I had issues with the previous model with cracking around the tail area constantly. And the fin box had issues as well. I recall getting quite a few replies about the quality of that model.
Are those that have bought the latest happy with the quality of the new boards. I still have the old surftech board which seems bullet proof. The lairds still an awesome board to ride. Anyone do a review of the new 10ft surfer. Cheers
I responded to another post--I am a huge fan of the Laird SUPs. The finish is different--I have production Pearson Surfer 10'6" (post Surftech Era) and the new 2016 Laird 9'6" which I believe is shaped by Terry Chung.
I have not had any of the problems you mention with the Pearson Surfer, but the finish isn't that durable and over time I have had to have a couple of repairs done to the board. The new construction is a sandwich construction which presumably should be more durable but I and at least one other surfer I spoke to find it prone to chipping but haven't seen any problems with the chips making it past the divinicell layer.
As far as the shape is concerned, I like the new shape a lot and it is quite a bit more stable than the Pearson though the nose is not as potato chip thin. I think you will find the 10' more stable than the original 10'6 and would even encourage you to try to 9'6.
Thanks guys. Looks like not many people have these boards or they have lost there flavour. Shame.
Select to expand quotebroadman said..
Thanks guys. Looks like not many people have these boards or they have lost there flavour. Shame.
Or just that there are so many excellent production boards on the market now so why bother?
My opinion is that, if you love [insert your favorite shaper/rider/pioneer/visionary here] boards, you'd better try to get a custom board made from the shapers he works with, for a top notch construction, if the production line is not perfect. Not everybody is able to set up a factory to mass-produce reliable boards reliably... it is a specific set of skills.
Select to expand quotecolas said..broadman said..
Thanks guys. Looks like not many people have these boards or they have lost there flavour. Shame.
Or just that there are so many excellent production boards on the market now so why bother?
My opinion is that, if you love [insert your favorite shaper/rider/pioneer/visionary here] boards, you'd better try to get a custom board made from the shapers he works with, for a top notch construction, if the production line is not perfect. Not everybody is able to set up a factory to mass-produce reliable boards reliably... it is a specific set of skills.
Aren't there simply too many brands out there? Is everybody making decent money you think?
I think the read is that the boards are not that popular in Australia--not sure what the distribution situation is there. Here in California, where Laird spends half his year, they are popular...
Are the new Lairds even available in Oz?
Following the issues with the last lot plus with the quality of more locally manufactured boards Sunova, Deep, Smik etc I can't see the Lairds doing that well.
It seems following 805's comments the durability issues still haven't been fixed.
Takes some dedication to a brand to buy one if it's prone to chipping.
Select to expand quoteGWatto said..
Are the new Lairds even available in Oz?
Following the issues with the last lot plus with the quality of more locally manufactured boards Sunova, Deep, Smik etc I can't see the Lairds doing that well.
It seems following 805's comments the durability issues still haven't been fixed.
Takes some dedication to a brand to buy one if it's prone to chipping.
They are available here is NZ. But with the issues with the last model, put a lot of guys off. Including me, so I went Deep. And besides being an awesome board, quality is unreal
I have had the Laird 10'6" by 32" wide surfer since jan 2015 - surf mostly the local point break with between ankle to maybe one and half overhead waves. Mostly the waves are mid thigh to shoulder height.
I took the centre fin out as the best shaped waves for me are half tide which gives a hollowish inside section. This left the board as a quad with the origional supplied fins This board is fast along the wall and cruises over the couple of dead spots with speed for a cutback. the longer fins tend to scrape on the rocks. I am 85 kilos and 66 yold. This board is very very good for me in the location I like to surf - a fair paddle so the good glide is also welcome. Caught about ten waves today on the dying swell - ankle to knee high and had a great time till the storms blew us out of the water. Also seems to be fairly tough, as it has hit rocks, been dropped onto conc drive and generally had a hard time - local board shaper and ding repair man is brilliant and the board goes as well as ever. GREAT BOARD
Steve
