The sampler is soo much fun on those chunky mushy days. It flies through those broken up sections especially in the thumb tail when there is a little bit more size!
Hey Noel, What would you recommend for good waves in the south west of France: CI #4 (5.10groveled dims) or the rook 15 (6.0)? I am 1.85m 75kg. Thank you very much! Cyril.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks ! I was thinking about customizing the rook 15 with same dims as the new flyer. What do you think ? (6.0 20” 2 1/2 31.4L)
Carlos Ramos The Rook 15 has a bunch of rocker and a pulled in tail... I would ride the R15 in 6+ or as a travel mini step up. The Driver is way more versatile and I like it in 3-6’. Beyond 6’ surf I think you will need more rocker....
gummy742 Thanks for the question and I like the #4 Groveler too. However the #4 is not on my radar for a review. The main differences between #4 and the Sampler are...... The #4 has more entry and exit rocker which will make it slower down the line in small waves. The #4 also has continuous rocker compared to the Sampler with a staged rocker. The staged rocker will be faster down the line in small waves too. Now one thing I don't know is if CI adjusts the #4 rocker on the Groveler model compared too their Utility model. I have had both the Utility model and Groveler in the #4 and I like the Groveler model better. I think the Sampler is way faster and moves better in small waves compared to the #4.
What do you recommend volume wise for a 10 year old, 65 pounds, and just entering the intermediate level? 14 liters was way too small, so looking for something with more volume than that and want the sampler.
There is a 4'10 x 17 x 2 at 17 liters, or 5'2 x 17 1/4 x 2 1/16 which is 19 liters. Right now he's riding an old board of mine which is 5'6" X 18.8 X 2.3 and about 27 liters. I bought him this firewire grom board that was 4'10" and 14 liters and it was way too thin for him, so I put it on consignment. If he was at an advanced level it'd be different. Finding it for him is different for me, as a kid we just had a bigger shortboard and grew into it. Now with these grom boards we gotta dial in really what he needs to where he can really throw it around and progress on a competition level.
UniqueStranger That's a tough one. I would go with the PM in 2' and under surf and the Sampler in 2-4. If I had to choose one then I would go with the a custom PM around 5'4. The stock 5'2 PM that I love is so short that it's a difficult transition back and forth from my 5'9 standard short boards.
I think the DFR needs a pretty hollow wave because of all the rocker but the Rook 15 is a little more versatile. I can ride my Rook 15 at my local point breaks and get the performance I am looking for but I feel like the DFR has to much rocker for my likings where I surf. I would like the DFR in really hollow beachies or reef breaks, which I rarely surf.
I would not ride the Rook 15 as a groveler unless I was surfing punchy beach break. Then I would shorten it up and add a little thickness to fit better in the curve of the little wave. I would also suggest the B&W because it has a low entry rocker for better paddle power and has a similar tail rocker for tight turns in the pocket. My ideal small wave boards are the Sampler and Pod Mod. My Rook 15 is not stock DIMS. Mine is 5'9 x 18 7/8 x 2 3/8 Volume 27. The stock DIMS for the same liters would be the 5'11 and that would be a mini step up for me. I like my standard shortboards the same height I am 5'9".
ok thanks for that, i guess that what i was thinking the stock dimensions are too narrow and under volume for me. Thats good to know you also go wider as it makes sense to make it a bit more versatile in everyday waves. How do you think the proton compares with the black and white and rook 15 as it also seems to have a bit of extra volume under chest but heaps of rocker so I found it harder to get into waves but was fast and responsive,so a smaller ,wider, thicker version should work better for an older bloke like me. Have you tried the proton and what you think of it? I usually ride 5.8 #4 groveller which is great fun allrounder and floaty board but doesn't quite cut it in the more hollow pushy waves. Thanks. Love your show. :)
I have not tried the Proton but I think I would like it in hollow beach break. I would not ride the Proton at Trestles because the waves are not steep enough for the rocker that the Proton has.The B&W will be a better paddler and faster down the line compared too the Proton, and Rook 15 because of the entry rocker. More rocker is better for more curve in the wave and aggressive tail rocker will give you more traction in the pocket. I personally like boards with less rocker overall because of the point breaks that I surf on a regular basis, but I have a Rook15 for the hollow days.
yes i know what you mean i also mostly ride mainly open face waves but still can have steep takeoffs and power in Margaret River so finding the rocker and board design that suits makes a big difference. Thats why the #4 seems to work pretty good with the decent rocker and good volume, i recently modified my #4's tail a little behind the last flyer which seems to give it more speed and hold. I changed the area a little and I've made it more of a straight rounded square instead of the curved square's like on many of Dane's earlier grovellers. More like the sampler tail which seems to helps the off the mark speed and also given it just a slight more flip on tip of tail just to improve hold in turns. Its amazing how just a little mod makes the board go. So much goes into design, just keeps it so interesting. You got me keen to try sampler though. Regards.
I love that you modified the #4 to work for your breaks. Sometimes we have to get a little creative on our own as it pertains to where our home breaks are and the options we get from the board and fin makers. I think dialing in my boards and trying new things is what keeps my stoke fresh in surfing. Cheers and thanks for the great conversation.
What are the significant differences between the Rook 15 and the Black & White? Why is the Rook 15 more suitable for contest surfing than the Black & White? I noticed Channel Islands team riders on the WCT ride the Rook 15 instead of the Black & White.
Great questions! The major differences between the B&W and the Rook 15 are the shapes and rocker. The B&W has a low entry rocker compared to the Rook 15 at a medium entry rocker and the B&W has a staged rocker compared to the Rook 15's continuous. The continuous rocker in the Rook 15 is more suited for steep or hollow waves and most of the waves on the CT fit this type of criteria. Another big difference is the B&W has a curvey outline which will allow the surfer to carve harder with more acceleration out of turns. This curvey outline will also make it easier to change direction because there is less side directional water resistance. The Rook 15's straighter outline will have more speed down the line and add more surface area to trim the face of the wave. I prefer the B&W for surfing my home point beaks but I love the Rook 15 in the hollow beach breaks as I am trying to get down the line with as much speed as possible. In the end its about preference in feel and the wave type.
Thanks for your reply. According to your explanation, it seems that the Black & White would be preferable as an all-around board for beach breaks, point breaks, and a variety of conditions. Would you consider the Sampler as a small-wave version of the Rook 15 and Black & White? The Pod Mod and High 5 would be more suitable for smaller waves than the Sampler. However, the Pod Mod is suitable for up to head and a half.
UniqueStranger I think the B&W is more forgiving because of the outline, and rocker than the Rook 15. The Sampler is more like the Dumpster diver with less overall rocker. I like the Sampler because of the low entry and exit rocker. Pretty aggressive single concave with just a hint of double between the fins to loosen it up. The PM and High 5 are in a class of their own. The High 5 is more fish like and the PM can be ridden like a small wave high performance board with the hybrid nose. The PM is really wide and I would classify it as a true small wave Groveler.
Good explanation on the Sampler for small-wave comp use. Most of the Channel Islands QS surfers have been using the New Flyer and Fred Stubble in smaller, mushier surf such as Huntington Beach. The single concave of the Sampler helps with speed. However, the issue with single concaves bottoms is that they can be unpredictable compared to a single to double or single to vee.
UniqueStranger Maybe so but for me I like the Sampler best in small waves. I have the Stubble and the NF and they have there strengths but the speed on the Sampler is unmatched in my opinion. What small wave board are you ridding right now and how is it working for you?
bodhi tree Good question on the wax patterns. There is a company called WaxTrak that makes these wax traction pads. You can learn about them at www.waxtrak.com. I might do a review on the Fred Stubble in the future but it's not on my radar at the moment.
It’s hard to generate speed with HPSB’s that have a lot of entry rocker. I highly recommend the Fever…. It’s easier to shred and way faster due to it having less rocker.
Itay Shechter If these DIMS feel good for you know then I would stick with then. So whatever stock DIMS on the Sampler are close to that I would choose that.... choose the stock size based on the Liters. Try to get the same or a little more. The Sampler paddles great!
Ryan Tolentino Thanks for the comment. The Fred Stubble is a great small wave board a review on that board is not in the window at this time. Maybe in the future. Cheers!!!
Is it just me or do all these boards today feel like your surfing a potato chip? They're like skimboards with fins. I've been riding a 7'2 C.I. water Hog. Now I've lost some weight (185) so I bought a CI 6'1 New Flyer. Same width and thickness bas the Water Hog and it weird. I feel like the board needs another 6 inches. It doesn't feel like it has that surfing soul flow. Looking back on the 90s we all got caught up in the Kelly Slater skinny boards and it seems like we're in situation. Just Bec the volume might be right, without the length it all seems very skatey. 🤔😷🇺🇲
@@foxgd88 it's about the planing surface area .I prefer a board with more length. A lot people are skaters that surf and these short stubby boards work great but I'm a surfer that use to skate and I skated like I surf. It's about flow for me. 🤔🤙
@@larrydowling5213yeah same, I’ve been enjoying boards in the 5’11-6’0 around 19inches or less (27/28liters), your style is a lot better on longer boards
You da man featuring these groms their probably so stoked to be on your show I bet they watch this every day ALOHA
good stuff here! Lots to know about board selection, makes a huge difference!
The sampler is soo much fun on those chunky mushy days. It flies through those broken up sections especially in the thumb tail when there is a little bit more size!
Hey Noel,
What would you recommend for good waves in the south west of France: CI #4 (5.10groveled dims) or the rook 15 (6.0)? I am 1.85m 75kg.
Thank you very much!
Cyril.
Took 15 for hollow waves... however I like the Fever better
@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks ! I was thinking about customizing the rook 15 with same dims as the new flyer. What do you think ? (6.0 20” 2 1/2 31.4L)
Just to clarify that the Grom boards come with a set of FRP fins not the RTM. Sorry for any confusion on this.
Love the Rook especially @ Blacks. Turns on the rook = BUTTER!
Hey Noel, great review, as always. I'm contemplating between a 5'11 driver or rook 15 for bigger, better surf. Which one would you recommend? Thanks!
Carlos Ramos The Rook 15 has a bunch of rocker and a pulled in tail... I would ride the R15 in 6+ or as a travel mini step up. The Driver is way more versatile and I like it in 3-6’. Beyond 6’ surf I think you will need more rocker....
Surf n Show Reviews Awesome. Thanks for the advice!!
Good job! Sick review with the groms 🤙🏼
Hi Noel, could you review the #4 groveller?How would you compare it to the sampler? It's my favourite board ever!
gummy742 Thanks for the question and I like the #4 Groveler too. However the #4 is not on my radar for a review. The main differences between #4 and the Sampler are......
The #4 has more entry and exit rocker which will make it slower down the line in small waves. The #4 also has continuous rocker compared to the Sampler with a staged rocker. The staged rocker will be faster down the line in small waves too.
Now one thing I don't know is if CI adjusts the #4 rocker on the Groveler model compared too their Utility model.
I have had both the Utility model and Groveler in the #4 and I like the Groveler model better. I think the Sampler is way faster and moves better in small waves compared to the #4.
What do you recommend volume wise for a 10 year old, 65 pounds, and just entering the intermediate level? 14 liters was way too small, so looking for something with more volume than that and want the sampler.
Isha Hard to say... what are the DIMS he is riding now? What are the GROM DIMS on a Sampler That your looking at?
There is a 4'10 x 17 x 2 at 17 liters, or 5'2 x 17 1/4 x 2 1/16 which is 19 liters. Right now he's riding an old board of mine which is 5'6" X 18.8 X 2.3 and about 27 liters. I bought him this firewire grom board that was 4'10" and 14 liters and it was way too thin for him, so I put it on consignment. If he was at an advanced level it'd be different. Finding it for him is different for me, as a kid we just had a bigger shortboard and grew into it. Now with these grom boards we gotta dial in really what he needs to where he can really throw it around and progress on a competition level.
Isha I think the 19 liters sounds like a good start back down. As he starts to dial that in then you will know where to go from there.
Surf n Show Reviews thank you my brother!
Hey, do you have a video on the proton surfboard
No sorry
Do you prefer the Sampler or the Pod Mod for high-performance surfing in small, weak, and mushy surf?
UniqueStranger That's a tough one. I would go with the PM in 2' and under surf and the Sampler in 2-4.
If I had to choose one then I would go with the a custom PM around 5'4. The stock 5'2 PM that I love is so short that it's a difficult transition back and forth from my 5'9 standard short boards.
I usually surf uppers, barbewires and cottons.. I think I have seen you down there on a few early mornings!
Jake Frohoff I do surf there on occasion and I always surf early. Next time you see me make sure to introduce yourself. Cheers
Sounds good!
hey ..great review !!! would like to know what do you think of the dfr compare to rook15 ... bless
I think the DFR needs a pretty hollow wave because of all the rocker but the Rook 15 is a little more versatile. I can ride my Rook 15 at my local point breaks and get the performance I am looking for but I feel like the DFR has to much rocker for my likings where I surf. I would like the DFR in really hollow beachies or reef breaks, which I rarely surf.
Surf n Show Reviews thanks for answering !
thanks !
How does the Rook 15 compare to the New Flyer?
BRADEN BADUA Rook 15 is more performance oriented. More rocker
Do you think the rook 15 would still work with groveller dimensions to make it easier to paddle and get into waves? Do you ride stock dimensions?
I would not ride the Rook 15 as a groveler unless I was surfing punchy beach break. Then I would shorten it up and add a little thickness to fit better in the curve of the little wave. I would also suggest the B&W because it has a low entry rocker for better paddle power and has a similar tail rocker for tight turns in the pocket. My ideal small wave boards are the Sampler and Pod Mod.
My Rook 15 is not stock DIMS. Mine is 5'9 x 18 7/8 x 2 3/8 Volume 27. The stock DIMS for the same liters would be the 5'11 and that would be a mini step up for me. I like my standard shortboards the same height I am 5'9".
ok thanks for that, i guess that what i was thinking the stock dimensions are too narrow and under volume for me.
Thats good to know you also go wider as it makes sense to make it a bit more versatile in everyday waves.
How do you think the proton compares with the black and white and rook 15 as it also seems to have a bit of extra volume under chest but heaps of rocker so I found it harder to get into waves but was fast and responsive,so a smaller ,wider, thicker version should work better for an older bloke like me.
Have you tried the proton and what you think of it?
I usually ride 5.8 #4 groveller which is great fun allrounder and floaty board but doesn't quite cut it in the more hollow pushy waves. Thanks. Love your show. :)
I have not tried the Proton but I think I would like it in hollow beach break. I would not ride the Proton at Trestles because the waves are not steep enough for the rocker that the Proton has.The B&W will be a better paddler and faster down the line compared too the Proton, and Rook 15 because of the entry rocker. More rocker is better for more curve in the wave and aggressive tail rocker will give you more traction in the pocket. I personally like boards with less rocker overall because of the point breaks that I surf on a regular basis, but I have a Rook15 for the hollow days.
yes i know what you mean i also mostly ride mainly open face waves but still can have steep takeoffs and power in Margaret River so finding the rocker and board design that suits makes a big difference.
Thats why the #4 seems to work pretty good with the decent rocker and good volume, i recently modified my #4's tail a little behind the last flyer which seems to give it more speed and hold. I changed the area a little and
I've made it more of a straight rounded square instead of the curved square's like on many of Dane's earlier grovellers. More like the sampler tail which seems to helps the off the mark speed and also given it just a slight more flip on tip of tail just to improve hold in turns. Its amazing how just a little mod makes the board go. So much goes into design, just keeps it so interesting.
You got me keen to try sampler though. Regards.
I love that you modified the #4 to work for your breaks. Sometimes we have to get a little creative on our own as it pertains to where our home breaks are and the options we get from the board and fin makers. I think dialing in my boards and trying new things is what keeps my stoke fresh in surfing. Cheers and thanks for the great conversation.
What are the significant differences between the Rook 15 and the Black & White? Why is the Rook 15 more suitable for contest surfing than the Black & White? I noticed Channel Islands team riders on the WCT ride the Rook 15 instead of the Black & White.
Great questions! The major differences between the B&W and the Rook 15 are the shapes and rocker. The B&W has a low entry rocker compared to the Rook 15 at a medium entry rocker and the B&W has a staged rocker compared to the Rook 15's continuous. The continuous rocker in the Rook 15 is more suited for steep or hollow waves and most of the waves on the CT fit this type of criteria. Another big difference is the B&W has a curvey outline which will allow the surfer to carve harder with more acceleration out of turns. This curvey outline will also make it easier to change direction because there is less side directional water resistance. The Rook 15's straighter outline will have more speed down the line and add more surface area to trim the face of the wave. I prefer the B&W for surfing my home point beaks but I love the Rook 15 in the hollow beach breaks as I am trying to get down the line with as much speed as possible. In the end its about preference in feel and the wave type.
Thanks for your reply. According to your explanation, it seems that the Black & White would be preferable as an all-around board for beach breaks, point breaks, and a variety of conditions.
Would you consider the Sampler as a small-wave version of the Rook 15 and Black & White? The Pod Mod and High 5 would be more suitable for smaller waves than the Sampler. However, the Pod Mod is suitable for up to head and a half.
UniqueStranger I think the B&W is more forgiving because of the outline, and rocker than the Rook 15.
The Sampler is more like the Dumpster diver with less overall rocker. I like the Sampler because of the low entry and exit rocker. Pretty aggressive single concave with just a hint of double between the fins to loosen it up.
The PM and High 5 are in a class of their own. The High 5 is more fish like and the PM can be ridden like a small wave high performance board with the hybrid nose. The PM is really wide and I would classify it as a true small wave Groveler.
Good explanation on the Sampler for small-wave comp use. Most of the Channel Islands QS surfers have been using the New Flyer and Fred Stubble in smaller, mushier surf such as Huntington Beach. The single concave of the Sampler helps with speed. However, the issue with single concaves bottoms is that they can be unpredictable compared to a single to double or single to vee.
UniqueStranger Maybe so but for me I like the Sampler best in small waves. I have the Stubble and the NF and they have there strengths but the speed on the Sampler is unmatched in my opinion. What small wave board are you ridding right now and how is it working for you?
How do I wax a board to get those sick patterns on them at 0:47? Also are you going to review the Fred Stubble at some point?
bodhi tree Good question on the wax patterns. There is a company called WaxTrak that makes these wax traction pads. You can learn about them at www.waxtrak.com.
I might do a review on the Fred Stubble in the future but it's not on my radar at the moment.
bodhi tree My Rook 15 is custom. DIMS 5'9 x 18 7/8 x 2 3/8.
How can you take speed with si much entry rocker. ?
It’s hard to generate speed with HPSB’s that have a lot of entry rocker. I highly recommend the Fever…. It’s easier to shred and way faster due to it having less rocker.
What sampler size you recommend for a beginner-intermediate surfer
176 lb 5.9 high?
Thanks
Itay Shechter What size boards are you riding now? What are their dimensions?
Surf n Show Reviews 5.10 19 3/4 30.7L
Itay Shechter If these DIMS feel good for you know then I would stick with then. So whatever stock DIMS on the Sampler are close to that I would choose that.... choose the stock size based on the Liters. Try to get the same or a little more. The Sampler paddles great!
Itay Shechter I say go Stock 5’10 for your small wave Sampler.
I surf like Cameron which one is better for me?
Miku o Rocket Wide in 1-4’ surf
Surf n Show Reviews but there is no Grom size in rocket wide
Miku o Go Sampler then
FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) fins are included, not the RTMs
Scott Anderson Good catch Scott I will make a comment about that to the viewers. Thanks!!!
Where do you surf on a daily basis??
I usually surf Trestles but every now and then I will head down to Oside. Where do you surf?
Can you do a review on the Fred Stubble?
Ryan Tolentino Thanks for the comment. The Fred Stubble is a great small wave board a review on that board is not in the window at this time. Maybe in the future. Cheers!!!
where is this wave?
Alan Storey What wave are you talking about?
Jet schilling just rips
Ryan Absolutely
Is it just me or do all these boards today feel like your surfing a potato chip? They're like skimboards with fins. I've been riding a 7'2 C.I. water Hog. Now I've lost some weight (185) so I bought a CI 6'1 New Flyer. Same width and thickness bas the Water Hog and it weird. I feel like the board needs another 6 inches. It doesn't feel like it has that surfing soul flow. Looking back on the 90s we all got caught up in the Kelly Slater skinny boards and it seems like we're in situation. Just Bec the volume might be right, without the length it all seems very skatey. 🤔😷🇺🇲
Damn and 6’1 is big..
@@foxgd88 it's about the planing surface area .I prefer a board with more length. A lot people are skaters that surf and these short stubby boards work great but I'm a surfer that use to skate and I skated like I surf. It's about flow for me. 🤔🤙
@@larrydowling5213yeah same, I’ve been enjoying boards in the 5’11-6’0 around 19inches or less (27/28liters), your style is a lot better on longer boards
@@foxgd88 shorter, fatter, def is changing the aesthetics of surfing, imo.