Hi, like many others I am about to join the SUP board craze and very keen to get started. I have two boards in mind and both are very different prices.
I have already looked at the NAISHE GLIDE 12"6 OR THE
NAISHE-NALU 11"6 GS.
I am currently leaning toward the glide 12' 6" GS FOR $2000..... and my problem is the price. The full package for the board,leash, $300 carbon fiber paddle and a very good quality bag. What a great board and really want it !!!!! money money.... Not always a fan of second hand and have had bad luck in the past.
Now of course my wife found this website
www.blackhawkoutdoor.com.au/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=8
As the subject outlines I was looking at the BLACKHAWKE BIG BROTHER 11"6 for $879.00 that also comes as package. Of course the cover and paddle will be far less quality but was wondering if any one has experience with these boards? I just cannot find any information on them. I can see they are not re-enforced in the standing areas but don't seem too bad in well in my budget.
You always get what you pay for but for me to use with the family and not surfing big waves I thought maybe it would suit. I really want the capacity of the glide 12' 6" GS and think this might do the trick. Under no illusion that the NAISHE is better but just want an opinion on the blackhawke...... will it just not last as long and end of costing me the same in the long run !!? (hard to answer I know depends on many factors)
Big jump in price and any help would be appreciated.
Regards
Hi and welcome to the Breeze.
I don't know much about the Big Brother board but I do know the 12'6" Glide very well because I paddle one daily.. I'm pretty ure the board costs about $1,600 new and a good Naish paddle costs about $300 so to get the board, paddle, board bag and leash for $2,000 it's a pretty good deal.. That 11'6" board on line is an amazing price but IMO the difference in the two boards is like chalk and cheese.. I would pay the extra if you can.
Do you really need the bag?.. I have bags for all my boards but don't tend to use them.. and you should be able to pick up a good carbon paddle second hand if you want to save money.. I'm sure you'll love the Glide .. It's a great do it all flat water cruiser and it's also an excellent race board.. it's downwind'able plus because it's a 'battle of the paddle' design board it still works well in the surf.
Have you demo'ed both boards? .. I don't have anything against cheap boards and there is a need for them in the market but they don't have the same quality and finish or resale value as the big brand boards but if it gets you on the water it's all good.. Then one day down the track you can upgrade to a better board.. and to a paddle you can trust.
Here's a pic of mine that I took last week.
DJ
Holywater, my 2 cents - Naish are good boards as DJ mentioned - I've have a Nalu 11'6" for over 2 years & it's still a great allrounder. I can see your point re; price, but there are many in between. For example - the NSP range are economical (around $1k when on special?), get good reviews and sound like they would suit what you're looking for. Sunny King are beginning to pop up, although not sure about construction quality?
Re; paddles - mid-quality is a good start, you can pick up a decent (no-brand) carbon paddle for around $250 which will get you started. Board-bags should be about $150 but as DJ mentioned, not needed - you'll only use them when travelling distance & they are big bags that take room when folded up & hold moisture in if the board's not dry when you pack it up. Leashes - $30-$45.
Quality is quality. If you want to trade or sell in the future you will get heaps more than no names.
It's not the same shape as the glide, more an all round type board, but the 12' ATX sup is worth a look. My wife has one and I have used it a few times for fitness workouts. Good package at around $1100 with a good mid range carbon paddle. (So good I pinched it for my surf paddle)
Cheers
my 2cents. get a cheaper board like the nsp flatwater race, but spend a bit on a good paddle. i wouldn't spend 250 on a no name, try to go best straight up. they hold value better and paddle better. Starboard carbon enduro is nice, the fanatic carbon pro is reasonable at its price... or bite the bullet and get a QB.
the nsp's are very strong, so whilst a board bag will stop scratches and the likes, I find my boards get more marks from using them than handling them....so put your board bag money into a better paddle...
thats all, im back in my box.
Thanks for all the input, I am heading down to Narrabeen lake on the north shore of Sydney tomorrow 6/2/2013 to try a few boards. They are suggesting the Fanatic FALCON 12' 6" as the best option and are telling me the build quality and strength is better then the NSP range. Of course it is more then the NSP but less than the Naishe.
Not getting a cover will save me money. See how I go and will try hard not to impulse buy one and end up driving one home.
skebstebamal the NSP will save me $$$ and getting closer to the decision and thanks for the 2 cents worth.
The website,
shop.surfindustries.com/us/surfboard-type/longboards/
has some very good prices for the NSP as far as my limited experience can tell
Regards Michael
Checked out the Blackhawke site. Very unfortunate naming of the 12'6" Shoot Racer Bamboo product code: SUP_SHT_BM eh?
Holywater, have you considered a 2nd hand board? Or must have new?
Heaps of great choices in the buy and sell section for the money you are spending..Fanatic, Naish, Starboard, NSP Cocomat etc etc etc. The Naish Glide is a great baord, still regret selling mine....
Good luck.
Well after careful consideration I have really come down to the one board the
NAISHE Glide 12'0 GS Touring
Lucky enough to have extra funds donated by my folks and is in my budget now with no cover. Fits the bill for what I want out of it and fell in love with the board. It is really the perfect mix between the glide and the nalu range. A newish board on the market ? so not sure if any one out has used one. Have not quite bit the bullet and made the purchase as yet, but very close to it.
With any luck will be on it next week, if no sudden expenses come up. Will post when I'm the proud owner and thanks for the advice so far.
Regards Holywater.
I just hope you've read the wife signs accurately. Any lady breezers out there that can give an opinion?
Better get insurance cover - spend a few extra $100 bucks and get flowers and a romantic night out (for you and her, not you and the board). 
Great choice. The touring sounds like exactly what you need. One of our paddling group recently got one and she loves it. Very nice bit of kit. 😊
Made the purchase on the NAISHE Glide 12'0 GS Touring. Picking it up Sunday and taking it for a whirl in flat water. Very excited and just have to learn to ride it correctly now ! My budget was blown out but what the hell I'm sure it will be worth it and once my wife talks to me again she might see how good it is.....
Have the board !!! and had a great day out on it. Plenty to learn on and fell off a few times. Just finding out the best position on the board and did struggle against the wind.
Please see attached photo I had my board leaning against a wall and my son knocked it over and it fell over on my concrete driveway!! brand new board damaged on the first day!! Bit worried about using it now 
the gash is not very deep but and I don't have a great deal of cash to fix it.
I think it is fine to still use but of course I should show somebody rather than risk it. Any advice appreciated and YES I am devastated by the damage...
Doesn't look too back but bring it back down and take a closer look if you want to be sure.
Could do a quick easy patch no charge if needed.
Sam.
