I have the 9'1" and totally agree with your review. Great board super easy to paddle ( never been able to knee paddle a 9'1"before) Catches waves amazingly easy and turns on a dime. I find I can do manoeuvres on this board that are beyond traditional style surfing on boards without edge in the tail.. like a drop knee slash in the pocket to dump speed. I surf mostly reef breaks that have lots of fat and slab sections. Had some great nose rides on the fat sections pointed almost straight at the beach. Yet to surf it in perfect peeling uniform waves but can't wait. Flies through the slabby sections where you really need to make it or do the rock dance. I also have a Parallax but find the Apex even more fun. I have a 9'11" Guerrero but hard to compare the 2 due to length difference. I think the Apex actually paddles easier. I am 80 kg and 180cm. Keep up the awesome reviews.
Thanks David, I have a 8'3 parallax on the way as well. I had the pleasure of borrowing one a few months ago in California. I really dug it as its almost more my style of "mid". But anyway I appreciate the feedback. I will be doing a Same Same But Different episode with a 9'6 Guerrero and a 9'1 Apex just because they are both in a similar volume category. Thanks again for the kind words and chat soon.
I have this board in a 9’6”. It’s amazing for me. I use the 10.5 flying diamonds pier flex by CJ. It’s what I have found to be best for this board. It’s like a beefier Greenough. But man does it make this board sing. As far as the board getting dirty with the matte finish, I recommend using a magic eraser to get those spots out. It works for me great. Good review and as far as special moments go, I agree. Every time I’m on this board I have the best time.
@@surfcraftunion it’s the power flex. Not pier flex. Stupid thumbs! For the 9’1” I’d probably go to the 10” and not the 10.5”. But who knows? I’m stoked you liked the board. CJ is making boards for max enjoyment for everyone. I have found that sometimes, boards are too narrow in scope. Every board I’ve ridden from CJ has made me a better surfer. I just got a custom Sprout 2.0. Keep your eyes out for that one. A serious game changer. ✌🏻
Excellent review….covered the key elements very well….it’s the next addition. Another viewer mentioned the Power Flex fin by Flying Diamond s and I know CJ uses that fin a lot in his Apex, as well as the Flying Diamonds Classic Pivot
@@frankchen7346 Hello Frank, CJ runs his 9.5" Power Flex in the 9'1" Apex...he surfs with a ton of power and likes the beef of the Power Flex. Another good choice for the 9'1" Apex is CJ's Involvement fin....if you're primarily surfing off the tail or in trim, the Involvement will be a little looser. If spending a fair amount of time on the nose, then the Power Flex's larger base and overall template will give you more hold and directional stability.
@@frankchen7346 You bet, Frank...it is an amazing board and works so well in such a wide range of conditions...it has become the primary board for many who get their hands on one. CJ and Ryan Engle worked for many months to get this board just the way CJ wanted it and he is on that board a lot just due to the fun and joy he gets out of riding it.
Great reviews! Really appreciate seeing these boards ridden in East Coast surf, by a regular guy rather than a professional. Great detail breaking down each aspect ( paddling, turning , trim etc) very helpful I’ve got a 9’2” Diamond Drive in thunderbolt red and was looking for a complementary board for the smaller waves. I’m not a “Log” rider, like the feel of edge in the tail, not focused on noseriding , trying to decide between a 9’1 Apex and the 9’4 Mango Jam
Hey Jim, First off thank you for the kind words. This is a tough one because both the Mango and the Apex are great longboards with a lot of similarities. I have a 9’0 mango jam as well and it is a really small board. I hate to be a “liters” guy but the Diamond Drive and the 9’4 Mango are actually the same amount. Mango Jam is most likely going to work well in more non lined up surf but so would the diamond drive. My personal opinion is just to have something different grab an apex. It has a modern traditional feel that both the Mango and Diamond don’t have. It’s also an epic paddler and catches everything even in that small size. Since your not concerned with nose riding you can also just run a fin more geared towards maneuvering. Definitely way smaller then what I run. Most likely more in the 10 range. Hope this helps and if you have any other questions feel free to reach out. .
Put the order in for a 9’1”, should be here in a couple of weeks, just in time for the small EC summer. Got a couple fins I’m going to try . A 9.75 Tyler Warren pivot and a 9.5 PG Big Red. I’ll give you an update after I’ve had a chance to ride it a bit . Thanks and keep up the reviews 🤙
I really appreciate your reviews, especially this one for the Apex. You obviously put a ton of work into it and I find your breakdown extremely helpful. Looking to get the 9’6” and pair it with the 10” Volan version of the Power Flex for our sometimes peeling beach breaks and use a 9.5” Classic pivot for a slow peeling river mouth/sand bar break. I weigh about 180lbs in a wetsuit if anyone has thoughts about this combination. Thanks again for your great review.
In the nose ride section of the review you mention that the hard rail in the tail affects nose riding in a negative way. Can you please expand on that a little more? Thx
Thanx for a great review of that board, it looks like a modern pig model, do you think it should works with a D fin? Usually i use a pivot fin with a large base
@@surfcraftunion this is why I keep coming back to your channel lmao. We seem to have our eyes on all the same boards but you actually buy and ride them while I over analyze on the internet. Looking forward to the review.
Thanks to this excellent review I pulled the trigger on a 9'1" (im 5'6" 185lbs). This board paddles onto amything. Got a fins unlimited alphaflex 9.75" fin for it and works really well bit was wondering if you would have any recommendation for a second fin. I had the best longboard ride Ive ever had on a longboard a coupke of days ago. This board is quick and fast, goes down the line like a bullet. Thanks again
Hey sorry about the delayed response. But depending on what you want to get out of the board with the second fin will kinda help your decision. If the fins unlimited fin is giving you all you need in the maneuvering department but maybe want more hold on the nose. I would try the classic pivot fin by flying diamonds to switch it up. Or try the sea monster fin too. It’s much more area but still really playful. Hope this helps.
I have the 9'1" and totally agree with your review. Great board super easy to paddle ( never been able to knee paddle a 9'1"before) Catches waves amazingly easy and turns on a dime.
I find I can do manoeuvres on this board that are beyond traditional style surfing on boards without edge in the tail.. like a drop knee slash in the pocket to dump speed. I surf mostly reef breaks that have lots of fat and slab sections. Had some great nose rides on the fat sections pointed almost straight at the beach. Yet to surf it in perfect peeling uniform waves but can't wait.
Flies through the slabby sections where you really need to make it or do the rock dance.
I also have a Parallax but find the Apex even more fun.
I have a 9'11" Guerrero but hard to compare the 2 due to length difference. I think the Apex actually paddles easier. I am 80 kg and 180cm. Keep up the awesome reviews.
Thanks David,
I have a 8'3 parallax on the way as well. I had the pleasure of borrowing one a few months ago in California. I really dug it as its almost more my style of "mid". But anyway I appreciate the feedback. I will be doing a Same Same But Different episode with a 9'6 Guerrero and a 9'1 Apex just because they are both in a similar volume category. Thanks again for the kind words and chat soon.
Hey David, how do you like the Guerrero. The same sized one just showed up on Craigslist for a decent price. Would you say it does well in all waves?
I have this board in a 9’6”. It’s amazing for me. I use the 10.5 flying diamonds pier flex by CJ. It’s what I have found to be best for this board. It’s like a beefier Greenough. But man does it make this board sing.
As far as the board getting dirty with the matte finish, I recommend using a magic eraser to get those spots out. It works for me great.
Good review and as far as special moments go, I agree. Every time I’m on this board I have the best time.
I have exactly same size board and fin like you, haha. Like you say, it works great!!
Awesome stuff. I will most likely grab that fin as well and take it for a test
@@surfcraftunion it’s the power flex. Not pier flex. Stupid thumbs! For the 9’1” I’d probably go to the 10” and not the 10.5”. But who knows? I’m stoked you liked the board. CJ is making boards for max enjoyment for everyone. I have found that sometimes, boards are too narrow in scope. Every board I’ve ridden from CJ has made me a better surfer. I just got a custom Sprout 2.0. Keep your eyes out for that one. A serious game changer. ✌🏻
@@flatwavemike1269 I need all the help I can get on the nose. Haha. So will most likely grab the 10.5. Sprout 2.0
@@flatwavemike1269 keeping an eye out for the 2.0
Excellent review….covered the key elements very well….it’s the next addition. Another viewer mentioned the Power Flex fin by Flying Diamond s and I know CJ uses that fin a lot in his Apex, as well as the Flying Diamonds Classic Pivot
Thanks Mark I really appreciate the feedback and suggestion.
What size fin does he use for the 9’1 Apex?
@@frankchen7346 Hello Frank, CJ runs his 9.5" Power Flex in the 9'1" Apex...he surfs with a ton of power and likes the beef of the Power Flex. Another good choice for the 9'1" Apex is CJ's Involvement fin....if you're primarily surfing off the tail or in trim, the Involvement will be a little looser. If spending a fair amount of time on the nose, then the Power Flex's larger base and overall template will give you more hold and directional stability.
@@phoqueskatboards4104 Thank you for this information! I'm about to get a Apex.
@@frankchen7346 You bet, Frank...it is an amazing board and works so well in such a wide range of conditions...it has become the primary board for many who get their hands on one. CJ and Ryan Engle worked for many months to get this board just the way CJ wanted it and he is on that board a lot just due to the fun and joy he gets out of riding it.
Great reviews! Really appreciate seeing these boards ridden in East Coast surf, by a regular guy rather than a professional. Great detail breaking down each aspect ( paddling, turning , trim etc) very helpful
I’ve got a 9’2” Diamond Drive in thunderbolt red and was looking for a complementary board for the smaller waves. I’m not a “Log” rider, like the feel of edge in the tail, not focused on noseriding , trying to decide between a 9’1 Apex and the 9’4 Mango Jam
Hey Jim,
First off thank you for the kind words. This is a tough one because both the Mango and the Apex are great longboards with a lot of similarities. I have a 9’0 mango jam as well and it is a really small board. I hate to be a “liters” guy but the Diamond Drive and the 9’4 Mango are actually the same amount. Mango Jam is most likely going to work well in more non lined up surf but so would the diamond drive. My personal opinion is just to have something different grab an apex. It has a modern traditional feel that both the Mango and Diamond don’t have. It’s also an epic paddler and catches everything even in that small size. Since your not concerned with nose riding you can also just run a fin more geared towards maneuvering. Definitely way smaller then what I run. Most likely more in the 10 range. Hope this helps and if you have any other questions feel free to reach out. .
@@surfcraftunion Thanks for that insight, makes good sense
Put the order in for a 9’1”, should be here in a couple of weeks, just in time for the small EC summer. Got a couple fins I’m going to try . A 9.75 Tyler Warren pivot and a 9.5 PG Big Red. I’ll give you an update after I’ve had a chance to ride it a bit . Thanks and keep up the reviews 🤙
@@jimnorton4106 that’s going to be awesome. Big red should be real awesome
Great insight and a detailed review. Thank you. 😀🤙
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
I really appreciate your reviews, especially this one for the Apex. You obviously put a ton of work into it and I find your breakdown extremely helpful. Looking to get the 9’6” and pair it with the 10” Volan version of the Power Flex for our sometimes peeling beach breaks and use a 9.5” Classic pivot for a slow peeling river mouth/sand bar break. I weigh about 180lbs in a wetsuit if anyone has thoughts about this combination. Thanks again for your great review.
Thanks so much. So… check out my review with the apex and the Ben skinner fin. It’s under Fin Chats. It’s a insane combo.
Thanks for that. Have just watched your fin chats and that’s really helpful too. Have left a comment/question there for you.
Have now received a 9’6” Apex with Powerflex 10” fin and have a Farberow Flex10” on its way. Of course the waves have gone now.
Another nice one!
Your reviews are fantastic .... You always try out boards I'm interested in or you introduce me to something new I would like to try. Thank you. 😄🤙
Thank you for the kind words. Stoked your enjoying. Many more to come
Hey are you likely to review a Parallax anytime? Most people seem to rave about them and be super keen to hear your thoughts.
Great joob, love your video template bro.
Please do more reviews with longboards ✌
💯 on it
Nice video! The matte finish issue make me laugh, cause I have exactly same though when I look my 9’6 apex, but like you, not really care it🤣🤣
I will take function over fashion any day
Great review as usual, thanks ! Any feedback on beachbreak more crumby waves ?
Great reviews well done 👍 can you do a review on the c j Nelson Neo classic
Working on that. There is a local fella that will hopefully let me borrow it.
@@surfcraftunion Yeah, I' love to see a review of the CJ Nelson Neo Classic and how it compares to the Sprout.
@@frankchen7346 Two boards I have not ridden but certainly working on it.
Do you plan on doing a comparison video with the Guerrero?
That is correct. I will be doing a Same Same But Different video with those as well.
@@surfcraftunion looking forward to it!
In the nose ride section of the review you mention that the hard rail in the tail affects nose riding in a negative way. Can you please expand on that a little more? Thx
very very good review!!
Thanx for a great review of that board, it looks like a modern pig model, do you think it should works with a D fin? Usually i use a pivot fin with a large base
Wonder how this compares to a Mango Jam. Obviously a huge volume difference but very curious still.
So actually I am releasing the Mango Jam in the next few weeks. I had a 9'0. 2 completely different boards.
@@surfcraftunion this is why I keep coming back to your channel lmao. We seem to have our eyes on all the same boards but you actually buy and ride them while I over analyze on the internet. Looking forward to the review.
@@brian2973 Appreciate that!
@@surfcraftunion cool! Can you tell me where to see your Mango Jam review? Thx
@@quentinolbrechts7494 I think it’s coming up next. Probably in the next couple weeks
Hi there! I was surprised to see CJ recommending 10.5 for all Apex board lengths, does that sound right to you for a 9.1? Thanks!
Thanks to this excellent review I pulled the trigger on a 9'1" (im 5'6" 185lbs).
This board paddles onto amything.
Got a fins unlimited alphaflex 9.75" fin for it and works really well bit was wondering if you would have any recommendation for a second fin.
I had the best longboard ride Ive ever had on a longboard a coupke of days ago. This board is quick and fast, goes down the line like a bullet.
Thanks again
Hey sorry about the delayed response. But depending on what you want to get out of the board with the second fin will kinda help your decision. If the fins unlimited fin is giving you all you need in the maneuvering department but maybe want more hold on the nose. I would try the classic pivot fin by flying diamonds to switch it up. Or try the sea monster fin too. It’s much more area but still really playful. Hope this helps.
@@surfcraftunion tagged you in a couple of posts on insta for you to see
Hello,
What is you weight?
Thanks.
I am around 150 or so in a wetsuit
Thanks.
Can you compare apex and sprout?
@@miguelgama515 apex is way more technical in how it wants to surf. Wide points are in two different places making the sprout much more nose friendly
Do recomended the apex 9.1 or sprout 9.2 for surf in 70% beach breaks?
I'm beginner/intermidiate surfer and my weight is 140.
Thanks
@@miguelgama515 I would go apex. They just work better in quick waves
Hey Everyone,
turn the music waaaaaay down when talking! I bailed out of this video @ 2:mins