I had not ridden a channel islands board in over 10 years, however after seeing this review and you ripping, I just recently grabbed a rocket 9. Above and beyond the best small wave board I have ever surfed in my life. I took your advice on the 2 + 1 fin setup and my god the board Flys while still maintaining a super skatey, but controlled feel. I have a new found love for small waves and Channel Islands surfboards thanks to the rocket 9. Thanks again for the epic review Noel, I could not be more stoked on the rocket 9!
Stoked you like the board Waller!!! The Rocket 9 is such a fun board and the fin set up is so fun to ride. It does make small wave surfing fun. Cheers and thank for commenting on the show.
I am 59 and purchased a 5'10" rocket 9 thruster fcs 2 fin plugs in November 2016. Found the board good, but lacked something. Tried several different fins just not right. Had my first surf today in 3' to 5' surf with MR twins and trailer in this board. So much faster and responsive. These fins are staying in. Thanks Noel for fin info.
My go to board on days 2-6 ft long period days. Personally for me works best as a thruster but smaller fins than your recommended weight. I usually ride large thruster size fins (I weigh 184-187 lbs) but I put size medium thruster and it goes perfect. Allows me to take off behind the peak, pump bottom turn, then go vertical. Still wide enough up front to paddle and accelerate or weight the front foot for fins free type lip turns
After owning this board for a couple of months, i finally got my hands on a set of Futures AMT alpha fins (only now the distributor in the UK could get any). The difference in the board with the AMT's is insane. so much more speed and drive, loose but heaps of control. the board goes like a cut snake from the off ! my experience with the Rocket 9 is if the waves are really punchy and hollow it'll work as a thruster, but if the waves are not so critical, the twinny trailer combo just raises the fun factor through the roof ! thanks again for the advice Noel, spot on as usual bro.
Mark Daniel So stoked you got a set. The Rocket 9 is a pretty sick board and it's super fun to play with the fins on this board too. Sounds like you have it dialed now. Cheers!!!
Got this last month as my main board. I have been surfing it in 2-5 waves around ventura and malibu and am in love with it. I am 6'2 and got a 30 L board as I'm just getting back into surfing but it pulls me into waves and gives me crazy maneuverability. thank you for taking the time to make these reviews! hope to see you in the water
Dean Payne Cheers, this R9 went good with the Al Merrick Twins + Trailer. With a regular Thruster set it didn’t have the speed or wow factor to it. Now I also reviewed the R9 in Surftech’s EPS Fusion Dual Core and it had that extra pop and went good as a Thruster.
Easyerly the best surfboard review show on the web. Surprised all the other Surfboard manufacturer's don't send you there demo's to review. Thanks Noel.
Noel! Loved this board as a thruster, it was punchy Panama Beachbreak and tried the 2+1 but chose the Rocket9 in thruster setup is my new all-rounder. Great review.
Thanks glad you liked the review. I did not try this board at a beach break. Dane said the same thing.... Now I need to go try it out in Oside or DMJS as a thruster. Cheers!!!
Noel, another great review. Hands down the most informative surfboard reviews on RUclips. Enjoyed how you used the Trace to test fins and compared the speed. I've seen your other reviews and just demo'ed a Sampler at NLand Surf Park in Austin and kind of fell in love with it. I really enjoyed riding that board even though it was bigger than what I'm used to but went into my local surf shop and saw the Rocket 9. The employee helping me was really high on that board. My current go to boards are a Proctor G4+ 5'10 (26.7 liters) and a 5'9" Sci Fi (29.2 liters). I've been riding the G4+ when the waves are good and the the Sci-Fi in smaller stuff. I like the volume on the Sci-Fi and it paddles well for me. I live in South San Diego and mostly surf Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach, and PB. Occasionally, Blacks, Cardiff, and Swami's. Given my current quiver and surf spots, would you recommend the Sampler or the Rocket 9?
Jason G Stoked you like the show! I think you will love the Sampler as a small wave performance board in the 1-4 range. Great Summer board for sure. The Rocket 9 is a bit more versatile and I think it goes good in 2-6 foot surf. It has a bit more rocker and a pulled in swallow tail so it will surf like a high performance short board. Both boards are epic you just need to pick what you are looking for. The Sampler is a legit Groveler and the Rocket 9 is a good daily driver as a Thruster and maybe go Twin Fin with a small trailer for blazing speed in the small stuff. Cheers.
Hard to leave a review prior to riding the board. Just getting over an injury and have a freshy rocket 9 I am taking out this weekend. I am totally frothing. I love your reviews. Thx.
Stoked to hear you like the reviews and that you got a fresh Rocket 9. You are going to love that board!!!!! Let me know how it goes for you..... Cheers!
For more of a hollower beach break - newps for example - what fin would you run. More of the mtf big sides with smaller trailer or a standard thruster?
Even though they are different, I like Noel salas board reviews better than shred show Chris whatever his last name is board reviews for the simple fact Noel talks in a normal human voice about the sticks and backs it up with exceptional surf footage while shred show Chris guy just talks, screams and literally inappropriately molests the boards and doesn't really have any of his own footage to back up what he saying. So I like this guy Noel salas as best surfboard review guy on the RUclips !
Wyatt thanks again for the props on the show. I think the Shred Show is pretty cool and Chris is very entertaining to listen too. Our shows are completely different even though we both review surfboards. Just two different styles but it's all for the common good in the surf community. Cheers!!!
Finally i got myself one. Many comments plus noel mentioned thruster as non drivy board. I got myself a flexbar rocker 9 and the board flys on thruster setup.
In a head high, plus/minus, hollow beach break would you go with the Rocket 9 or Black & White?Also, the surf in your videos are seriously depressing me... what an insane wave (Lower Trestles) it's hard to believe it even exist. Only surfed it once.... felt like I was cheating.
Great video review.. Going to test ride 5'11" Rocket9 that got for Rip Curl in SC, Channel Island demo day.. plan to buy one tomorrow after my test ride. BTW the way I use the Trace, I follow you on Trace, I also met with the Trace team in HB last month..great technology. Maybe I will see you out at Trestles some time.
Stoked to hear your going to test drive a Rocket 9 this weekend. Let me know how you like it... Yea I like my Trace unit. If you see me out there make sure you introduce yourself. Cheers!!!!
Thanks for the reply Noel. I rode the Rocket 9 for the first time today and felt the lack of drive. I saw the AMT also come in “alpha” construction which is a bit cheaper, any experience with that construction? Thanks again ! 🙏
Hey, could you do some surf lessons(backside/frontside snap, bottom turns). You surf so naturally and i would personally love to see some surf tutorials from a surfer like you. Thank you. Best wishes from Basque country, spain.
Thanks for reaching out and the request. You are the second person asking for this and I will consider it if the request get more frequent. Stoked your watching the show in Spain. Cheers!!!!
I second that! Your reviews are the best out there because you're a great surfer but more importantly a really thorough and natural communicator. I hate reading trick tips or instructionals from CT pros or free surf giants like JJF or Dane. They're always like "basically, you just, like, get as much speed as possible, and make sure you look over your shoulder as you go inverted above the lip. Then just, like, stick the landing and ride away clean."
Thanks for the comments on my communication skills that I really appreciate it. I love those tips from the pro's and they make is look so easy that's probably why the talk about it so simply too. If I do some technical on maneuvers it would be on how to gain speed in and out of your turns using your rails. Thank you again for the idea and request......
Hey Noel, great review! I'm 23, 6'0 and 155 lb. Been surfing most my life but am probably in the intermediate range. What length board would you recommend for me? Been looking at the 5'8 and 5'9 mostly. Thanks
I have a couple couple twin fins. A 5'10 MR and a smaller one with keels. Don't know the liters for either. My shortboard is a rusty slayer. 5'9 and 26.9 L but it has felt super small for a while now. Trying to get a board that works a bit better with steep faces than my twin fins but still in the small-mid waves range (for the fun beachies out front my house). I'm thinking this is the board i've been looking for but can't decide between the 5'8 or 5'9. Kind of a tricky for you to answer but thanks in advance for your response.
Gabriel Frota I would say 5'8 for your weight. I think the 5'9 had too much volume and width for the type of wave you are describing. I don't like a super wide board in steep waves. That's my two cents. Let me know what you choose and how it goes.
Hey Noel thanks for all the great reviews. If you were to choose between this board and the Lost Psycho Killer for a 1 board quiver, which would you choose? I surf OB SF and am near your level. Thanks
Do you like the sampler or the rocket 9 more? Specifically as a board geared toward waist-shoulder high beach breaks. I surf central FL beach breaks like Sebastian inlet etc and am trying to decide between the sampler or the Rocket 9 as my "grovel" type of board. I love my black and white and Peregrine which are flatter like the sampler but I also love my DFR that has tons of rocker more like the rocket 9 so I'm basically stuck on which model to choose. Advanced skill level surfer just trying to decide which model is a better fit for the mushier and smaller days which is 75% of the time here in FL. Looking for a high performance board that is geared specifically towards slightly softer smaller beach breaks. Thanks!
TRIKushbeachside Thanks for reaching out. I say Sampler 100% for small mushy beach break. I think the Rocket 9 has too much tail rocker to be true Groveler for me. The Sampler will have way more speed and drive through flat spots. That's my two cents.... cheers!!!!
Can't help but think there's a bit too much tail rocker causing the loss of drive as a thruster. Reckon it could make the board a good choice for an average surfer in decent sized waves, easy wave catching and able to stay in the pocket.
The tail rocker is medium and I think it is a good daily driver. Remember the Thruster set up is Danes favorite way to ride it even at Lowers where I surf. We all surf a bit different. The cool thing about this board is the options in which you can ride it. Thruster set up on steep beach break and twin fin set up with a small trailer for small mushy waves. This board is a good example of a 2 in 1. Very versatile.....
I just found this channel today and am definitely subscribing I am looking to buy a surfboard probly getting a mod pod which u also made a video on I appreciate they way u talk and show you on the board super helpfull
Epic!! Stoked you like the show and the Pod Mod is one of the best Groveler boards I have ever ridden. I also have friends that got one and they swear by it too. Let me know if you get one and how it goes for you. Cheers!!!
Thanks I just got one yesterday and just got back from the beach to try it out i liked it a lot even though the waves were pretty crap and small but I had fun
Hey Noel Do you think this board works as a HPSB? Would it like headhigh to double overhead hollower waves? I have a daily driver but am looking for something that can handle the bigger, heavier days
Hey, I'm looking at the Rocket9 and the Pyzalien as daily drivers. I'm looking for something that is ok in mushy or steep (but not barreling) beach break waves from waist to head high. Any recommendations?
Thanks for the review Noel! Just wondering, ive heard the board is not very durable in PU construction. Is that because of the PU or does the low durability come from a weaker glass etc. As an example, would the rocket9 with PU be no different to a JS board with PU in terms of durability? thanks
anthony16675478 Stoked you like the review. In your example both boards in PU from two different makers in stock off the racks should have roughly the same durability. There is some exceptions though... I had a JS with a PU foam from Australia that was very strong. Less pressure dents then any other PU board I have ever had with a stock glass job. If you are looking for more durability then I recommend XTR or EPS. They last longer and more durable...the FireWire LFT and Helium technologies are very durable as well. The Helium technology by FireWire is one of the best I have ever ridden.... great flex and very little pressure dents. Cheers
Have you ridden Tanner's Shadowfax? I got my hands on one and ride it mostly in HB/Newport area when its good and the board is total magic for me. I was looking at a sampler for a small wave compliment because I loved the demo rides I had on it. The rocket 9 looks so much fun though, and I would order it in the same height... Which one would pair better with a HPSB for those smaller days?
I have not ridden a Shadowfax yet but one of my friends swears by it. I have also seen Tanner out at Lowers shredding on his so I hope it becomes a model for sure so I can do a review on it soon. I am a little biased to the Sampler for small mushy waves because it goes so fast. The Rocket 9 is also really fun but it has a bit more tail rocker than the Sampler so it is not as fast in the mush or down the line in small waves for me. However the Rocket 9 can cross over to a bit bigger. punchier wave better than the Sampler so that's up to you. If you are strictly talking small mushy waves then Sampler all day long for me..... Cheers!
dont know if anyone gives a shit but if you guys are stoned like me during the covid times you can watch all the new movies and series on InstaFlixxer. Have been binge watching with my gf lately :)
Chris Patane O really like the Weirdo Ripper in 3-6 foot surf. It has a good amount of rocker in it so it needs some power to go good. The Rocket 9 is a bit more versatile and goes better in smaller waves. Both boards a really fun though.
Hey Noel, Do you think that a sampler 6'2 38.6 liters and a rocket 9 at 6'1 @ 37 liters are in the same wave category? I have come to understand that every liter makes a big difference, furthermore the outline and the contours play a major role when it comes to riding waves. For example, even though they might fall under the same wave performance category another board with slightly different dimensions and contours can allow you to excel better for a different wave type. I have a sampler and it's great for small surf, however when the wave gets big it begins to get a little clunky under my feet. The new flyer is great as well but I feel that it needs a little push in order to really get flying. My 3 board quiver consists of the sampler as a groveler plus, new flyer at 3' to overhead and the rook 15 for anything greater than that, however I feel there is a gap in my quiver between the sampler and the new flyer, I was thinking of filling that gap with the Rocket 9. What are your thoughts?
Well done in building your quiver and I agree that you could feel that gap between the boards in your quiver. The Rocket 9 will hit the spot for what you are looking for. However you should be concerned about the volume at 37 liters because you will feel the difference. I would try to get that volume closer 38 or 39 and some change. Maybe consider a custom Rocket 9 so you can get exactly what you want.
Hey Noel, thanks for this amazing review! This review actually helped me pick this board. I just got the Rocket 9 as a custom 5'8" with 29,2L. I'm 5'8, weigh 180 pounds and am from Costa Rica (I'm almost always surfing beach breaks like Hermosa on the weekends). I am new in the "twin fin world" and wanted to ask you about it since I want to try it out on this board after what you said on the fin set ups. I have noticed twin fins don't come in your standard "S", "M" or "L" templates. Is this correct? I wanted to see if the MTF template you tried out will fit me and what size to get it in; according to my weght. I normally use "M" fins and they suit me perfectly, so I want the same in twin fins. Also, I cant find the MTF model you mentioned on the Future Fin webpage... I think they are Channel Island fins but cant fin them on their webpage. Where can I find this set up? And how would you pick between those fins, the Futures AMT twin fin model and the Futures T1 twin fin model? These are all the models I can find for Twin fins for a Future fin box set. Hope you can help me out with the fin set up! If you're ever in Costa Rica let me know and I'll hook you up with some nice surf spots. Thanks, David
David, thank you for the props on the review and I am stoked you like that Rocket 9. Twin fin sets come in large sets only because most twin fin boards have such a wide tail. When you ride a small wave board that has a wide tail (roughly 14.5 and wider) they work best with a Large fin because the wide tail creates resistance and propels the board forward. You want to enhance that with a large fin because the large fin will work much like the wide tail on small wave board by creating lift. More lift equals more speed..... I would also suggest you getting your hands on a set of regular thruster set in Large for those smaller mushy days. Your small wave boards will have way more drive. Here is the link on the Twin Fins that I recommend from the Futures web page. Cheers and I hope this helps!!! they are called the AMT Honeycomb. futuresfins.com/en-us/famt-robber-honeycomb-smoke-1117-110-00-detail
I am so stoked you answered so quickly, thank you for taking the time out! Much appreciated. What you have said makes perfect sense since Large fins normally have longer bases and more drive. I have been using the Medium Yu fins from Futures for the past year with my New Flyer model, they worked out perfectly and are great "all-rounders". I was torn away from Large fins because I felt they created too much resistance for my turns; but with what you have mentioned I will try some out on the Rocket. My brother has the Large AM2 fins so I'll steal them from him whenever it gets flat and mushy and give it a try haha how would Blackstix work on this board? I have the EA Blackstix 3.0 model and they are supposedly good for generating speed. Last night, reading and looking at fins, I ran into your Channel Islands "Twin Fin" surfboard review and you do a great comparison between the AMT fins and the T1. Seeming as the AMT have less rake and are more pivotal (they like the pocket like I do) I'll buy those. Thank you for that review as well! How big of a wave do you think the AMT could work in? Are these good for barrels? I regularly dont surf waves bigger than 8ft and summer is coming, so if we are lucky we'll get some nice 4-5ft barrels. I was just thinking if Twin fins (and the AMT, specifically) are only for small waves and I'll have to use my regular Thruster set up for when the waves get a bit steeper and bigger on the Rocket. But now that you mentioned I should use the Large thruster set up for when they are small and mushy, I am a bit confused! Thanks for the response and sorry for the chatter, I'm just excited I found a great source for fin knowledge. It's hard to find people that know what they are talking about down here; wish I could sit and chat with people like you guys and spare myself some time and money! David
David sorry for any confusion. I think you should try the AM2 (Large) fin your brother has on the Rocket 9 in small waves and just see if you notice the extra speed. It doesn't cost you anything right.... I am 5'9 at 170lbs and ride a Large fin 90% of the time. Granted I am not surfing hollow beach break like Hermosa every weekend but I think you could even ride a L fin in that hollow surf up to 3-4'. I want to maximize speed in smaller surf and when the waves get a little bigger I want to do more turns then I would switch to your Medium YU's. The reason for riding a M fin in the bigger surf is to get the fins and rails working together and the M fin will help you control speed and not cause the tail to lift and make the board feel like its going to slide out. The boards of today inherently have enough lift in their designs already so we do not want the extra lift from a L fin in big waves. The AMT fin set just makes the Rocket 9 super fast in small waves and it helps drive through the mush on wave like Jaco beach. These fins will barrel ride just fine in 3-4' and under after that I would switch to your Medium YU's. With all of this being said my point is to have fun and try multiple fin sets if you can afford it and change the feel of your board. This is what makes the Rocket 9 so versatile and fun to ride.
Noel, thank you again for taking the time out. This has really changed my way of looking at Large fins and Medium fins. For some reason I always thought that since the Large are bigger they would generate more drag and stop me from turning correctly, but this makes much more sense. Thank you so much! I had just one last question > between the large thruster set up and the twin AMT fins, which would be better for small surf to generate speed? or turns? I was wondering about the difference between these two set ups in small surf. Thanks again man, much appreciated! David
Hey there mate, nice review again. Can you tell me if there is a big difference between the future fin honeycomb and the channel islands RTM tech 1? If there is a difference what would that be? Cheers mate
Glad you liked the review and thanks for the comment. Both fins feel the same to me and the only difference that I can see is the foam core honey comb inside the fin are larger In the RTM Tech 1. Cheers!
daniel vb Good question. Not sure how that would work. I would hit the folks up at CI for that one. Not sure the Rocket 9 would go good with a round tail.
valentina bordoni Glad you like the review!!! Good question.... maybe give it a try and then post your comments for all of to see. This is what our show is all about. Cheers!!!
Hi Noel, Just wanted to confirm when you describe wave size are you referring to wave face height or the back of the wave? This will allow me to understand what fins will work best with my rocket 9 when you describe wave heights suit certain types of fins. I'm 6 foot 3 inches in height and in New Zealand we refer to wave height by the feet height of the back of the wave. So when we say a wave is 3ft high it is regarded as a 'good head height wave' so if I'm at the bottom of the wave standing at full height then a 3ft wave will have the the top / crest of the wave at the same level as the top of my head or just above the top of my head. So when you say you will ride the rocket 9 up to 5 to 6ft wave height are you referring to a near double over head height wave (as we would measure it in NZ)? Or would it be based on the 'face height of the wave' and therefore a 5 to 6ft wave you are in fact describing as a head height to just over head height wave? Cheers, Frank.
The feedback helps as I have tried my rocket 9 (6'1" high board) in what we in NZ would call 4ft high waves that are waves being nicely over head height wave faces (what you would describe as 6 to 8ft if i am reading you correctly?) but not as large as head and a half high wave faces. It went well as a thruster set up in the 4ft NZ wave height conditions but when I tried the twin fin trailer it was too loose and slide out at the base of the wave during backhand bottom turns.
How does the tail rocker on the Rocket 9 compare to the black and white? I have a 6'0 black and white and thinking about a rocket 9. Just thinking about how extreme the tail rocker is and how much it will hinder the board in smaller flatter surf...
Sorry for the delayed response. I think the B&W has more tail rocker than the Rocket 9. With that being said the Rocket 9 will be better is smaller surf compared to the B&W but I think the Sampler and Pod Mod work much better as Grovelers. I think the Rocket 9 is very versatile and would be a great 2 in 1 board for someone who wants one board to handle surf from 2-6 foot surf. Waist high and under PM or Sampler for me all day long. Just saying!!!
Great review but the thruster issue/slowness really puts me off getting one - not feeling the current CI models. Lost have a way more user friendly range IMO.
Thanks for the comment and I am glad you like the review. I think what makes the Rocket 9 fun is that you can ride as a thruster or with the 2+1 setup. Dane loves his as a thruster and I think many people will have a difference of opinion on what feels and works best for them when they try one. On a different note I think the Lost boards look good too and so do the Fire Wire's, JS's, DHD's, Hayden shapes etc.... but I am working on CI's at this time but maybe someday soon I will review some of these other models. Cheers!!!
Thanks for the reply Noel. BTW, which is your favourite CI for an everyday all rounder in mostly average beach breaks? I have a few Remixs which I have loved - not sure whether you ever had that model.
+A Morgan I never tried that model but my favorite all around er for beach breaks is the Black and White. Low entry rocker and med to aggressive exit rocker.
Hey Bro! I'm looking for new board which will last me for long time and will be good for smaller waves and also there will be room for improve. Is this good choice? I was using Fish 6.0 mostly in Indonesia and i was fine but sometimes it felt little wider than should. Now i living in Vancouver so Tofino, Washington and Oregon are my spots but i will move to New Zealand in late 2017. Thanks a lot you rocks ! Im 175cm and 72kg.
Adam Řehák I think the Rocket 9 is very versatile and can go in 2-6 foot surf. I know that a wide range but it felt good in bigger surf because of the tail rocker. If you want it to last a long time you might want to consider getting it in the Flexbar construction. Just a thought.
Hi Noel, great show you have and thus love your advice as I'm heading to northern Indo and looking for a board that would suit 3ft to 4ft waves (head to near head and a half size waves) to suit reef break waves with semi steep faces to barreling waves again in the 3ft to 4ft range. I'm 6'4" in height and 215lbs. My surf skill level is intermediate / slightly advanced. I currently own a 6'1" New Flyer (with a rounded pin tail) which I purchased for this 3-4ft size surf range so as to ride it in hollow down the line point break waves and have struggled to enjoy ridding it and find it hard to get into waves (is that due tot he aggressive entry rocker?). I also have a 6'0" #4 groveler for 2-3ft waves which goes really well for me in all conditions (went really well in hollow / tubing beach break waves recently) apart form mushy soft days when I ride my 6'0" Pod Mod (I've found the Pod Mod is an awesome board in good shape waves as well and handles up to 3ft, I can see why you love it as well as you noted in your review for the Pod Mod). For the type of board I'm after would you think the Rocket 9 would suit or maybe perhaps the JS Monsta Box as an alternative? Love to hear your thoughts. Cheers, Frank.
Francis Stanton Stoked you like the show!!! I am happy to hear that you are enjoying your Pod Mod and #4. Not sure about your struggles on the NF but it should go good on your trip. On another note I think you will enjoy the Rocket 9 and Fever for the wave size you are looking for. Both of these boards can handle steeper faced hollow waves.
Thanks for the insightful feedback as always Noel, great to get your perspective! Regarding the NF struggles, its just not so easy to paddle into waves and get up on my feet as early as on my other CI boards that I noted, and in hollow waves (especially over reef) I want to get into the wave as soon as possible to avoid super late drops. Is the latest with getting up on the NF due to the aggressive entry rocker it comes with? I see the Rocket would be far less aggressive in the entry rocker and thus easier to paddle and get up earlier? I kind of have to sell my NF to purchase the Rocket so need to make a call either way. Cheers again for your good work and great show!
Francis Stanton The NF does have a bit more rocker and that will slow your paddle a bit so maybe do a custom one next time with a little more volume. The Rocket 9 will paddle better for sure with the point front of center and less rocker. I also like it because of the pulled in swallow for a bit more performance too. I think it will go good in 3-6 foot surf. Enjoy and let me know how it goes.
I think you might be right..... I would only go 5'9" in length at the most for where I surf but that extra length will give me more drive like you are talking about. I would only go 5'11 on punchy beach break. Great idea though..... Thanks
Thanks for the question. It sounds to me that you want it as more of a standard shortboard. If I were your height and our same weight I would order the Rocket 9 at 5'11 x 18 7/8 x 2 5/16 at 27.5 Liters. This would give me a little more volume to paddle into those hollow waves. If you need more volume then I would go 2 3/8 thick and the volume would be 28.2.
Yea John thanks for the comment. I know they dent pretty easy but the flex and feel is good. Did you have a chance to watch the Construction review I just did this week? If you want a board that will last longer and dent less then I recommend the XTR Construction or Varial Foam with Polyester Resin. The XTR has great flex and it wont dent very easy either. These two types of boards will last quite a bit longer compared to PU. Let me know what you think.....
The Flexbar model and their EPS is a little bit more durable and yes the buoyancy is better than the normal PU. I would say the float is better by 1/2 to 1 full liter. I think the durability is ok on the Flexbar but the XTR Construction is way more durable. It will not have nearly the pressure dents as a PU or the EPS, or Flexbar board.I think that Rocket 9 can handle roughly 6 foot surf.
I have a Sampler but i love the Sampler in 2-5ft but it doesn't work well in OH range surf so I'm looking for a board going for 4-8ft wave. what would you recommend??
Great question and I think this is a great comparison. I think the Sampler has more speed down the line and a little wider tail so it will do better in small mushy waves. On the other hand the Rocket9 is more versatile because of the tail rocker so it can handle a bigger wave with some power and still do vertical surfing without feeling like the board is going to slide out. It also matters where your home break is. Punchy beach break I would want the Rocket9 because of the tail rocker but mushy beach break or even a wave with more slope to it I would want the Sampler. I hope this helps.... Cheers.
+Surf Show and Tell Reviews thanks for the answer! you really helped me to decide.. the sampler will be a better choice.. I usually surf in a 1-2 feet beach break and its not punchy...
Thank you for your review Noel. I used the Large CI Tech 1 fins in my new Flex Bar Rocket 9 at Rincon on a bigger day and it was fine but I felt like I was doing the exact same turn over and over - which was pretty boring. Saw your vid and got the True Ames Stussy Twin w/ trailer fin and OMG, I LOVE IT. www.trueames.com/collections/system-fins/products/copy-of-s-double-twin-combo-set-futures-compatible. I'd suggest these for ANYONE with a Rocket 9. They're the twin fin (w/ trailer) setup that is closest to a thruster but still 100% noticeably better on this board. I went from the same ol' boring turn... to what will the board do next! Also - I want to say it helped that i could watch you surf on your Rocket 9's and see how well the twin/trailer setup worked for you. I needed proof on the twin setup to push me to take the plunge on yet another set of $100 fins. Worth every penny - thanks again.
So stoked you found some fins to keep that board fresh and exciting. Thanks for the post and I hope this helps others that are looking for options on their Rocket 9. Cheers!!!
okay okay, but not that music,…. do some earlier Americana music. Y'know, the new old. Or, check out the vid of Kong Elkerton killing it at Bells Beach in 1983/1984("the early years", especially gouging at 3:05 to 3:20 on that vid),… and use that soundtrack,…. as a good example of a soundtrack to use. Everyone has an opinion y'know. I have to turn the volume off for the tune you have on the vid.
You are so funny man. You asked me to change up the music and you see that I am open. I will check out the sound track you are talking about.... I am trying to get my hands on a bunch of music to make it different and fun. As always thank you for your comment because I value your opinion. Cheers!!!
![Kodak Black - Sharp Vibes [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/oEV0OoLJeIs/mqdefault.jpg)
I had not ridden a channel islands board in over 10 years, however after seeing this review and you ripping, I just recently grabbed a rocket 9. Above and beyond the best small wave board I have ever surfed in my life. I took your advice on the 2 + 1 fin setup and my god the board Flys while still maintaining a super skatey, but controlled feel. I have a new found love for small waves and Channel Islands surfboards thanks to the rocket 9. Thanks again for the epic review Noel, I could not be more stoked on the rocket 9!
Stoked you like the board Waller!!! The Rocket 9 is such a fun board and the fin set up is so fun to ride. It does make small wave surfing fun. Cheers and thank for commenting on the show.
I am 59 and purchased a 5'10" rocket 9 thruster fcs 2 fin plugs in November 2016. Found the board good, but lacked something. Tried several different fins just not right. Had my first surf today in 3' to 5' surf with MR twins and trailer in this board. So much faster and responsive. These fins are staying in. Thanks Noel for fin info.
nigel forman So good to hear you figured it out. That board is so fun and fast with that set up. Thanks for the comment too. Cheers
My go to board on days 2-6 ft long period days. Personally for me works best as a thruster but smaller fins than your recommended weight. I usually ride large thruster size fins (I weigh 184-187 lbs) but I put size medium thruster and it goes perfect. Allows me to take off behind the peak, pump bottom turn, then go vertical. Still wide enough up front to paddle and accelerate or weight the front foot for fins free type lip turns
Also never get a board in ultra light, I’ve bought a couple ci ultralight glassed boards second hand from people and I’m constantly sun curing them
After owning this board for a couple of months, i finally got my hands on a set of Futures AMT alpha fins (only now the distributor in the UK could get any).
The difference in the board with the AMT's is insane. so much more speed and drive, loose but heaps of control. the board goes like a cut snake from the off !
my experience with the Rocket 9 is if the waves are really punchy and hollow it'll work as a thruster, but if the waves are not so critical, the twinny trailer combo just raises the fun factor through the roof !
thanks again for the advice Noel, spot on as usual bro.
Mark Daniel So stoked you got a set. The Rocket 9 is a pretty sick board and it's super fun to play with the fins on this board too. Sounds like you have it dialed now. Cheers!!!
thanks for sharing this helpful info mark !
I was just looking at these fins today !, and I was wondering if the AMT's and the
T1 Alpha's are good for this board ?
Got this last month as my main board. I have been surfing it in 2-5 waves around ventura and malibu and am in love with it. I am 6'2 and got a 30 L board as I'm just getting back into surfing but it pulls me into waves and gives me crazy maneuverability. thank you for taking the time to make these reviews! hope to see you in the water
Nick Silver Yewww!!! So stoked you got a board that goes good for you. Good to hear your back out there surfing too. Cheers!!!!
Hey Noel I watch tons of your reviews and I gotta say that you look the best on this board
Dean Payne Cheers, this R9 went good with the Al Merrick Twins + Trailer. With a regular Thruster set it didn’t have the speed or wow factor to it.
Now I also reviewed the R9 in Surftech’s EPS Fusion Dual Core and it had that extra pop and went good as a Thruster.
This guy is really good at surfboard reviews . He rips , plus knows how to breakdown all pro an cons in detail. Keep it up Noel !
Epic.... thanks for the encouragement!!! Glad you like the show.
Great review man. Been riding the R9 as my go to board for a while, and have been enjoying as a thruster in most conditions haha
Easyerly the best surfboard review show on the web. Surprised all the other Surfboard manufacturer's don't send you there demo's to review. Thanks Noel.
Cheers!!! Thanks that means a bunch to us here at Surf Show and Tell.
Noel! Loved this board as a thruster, it was punchy Panama Beachbreak and tried the 2+1 but chose the Rocket9 in thruster setup is my new all-rounder. Great review.
Thanks glad you liked the review. I did not try this board at a beach break. Dane said the same thing.... Now I need to go try it out in Oside or DMJS as a thruster. Cheers!!!
another example why fin choice is important!!Great review! keep it up
Noel, another great review. Hands down the most informative surfboard reviews on RUclips. Enjoyed how you used the Trace to test fins and compared the speed. I've seen your other reviews and just demo'ed a Sampler at NLand Surf Park in Austin and kind of fell in love with it. I really enjoyed riding that board even though it was bigger than what I'm used to but went into my local surf shop and saw the Rocket 9. The employee helping me was really high on that board. My current go to boards are a Proctor G4+ 5'10 (26.7 liters) and a 5'9" Sci Fi (29.2 liters). I've been riding the G4+ when the waves are good and the the Sci-Fi in smaller stuff. I like the volume on the Sci-Fi and it paddles well for me. I live in South San Diego and mostly surf Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach, and PB. Occasionally, Blacks, Cardiff, and Swami's. Given my current quiver and surf spots, would you recommend the Sampler or the Rocket 9?
Jason G Stoked you like the show!
I think you will love the Sampler as a small wave performance board in the 1-4 range. Great Summer board for sure.
The Rocket 9 is a bit more versatile and I think it goes good in 2-6 foot surf. It has a bit more rocker and a pulled in swallow tail so it will surf like a high performance short board.
Both boards are epic you just need to pick what you are looking for. The Sampler is a legit Groveler and the Rocket 9 is a good daily driver as a Thruster and maybe go Twin Fin with a small trailer for blazing speed in the small stuff. Cheers.
+Surf n Show Reviews thank you for the feedback Noel! You're the man!
Jason G My pleasure!!! Let me know what you get and how it goes after you ride it a bit. Yew!!!!
Hard to leave a review prior to riding the board. Just getting over an injury and have a freshy rocket 9 I am taking out this weekend. I am totally frothing. I love your reviews. Thx.
Stoked to hear you like the reviews and that you got a fresh Rocket 9. You are going to love that board!!!!! Let me know how it goes for you..... Cheers!
For more of a hollower beach break - newps for example - what fin would you run. More of the mtf big sides with smaller trailer or a standard thruster?
I would go with the thruster set up for the beach break.
Thanks for your time!
You should get the chippa Wilson + npj 2+1 captain fin, it works great for boards like the rocket 9 ( small wave preformance with a swallow tail)
Yarin Ankori Those sounds good
Amazing review! Thanks
Great presentation , this boards design looks ideal for me .
Even though they are different, I like Noel salas board reviews better than shred show Chris whatever his last name is board reviews for the simple fact Noel talks in a normal human voice about the sticks and backs it up with exceptional surf footage while shred show Chris guy just talks, screams and literally inappropriately molests the boards and doesn't really have any of his own footage to back up what he saying. So I like this guy Noel salas as best surfboard review guy on the RUclips !
Wyatt thanks again for the props on the show. I think the Shred Show is pretty cool and Chris is very entertaining to listen too. Our shows are completely different even though we both review surfboards. Just two different styles but it's all for the common good in the surf community. Cheers!!!
Finally i got myself one. Many comments plus noel mentioned thruster as non drivy board. I got myself a flexbar rocker 9 and the board flys on thruster setup.
djpipe1 So stoked you got one and it goes good for you. I love the Flexbar Technology too.
In a head high, plus/minus, hollow beach break would you go with the Rocket 9 or Black & White?Also, the surf in your videos are seriously depressing me... what an insane wave (Lower Trestles) it's hard to believe it even exist. Only surfed it once.... felt like I was cheating.
Yes the wave is a joke... So good!!! I would go Rocket 9 in the small hollow stuff. A bit bigger I would go B&W.
Thanks.
Great video review.. Going to test ride 5'11" Rocket9 that got for Rip Curl in SC, Channel Island demo day.. plan to buy one tomorrow after my test ride.
BTW the way I use the Trace, I follow you on Trace, I also met with the Trace team in HB last month..great technology. Maybe I will see you out at Trestles some time.
Stoked to hear your going to test drive a Rocket 9 this weekend. Let me know how you like it... Yea I like my Trace unit. If you see me out there make sure you introduce yourself. Cheers!!!!
Thanks for the reply Noel. I rode the Rocket 9 for the first time today and felt the lack of drive. I saw the AMT also come in “alpha” construction which is a bit cheaper, any experience with that construction?
Thanks again ! 🙏
Chris Edney The Alpha tech AMT’s come with a really small trailer... I like the Honeycomb better.
I was just looking at these fins today !, and I was wondering if the AMT's or the
T1 Alpha's are good for this board , thank you for the post !
@@surfnshowreviews7777 thank you for you reply Noel ! :D
Hey, could you do some surf lessons(backside/frontside snap, bottom turns). You surf so naturally and i would personally love to see some surf tutorials from a surfer like you.
Thank you. Best wishes from Basque country, spain.
Thanks for reaching out and the request. You are the second person asking for this and I will consider it if the request get more frequent. Stoked your watching the show in Spain. Cheers!!!!
I second that! Your reviews are the best out there because you're a great surfer but more importantly a really thorough and natural communicator. I hate reading trick tips or instructionals from CT pros or free surf giants like JJF or Dane. They're always like "basically, you just, like, get as much speed as possible, and make sure you look over your shoulder as you go inverted above the lip. Then just, like, stick the landing and ride away clean."
Thanks for the comments on my communication skills that I really appreciate it. I love those tips from the pro's and they make is look so easy that's probably why the talk about it so simply too. If I do some technical on maneuvers it would be on how to gain speed in and out of your turns using your rails. Thank you again for the idea and request......
i just bought this as my first step down board from a mini mal. bought it as thruster but after this review i just ordered future amt alphas
jmlee84 So Sick.... let me know how they go!!! Cheers
Aye love the video man ! And perfect choice of Song for the video it had that true west coast feel!
You should be on the CT wow your ripping.
That's an amazing compliment but those CT guys are on a whole different planet.....
he used to be on the QS i think
Hey Noel, great review!
I'm 23, 6'0 and 155 lb. Been surfing most my life but am probably in the intermediate range. What length board would you recommend for me? Been looking at the 5'8 and 5'9 mostly.
Thanks
Gabriel Frota Cheers glad you liked the review! What DIMS and boards are you riding right now?
I have a couple couple twin fins. A 5'10 MR and a smaller one with keels. Don't know the liters for either. My shortboard is a rusty slayer. 5'9 and 26.9 L but it has felt super small for a while now.
Trying to get a board that works a bit better with steep faces than my twin fins but still in the small-mid waves range (for the fun beachies out front my house). I'm thinking this is the board i've been looking for but can't decide between the 5'8 or 5'9.
Kind of a tricky for you to answer but thanks in advance for your response.
Gabriel Frota I would say 5'8 for your weight. I think the 5'9 had too much volume and width for the type of wave you are describing. I don't like a super wide board in steep waves. That's my two cents. Let me know what you choose and how it goes.
Thank you, you just confirmed what I was thinking!
Gabriel Frota My pleasure
Hey Noel thanks for all the great reviews. If you were to choose between this board and the Lost Psycho Killer for a 1 board quiver, which would you choose? I surf OB SF and am near your level. Thanks
Cindy Manzo I like the PK better
Do you like the sampler or the rocket 9 more? Specifically as a board geared toward waist-shoulder high beach breaks. I surf central FL beach breaks like Sebastian inlet etc and am trying to decide between the sampler or the Rocket 9 as my "grovel" type of board. I love my black and white and Peregrine which are flatter like the sampler but I also love my DFR that has tons of rocker more like the rocket 9 so I'm basically stuck on which model to choose. Advanced skill level surfer just trying to decide which model is a better fit for the mushier and smaller days which is 75% of the time here in FL. Looking for a high performance board that is geared specifically towards slightly softer smaller beach breaks. Thanks!
TRIKushbeachside Thanks for reaching out. I say Sampler 100% for small mushy beach break. I think the Rocket 9 has too much tail rocker to be true Groveler for me. The Sampler will have way more speed and drive through flat spots. That's my two cents.... cheers!!!!
Thanks for the review! What are the fcs2 twin fins more Appropriate for this board? Cheers
Gabriel Pinciara FCSII makes the AM Twin plus trailer. That’s what I like in this Rocket 9.
Thanks mate. I just got it! Let's see how it goes! Cheers
Gabriel Pinciara how do they go?
Hey Noel! I saw this board in an epoxy construct, how would you think the epoxy version would fair compared to the PU?
Really enjoy your reviews!
I like the Rocker 9 in EPS
Can't help but think there's a bit too much tail rocker causing the loss of drive as a thruster. Reckon it could make the board a good choice for an average surfer in decent sized waves, easy wave catching and able to stay in the pocket.
The tail rocker is medium and I think it is a good daily driver. Remember the Thruster set up is Danes favorite way to ride it even at Lowers where I surf. We all surf a bit different. The cool thing about this board is the options in which you can ride it. Thruster set up on steep beach break and twin fin set up with a small trailer for small mushy waves. This board is a good example of a 2 in 1. Very versatile.....
I just found this channel today and am definitely subscribing I am looking to buy a surfboard probly getting a mod pod which u also made a video on I appreciate they way u talk and show you on the board super helpfull
Epic!! Stoked you like the show and the Pod Mod is one of the best Groveler boards I have ever ridden. I also have friends that got one and they swear by it too. Let me know if you get one and how it goes for you. Cheers!!!
Thanks I just got one yesterday and just got back from the beach to try it out i liked it a lot even though the waves were pretty crap and small but I had fun
Luke Sammann Sweet you will be stoked on that board!!!!
Hey Noel
Do you think this board works as a HPSB? Would it like headhigh to double overhead hollower waves?
I have a daily driver but am looking for something that can handle the bigger, heavier days
Chad Atkinson Yes it will be a good HPSB. I personally like the OG Flyer better. My favorite HPSB by CI is the Fever though.... just saying
Hey, I'm looking at the Rocket9 and the Pyzalien as daily drivers. I'm looking for something that is ok in mushy or steep (but not barreling) beach break waves from waist to head high. Any recommendations?
Aaron Taylor Pyzalien I have not tried yet. Rocket 9 just ok for me... I liked best with a 2+1 set up in PU. I say go Fever, or Phantom
Hey Noel. Just wondering if you have tried this bored in the duel core fusion. If so what fin set up did you like the best. Thanks in advance
Thomas Vinsen Yes... it goes better in EPS Dual Core. AM2 as Thruster and AMT Twin + Trailer
Surf n Show Reviews tha is heaps Noel.
Thanks for the review Noel!
Just wondering, ive heard the board is not very durable in PU construction. Is that because of the PU or does the low durability come from a weaker glass etc. As an example, would the rocket9 with PU be no different to a JS board with PU in terms of durability?
thanks
anthony16675478 Stoked you like the review. In your example both boards in PU from two different makers in stock off the racks should have roughly the same durability. There is some exceptions though... I had a JS with a PU foam from Australia that was very strong. Less pressure dents then any other PU board I have ever had with a stock glass job. If you are looking for more durability then I recommend XTR or EPS. They last longer and more durable...the FireWire LFT and Helium technologies are very durable as well. The Helium technology by FireWire is one of the best I have ever ridden.... great flex and very little pressure dents. Cheers
Have you ridden Tanner's Shadowfax? I got my hands on one and ride it mostly in HB/Newport area when its good and the board is total magic for me. I was looking at a sampler for a small wave compliment because I loved the demo rides I had on it. The rocket 9 looks so much fun though, and I would order it in the same height... Which one would pair better with a HPSB for those smaller days?
I have not ridden a Shadowfax yet but one of my friends swears by it. I have also seen Tanner out at Lowers shredding on his so I hope it becomes a model for sure so I can do a review on it soon. I am a little biased to the Sampler for small mushy waves because it goes so fast. The Rocket 9 is also really fun but it has a bit more tail rocker than the Sampler so it is not as fast in the mush or down the line in small waves for me. However the Rocket 9 can cross over to a bit bigger. punchier wave better than the Sampler so that's up to you. If you are strictly talking small mushy waves then Sampler all day long for me..... Cheers!
LOVE That Song MY GUY!
dont know if anyone gives a shit but if you guys are stoned like me during the covid times you can watch all the new movies and series on InstaFlixxer. Have been binge watching with my gf lately :)
@Zahir Gunnar Yea, I have been using InstaFlixxer for years myself :D
hi Noel have you ever surfed with weirdo ripper? is similar to rocket9?
Chris Patane O really like the Weirdo Ripper in 3-6 foot surf. It has a good amount of rocker in it so it needs some power to go good. The Rocket 9 is a bit more versatile and goes better in smaller waves. Both boards a really fun though.
Hey Noel, Do you think that a sampler 6'2 38.6 liters and a rocket 9 at 6'1 @ 37 liters are in the same wave category? I have come to understand that every liter makes a big difference, furthermore the outline and the contours play a major role when it comes to riding waves. For example, even though they might fall under the same wave performance category another board with slightly different dimensions and contours can allow you to excel better for a different wave type. I have a sampler and it's great for small surf, however when the wave gets big it begins to get a little clunky under my feet. The new flyer is great as well but I feel that it needs a little push in order to really get flying. My 3 board quiver consists of the sampler as a groveler plus, new flyer at 3' to overhead and the rook 15 for anything greater than that, however I feel there is a gap in my quiver between the sampler and the new flyer, I was thinking of filling that gap with the Rocket 9. What are your thoughts?
Well done in building your quiver and I agree that you could feel that gap between the boards in your quiver. The Rocket 9 will hit the spot for what you are looking for. However you should be concerned about the volume at 37 liters because you will feel the difference. I would try to get that volume closer 38 or 39 and some change. Maybe consider a custom Rocket 9 so you can get exactly what you want.
I have the witrdo ripper.5.10.and the neck bird2.i wondering what th different between r9 to wr?intresting
Hi Noel,what do you think about riding the R9 as a twin but with the T1 fins ??
Andrea Bordoni Yes That should be fun. I love the T1’s. Give it a go...
Surf n Show Reviews I will....Keep up the good work 🤙🏼🤙🏼💥💥
great review , I want one .
noel i have the pyzel gremlin swallow tail, do you think i can use this al merrick set up( twin) with the trailor center fin in the board? would work?
They might go good. Give them a try
Hey Noel, If I ordered the same dims on the rocket wide would it be better?
The RW carries way more speed compared to the R9. I like the RW way better
@@surfnshowreviews7777 thank you
Fun colors
Hey Noel, thanks for this amazing review! This review actually helped me pick this board.
I just got the Rocket 9 as a custom 5'8" with 29,2L. I'm 5'8, weigh 180 pounds and am from Costa Rica (I'm almost always surfing beach breaks like Hermosa on the weekends). I am new in the "twin fin world" and wanted to ask you about it since I want to try it out on this board after what you said on the fin set ups.
I have noticed twin fins don't come in your standard "S", "M" or "L" templates. Is this correct? I wanted to see if the MTF template you tried out will fit me and what size to get it in; according to my weght. I normally use "M" fins and they suit me perfectly, so I want the same in twin fins.
Also, I cant find the MTF model you mentioned on the Future Fin webpage... I think they are Channel Island fins but cant fin them on their webpage. Where can I find this set up? And how would you pick between those fins, the Futures AMT twin fin model and the Futures T1 twin fin model? These are all the models I can find for Twin fins for a Future fin box set.
Hope you can help me out with the fin set up! If you're ever in Costa Rica let me know and I'll hook you up with some nice surf spots.
Thanks,
David
David, thank you for the props on the review and I am stoked you like that Rocket 9. Twin fin sets come in large sets only because most twin fin boards have such a wide tail. When you ride a small wave board that has a wide tail (roughly 14.5 and wider) they work best with a Large fin because the wide tail creates resistance and propels the board forward. You want to enhance that with a large fin because the large fin will work much like the wide tail on small wave board by creating lift. More lift equals more speed..... I would also suggest you getting your hands on a set of regular thruster set in Large for those smaller mushy days. Your small wave boards will have way more drive. Here is the link on the Twin Fins that I recommend from the Futures web page. Cheers and I hope this helps!!! they are called the AMT Honeycomb. futuresfins.com/en-us/famt-robber-honeycomb-smoke-1117-110-00-detail
I am so stoked you answered so quickly, thank you for taking the time out! Much appreciated.
What you have said makes perfect sense since Large fins normally have longer bases and more drive. I have been using the Medium Yu fins from Futures for the past year with my New Flyer model, they worked out perfectly and are great "all-rounders". I was torn away from Large fins because I felt they created too much resistance for my turns; but with what you have mentioned I will try some out on the Rocket. My brother has the Large AM2 fins so I'll steal them from him whenever it gets flat and mushy and give it a try haha how would Blackstix work on this board? I have the EA Blackstix 3.0 model and they are supposedly good for generating speed.
Last night, reading and looking at fins, I ran into your Channel Islands "Twin Fin" surfboard review and you do a great comparison between the AMT fins and the T1. Seeming as the AMT have less rake and are more pivotal (they like the pocket like I do) I'll buy those. Thank you for that review as well!
How big of a wave do you think the AMT could work in? Are these good for barrels? I regularly dont surf waves bigger than 8ft and summer is coming, so if we are lucky we'll get some nice 4-5ft barrels. I was just thinking if Twin fins (and the AMT, specifically) are only for small waves and I'll have to use my regular Thruster set up for when the waves get a bit steeper and bigger on the Rocket. But now that you mentioned I should use the Large thruster set up for when they are small and mushy, I am a bit confused!
Thanks for the response and sorry for the chatter, I'm just excited I found a great source for fin knowledge. It's hard to find people that know what they are talking about down here; wish I could sit and chat with people like you guys and spare myself some time and money!
David
David sorry for any confusion. I think you should try the AM2 (Large) fin your brother has on the Rocket 9 in small waves and just see if you notice the extra speed. It doesn't cost you anything right....
I am 5'9 at 170lbs and ride a Large fin 90% of the time. Granted I am not surfing hollow beach break like Hermosa every weekend but I think you could even ride a L fin in that hollow surf up to 3-4'. I want to maximize speed in smaller surf and when the waves get a little bigger I want to do more turns then I would switch to your Medium YU's.
The reason for riding a M fin in the bigger surf is to get the fins and rails working together and the M fin will help you control speed and not cause the tail to lift and make the board feel like its going to slide out. The boards of today inherently have enough lift in their designs already so we do not want the extra lift from a L fin in big waves.
The AMT fin set just makes the Rocket 9 super fast in small waves and it helps drive through the mush on wave like Jaco beach. These fins will barrel ride just fine in 3-4' and under after that I would switch to your Medium YU's.
With all of this being said my point is to have fun and try multiple fin sets if you can afford it and change the feel of your board. This is what makes the Rocket 9 so versatile and fun to ride.
Noel, thank you again for taking the time out. This has really changed my way of looking at Large fins and Medium fins. For some reason I always thought that since the Large are bigger they would generate more drag and stop me from turning correctly, but this makes much more sense. Thank you so much!
I had just one last question > between the large thruster set up and the twin AMT fins, which would be better for small surf to generate speed? or turns? I was wondering about the difference between these two set ups in small surf.
Thanks again man, much appreciated!
David
Hey there mate, nice review again. Can you tell me if there is a big difference between the future fin honeycomb and the channel islands RTM tech 1? If there is a difference what would that be? Cheers mate
Glad you liked the review and thanks for the comment. Both fins feel the same to me and the only difference that I can see is the foam core honey comb inside the fin are larger In the RTM Tech 1. Cheers!
Thanks mate
Hi Noel are they they the Futures AMT fins? They say “Medium” on the futures website, are they just the one size?
Chris Edney Yea, the Merrick AMT... only 1 size available
Hi Noel, do you think the rocket9 could work well with a round tail and/or a thruster setup for people who prefer long carves over pocket surfing?
daniel vb Good question. Not sure how that would work. I would hit the folks up at CI for that one. Not sure the Rocket 9 would go good with a round tail.
yeah, I might try to contact CI for that one. Thanks for the quick reply and keep up the good work!
Noel great review....what if I use this board as a twin without the trailer fin
valentina bordoni Glad you like the review!!! Good question.... maybe give it a try and then post your comments for all of to see. This is what our show is all about. Cheers!!!
Hi Noel, Just wanted to confirm when you describe wave size are you referring to wave face height or the back of the wave? This will allow me to understand what fins will work best with my rocket 9 when you describe wave heights suit certain types of fins.
I'm 6 foot 3 inches in height and in New Zealand we refer to wave height by the feet height of the back of the wave. So when we say a wave is 3ft high it is regarded as a 'good head height wave' so if I'm at the bottom of the wave standing at full height then a 3ft wave will have the the top / crest of the wave at the same level as the top of my head or just above the top of my head. So when you say you will ride the rocket 9 up to 5 to 6ft wave height are you referring to a near double over head height wave (as we would measure it in NZ)? Or would it be based on the 'face height of the wave' and therefore a 5 to 6ft wave you are in fact describing as a head height to just over head height wave? Cheers, Frank.
Francis Stanton I usually talk wave face... CA surf is relatively soft but sometimes the beach breaks thump.
Francis Stanton I would say that a 6’ wave for me is maybe .5’ over my head. I hope that helps.
Hi Noel, cheers for the feed back. Just to clarify when you wrote .5' you mean half a foot?
Francis Stanton Yes That is correct.. sorry
The feedback helps as I have tried my rocket 9 (6'1" high board) in what we in NZ would call 4ft high waves that are waves being nicely over head height wave faces (what you would describe as 6 to 8ft if i am reading you correctly?) but not as large as head and a half high wave faces. It went well as a thruster set up in the 4ft NZ wave height conditions but when I tried the twin fin trailer it was too loose and slide out at the base of the wave during backhand bottom turns.
It reminds me of a late 80s twin fin my dad shaped for me.I broke it in 92
That's a pretty good memory you got there Mike.... Did you like the board?
How does the tail rocker on the Rocket 9 compare to the black and white? I have a 6'0 black and white and thinking about a rocket 9. Just thinking about how extreme the tail rocker is and how much it will hinder the board in smaller flatter surf...
Sorry for the delayed response. I think the B&W has more tail rocker than the Rocket 9. With that being said the Rocket 9 will be better is smaller surf compared to the B&W but I think the Sampler and Pod Mod work much better as Grovelers. I think the Rocket 9 is very versatile and would be a great 2 in 1 board for someone who wants one board to handle surf from 2-6 foot surf. Waist high and under PM or Sampler for me all day long. Just saying!!!
Great review but the thruster issue/slowness really puts me off getting one - not feeling the current CI models. Lost have a way more user friendly range IMO.
Thanks for the comment and I am glad you like the review. I think what makes the Rocket 9 fun is that you can ride as a thruster or with the 2+1 setup. Dane loves his as a thruster and I think many people will have a difference of opinion on what feels and works best for them when they try one. On a different note I think the Lost boards look good too and so do the Fire Wire's, JS's, DHD's, Hayden shapes etc.... but I am working on CI's at this time but maybe someday soon I will review some of these other models. Cheers!!!
Thanks for the reply Noel. BTW, which is your favourite CI for an everyday all rounder in mostly average beach breaks? I have a few Remixs which I have loved - not sure whether you ever had that model.
+A Morgan I never tried that model but my favorite all around er for beach breaks is the Black and White. Low entry rocker and med to aggressive exit rocker.
Whats up Noel- Im grabbing a rocket 9, should I go standard PU or Flexbar?
I would go Flexbar. So smooth..... great flex and feel. Let me know what you decide. Cheers!!
Hey noah.. Any advise for rocket9 flexbar? They got it here on stock
Hey Bro! I'm looking for new board which will last me for long time and will be good for smaller waves and also there will be room for improve. Is this good choice? I was using Fish 6.0 mostly in Indonesia and i was fine but sometimes it felt little wider than should. Now i living in Vancouver so Tofino, Washington and Oregon are my spots but i will move to New Zealand in late 2017. Thanks a lot you rocks ! Im 175cm and 72kg.
Adam Řehák I think the Rocket 9 is very versatile and can go in 2-6 foot surf. I know that a wide range but it felt good in bigger surf because of the tail rocker. If you want it to last a long time you might want to consider getting it in the Flexbar construction. Just a thought.
Hi Noel, great show you have and thus love your advice as I'm heading to northern Indo and looking for a board that would suit 3ft to 4ft waves (head to near head and a half size waves) to suit reef break waves with semi steep faces to barreling waves again in the 3ft to 4ft range. I'm 6'4" in height and 215lbs. My surf skill level is intermediate / slightly advanced. I currently own a 6'1" New Flyer (with a rounded pin tail) which I purchased for this 3-4ft size surf range so as to ride it in hollow down the line point break waves and have struggled to enjoy ridding it and find it hard to get into waves (is that due tot he aggressive entry rocker?). I also have a 6'0" #4 groveler for 2-3ft waves which goes really well for me in all conditions (went really well in hollow / tubing beach break waves recently) apart form mushy soft days when I ride my 6'0" Pod Mod (I've found the Pod Mod is an awesome board in good shape waves as well and handles up to 3ft, I can see why you love it as well as you noted in your review for the Pod Mod). For the type of board I'm after would you think the Rocket 9 would suit or maybe perhaps the JS Monsta Box as an alternative? Love to hear your thoughts. Cheers, Frank.
Francis Stanton Stoked you like the show!!! I am happy to hear that you are enjoying your Pod Mod and #4. Not sure about your struggles on the NF but it should go good on your trip.
On another note I think you will enjoy the Rocket 9 and Fever for the wave size you are looking for. Both of these boards can handle steeper faced hollow waves.
Thanks for the insightful feedback as always Noel, great to get your perspective! Regarding the NF struggles, its just not so easy to paddle into waves and get up on my feet as early as on my other CI boards that I noted, and in hollow waves (especially over reef) I want to get into the wave as soon as possible to avoid super late drops. Is the latest with getting up on the NF due to the aggressive entry rocker it comes with? I see the Rocket would be far less aggressive in the entry rocker and thus easier to paddle and get up earlier? I kind of have to sell my NF to purchase the Rocket so need to make a call either way. Cheers again for your good work and great show!
Francis Stanton The NF does have a bit more rocker and that will slow your paddle a bit so maybe do a custom one next time with a little more volume.
The Rocket 9 will paddle better for sure with the point front of center and less rocker. I also like it because of the pulled in swallow for a bit more performance too. I think it will go good in 3-6 foot surf. Enjoy and let me know how it goes.
did you end up getting a Rocket 9? If so, what volume? I'm 6'2" 210 and was looking at the 6'1" PU
Whats the specs on the board in the video?
Hej mit navn er birk Og sådan er det it should be in the review...
That board is nice dude! And where can I get that Song ??
Thanks and you can get that song on ITunes, Here is the URL to buy it.itunes.apple.com/us/album/west-coast-living-feat.-katie/id862575904
what is in your opinion the better board for french beachies? rocket9 or sampler?
I would go for the Rocket 9 for sure!!!
What are the twin fins called, Also when u order them it comes with a trailer fin right?
Antonio Principe They are called Twin Fin AMT RTM. Yes the board does come with these new Twin Fins and the small trailer.
Sal i bet pats works as a tri because he rides his longer...it would be neat to see you ride a 5'11 x 19 1/4 x 2 3/8
Or maybe 2 1/8 thick because you will get more volume with length and a thinner rail will sink and aid in projection
I think you might be right..... I would only go 5'9" in length at the most for where I surf but that extra length will give me more drive like you are talking about. I would only go 5'11 on punchy beach break. Great idea though..... Thanks
Fab Tsalsa use the volume calculator and pick a board on the higher side. It wont feel boaty
Thanks for the question. It sounds to me that you want it as more of a standard shortboard. If I were your height and our same weight I would order the Rocket 9 at 5'11 x 18 7/8 x 2 5/16 at 27.5 Liters. This would give me a little more volume to paddle into those hollow waves. If you need more volume then I would go 2 3/8 thick and the volume would be 28.2.
I think the 5'8" sounds good too!!! Let me know how it goes.
Man I just purchased the rocket 9 and after 3 months it has pressure dings all over the top and sides. For such an expensive board they don't last!
Yea John thanks for the comment. I know they dent pretty easy but the flex and feel is good. Did you have a chance to watch the Construction review I just did this week? If you want a board that will last longer and dent less then I recommend the XTR Construction or Varial Foam with Polyester Resin. The XTR has great flex and it wont dent very easy either. These two types of boards will last quite a bit longer compared to PU. Let me know what you think.....
Thanks...
So is their flex bar model stronger and epoxy construction and will it naturally have a little more volume?
Also, what size wave is the biggest it can handle? thanks so much...
The Flexbar model and their EPS is a little bit more durable and yes the buoyancy is better than the normal PU. I would say the float is better by 1/2 to 1 full liter. I think the durability is ok on the Flexbar but the XTR Construction is way more durable. It will not have nearly the pressure dents as a PU or the EPS, or Flexbar board.I think that Rocket 9 can handle roughly 6 foot surf.
I have a Sampler but i love the Sampler in 2-5ft but it doesn't work well in OH range surf so I'm looking for a board going for 4-8ft wave. what would you recommend??
chan ume I really like the Black and White or Peregrine.
Surf n Show Reviews how does the rocket9 go in OH range surf??
chan ume it can hang but I would not recommend it for a Mini Step up in 4-8 surf. Are the waves hollow where you surf when it gets big?
Surf n Show Reviews I surf in LA amd OC area. I don't surf hollow barreled wave tho
chan ume Then the Rocket 9 will work good.
Great review! How would you compare the Rocket 9 and the Sampler? thanks!
Great question and I think this is a great comparison. I think the Sampler has more speed down the line and a little wider tail so it will do better in small mushy waves. On the other hand the Rocket9 is more versatile because of the tail rocker so it can handle a bigger wave with some power and still do vertical surfing without feeling like the board is going to slide out. It also matters where your home break is. Punchy beach break I would want the Rocket9 because of the tail rocker but mushy beach break or even a wave with more slope to it I would want the Sampler. I hope this helps.... Cheers.
+Surf Show and Tell Reviews thanks for the answer! you really helped me to decide.. the sampler will be a better choice.. I usually surf in a 1-2 feet beach break and its not punchy...
+Rafael Serrato Awesome!!! Let me know how it goes....
Thank you for your review Noel.
I used the Large CI Tech 1 fins in my new Flex Bar Rocket 9 at Rincon on a bigger day and it was fine but I felt like I was doing the exact same turn over and over - which was pretty boring.
Saw your vid and got the True Ames Stussy Twin w/ trailer fin and OMG, I LOVE IT.
www.trueames.com/collections/system-fins/products/copy-of-s-double-twin-combo-set-futures-compatible.
I'd suggest these for ANYONE with a Rocket 9. They're the twin fin (w/ trailer) setup that is closest to a thruster but still 100% noticeably better on this board. I went from the same ol' boring turn... to what will the board do next!
Also - I want to say it helped that i could watch you surf on your Rocket 9's and see how well the twin/trailer setup worked for you. I needed proof on the twin setup to push me to take the plunge on yet another set of $100 fins. Worth every penny - thanks again.
So stoked you found some fins to keep that board fresh and exciting. Thanks for the post and I hope this helps others that are looking for options on their Rocket 9. Cheers!!!
LOL
okay okay, but not that music,…. do some earlier Americana music. Y'know, the new old.
Or, check out the vid of Kong Elkerton killing it at Bells Beach in 1983/1984("the early years", especially gouging at 3:05 to 3:20 on that vid),… and use that soundtrack,…. as a good example of a soundtrack to use. Everyone has an opinion y'know. I have to turn the volume off for the tune you have on the vid.
You are so funny man. You asked me to change up the music and you see that I am open. I will check out the sound track you are talking about.... I am trying to get my hands on a bunch of music to make it different and fun. As always thank you for your comment because I value your opinion. Cheers!!!