Hey Big Guy, Thanks for the detailed review on the Ghost.. I have the stock 6'6" Ghost as well. Fins are a huge factor on any boards performance, especially for big guys. @ 7:55 minutes in, you mention getting a bobble, or stutter, doing a hard bottom turn. Those fins you are using are a plastic composite, and will work fine in average surf, even lively, but will over flex, during a long hard bottom turn and cause that problem. I found the AM2s in Teck Flex, to be solid in bigger waves for this board. And the Large John John's have a little more release for smaller conditions. This board has been my step up for 2 seasons so far. I have a lot of confidence in this model, and see no reason to replace it with something else. It is holding up very well. Great stock glass job. Great paddling power, the bottom contours will handle bumps and chops very well. Takes late drops like a champ, stick hard bottom turns. . It is in my truck if the waves are going to be large.
I am 190 lbs. I use the stock 6'6" for my step up here in the Caribbean. It has lived up to the hype. It is very forgiving, meaning and has a large sweet spot, if your feet end up a little off, it will still go where you want. I agree with you on the late drops into the barrel, with that pulled in tail and bottom contours, you can really sink the rail early and pull in, and not rocket out into the flats. I would recommend this board for anyone looking for a solid step up.
I've used it a lot recently as my only short board. I'm waiting for new boards. Luckily we had some swell and I surfed it every day for a few days. I loved it. Definately needs good waves. I've also found that it suits a point over beach break - which makes sense when you look at the board.
Awesome Board review Thanks for doing them as I am a five foot nine 220 pound guy in definitely made a big guy sure port and seeing all the different ones and all the dimensions is helping me figure out which one I need to buy as I transition to a real surfboard from a soft top. Thanks a lot! Happy surfing 🏄, Kyle
Thanks for your valued feedback. Coming off of a soft top, I would recommend a high volume all rounder. I'd say that this board is better suited to a more inter / advanced surfer. I can give more specific advice on boards if you want more detailed guidance?
I have the phantom and Ghost for just over 1yr. Got a custom 6'0, 28.5L. From my exp the Ghost only comes alive really in overhead waves with a bit of push. Goes great in hollow waves so perfect for travel. Tried it in normal average waves and struggled with it. The phantom on the other hand is perfect all rounder and will pretty much handle anything in Uk. If it picks up while you are in there, no problem. Ghost just feels more solid though in overhead surf then phantom, esp turning. Phantom a bit sticky in big waves with wider tail etc. Both great boards but for different purposes. :) Messed about with fins too and the best ones I found were Reactors.
I agree with these comments. I have a new Phantom that suits our smallerish surf so long as it is not too mushy. The rails are smooth; whereas other beefier short boards were too thick for me and the rails would dig in too often.
Great review! I was wondering if you felt the board was too long in relation to your height; I'd guess that it would be a little hard to keep your front foot on the sweet spot (presumably pretty far forward given the width being close-ish to the nose) and get the back foot far back on the pad for radical turning. I ask because I believe this to be a typical problem for heavier guys like us who have to size up to get stock dimensions to maintain target volume.
@@GoliathFins That's really impressive! So you'd say that you feel like the board is fairly maneuverable despite you not being able to get your back foot all the way back? Can you think of any other compromises that are forced due to riding a board longer than intended?
@@naivhear887 I get my back foot far enough back. The front foot position also feels fine. Regarding other length issues, It will never be as snappy as a shorter board, but you have to compromise to get that much volume in. It still feels great though. I don't find added length as much as an issue when the waves start to get solid either.
might of missed it in the video but how does the Ghost compare to your El Patron surfing wise. Which do you prefer. Looks like the Ghost has a little less volume and is also narrower and more refined as in the tail is not as thick as the El Patron. Also the round tail of the Ghost vs the squashed tail of the Patron suggests the Ghost may be better in steeper waves and Patron may be faster with more pivot?
Yes, everything that you say is correct. Ghost goes better in slightly bigger waves then the El Patron. I also found the Ghost quite 'twitchy' which i personally didn't like. Matta are the best short boards that i have found for a heavy surfer. Really refined with well hidden volume. I have a series of videos which i have started uploading. My first video has footage of me on the Driver XL (their equivalent of the El Patron). Worth a look if you are based in Europe.
What size surfboard would be your step up since 6 ft 6 would be too Twitchy for you? Would your step up for it to be a six foot eight or six foot ten or 7 foot 2 or what? Thanks for the great reviews!
This board is fine in the size / volume that I have until the waves get to a certain size, or power. I would then transition to a more dedicated step up. I ride a Lost round up, in these kind of conditions, for example.
@@raypentony they are two different boards. The el patron is similar to the ghost - good up to about double overhead. The round up is for bigger days - double over head +
For a beginner/intermediate, weighing 80 kg, surfing actually a 7.0, and struggling to duck dive the 50l of the board, do you think the 6.8 ghost would be a good choice to buy?
Sold el patron. Hard to say as they were different volume. Ghost only works well head high +. Best on point breaks. Generates loads of speed through turns. El patron more forgiving. Maybe more all rounder regarding wave type. I'd say go Ghost if you want something more precise and responsive. Go El Patron if you want something more forgiving. Ghost would work in bigger heavy waves. El Patron a slight step down from that - but still for good waves. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching 👍
It can cost up to £100 a session to get someone to film me. I'm looking at alternative solutions, but it's not easy. Hopefully one of my next few videos will have some vision of me on some waves. Thanks for watching 👍
Big Guy Boards Surfboard Review right on! its nice that pyzel created an XL phantom series for all the big bruddahs and uncles in hawaii 😂 it’s my next board for sure.
I've just started experimenting with fins. I thought a lot of it was marketing nonsense. I also don't have the money to experiment at £100 + a set. It seems that size and rake can make a big difference. And material for stiffness. Other then that I'm not sure. How much have you experimented with fins? How much difference does it make? And what would you recommend?
@@GoliathFins It makes all the difference! It's half the board. Would you put garbage tires on a race car? No. If you're looking for control try the JJF, if you're looking for speed Ando or any Blackstick, if you like more release the Al Merricks or the new Jordys are awesome.! Depends on what you like. I prefer Merricks on most boards. I like a little more rake and a smaller center fin...
@@marcussamperio5559 OK thanks. I'll keep that in mind. Ive found that different size / shaps fins are good for different conditions. Relatively small fins for step up - bigger fins for grovel board, for example. Do you change fin size for different boards / conditions? You must be pretty good and have tried a lot of fins to feel the subtle differences that you describe.
@@GoliathFins I usually try a few different sets till I find what works best with the board. I'm 160 lbs so some boards have med and others have larges. Generally you'll get more speed out of a larger fin cause of the longer base. Contstruction depends on the waves. If its pumping you'll want a stiffer fin for controll, if it's crap a blacstick style fin will help with speed. A less raked fin will give you sharper turns then longer which would typically be more suited to a beach break then a point, but like I said it's still kinda personal preference. You're a big dude so I doubt you would ever ride mediums anyways. It's definitely worth investing in fins so you can get the most out of your boards! Good Luck...
Hey Big Guy, Thanks for the detailed review on the Ghost.. I have the stock 6'6" Ghost as well. Fins are a huge factor on any boards performance, especially for big guys. @ 7:55 minutes in, you mention getting a bobble, or stutter, doing a hard bottom turn. Those fins you are using are a plastic composite, and will work fine in average surf, even lively, but will over flex, during a long hard bottom turn and cause that problem. I found the AM2s in Teck Flex, to be solid in bigger waves for this board. And the Large John John's have a little more release for smaller conditions. This board has been my step up for 2 seasons so far. I have a lot of confidence in this model, and see no reason to replace it with something else. It is holding up very well. Great stock glass job. Great paddling power, the bottom contours will handle bumps and chops very well. Takes late drops like a champ, stick hard bottom turns. . It is in my truck if the waves are going to be large.
Thanks for the cpmment. I've started my own fin company since making this video. I'm currently developing fins suitable for a step up
@@GoliathFins Great Idea, bigger guys are overlooked in surfing. Thanks for the great reviews.
@@lambisi www.bigguyboards.com/
Check them out here. Thanks for the positive feedback 👍
I am 190 lbs. I use the stock 6'6" for my step up here in the Caribbean. It has lived up to the hype. It is very forgiving, meaning and has a large sweet spot, if your feet end up a little off, it will still go where you want. I agree with you on the late drops into the barrel, with that pulled in tail and bottom contours, you can really sink the rail early and pull in, and not rocket out into the flats. I would recommend this board for anyone looking for a solid step up.
I've used it a lot recently as my only short board. I'm waiting for new boards. Luckily we had some swell and I surfed it every day for a few days. I loved it. Definately needs good waves. I've also found that it suits a point over beach break - which makes sense when you look at the board.
Great format, enjoyed the story intertwined with detailed board feeling observations.
Thanks. Just trying to do something different. So many reviews just regurgitate manufacturers blurb.
Perfect bro. I appreciate you making these videos. Keep it up!
No worries. Thanks for the positive feedback brother.
Awesome Board review Thanks for doing them as I am a five foot nine 220 pound guy in definitely made a big guy sure port and seeing all the different ones and all the dimensions is helping me figure out which one I need to buy as I transition to a real surfboard from a soft top. Thanks a lot!
Happy surfing 🏄,
Kyle
Thanks for your valued feedback. Coming off of a soft top, I would recommend a high volume all rounder. I'd say that this board is better suited to a more inter / advanced surfer. I can give more specific advice on boards if you want more detailed guidance?
I have the phantom and Ghost for just over 1yr. Got a custom 6'0, 28.5L. From my exp the Ghost only comes alive really in overhead waves with a bit of push. Goes great in hollow waves so perfect for travel. Tried it in normal average waves and struggled with it. The phantom on the other hand is perfect all rounder and will pretty much handle anything in Uk. If it picks up while you are in there, no problem. Ghost just feels more solid though in overhead surf then phantom, esp turning. Phantom a bit sticky in big waves with wider tail etc. Both great boards but for different purposes. :)
Messed about with fins too and the best ones I found were Reactors.
Thanks for the insight. Ive been looking at the Phantom as a daily driver. I keep hearing good things about it.
I agree with these comments. I have a new Phantom that suits our smallerish surf so long as it is not too mushy. The rails are smooth; whereas other beefier short boards were too thick for me and the rails would dig in too often.
I’m 220 and surf the 6’4”. Best board for those steep and punchy waves. Running quads because I’m a thick dog and like the speed.
Let's get some footage of you surfing!!
Would love to mate. Unfortunately I'ts just me working on this at the moment. As Big Guy Boards grows I hope I'll be able to do that
Great review! I was wondering if you felt the board was too long in relation to your height; I'd guess that it would be a little hard to keep your front foot on the sweet spot (presumably pretty far forward given the width being close-ish to the nose) and get the back foot far back on the pad for radical turning. I ask because I believe this to be a typical problem for heavier guys like us who have to size up to get stock dimensions to maintain target volume.
Interesting point. I've had this problem on grovel boards, but it's fine on the Ghost
@@GoliathFins That's really impressive! So you'd say that you feel like the board is fairly maneuverable despite you not being able to get your back foot all the way back? Can you think of any other compromises that are forced due to riding a board longer than intended?
@@naivhear887 I get my back foot far enough back. The front foot position also feels fine.
Regarding other length issues, It will never be as snappy as a shorter board, but you have to compromise to get that much volume in.
It still feels great though. I don't find added length as much as an issue when the waves start to get solid either.
Agree with your evaluation, i have the Pyzel Phantom and love it; am thinking on the Ghost. Your videos have the best transitions, hahhh
Thanks bud 👍
might of missed it in the video but how does the Ghost compare to your El Patron surfing wise. Which do you prefer. Looks like the Ghost has a little less volume and is also narrower and more refined as in the tail is not as thick as the El Patron. Also the round tail of the Ghost vs the squashed tail of the Patron suggests the Ghost may be better in steeper waves and Patron may be faster with more pivot?
Yes, everything that you say is correct. Ghost goes better in slightly bigger waves then the El Patron. I also found the Ghost quite 'twitchy' which i personally didn't like.
Matta are the best short boards that i have found for a heavy surfer. Really refined with well hidden volume. I have a series of videos which i have started uploading. My first video has footage of me on the Driver XL (their equivalent of the El Patron).
Worth a look if you are based in Europe.
What size surfboard would be your step up since 6 ft 6 would be too Twitchy for you? Would your step up for it to be a six foot eight or six foot ten or 7 foot 2 or what? Thanks for the great reviews!
This board is fine in the size / volume that I have until the waves get to a certain size, or power. I would then transition to a more dedicated step up. I ride a Lost round up, in these kind of conditions, for example.
Do you prefer the round up to the patron?
@@raypentony they are two different boards. The el patron is similar to the ghost - good up to about double overhead. The round up is for bigger days - double over head +
Big Guy Boards Surfboard Review nice one!
For a beginner/intermediate, weighing 80 kg, surfing actually a 7.0, and struggling to duck dive the 50l of the board, do you think the 6.8 ghost would be a good choice to buy?
Not as a beginner intermediate. Go for a fish, or something similar. You'll find one with similar volume that's a bit shorter
Nice, if you were to go to the ments would this be a board you would take?
Yeah definately. And possibly the uber xl and Lost round up for a bigger range of waves.
How do you compare this with the el patron? Do you still have the el patron?
Sold el patron. Hard to say as they were different volume. Ghost only works well head high +. Best on point breaks. Generates loads of speed through turns.
El patron more forgiving. Maybe more all rounder regarding wave type.
I'd say go Ghost if you want something more precise and responsive.
Go El Patron if you want something more forgiving.
Ghost would work in bigger heavy waves. El Patron a slight step down from that - but still for good waves.
I hope that helps. Thanks for watching 👍
I'd like to see a video of you surfing
It can cost up to £100 a session to get someone to film me. I'm looking at alternative solutions, but it's not easy. Hopefully one of my next few videos will have some vision of me on some waves. Thanks for watching 👍
try the pyzel phantom xl
Yeah, I'd love to. I've heard good things about the phantom. Definately next on the list.
Big Guy Boards Surfboard Review right on! its nice that pyzel created an XL phantom series for all the big bruddahs and uncles in hawaii 😂 it’s my next board for sure.
@@robscanlan yeah, there's definately a need for boards of this kind
Why do you ride those crappy fins.
I've just started experimenting with fins. I thought a lot of it was marketing nonsense. I also don't have the money to experiment at £100 + a set.
It seems that size and rake can make a big difference. And material for stiffness. Other then that I'm not sure. How much have you experimented with fins? How much difference does it make? And what would you recommend?
@@GoliathFins It makes all the difference! It's half the board. Would you put garbage tires on a race car? No. If you're looking for control try the JJF, if you're looking for speed Ando or any Blackstick, if you like more release the Al Merricks or the new Jordys are awesome.! Depends on what you like. I prefer Merricks on most boards. I like a little more rake and a smaller center fin...
@@marcussamperio5559 OK thanks. I'll keep that in mind.
Ive found that different size / shaps fins are good for different conditions. Relatively small fins for step up - bigger fins for grovel board, for example. Do you change fin size for different boards / conditions?
You must be pretty good and have tried a lot of fins to feel the subtle differences that you describe.
@@GoliathFins I usually try a few different sets till I find what works best with the board. I'm 160 lbs so some boards have med and others have larges. Generally you'll get more speed out of a larger fin cause of the longer base. Contstruction depends on the waves. If its pumping you'll want a stiffer fin for controll, if it's crap a blacstick style fin will help with speed. A less raked fin will give you sharper turns then longer which would typically be more suited to a beach break then a point, but like I said it's still kinda personal preference. You're a big dude so I doubt you would ever ride mediums anyways. It's definitely worth investing in fins so you can get the most out of your boards! Good Luck...