Channel Islands Rocket Wide Review + Al Merrick AM2 and Twin Fin Futures Fins - The Surfboard Guide
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- The new Rocket Wide by Channel Islands Surfboards is an explosive new model that really likes high performance surfing in small waves from waist high, to around had high or just overhead.
It's flatter and a bit wider than its predecessor the Rocket 9, so it planes across flat sections with a bit more ease, but it also has the curve that it likes the pocket and enjoys to be surfed vertically!
I have been surfing my Rocket Wide in the stock 5'8 which is 5'8 x 19 1/2 x 2 1/2 @ 30.3L - which is the same that you would get off the rack.
I've enjoyed surfing this board, and it has been a super versatile board where the simple change of fins gives the board a unique feel, and almost feels like a whole new board!
For small waves I have been riding the Futures Fins AMT set which is a twin fin setup with a small stabilizer fin - Waves 1, 3, 4,. 6, 8, 11, 12 and 13
For a shortboard feel I have been riding the Futures Fins AM2 which is my general go-to fin in shortboards - and hasn't failed me with the Rocket Wide.
For a very unique feel, I have been riding the Rocket Wide as a quad with the AM2 as the leading two fins, and the Futures Fins Hayden quad trailers as the rear fins, and this has felt very fast - Waves 2, 5, 7, 9 and 10.
From www.cisurfboards.com -
Introducing the Rocket Wide. The incredibly user-friendly cousin of the Rocket 9.
“My brothers and I loved the speed and control we were feeling with the Rocket 9 and we wanted to see how we could apply those same levels of fun and performance to a board for small and gutless waves. The Rocket Wide features a wider tail block to skate across flat sections and a wider nose area to accommodate for better paddle power. It’s a shorter, wider skate machine designed to lift the fun factor when the waves are not a their best. So don’t let those small days get you down cause the Rocket Wide is ready for blast off!!”
Available stock in 3 or 5 fin configurations.
Advanced surfers will ride this 2″-4″ shorter than their height.
We hope you enjoyed the review!
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WaterloggedPeople
Thanks for watching!
Some of your best surfing for sure. Good job dude 👍
Jeff Machado thanks! Hope you enjoyed the review! 👍
Totally agree, I've watched a bunch of these reviews and this board looked to be one of best under your feet.
Awesome information and review. Would a 6’2 spinetek be about right for a 6’1 80kg beginner-intermediate who’s surfed for a year? Rocking the local crappy beach break (Bondi) and 0 - 3 feet waves :)
Hey mate, another killer review!
Coming into summer and looking to freshen the stock and get a new two board quiver. Surfing Sydney's northern beaches, and Newcastle. Thoughts on the 5'10" RW in Spinetek for those typical summer days and the 6'1" OG Flyer in PU for when there's a little more swell behind it? I'm 180cm and 90kg's brother. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Hey! thanks for the feedback!
Yeah, the RW in Spinetek would be pretty epic, and the OG Flyer is such a versatile board you can't go wrong with it. I found the RW was best in small waves with a 2+1 setup, and I saw that Stab recently did a review of it and they were using the AMT 2+1's too! Regarding sizing, maybe see if you can pick a few up and put the under your arm and see what feels best. I'm 90kgs and aim for 29-30L which is quite low, so I might not be the best gauge for sizing!
Nice review!! How would you compare RW to Weirdo Ripper? which one would you choose??
Craig, I appreciate your great reviews! Keep them coming. Have you ridden a #4? I was going to order another 5’10 in groveler dims to replace one I picked up secondhand, but then the RW came out. Which do you think is the most skatey, fun board in tiny or mushy beach break conditions? Thank you!
David Madison hey! I really liked the RW, but not as a tiny wave groveler! But Noel did a review where he rode it in Spinetek, and seemed to love it as a groveler, so maybe the liveliness of EPS is the key! The RW and the 4 are both epic and that’s a pretty tough choice! I’d probably go the RW, but try get 5 fin setup so you can rock it as a quad! 👍
Thanks, Craig! I just ordered a 5’10” RW with a squash tail and five fin setup. I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
David Madison that would be pretty epic with a squash tail, never seen that! If you use Instagram, share a picture with us when it’s finished, I’d be interested to see what that looks like! 👍
@@davidmadison4510 damn you really predicted the future with the rocket wide squash.
Hi Craig, nice video. Can I use the channel Islands keel fins in this board or its too loose ? Thanks
Never tried it - but i have seen people order the Rocket Wide as a twin - but you may need to have the fins/boxes in a slightly diffrent location...
Another top review 👍 Who gets the chocolates b/w Rocket Wide and Js Psycho Nitro in 1-3ft. Cheers 🍻
I've never ridden a Psycho Nitro but have heard really good things... I liked the Rocket Wide, but in waves 2ft (waist high) and above, i felt it struggled a little in the really small stuff!
@@TheSurfboardGuide you are telling the truth.i like it
Hey! Liked the video :-) what measure do you suggest for me? Intermediate - 80kg - living in Bali and want to catch as many waves as possible ;-) they suggested me 5'11" that is 34,4lt. Appreciate your reply. Cheers!
Simone Mei hey! Sizing is really hard, especially not knowing how you surf, and your preference of boards/sizes. I’d say surf roughly around your normal shortboard volume, maybe add a tiny bit more foam.
If you’re in Bali, go to Onboard Store at Canggu and tell Charlie there that Craig sent you, he’ll throw in a free tailpad and a Hi-5! 🤙
Thanks for the nice review! Got the board with an FCS 2 set up. Would you recommend the regular AM or the AM Twin +1 fins for weaker Scandinavian beach + reef breaks?
The AMT's - the twin + 1
Thanks for the reviews mate. Love them. I'm looking for my first oldman shortboard. Turn 40 soon and kids mean I am lucky to surf twice a month. I still like the feel of a board with a bit of length (6'ish) l started out looking at the ultra joe but dont have a boat license (6'0 =42L). How does the RW vary/stack up against the pod mod? Have you done a pod mod review? Cheers again
Hey! RW sounds like a good choice!
We have a Pod Mod Review, but the RW probably is a little more performance than the Pod Mod and might give you a little more versatility…
Hi Craig, I ride a lot on fat, junky waves (Middleton, South Australia); would you recommend the JS Blak Box 3 or the Rocket Wide? It'd be good if performed well when the waves get more hollow too (Seaford, South Australia); cheers, regards from Adelaide, SA. PS: great show! :)
Big choice! Both boards would be great, the BB3 more so when the waves are fat and junky, and the Rocket Wide when it gets a little more hollow and bigger... Personally i'd probably pick the BB3 over the RW, but that's me... But if you are gonna be surfing better waves more of the time, than the RW might be the go!
Hey great job! Like your videos🤙
Just sell my 5.8 hypto
I’m 1.78m 80-85 kg, which size you recommend for me to take the rocket wide in pu?
Thanks 🙏
Heya! Probably look at the volume you are comfortable with. If the 5'8 Hypto volume felt good, go for a similar volume in the Rocket Wide!
What do you think about the Amt (2+1) fins in a new flyer? Would work?
We surfed together at Broken Head, Byron, the other day. Nice reviews.
Lucas Franceschini Hey Mate! I don’t think I’d put AMT’s in a New Flyer. With the hip, the square tail, and the vee through the tail I think it would be way too skatey.
How fun is Broken! I got some pretty fun waves there over those few days. 🤙
@@TheSurfboardGuide Thanks bro! See you around Byron one of these days. I will save some money for the Rocket Wide in this summer.
Nice review! Was wondering what your height and weight is? Don't seem to be a "big" guy so was wondering why you chose a RW with so much volume? I'm sure it would be easier to paddle and catch waves but wouldn't one with less volume be quicker on the turns and more aggressive (your obviously a very good surfer)? I'm an intermediate + surfer, 5'8" and 150 lbs and have been trying to decide between the 5'7" and 5'8" and leaning towards the 5'7" which is just over 28L.
onza958 hey! I’m 5’11 and 90kgs (200lbs). Volume felt good, it’s a tiny bit more than what I’d ride in a HPSB which is around 29.5L. If you want the Rocket Wide as a board for small or average surf, I’d probably go to the larger of the two volumes you were looking at. But if you are generally surfing waves that have a bit of push, the lesser would be fine! Hope that helps, and thanks for the feedback! 👍
Ok, you are a bigger dude so the volume was probably real nice, haha. I'm picking up my RW today and chose the 5'7" in the Spine-Tek. This will be my all around small wave board and the EPS foam core will ad a bit more float (supposedly equivalent to + .3-.5L). Stoked to try it, and thanks again for the review!
onza958 all good! Hope you enjoy the board, it would be epic in Spinetek! 💪
Onza I'm on the 5,8 spinetek.im 80kgs 180cm and 52 years old and it feels good under my feet.took 2 surfs to get used to it after riding 5'8 in PU.but now after 5 surfs on it I am absolutely stoked.
Great reviews bro, What do u think of putting the Amt's plus 1 on the neckbeard 2?
cvosburg77 heya!
I’m wondering if the tail would be a little wide and boxy to run a twin + 1 setup... I could be wrong though.
The Neckbeard feels amazing with just the regular AM’s, so I’ve normally stuck with that!
Yes very unique board, most boards I use twins in are fishes with wide tails so kind of thinkin it might work. I have to try it thanks for reply
@@cvosburg77 Enjoy!
Enjoying my new RW also.a 5,8 in spinetek.it is lively and fast.
Hey Craig nice review :))....Just to know what's your height and weight??
I think he said 180cm 90kg in some other video (5'11 and about 200 lb). That would mean he is using less liters than many pro surfers, very impressive.
daniel vb Thanks for the answer....I wanted to know because I'm 5'9 and 72kg and my Rocket 9 is 5'9 same as Craig's.... maybe I should've gone smaller but I needed some extra foam for paddling power because of my shoulder problem....🤙🤙
Andrea Bordoni hey! I’m 5’11 and 90kgs. I’ve always tended to ride lesser volume for weight, as I guess it’s a real personal preference! I try go around 29.5L for my HPSB, and a little more for boards like this. Hope this helps though! 👍
The Surfboard Guide Thanks Craig,my Rocket 9 is the same size of yours though i'm shorter and 72kg but I surf in the mediterranean where the waves are kinda weak most of the times 🤙🤙
Hi...i want to buy my first shortboard.. i have 2 options, what do you recomend me... The rocket wide or the new Happy every day?
I think Rocket Wide 👍
Rocket Wide 👍
Thanks for the review !! I am currently riding a 5'11 Ci fever (28L), Im 1.88 m and 74 kilos, intermediate level. Which size would you advise me to take for the RW ? Should I add a bit of volume you reckon ? Thanks for your tips !
Ps : I just descovered your Channel, which is really good, were you in Curl Curl this morning haha ? If not you have a twin brother
Hey! I don't really like to suggest sizing for people, it's such a personal preference. I ride quite low volume for my weight and that how i like it. But if you are riding 28L in a Fever, i'd go up 1-2 liters in the RW if you want a good all round groveler.
That guy out Curly, if he was friendly it was me, if he wasn't very nice, then it was definitely a look-a-like... Haha!
thanks for the answer mate, yeah my question was a bit disguised, as I never got a groveler board, I was wondering if the shape of the board would be enough to give her flow on small waves with the same volume than my shortboard, I will take a decision if its 1 or 2 more liters then, cheers !
Hahaha brilliant answer, nicely enough I did not spot you dropping on anybody
By the way would you know any shop with this board available without ordering around Sydney please mate? Been looking around and could not find it..
A lerpi Onboard Store at Mona Vale will have a whole bunch in stock in all sizes, and also in Spinetek if you wanna check that out too! 👍
Yep onboard think they need to order it as well but thats alright I ll go for it, thanks ! Spinetek for sure yes
So from your opinion this is 2 to5 fit?
Yes - it needs a little push and size to get going but once it does its amazing!
@@TheSurfboardGuide thx for the help
Great review, thanks mate! Thinking of getting the RW or the OG Flyer in SpineTek construction..surf mostly on the northern beaches of Sydney and I like to switch boards around for more fun Which one of the two you liked best in 2-4ft waves we normally get here? (got a Pod and JS MB at the moment) Cheers! ps first comment gets a shot out right? ;)
Murri London hey, thanks for the feedback, greatly appreciated! If you like the Pod, I’d check out the Rocket Wide! Super versatile, and would be good for the waves we get on the NB! Make sure you get 5 fin as it’s super spicy as a quad! 👍
Thanks a lot mate - I think I'll go for the RW in 5'11'' :)
Mate I am back commenting on this after 6 months of having surfed the Rocket Wide (based on your review) in different conditions. This board is by far my favourite all rounder but one I’ll happily take to Bali or Hawaii! It just seems to handle any conditions and it always surprises me how fast it goes even on the least forgiving sections of the wave. I feel it’s helped improving my performance! I got mine with custom dims in 6’0” with a 34L volume instead of the stock 37L (I am a tall dude) and it’s has exceeded my expectations! Thanks again and see you in the water 🤙🏻
@@murri1035 Hey mate, I was wondering how tall are you? and your weight? I'm looking at buying a RW in the 5'11 stock dims, I'm about 6'1 88-90 kgs. I think your comments have sold me on this board. yeww!!
@@murri1035 did you go spine tek?
Chilli Nevada review?
Max Drewe hey! Probably not as it’s an older model and I don’t think even Chilli would be focusing on pushing that model. I’ve had two though, the regular and the HP, and I loved them - feel free to connect with me on Instagram if you want to chat about it.
What about this board in the spinetex. Have you had a chance to try it?
which would you say you preferred out of ci rocket wide and chilli hot knife?
Probably the Chilli Hot Knife.
I really liked the Rocker Wide, but felt that it struggled a bit in smaller waves, and didn't really hit it's strides till it was 3ft+
@@TheSurfboardGuide what wave range would you say suits the Hot Knife? Will it go well in both bigger AND smaller waves than the Rocket Wide will?
Craig, Thanks for your reviews. For an intermediate + surfer in knee to head high + punchy beach break which board would you recommend? Rocket Wide, Fever, or Uber Driver?Thanks
Hey! I've never ridden the Uber Driver, but heard lots of positive stuff about them! For the waves you've mentioned, i'd probably look at the Rocket Wide out of those two boards! Then creeping up in wave size I'd switch over to the fever!
Thanks for the feedback.
@@TheSurfboardGuide try to do review for ud xl lost
If you'd have to choose, Rocket wide or CI Twin?
Valdo van Zyl hey! Maybe the Rocket Wide due to its versatility. But the C.I Twin is an epic board, just probably can’t go everywhere the Rocket Wide can!
The Surfboard Guide Ok great, thanks mate!
if youd have to choose betwin chilli black vulture and Rocket wide ? wich one?
Better paddler and groveller, NB2 or RW?
NB2!
@@TheSurfboardGuide that tail thou.....I can't do it.
@@NZsurfe If you don't like it, I'll give you your money back! Haha!
Nah, it doesn't surf how it looks, it is one of my favourite boards!
@@NZsurfe ua-cam.com/video/e8w92-k4Gek/v-deo.html
Im on the hi-5 right now...whats the main difference? This just offers a bit more performance?
Jonathan St. Cyr hey! The High-5 is such a good small wave board, it’s gotta be one of my favorite for tiny waves! This would be the next step up. For waves from waist high to head high this thing is amazing! It handles itself in slightly larger waves too by just changing up the fins you’re running in it! Hope this helps! 👍