Just want to gather some opinions on this topic.

Some lads close to home have started to make boards - pretty nice shapes and decent quality.

The price is considerably below the top end and probably around the entry end of the market - sitting where they should be I guess..

My question is - is it worth the punt on going with these less experienced shapers to:

save price
give them the experience
help them along,
which will in turn
help the local industry and shaping industry survive

OR

Should we stick with the experienced, proven shaper and pay the difference?

If you like the look of them (the boards) and you feel like a change why not there not huge bucks.

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leashless said..
Should we stick with the experienced, proven shaper and pay the difference?

Well Tux made me a board and it goes great ! Several mates have ridden it and they really like it as well. I have also made a few boards and they go pretty good as well. If you like what they are doing get in and support them. The only real issues you may have will be the glass jobs as this is the hard thing to master ! You have to start somewhere though so give them a crack.

Here is Tux's board in action last week at a deserted reef surfed by a mate of mine. The second pic confirms that even if you have the expensive version they do not always work (thats me ) and the third just confirms that even when there are 5 of you in the water people still can drop in - well some are allowed to anyway As you can see though Tux's board goes pretty dam good.

Hey Tux - I know I promised you a few action shots - well here are a few to start.

Hi Leashless.
I now have 2 boards from a young shaper. I am a fan of going with the smaller shaper's, as that personalised service and the blending of ideas makes the board feel like it's yours. Sounds odd I know, but I know I will never get rid of these two boards.
Sometimes takes a little time for them to get it right, just like any trade, but for the price I think it is worthwhile. Would suggest speaking to and having a close look at previous boards. If they look good and fit under the arm nice, why not!! I have a real challenge with machine made boards from China! Give the locals a go.
This is my log.

If you really like the look and feel of the local boards then give them a try.

I love my local Chinese shaper.

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Cobra said..
I love my local Chinese shaper.

Yeah but that's just coz ya shaggin' her

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Cobra said..
I love my local Chinese shaper.

Same here. I've got some nice popouts.

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Ted the Kiwi said..

leashless said..
Should we stick with the experienced, proven shaper and pay the difference?

Well Tux made me a board and it goes great ! Several mates have ridden it and they really like it as well. I have also made a few boards and they go pretty good as well. If you like what they are doing get in and support them. The only real issues you may have will be the glass jobs as this is the hard thing to master ! You have to start somewhere though so give them a crack.

Here is Tux's board in action last week at a deserted reef surfed by a mate of mine. The second pic confirms that even if you have the expensive version they do not always work (thats me ) and the third just confirms that even when there are 5 of you in the water people still can drop in - well some are allowed to anyway As you can see though Tux's board goes pretty dam good.

Hey Tux - I know I promised you a few action shots - well here are a few to start.

Thanks Ted you legend...beers are on me next time!!

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leashless said..
Just want to gather some opinions on this topic.

Should we stick with the experienced, proven shaper and pay the difference?

Yeah I agree with what others said about giving something a go if it looks good.

Other consideration is turnover. If your the type of person who changes boards often then a board from a well known shaper makes it much easier to sell. But if your the type of person who keeps a board until you snap it or donate it to the young kid down the road or happy to sell for a lot less than you paid. Then the non well known brand will probably be fine if you have an eye for a good shape

My last couple of shortboard purchases were an Al Merrick which turned out to be no good for me. But a bloke was chasing that model/size & I sold it immediately for $100 less than I paid for it new (Surfstitch Ebay Sale). Board after that was a $350 made in Bali custom which is a bit light in the glass compartment, but I love it & happy to surf it to death. I don't wanna pull out when that speedy section runs across that shallow reef. Soz yeah, depends on you & what you wanna do.

If they're good shapes and decent quality why not? Should be able to get some feed back off someone who has one?

Have they done any work or time with an experienced shaper?, if they have and they are producing now, i would have thought they have soaked up as much knowledge from their guru as they can and now feel confident that they have the goods to go solo???

Its a hard one. Darren Handley, Jason Stephens and Hayden all started somewhere.

I reckon A) they could make something that's just as good as anyone's quality wise.

B) But.... wont have the experience to refine details if your really fussy with your specs.

IF you know exactly what you want and they are good listeners and craftsman, you could get the best board of your life... on the other hand, if you want them to make you something special without knowing exactly what you want ...that will be hit and miss as to the outcome.

Leashless who are these lads close to home??