile (Skim)
Idol
O'Brien
Rusty
Skull Cracker
Sleigh
Slingshot
SoulCraft
Victoria (Skim)
Walker Project

I'd also like to add, there are a couple of the larger companies (one mentioned earlier in this thread) who have made empty promises in the past or chose to not get involved. They have their reasons (ROI is part of it, I'm sure), but it has also provided me my own reason to never use their boards. I will personally use the companies above before I ever reach out to others going forward.