new board

[xjweezyx]

DONT TELL ME TO SEARCH AND/OR TRY OUT A FEW BOARDS. ive searched and i cannot just try out boards. im hoping for someone to tell me which board would work for me based on what i do in skimboarding. i also have a quick question before this, do i need carbon? im mainly doing backside wraps and frontside liners but ive been using a shit board so hopefully ill get a little better with a nice board. i want a board that is very fast because i am kinda slow and something that will get me really far out to the waves.i also dont want to spend more than like 500 with an arch bar. i like a floaty board but i would like a slightly quicker turning board. some boards i was looking into are:
Exile carbon trad. or hybrid rocker 3/4
Exile s-glass trad or hybrid 3/4
Exile domke pro model 3/4
Exile paulo pro model 3/4
Zap egg carbon (i believe that is 3/4)
Zap comp carbon "
Zap comp s-glass "
Zap jason wilson pro model 5/8-3/4-5/8
Zap steve boomhower pro model "
Vic mojust pro model 3/4
Apex carbon 3/4
Apex s-glass 3/4

i am about 103 lb and 5'2". i ride in long island, lbi, cape cod and very rarely san diego. 60-70% of my riding is done on long island though the rest are just vacations. generally its light shore break but every once in a while it gets bigger (4+ ft). please tell me if you think i should just get e-glass but i don't think i should because even if i get e-glass its gonna be a $300 investment and i want my board to last a few years at least so my riding will progress. keep in mind i will also grow so in 2 years i assume ill be around 130lb or so but i dont know lately my growth has been strange. thanks for help in advance.

[George Bush]

Invest in the carbon. Will last you much longer.

Your going to grow more for sure, so you may want to get a size up in a board.

If you were to lean towards the domke pro model i would get a small, or if you wanted a regular exile hybrid, get a medium.

Boom's are sick boards and i would say a medium would be way to big for you right now, i dont like how big the medium is and i am 6'1. So a small would be your best bet.

It all depends on what your style is and how hard you ride. You said your slow so you obviously need more float, so maybe a larger board would be better for you.

I say you either go for a Exile Hybrid Medium 3/4 or a Small Boom 3/4

Or a custom apex i suppose

[Andy Schaaf]

you would love a blake tyre carbon apex. 3/4 or you cant go wrong with the exile hybrid 3/4

[Ryan Deese]

I personally love the domke model just cause im low and a little foward on my board but you might be completly different... Id say boom small or exile ms

[skimmybits]

small hybrid Exile carbon trad 3/4
ms hybrid Exile carbon trad 5/8
s proshape exile carbon trad5/8
xs proshape exile carbon traditional 3/4
small hybrid Exile carbon domke rocker 3/4
ms hybrid Exile carbon domke rocker 5/8
s proshape exile carbon domke rocker5/8
xs proshape exile carbon domke rocker 3/4
Zap jason wilson small pro model 3/4 tapered
Zap steve boomhower pro model small (3/4 tapered)
Zap steve boomhower pro model xs (3/4 tapered)
zap jaime lovett small (5/8)
Apex carbon s or ms 3/4
apex carbon s or ms 5/8
apex carbon s or ms 5/8
vic ex carbon xs (5/8)
vic poly carbon epoxy s
vic b rothe ms or s
grape carbon s (3/4 tapered)

my recommendations. i took out a few that wouldn't suit the conditions. the "5/8 3/4 5/8" is a 3/4 core with tapering in the nose and tail. so the nose and tail are usually 5/8. i think grapes' nose and tails are like 1/2" thick, they're super thin. also if you're trying to stay on a budget don't spend the extra $$$ on the pro models...all you're getting is the kewl looking art. you can just ask for the domke rocker on any board.

[xjweezyx]

o k so far im definitly getting carbon, probobly not getting an pro model if i can ask for the shape on a reg. board, and want to get a board thats a size to big for me. this complicates things. i think im a little iffy on getting a pro shape exile because it says its for advanced riders who know what there doing in the barrel. ive never been in a barrel. i don't think im gonna like the paulo rocker if it is so toned down because i often skim crappy/ choppy conditions. the b rothe model has vinylester resin with carbon, bad yes? jaime lovett is for bigger waves yes? i skim mainly 2-3 ft faces. i still am flustered and am just brain storming. ill just wait for a few more opinions and see what they say. also what is so great about the blake tyre apex?

[brett00]

you suck at searching

[Jesse Davis]

o k so far im definitly getting carbon, probobly not getting an pro model if i can ask for the shape on a reg. board, and want to get a board thats a size to big for me. this complicates things. i think im a little iffy on getting a pro shape exile because it says its for advanced riders who know what there doing in the barrel. ive never been in a barrel. i don't think im gonna like the paulo rocker if it is so toned down because i often skim crappy/ choppy conditions. the b rothe model has vinylester resin with carbon, bad yes? jaime lovett is for bigger waves yes? i skim mainly 2-3 ft faces. i still am flustered and am just brain storming. ill just wait for a few more opinions and see what they say. also what is so great about the blake tyre apex?

Why don't you ask Arne AkA Owner of Apex. I'm sure he would be glad to tell you. He's on SOMB under arne.

[Ryan Deese]

blake tyre would be really good for you... its a liitle bit wider in the nose and tail looks like it floats alot..

i would go with an exile hybrid with domke rocker its gonna make it fast for you

[Andy Schaaf]

also what is so great about the blake tyre apex?

blunt nose makes it really floaty for getting out to waves when you dont run as fast and the rails make for super fast turns off the wave

[skimmybits]

o k so far im definitly getting carbon, probobly not getting an pro model if i can ask for the shape on a reg. board, and want to get a board thats a size to big for me. this complicates things. i think im a little iffy on getting a pro shape exile because it says its for advanced riders who know what there doing in the barrel. ive never been in a barrel. i don't think im gonna like the paulo rocker if it is so toned down because i often skim crappy/ choppy conditions. the b rothe model has vinylester resin with carbon, bad yes? jaime lovett is for bigger waves yes? i skim mainly 2-3 ft faces. i still am flustered and am just brain storming. ill just wait for a few more opinions and see what they say. also what is so great about the blake tyre apex?

proshape is way faster that the hybrid...you said you wanted to go fast. domke rocker will help you maintain speed...you said you wanted to go fast. nothing wrong with vinylester resin. it's in-between polyester and epoxy. i'm sure victoria can make you a b rothe shape with epoxy. jaime lovett is just a really fast boom, i've tried one and it's sick. blake tyre shape is great because it's great. a lot of this can be answered with the search. so stop being lazy and search.

[xjweezyx]

just one more question. does the wider nose of the blake tyre model make it like a blunt nose?

[derko]

weezy, it sounds like you could use a square if you want a board with a lot of float. squares tend to float really well and can sustain a good liner but they arnt as smooth of a ride as say an exile, slotty or vic would be. squares are also a lot cheaper in price than most carbons. to be honest the best thing to do would just to ask to use others boards and get a feel for what you like

[Tweedle]

small carbon apex

[brown_kid]

[carbon]
small boomhower w/ tapering in nose and tail
small exile proshape domke rocker
medsmall exile hybrid
50' apex traditional 5/8 or 3/4

p.s. talk to steve taylor from exile and/or arne from apex

[Shawn Kenny]

i got an XXS carbon exile 5/8s that still floats me at 125

[The Dtrick]

A MS Exile carbon hybrid rocker 3/4

[Anton]

Honestly, this is what I think you should do and why:

You're young. You're either a big midget, or at 102 lb, 5'2" you've got a LOT of growing to do. You skim in Long Island -- in other words, you don't ride heavy dumpy shorebreak on a consistent basis. You also admit you're not that fast.

You should get a 3/4" e-glass board. Forget the carbon for now. Yes, carbon is better, but not right now. You stated you want a board to last a while, and don't want to fork out $300 now only to get a better board later. Well, if you get carbon, then you're gonna fork out $500 now, and STILL replace it a couple years from now.

You see, either board will last more than a couple years if you treat it right, but you'll have outgrown ANYTHING you buy right now. So, it might as well be an e-glass board. At 3/4" it will be plenty strong, and help you out a bit with the speed. Plus, you'll appreciate the upgrade to carbon in a couple years when you're stronger, bigger, and able to take advantage of the carbon a little more. Seriously, little guys (like you) don't really need the carbon, because you're asses aren't heavy enough to really load the board up and get the "spring" that carbon can deliver. (unless you get a 1/2" board, which noone makes...)

At this point in time, carbon would just boost your ego, not necessarily your skimming. Get yourself a professionally made 3/4" eglass epoxy board and you will be very happy. If you're really not that fast, go up 1 size, or if available, a half-size.

[xjweezyx]

so far ive e-mailed arne at apex and hank at exile. both said i was generally looking at the right things. hank said to stear clear of the domke rocker cuz it is very hard to ride and turn especially if i get a board thats big. arne said the blake tyre model would be good because its geared more toward medium sized waves while the regular apex boards work well in overhead and very small waves like the gulf. they both agreed on carbon for me as long as i got a 3/4 and a board a size too big. hank reccomended exile proshape small 3/4 hybrid rocker. i respect your opinion anton but i am not only a rod now im supposed to be like 5'9" and i doubt if i grow 7 inches i will be over 160 lb. my doctor is telling me to gain weight so i wont be abnormally skinny in a year or two.

also i really dont mind riding a huge board now my legs are somewhat powerful and i am used to turning a boat. if i get an e-glass im still probobly not going to feel the flex anyways. i dont see any pluses to getting e-glass and eventually upgrading. please understand i have to be riding this board for a while atleast untill i can get a good paying job(relative term) and can by my own board because there is no way my parents are spending 300 on a board and then getting me a new one in 3 years.i still appreciate your opinion and would appreciate more if possible.

[Anton]

At 102 lb, I just think riding a 3/4" carbon board will be like a steel plank...so if you're into a board with no flex whatsoever, that's pretty cool.

3 years is a long time, and a lot of sessions. I'm not sure it's realistic to look at this purchase as the board you're gonna have for the next 5 years. You're gonna change too much, and your skimming is going to change too much. For the next 2 years, I would think an eglass board would save you money in the long run, and be a ton of fun (remember, I'm assuming that you'll end up replacing whatever you buy now with a new board in about 2 years -- carbon or not).

It's cool though, I'm just trying to shine a different light on things, that's all. Having said that, I buy a snowboard about every 5 or 6 years, 'cause I only ride about twice a year, on vacations. If you're skimming is limited to 10 sessions a year, then yeah, and you can buy a board and expect it to last 5 years.

[Glass]

ever since i snapped an s-glass board a pussy knee high wave, i don't see why i'd ever buy a board that isn't carbon. maybe thats just me.

[Skimmer23]

I snapped my carbon on a tiny wave too... Boards break no matter what they are made of. Technically my Zap Pro model lasted the longest at almost 6 years.

[EastCoastSkim21]

I have a boom carbon and i love the board just i have heard herd rumors that they snap alot and my friend has already broken two of his and is on his third.

[xjweezyx]

At 102 lb, I just think riding a 3/4" carbon board will be like a steel plank...so if you're into a board with no flex whatsoever, that's pretty cool.

3 years is a long time, and a lot of sessions. I'm not sure it's realistic to look at this purchase as the board you're gonna have for the next 5 years. You're gonna change too much, and your skimming is going to change too much. For the next 2 years, I would think an eglass board would save you money in the long run, and be a ton of fun (remember, I'm assuming that you'll end up replacing whatever you buy now with a new board in about 2 years -- carbon or not).

It's cool though, I'm just trying to shine a different light on things, that's all. Having said that, I buy a snowboard about every 5 or 6 years, 'cause I only ride about twice a year, on vacations. If you're skimming is limited to 10 sessions a year, then yeah, and you can buy a board and expect it to last 5 years.

yeah my skimming is limited. i mean i can only skim in somewhat warm water so from like may to september. not only that but long island is about 1.5 hours from my house and since i cant drive i really don't go THAT often. i bet including vacations ive had like say 30-40 sessions this summer. also i didnt say five year i dont think. but i bet a carbon board would last about 5 years considering how much i skim. 5 years is gonna be like 200 sessions which i bet a lot of people on the somb do each year. i am sort of seeing what you are saying its just that i convinced myself i should get carbon. i am now rethinking because i could get a bungee and an e-glass for a similar price.

oh and glass im not sure about this but my understanding is that carbon boards snap the easiest and e-glass boards are the least prone to snapping because carbon is so much stiffer. carbon is still stronger and less prone to dings and other damage that can come from you skimming. not positive but i think i read that at skimcity.

p.s. anton i could get a wavezone carbon, they make 1/2 lol

[John Akerman]

i would go with the apex original or blake shape 51inches with 3/4 tapperd rails

[FLAskimmer]

i say get a blake tyree 3/4 carbon. all boards will break but carbon will be the hardest to break.i have a 5/8 tyree carbon and it slips out veryy far but sinse u said u were not very fast, i would say 3/4 would be perfect. another thing is dont get an e glass. they break pretty easy but cabons are sex. also if u get a carbon then want to try something different, then you could sell it and buy another used carbon. its a win win situation.

[xjweezyx]

ever since i snapped an s-glass board a pussy knee high wave, i don't see why i'd ever buy a board that isn't carbon. maybe thats just me.

all boards will break but carbon will be the hardest to break.

"Now, the manufacturers generally use 4 different types of cloth. The basic cloth is called E-glass. It has the loosest weave and is therefore most susceptible to rocks and seashells. But, and way more important, the loose weave means the board is the most flexible, and thus (to a point) less prone to snapping. However, loose also means not quite as fast, especially if the rider is high up on the weight range.

Texilium and S-glass are in the middle of the pack. Featuring a tighter/stronger weave, these boards are stiffer and stronger. That means they’re more resistant to shells, etc, but, more important, faster.

Carbon is considered by many to be the best. And while it is the tightest/strongest weaved cloth used (some manufacturers use Kevlar, but that’s another story), that doesn’t necessarily make it the best. Carbon is very stiff, and while that’s good for speed, it ain’t so hot if you like more flex in your board."



this is straight of of skimcity.com if you read the e-glass section it says its the least prone to snapping. i do believe that doesnt include dings and stuff but if you say get a carbon board because it wont snap your being ignorant. carbon is stronger still.