The "Surfboard Construction" review with Noel Salas Ep.21
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- Опубликовано: 15 июл 2024
- This video is about The "Surfboard Construction" review with Noel Salas Ep.21
In this episode, Noel takes the Sampler in 5 different surfboards all made in different constructions with the exact same dimensions. Salas talks about these boards and what makes them so different and how they feel under his feet.
The industry standard construction is Polyurethane with Polyester resin (PU/PE), and the whole review is based on feel in comparison to what most surfers are accustomed to the PU/PE.
Board number 1 is the PU/PE, and Salas talks about flex, feel and cost. Noel has been riding this type of construction since he was 9 years old. When he rides other board types, he naturally compares them to the PU/PE. The cost of the PU/PE is $695.00, which is not cheap by any means, and the longevity of its life can be relatively short from a surfer's perspective. The PU/PE is not Eco friendly and, because of this, many different companies are coming up with alternative constructions that are more compatible with planet earth.
Board 2 is what the surf world calls EPS, and this is a Expanded Polystyrene foam that is glassed with an Epoxy resin. Expanded foam is a open cell foam that is susceptible to taking in water if the glass is cracked, and the surfer does not fix it right away. This foam type is very light and more durable than PU/PE and can be a bit difficult to work with for shapers. The cost for this type of foam and epoxy resin is a bit more expensive because of this difficulty. The cost of Noel's EPS board in this review is $820.00, which is $125.00 more compared to the PU/PE.
Board 3, the Flexbar, is much like the EPS (board 2) because it uses the same Expanded Polystyrene foam core and Epoxy resin but has a completely different application for performance purposes. There are 2 pieces of Expanded Polystyrene foam that sandwich a thin layer of high-density foam throughout the entire board. The top piece of foam has the deck routed out to place in a hand-shaped high-density bar for the board's strength and to control the flex characteristics of the board. The cost on the Flexbar is $885.00, which is $190.00 more than a PU/PE.
Board 4 is called XTR, and it's an Extruded Polystyrene foam core with an Epoxy resin. This foam core is a closed-cell foam, which will not let water penetrate into the core and will give this board a longer life. There are many benefits to this type of foam and it's worth it's weight in value for the surfer who is looking for a board with great flex characteristics and durability. The cost for this board is $815.00, and it's one of Noel's favorites.
Board 5 is called Varial foam, which is a proprietary formula and can be glassed with either Epoxy or Polyester resin. Noel had this one done with Epoxy resin to compare with the other models. Salas said he struggled with the Epoxy resin finish because of its stiff flex characteristics. The cost of this board came in at $1,000.00, and Noel recommends to the surf community to go with the Polyester resin for better flex at a cost of $880.00. Noel did a review on the Varial foam core with Polyester resin as he is a big fan of this combination.
Enjoy the whole review as Noel goes into detail on each construction.
For custom orders on each board type read below.
Flexbar, PU/PE and the EPS go to www.cisurfboards.com
XTR: go to www.epoxysurfboards.com
Varial: www.varialsurf.com 
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Noel this was really great! So much info I've tried to piece together elsewhere, this did it I'll be coming back to this many many times. Thanks!
So glad to hear that it helped you out. This is the exact reason I started this You Tube channel. Cheers!!!
Another well-produced video with quality info on construction. Watching the Trace #'s, you were flying on the pink eps/epoxy board - review #2. Props for riding a 5'7" in the Sampler shape!
Thanks for the props on this review. Lot's of work but I really enjoyed riding each model and learning along the way. Yea that EPS felt really good and it was super fast too. Thanks for your attention to detail on the Trace GPS numbers. Cheers!!!!
Relly good review!
Thanks
Just bought an XTR from a used board shop so watched this video to get some info on the construction and realized that it’s literally the same XTR sampler in this video.. 4 years later I’m surprised the board is still in great condition with minimal pressure dents, if it wasn’t yellowed I would’ve thought it was fairly new
Epic… enjoy
Great review!! That flexbar looks really really good on you! The clips were sick and your review was very very good. I really liked all the points you talked about! Great review Noel! Yeww!
Deforest L. Cooper So stoked you liked the review. The Flexbar and XTR constructions are so good!!! The Varial foam is legit too with Poly Resin. Cheers!!!
Awesome! Yeah, those two constructions looked really good on you. I'm a big fan of XTR. I really really like the flex on their DD blue stringer (without carbon). Im interested in trying the XTR stringerless (all white). Thanks again for the review. I really really enjoyed it! Yew!
This is the single most helpful review of yours. Was always wondering about the alternative CI constructions, as CI PU durability is the only real downfall in my experience as a lower level traveling surfer.
So stoked this review helped you out. There is much to know about surfboards and I am learning more every day. Cheers!!!
Great reviews Noel! Sub'd.
gulfsurfco Thanks!!!! I hope it helps surfers on their next surfboard purchase.
id be super keen to see you try a firewire board to see how you like a more eco-friendly flex pattern and how it stacks up against industry standards in particular LFT helium and FST constructions
Second that. Plus an update on technologies such as Black Arts would be cool as well. Cheers!
Hey Noel I see this video has about 4 years, so far from these constructions (or any other not included here) in terms of cost/durability/performance which you would consider the most well rounded for regular surfers? I do notice XTR was the only one their was no CONS compared to the rest
Love the review mate! Wondering if you've ever tried PE + Epoxy and if so, any thoughts? Sounds like a good combo in theory: traditional flex of PE with some added durability from Epoxy resin. Do you think a lighter glassing schedule would give you the holy grail?
Cam Collison Yes... I like PE. I’ve ridden a couple of them and they go good
Hey mate, it is really good review for other constructions of board. I have one question about it. Is Varial foam can recycle? You don’t mention the Eco part of it. Thanks!!
김인환 Sorry not sure... maybe give the folks at Varial a ring or email.
Hi Noel, great review !! Just wondering, did you weight those boards after waxing, placing pad and fins or before ?
Gabriel Sales Glad you like the show. I weighed each board with only the traction pad with NO WAX or FINS.
Great Review Noel! How would you compare the size wise/responsive wise the 5'7 Sampler to the custom 5'6 Sampler you initially reviewed a while back? Have you tried the Sampler in Spine-Tek?
rickta07 I like the Stock FIanS 5’7 better. Feels more like a performance board being a little narrower.
The Spinetek feels good... but I have only tried it on the OG Flyer so far.
So on the Flex Bar, what did you use for paint? It came out pretty cool and looks like the color was clear enough to keep the logos? I was just curious for a board I have that still works great, but leaves little to be desired in appearance. BTW, love the reviews. I'm a huge Bonzer fan and was stoked you got to review the Shelter.
Surfer Yoda Stoked you like the show. The paint I used is by Rust-Oleum Fluorescent Yellow. You can get it at Lowes or Home Depot. Make sure you also use a clear coat with a matte finish to seal the paint. I would put two clear coats too. Cheers!
Did you tape it off? or just lightly spray over the logos@@surfnshowreviews7777
Would love to hear your thoughts on the lib tech & helium construction boards.
Sam Birchenough I did review the Gamma in Helium. Check it out... the construction is next level in flex, feel, and durability.
great review! i am curious though about saying that poly flexes more? my understanding is that epoxy resin is about 75% more flexible than PU? when discussing this i think you need to talk about the amount of glass and the density of the foam which probably impacts the flex more than anything. i maybe totally wrong and ultimately whatever you feel is what matters!
Alexander Crosby I think epoxy resin may be more flexible like you mentioned but I was talking about how it feels under my feet. Sorry for the confusion. In the end it's really about the foam and resins working together. Cheers
Ok i got a question mate. I see you do it too. When youre surfing, going into turns and finishing turns, you briefly look straight down at your board. Actual head and eye movement to look down at the nose of your board just after turns, before you bottom turn again.
Taylor knox and tom curren do it and i always wondered exactly what the theory is of doing that look down before and after turns? Some kind of reset before turning again?
Love to know cause it looks sick too! I live in bali. Driving to sumbawa next week for a few months. Ima start trying to copy that head movement.
momentum Great question.... looking down is a technique I use to start and finish a maneuver. For instance... in a bottom turn it looks like I am looking at my board, but I am really focused on going all the way into the flats of the wave so I can drive off the bottom and pick a spot in the pocket I want hit or carve. Looking down to finish my turns helps me put everything I have into that turn with power. Wherever your head goes the body and board follows. Looking where you want to go with purpose is the start too excellent technique. It also helps me with my timing in the pocket and positioning on each wave.
All growing up I studied Curren, Slater, and Taylor Knox. If you want excellent technique then study surfers with excellent technique. Watch them surf over and over and your body will start to surf similar and mimic what it sees.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks for the answer! Wanted to know for so long.
Would love to see a video of you breaking down your own style and technique in detail. Thats some really smooth clean surfing.
XTR with S Cloth
The varial foam has terrific properties. It is durable and has good flex. However, I discovered from a friend, who is a shaper, that it is very toxic when working with it. A shaper got sick while working with varial foam.
UniqueStranger I heard that it can put out nauseous fumes and that shapers need to wear a mask. Thanks for your comment.
Hi Noel! Would you get the new Happy everyday in PU or Spine-tek ? i noticed that this board has good amount of rocker (tail and nose) so i think immediately that it will work best in 5+ ft.. would love to hear your opinion
PU/Poly if you plan on surfing it in overhead surf on the regular
Hi Noel, can you tell me the name of the song in the beginning? Great video as aways.
daniel vb My uncle recorded that for the show. Sorry you cannot buy it.
Hi Noel, I've so far only owned EPS boards. I'm wondering is there any advantage to paddling in / getting onto a wave of your on a PU board over EPS? Does the extra weight of the PU mean you're more 'in' the water at take off rather then 'on' it with the EPS?
Not really.. one major advantage to PU is the rail is easier to engage at high speeds and in choppy surf compared to EPS. EPS is a bit more buoyant and it sits more on top of the water so it can disengage through rail turns easier compared to PU. I like EPS in 1-4’ surf... in 5-8’+ surf I like PU.
Hi, Thanks for all the reviews! I have a flexbar sampler. I want to get another one (maybe spinetek). Have you tried a sampler spine tek? How is the spinetek compared with flexbar? thanks.
I have not tried the Sampler in Spinetek. Spinetek gel is a bit stiffer and it offers more pop coming out of a solid turn. Flexbar is smoother... I would say Flexbar is like driving a Cadillac and SpineTek is like driver a Sports Car. Both are epic but completely different rides. I like Spinetek better
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks so much for the quick answer! Is SpineTek much lighter?
@@grillob3 Yes a little lighter and a bit more durable from a pressure dents perspective
Hi Noel, I love your show and I watch it a lot. I’ve been watching your videos on different constructions and I have to agree with you that Channel Islands’ Flexbar is a more smooth ride then the Spine-Tek, so I want to order my new board in Flexbar. I’m 175 lbs and I like a board from 28-28.5 liters in PU. In your video you show the weights of the boards and it looks like Flexbar and PU weigh the same. However, I know that Flexbar is EPS and that it has more buoyancy than PU. If I want a Flexbar to be within 28-28.5 liters in PU, what volume do you think I should get in Flexbar? Thanks Noel
Brent Rucker Stoked you like our show. I would order your Flexbar close to the same DIMS as a custom PU. Maybe just take off 1/2 liter or so. I try not to get to technical on liters..., unless 28 liters is on the high side for your volume. If this board is going to be a Groveler then your good with 28 liters... if this is a performance board then go 27.5 or close to 28.
Thanks so much for the great advice Noel! Keep up the great work on your site and videos. Really good to see you trying so many different brands and boards. I’m thinking about trying the Pyzel Ghost (maybe in their tech Electralite) after seeing your review :)
Since it’s an old video maybe this question can help others.
What do you think about the spine tek technology how would you compare it to the other construction and how durable it is?
Spinetek is a bit stiffer so when it flex’s it offers more pop compared to most other techs. The durability is the same... it pressure dents the same.
How does a flexbar go with PU foam compared to Epoxy?
Cheers mate.
Ronny439 The Flexbar Tech has good flex and is very smooth in the water. The smooth feeling on the Flexbar is due to the High density foam Flexbar that absorbs most of the vibration that a EPS foam usually has.
Hi Noel, I love your show. I'm 175lbs and I surf the steep, hollow, and powerful waves of Ocean Beach in San Francisco from chest to overhead+/double. I need a durable board that won't snap on heavy surf, but will also flex and not chatter/skim out with speed on turns. What kind of construction do you recommend for these conditions? Thank you
Brent Rucker That's a tough one.... the Epoxy core boards have a bit of chatter with high speed. I would probably go with a PU with a bit stronger glass job or try the Flexbar. I have not tried it in super hollow waves like S Fran but it might be worth a try. The Flexbar has the high density foam sheet in the middle and flex bar seems to take out the chatter. One of the smoothest rides ever for me and they have the 1 year warranty on breaks n buckles. Peace of mind with the warranty. I hope this helps. Cheers!!!
Thank you so much for the great advice. Yes, the epoxy have too much chatter for the waves that I surf. A thicker glass on a PU or a Flexbar sounds great. Thanks again
Brent Rucker My pleasure!!' Talk to your local glass shop or the folks that shape your boards about S Cloth glass for your PU boards. It's a little bit heavier but stronger too. When your surfing big strong waves like OB you can use the weight. Cheers!!!
You look the best on the flex bar!
But what board FEELS the best?
What boards are you riding?
Thanks man!
Seth H I love that Flexbar. The construction is special and it is so smooth. No chatter either. I highly recommend the Flexbar and XTR.
Seth H The Flexbar feels the best.
I am riding different boards daily. My next review will be on the Biscuit Bonzer and I am also working on a mini step up quiver for CA. That will have 7 different boards all with a round tail.
Andrew H Chers thanks for your comment.
Hey Noel, love the show I just subscribed. I have a question, I have a 6'2 sampler that I like but I feel that it is too long. I am a bigger guy weighing around 220 lbs. Its a predicament that I'm always in trying to get a board that is snappy but has the right volume. Would it make sense to order a custom and go shorter and thicker for the sampler. I wasn't sure if it would take away from what the board is intended to do. I surf San Diego and Carlsbad. Thanks
Stoked to hear you like the show and thanks for subscribing. It sounds like you should go custom for sure. You can go shorter, wider, and thicker with the Sampler and it wont mess up the performance. My first Sampler review was on a custom 5'6 that was a bit wider and shorter than the stock 5'7 DIMS that I ride now. I really liked it too but the stock DIMS felt better to me. I hope this helps and I love surfing San Diego and I lived in Carlsbad for 5 years or so. Love Ponto.....
thanks for the reply, Ive been surfing ponto a lot lately. I took your advice on using the CI AMT's for the rocket 9, really changed that board for the better. Do you have any advice for bigger guys like me selecting performance boards, usually the stock dims always land me in the 6'2 range for volume but the length kills the performance. Is volume the end all be all due to my weight?
I think DIMS are the end all but knowing your liters is really key to dial in you DIMS. How tall are you and what is your skill level?
I was thinking if your small wave board is good at 37 Liters then maybe go with roughly 36 Liters on your standard short board. With that being said you will need to go custom.... I would choose a board like the B&W or Peregrine because of the full rails. How about something like this 6'4 x 20 x 2 5/8 Volume 36.4?
Im 5'10 so I'm just stocky. I would say I'm alittle above intermediate for skill, just pumping down the line doing off the lips, nothing too crazy but trying to push to the next level. I checked out the B&W like you suggested but i was reluctant with the 6'4 due to it being 6 inches taller than me, I am worried that the added length will take hinder the performance. Im trying to stay in the 6'0 range, I have a 6'1 rocket 9 and a 5'10 pod mod I just picked up, both are running great, you are spot on the the 36 liters.
I totally get it with you at 5'10. You should get your hands on a 6'0" Weirdo Ripper.... I love the WR and the DIMS are 6'0" x 20 3/4 x 2 5/8 Vol 36.3. The WR is perfect for what you are looking for. Tons of hidden volume with a good amount of rocker in a short little package. I put the WR in the Short Board performance board category and you will love it...... Go feel one up at Surf Ride and tell me what you think.
Noel, do you notice the flexbar crushing and cracking at all? I've got a B&W in FlexBar, and the glass is cracking pretty badly under my foot. I've had it for maybe 6 months.
Torrey B No, I have no cracks and the Flexbar is not crushed either. You might want to contact the Folks at CI and see what they say. I have had mine for over a year now and no problems like that at all.
Surf n Show Reviews Thanks, I'll do that. One more question, would you ideally size your flexbar at a lesser volume than your poly boards?
I usually stay the same volume and use the extra flotation I get from the EPS to my advantage because I am usually surfing small waves when I am riding my Flexbar.
Hey mate, what is the most durable eps or epoxy construction you tried ? I just got an eps board, less than 10 surf, heapssss of compressions already, i m gutted.
Mathieu Revel Surftech makes some pretty durable eps boards. Check out their TL Pro Carbon... no pressure dents. Also check out Lib Tech Construction... they don’t pressure dent easily either. One think to remember about most eps boards... d not leave them in a hot car or in the sun sitting in a board bag. They will degas and can we delimitation.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks ! But does it mean I can ask a Pyzel, Lost or a JS to have one of their model with this construction ?
Mathieu Revel No... Spinetek is exclusive to CI. The Diamond Series CW is exclusive to Lost and you can order that.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 okok I thought I misunderstood something, EPS/Epoxy boards are marketed as being stronger and more durable than PU but after reading a lot of feedback looks like it clearly isnt the case... lot of hit and miss, for some it s holding up great and for others (like me) it s very bad, mostly when those are made overseas. When they are made in australia or US they tend to be stronger, which doesnt make a lot of sense as big brand names are sending their own materials to those factories.. looks like in the making process issues happen, such a shame
@@poppiiiii correct sir. As I have seen, boards produced outside the most established areas have less glassing quality. It's fairly evident in the finish imperfections, air bubbles, dimples etc. If durability is your gig you should be requesting an S-glass lamination for the deck at the least. And of course, working directly with a shaper of choice. Worth the dollar
im getting a new board, its like the sampler, should I get a a 3 oz. glass job or a 4 oz. ?
KayneHunter It all depends how light and durable you want the board to be. What construction are doing it in? Epoxy?
nah, polyester
KayneHunter I love Polyester. The lighter glass will give better flex but it won't last as long. It's really about what's more important to you.
Alrighty thanks, i think im gonna go with 4 oz. just because its a custom and if i like, it it will last long
KayneHunter Good call!
can you do a review like this one on rusty torsion spring , future flex, spine tek, fusion dual core and torq xlite construction how durable and strong from deck compressions etc
Steve Schlecht That would be a fun one. The folks at Rusty aren’t keen on our show... so no Torsion Spring at this time. Maybe tell me what your looking for out of a EPS and I can point you in the right direction. Example... which of these Constructions pressure dent the least and still have excellent flex.
Thanks for the reply man... yes you nailed it man!!! right on... I have two Hayden future flex plunder and hypto awesome boards but with my experience the decks seem be very soft... I was lucky to demo a rocket wide in spine tek loved it but unfortunately wasn’t able to keep it long so I wasn’t sure how durable it was as far as compressions go. Also I have a few surftech tuflite a CI flyer and a CI k board love the boards and way they feel under my feet and there light and super strong.. I also know varial foam and bullet proof and from what I have been able research on xlite construction I here it’s super strong... with how expensive boards are I want wants gonna give me good flex and surf without sacrificing durability and strength as I’m bigger guy and harder on my boards
Curious to where spinetek, dual fusion and xlite and compare strength wise to tuflite and varial foam and as u said in the video I as well want boards that I gonna last me a long time.
Also real bummer on the torsion spring not enough info on that construction and rusty makes some pretty cool boards
Steve Schlecht Varial foam with Epoxy resin is pretty strong and does not dent easily but it doesn’t flex very good. Varial foam with Poly resin feels excellent but it pressure dents as bad as a normal PU/Poly.
The toughest tech with decent flex is the Surftech TLPRo Carbon. Really strong deck but it will delaminate if it gets hot.
Sweet thanks for the feed back. With your experience where do u compare spinetek and dual fusion core to TLPC as far as strength and flex.. Also I’ve heard heavier glass jobs can help with deck compression resistance only problem is sacrificing weight
Awesome. Seemed that the standard EPS and the Flexbar boards went the best..cool review -- I want to see you on a vacuum bag carbon board someday ! Check out justinternes on insta
Torrey B Thanks glad you liked it. I will check that board your talking about too.
Surf Show and Tell Reviews Justin just glasses the boards -- does a top job.