Contemplating getting my first mal, will generally be using at beach breaks and the reefs when there's enough swell, but have no idea about mals. Was thinking of getting a high performance mal, there's a couple I have been looking at. They similar shapes except one has a rounded pin tail with Sharper rails into the tail, the other 3 inches thick with slightly thicker rails and a pulled in square tail both have very similar rocker. Was thinking the extra thickness would get you into more waves but the other board would be more lively to surf, any thoughts at this stage thinking of flipping a coin.............

I'm hardly an expert - all one longboard owned and about five surfed - but I like pin tails. I never really surf tiny runners and the pin tail still does it on the two or three times a year I do.

Buy both

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Macaha said..
Buy both

Haha not that rich

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Falco said..

Macaha said..
Buy both

Haha not that rich

Ok I like pin tails over the square tail.

I think you would be happiest in a pin, I know I am.

It doesn't have to be a radical shape, could be an area pin or a rounded pin, you sacrifice some tip time, but on the whole, they're a more versatile board, and I think the turns are more controlled and easier to recover from.

Sharp railed pin vs chunky square tail...if your an overweight person new to surfing go the chunky, transitioning from a shortboard go the more responsive board...but you say your surfing beachies, no coin to toss mate...really wish everyone would stick to 5'5 low volumed kite boards though