Hey gang,
Gonna add an 11'4" Nalu to the quiver this week & can't decide between the construction types. Anybody got the inside info on pro's n con's regarding?? I'm aware of the fin differences & the fact you get a bag with the wood. Just wondering about strength, durability, performance etc...
DJ I'm sure you've got the knowledge.
Thanx
Found over the years that wood is stiffer, lighter and more durable. It is a few hundred dearer but the bag whilst not the best out there is worth roughly $100-$150ish which eases the pain.
Wood is also damn good looking but then this years AST is much more appealing than the older versions IMO.
Construction and looks aside the AST being single fin only and the wood having the FCS sidey's does make a difference to some. Keep in mind though that the 11'4" surfs really nicely as a single anyway.
In the shop we sell roughly 50/50 which may or may not help.
All the best,
Sam.
Thanx Sam,
I recently surfed an older AST with the single fin & loved it. Want to get one for flat days paddling between the points or on the harbour. surfed it in waist to shoulder high clean & loved its responsiveness & glide. So I'm not sure if I really need the added stiffness & prettiness of the timber. I'd never use the bag either. Leaning towards the AST. I agree that the current colour way looks nice too. 
I agree Woody. The timber would definitely have better resale, however I think I'll be keeping this one for good. I do tend to buy & sell SUPs often(but don't we all) but want to keep the big cruiser. There's always a need for one IMO.
Can't comment on the wood (apart from the fact they do look good!). I've got a Nalu AST & very happy with the construction & performance. It's been used & abused by a 110kg kook for a couple of years now & it's still in good condition.
As for (only) a couple hundred extra dollars...save it & put it toward the next board. Just sayin'
[edit] Paulvee, don't the new ASTs have the track? That's the main reason I bought mine - that would sway me as it's a great lightwind cruiser.
If you are a board breaker.. or surf in a big dumpy shore break surf area the wood is a stronger construction that will resist snapping and also flex less.. Personally I think the AST is more resistant against small bumps and knocks even though the AST is slightly heavier.. If these issues are not a concern for you and your conditions I think the AST will be fine even though there is no bag and the fins are not as good.. The AST it has the advantage of having a slightly non slip nose area. So if you like to nose ride and don't want to wax the nose area the AST might be a better choice.. I think it's great that Naish offer this cheaper option.
DJ
Thanx DJ
I tend to agree with you in terms of AST being more resilient against bumps n scratches. I've owned 2 boards so far in wood. I never used the bags & would always worry about getting a significant ding in the wood. I'd imagine they'd be difficult & expensive to repair. Whereas the AST would be less damaging to the wallet.
Thanx again gang.
Yew!!
