Slingshot 2009 Surfboard Questions

airtime · Guest

Looking for info on the 09 surfboards.
Are they out yet?

Me 185 pounds.

Looking to Replace a Jimmy Lewis 6' Surf, which has been well loved. Really like all the flotation for super light winds and waves, or flat water. Jumped the heck out of it and its still in one piece.

But, looking for something a little more "SNAPPY", but yet can still retain light wind ability. Riding both Strapped and Strapless, but prefer the Straps for getting some air. The JL is 20-inches wide so lots of volume. Tried out the JL Chamber at 18.5-inches, but didn't like its light wind ability, much harder to point high up-wind compared to the 6-Surf.

So I guess I'm looking at these two boards:
SST 6'2" Quad
Ben Wilson Pro Model 6'2" Thruster

Probably leaning towards the Quad.

Any one ride one, any reviews?

NateDogg · Wed Nov 26, 08 11:55 pm

Haven't rode the Slingshot, but from what you're saying I think you'll enjoy the Quad. For about the last year it's definitely been my favorite setup for surfing, with a kite or without...super snappy in the turns, agile and FAST.

The only drawback for me with a quad is sometimes when the waves get steeper or if I get overpowered on the kite it's really easy for the board to get ahead of me (too much speed). That's when a thruster can come in handy...keeps shit under control when wave/wind gets gnarly, and seems like it'll hold a hard turn with a ton of speed. Not that you can't rip heavy conditions with a quad, I just find you gotta keep the speed in check to remain in control.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Good info Nate. For good clean, big waves, or strong wind I like the thruster setup for sure, but it is more draggy for light wind applications. The Quad could be a decent option if speed and light wind ability is key for you.

Have you considered any of the Liquid Force '09 Rawson boards? The '09 Skate comes with 5 fin plugs so you can set it up as a thruster or a quad depending on the conditions and your preference. It should have a 6' 2" size I think. The '08 Skate has been a super sweet board so I'm sure the next one will be sick and you can't beat the setup options.

Enjoy whatever board you get.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Of those two I'd go for the quad. I think they are just more versatile, they are fun in waves and in river swell. They are also nice for popping strapless air as you can edge and pop off of swell similar to a kiteboard.

airtime · Guest

Thanks for the info, anyone know availability dates?

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

I'm not sure what kind of fin boxes the new crop of quads have but you can definitely adjust the speed and turning with fins. Generally speaking, thicker fins are slower and a closer pattern is going to make the board more snappy. More fin boxes is a good idea but sometimes too many options make finding the right combo more challenging. A bit like having too many kites to choose from. I've found that a set of 4 identical fins really works pretty good. I'll swap out the rear set with smaller ones when the wind is higher.

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

Here's an example of fin setup versatility. My 5-9 light wind quad with two fin setups using FCS FK-2 and FCS GS fins in a quad and twinser setup. The FKs might overpower this board to some degree but for light winds that might mean the difference between riding and not riding. Another benefit of the FKs could be their ability to shed weeds and other debris. That could be beneficial if you would like to practice your strapless riding at the flats in Padre where there is often grass in the fall especially when the winds are northerly. I saw the FK-2 fins while visiting my friends at Island Native. I'm not saying that you shouldn't buy the Slingshot quad but you should consider what fin options you have available before committing to any board.

........