Good video bro keep em coming! I am a big fan of the Gato Acid series. I bought an 8’11” Surfar when I moved to Bali and it’s kinda rolled up front and pintail, it’s my go to board in every situation, handles anything. I ride a 9” greenough when it’s bigger and an 8” when it’s smaller to increase manoeuvrability. Such a fun board. I also have an 8’6” speed acid by same shaper which looks a lot like a smaller version of your Keyo which gets a lot of use. And I’ve just put in for my final board from Thomas surfboards to complete my quiver - ordered a 9’4” big dreams and I’m going to take it out for an early season spin at G-land soon as I get it (other 2 boards I mentioned will come as well), can’t wait 🔥🔥🔥
Thank you for sharing. I'm on the Gato train as well. I have a 7 4 and 7 10 Acid Drop and a 8 8 Speed Acid. I'll be making a single fin video with more of my feedback on those. They didn't qualify for this one due to being under 9 0.
@@blinksurfI’ll look forward to watching! And if you ever get a chance to take a Surfar for a spin (8’8” or longer would be recommendation) then I’d highly recommend though watch out cause it will empty your wallet 😂 - seriously fun board 🤙🏻 yeeeeew!
I have the Torq Horseshoe 9 ft , very solid, heavy glassed board with a nose concave, and the option to ride it with sidebite fins , I mostly ride it with a single True Ames 9 inch fin. It’s really good and clean waves like everything is but I do not enjoy walking distances with a heavy board or dealing with chop or side shore or any kind of winds. I’ve realized that so I’m purchasing it for just the right conditions, but it’s a great nose rider and it’s fast. Just my two cents on that model if anybody has one.
Agree that the speed shape is an incredible option. I've tried heavier logs pintail and square tail as well as performance shapes. I agree that the "logs" are fun in small surf, and that the speed shapes can handle most anything. I have a pintail classic log that I do feel bridges the gap nicely, but there are days when the flatter bottom and edge in the back of the typical performance or speed shape opens up possibilities. Classics really need a beautiful running small wave and if there are wind, chop, or rogue waves on the day it is not the right choice. It will handle on bigger days due to the pintail, but it won't get around sections unless you are able to cross-step and noseride with some skill. Generally they are much slower on the tail and need to be ridden in trim. Not very forgiving if you are new to longboarding. Great video!
PS gliders are a must have, but also the designs can fluctuate. I have a DT Prince Kuhio at 10'8" and this board will handle big and small surf. It is also a great noserider for a glider. It is incredible and if you can get your hands on one, I highly recommend it compared to "Eagle" types for intermediate-advanced. As I understand the Eagle is similar to your Thomas with no concave and is not a noserider design. DT boards are a great all-around option and in my experience can do it all with little sacrifice.
thank you for sharing your extensive experience. Its nice to know you have had a similar outcome. Speed shape cannot be beaten in large waves. The telling thing for me is when my fiend tried it and fell in love with it even though she rides comp style noseriders.
@@Joe-wo2hz ooh that sounds pretty amazing. Is it tufflite? I had a DT 8 6 Opihi and rode it hundreds of times. Then I got a Devon Howard mini special. His boards are special.
Thanks for this James. I've just started surfing lessons at Mooloolaba and plan to keep it up. The surf teacher and my mates suggested to just get a big 8-9 foot foamy that I can beat up to start with but that witbier looks like a great board. What do you suggest? How would you progress if you were a beginner?
Thanks for answering many of the questions I've had of my 9'4" pintail. As a novice, I wanted a board for various conditions and waves to get the most out of those here in the NE USA. At times, though, I've wondered if the most versatile board is sort of like having all-weather tires - or if it's maybe too good for me? In any case, I've found that an FCS 8.75" center fin and sidebites work for hold as you said (and stability).
Great review. Your last board looks like Christenson C-Bucket. Excellent board that i have, and works in any conditions.
C Bucket looks amazing.
Good video bro keep em coming! I am a big fan of the Gato Acid series. I bought an 8’11” Surfar when I moved to Bali and it’s kinda rolled up front and pintail, it’s my go to board in every situation, handles anything. I ride a 9” greenough when it’s bigger and an 8” when it’s smaller to increase manoeuvrability. Such a fun board. I also have an 8’6” speed acid by same shaper which looks a lot like a smaller version of your Keyo which gets a lot of use. And I’ve just put in for my final board from Thomas surfboards to complete my quiver - ordered a 9’4” big dreams and I’m going to take it out for an early season spin at G-land soon as I get it (other 2 boards I mentioned will come as well), can’t wait 🔥🔥🔥
Thank you for sharing. I'm on the Gato train as well. I have a 7 4 and 7 10 Acid Drop and a 8 8 Speed Acid. I'll be making a single fin video with more of my feedback on those. They didn't qualify for this one due to being under 9 0.
@@blinksurfI’ll look forward to watching! And if you ever get a chance to take a Surfar for a spin (8’8” or longer would be recommendation) then I’d highly recommend though watch out cause it will empty your wallet 😂 - seriously fun board 🤙🏻 yeeeeew!
@ they look amazing. Ok its on my agenda!!
I have the Torq Horseshoe 9 ft , very solid, heavy glassed board with a nose concave, and the option to ride it with sidebite fins , I mostly ride it with a single True Ames 9 inch fin. It’s really good and clean waves like everything is but I do not enjoy walking distances with a heavy board or dealing with chop or side shore or any kind of winds. I’ve realized that so I’m purchasing it for just the right conditions, but it’s a great nose rider and it’s fast. Just my two cents on that model if anybody has one.
wonderful share thank you!
Agree that the speed shape is an incredible option. I've tried heavier logs pintail and square tail as well as performance shapes. I agree that the "logs" are fun in small surf, and that the speed shapes can handle most anything. I have a pintail classic log that I do feel bridges the gap nicely, but there are days when the flatter bottom and edge in the back of the typical performance or speed shape opens up possibilities. Classics really need a beautiful running small wave and if there are wind, chop, or rogue waves on the day it is not the right choice. It will handle on bigger days due to the pintail, but it won't get around sections unless you are able to cross-step and noseride with some skill. Generally they are much slower on the tail and need to be ridden in trim. Not very forgiving if you are new to longboarding. Great video!
PS gliders are a must have, but also the designs can fluctuate. I have a DT Prince Kuhio at 10'8" and this board will handle big and small surf. It is also a great noserider for a glider. It is incredible and if you can get your hands on one, I highly recommend it compared to "Eagle" types for intermediate-advanced. As I understand the Eagle is similar to your Thomas with no concave and is not a noserider design. DT boards are a great all-around option and in my experience can do it all with little sacrifice.
thank you for sharing your extensive experience. Its nice to know you have had a similar outcome. Speed shape cannot be beaten in large waves. The telling thing for me is when my fiend tried it and fell in love with it even though she rides comp style noseriders.
@@Joe-wo2hz ooh that sounds pretty amazing. Is it tufflite? I had a DT 8 6 Opihi and rode it hundreds of times. Then I got a Devon Howard mini special. His boards are special.
@ It’s a poly from the guys in California. It’s incredible but I’m already putting holes in it! I’ve heard great things about the tufflite Prince K!
@@Joe-wo2hz they are tough. I have ridden a few in that construction as rentals in Waikiki
Thanks for this James. I've just started surfing lessons at Mooloolaba and plan to keep it up. The surf teacher and my mates suggested to just get a big 8-9 foot foamy that I can beat up to start with but that witbier looks like a great board. What do you suggest? How would you progress if you were a beginner?
they are right. I'd recommend an 8 foot or bigger MF Beastie softboard. The super soft is ideal for learning ua-cam.com/video/xsd-yBewC6Y/v-deo.html
Thanks for answering many of the questions I've had of my 9'4" pintail. As a novice, I wanted a board for various conditions and waves to get the most out of those here in the NE USA. At times, though, I've wondered if the most versatile board is sort of like having all-weather tires - or if it's maybe too good for me? In any case, I've found that an FCS 8.75" center fin and sidebites work for hold as you said (and stability).
That is wonderful feedback thank you. The pintail gives you a great range and sidebites plenty of grip.
Why so many longboards with 3" or more thickness? Doesn't seem volume is needed, given the overall size. Is it for strength?
It’s the Indian, not the Arrow~
to some extent. There are some crap arrows too tho
@ yep 👍 The Indian chose it~
@ and now they can choose better arrows because of Youube
@@blinksurfanything would be better then a sweat shop foamie! no doubt.