honest best board. I ditched my thrusters for this board. the thing turns and holds rails just like any shortboard but a ton more drive. love it. enjoy it.
Been riding on and off for quite a bit now and enjoying it. Considering whether or not I went for slightly too much volume, but I'll no doubt age into it. :-)
Interesting video's. Really enjoyed. I see you have found your ideal volume and are now altering the board shapes under your feet. Be interesting to hear your feedback on the different board performances and what you are ideally looking for to suit your style of surfing? Also do you have a step up range? How big a surf do you surf these boards in? I to have been surfing for 50 years but alas my volume has been steadily increasing every board I order haha! Short boards are no longer short and step ups are getting bigger and longer! Cheers
In regard to what I'm looking for: it's for boards to be able to go vertical, cutback without catching a rail, respond to jamming turns in waves without length hindering the board coming around, have sufficient volume for me to get onto waves without major effort, and be suited to the conditions I'm out in. My Ghost at 6'4" is my step up for bigger days. Here it's unusual to get surf over 8' so that's pretty much my limit, and I wouldn't feel comfortable going out in anything bigger. My RNF96 is for 1 -4' grovelling waves. My Shadow XL for good 4 - 6' surf, and my Ghost for anything over 6'. The 96 and the Shadow allow me to surf the way I want to in the conditions they are suited to. The Ghost is really for drawing lines on the bigger days. I do have another board on the way which will either supplement or replace the Shadow--won't know until after I get it. Imagine though I'll keep the Shadow as well for when I travel so that I have a spare either way if I break a board. That's the plan at the moment anyway. I can though see more volume not too far down the line, and maybe even a mid-length.
I'm currently surfing the 6' RNF96 for summer, the 6''1" Red Tiger XL for good small wave performance, the 6'2" Shadow XL for 4' - 6' and 6'4" Ghost for 6'+. We rarely get surf over 8' where I typically go surfing and I'm not comfortable over that anyway. Most of the time at my local and a number of the waves I travel to it's 2 - 6'. I did last weekend though surf my Ghost in bigger waves as a quad. Don't ride it that often. Worked a treat.
Put up a video of my very first surf on the board - Northland POV 2023. It was a perfect day for it with 2 - 3ft summer waves. Took a moment to get used to the floatiness of the board, being EPS Epoxy, but was everything I hoped it would be--easy to catch waves, easy to turn and fast. Since had it in very grunty 4 - 5' waves. Would have preferred my Shadow but still handled it although I had to surf with more care.
I haven't noticed anything special about coreflex in terms of 'ping'. I do though feel--perhaps in my mind only--that it has the strength to avoid creasing--strength is certainly one of the selling points of the technology. I had the best surf on the 96 about three weeks ago. Perfect waves with 3ft sets. The board performed so well and cemented my feelings that it's a great board for summer waves in the 1 - 4ft range that don't have a lot of juice . Overall, I think I could have gone half a litre less in volume but not enough of an issue for me to want to get rid of it.
@@tui_ruwhiu_wavecomms awesome good to hear. I have the same dilemma as you had with the seaside. I’ve got a retro fish for small days but the problem is I can’t throw it round like my short board. How did you find the rnf compared to the chilli bv2? Those were the 2 boards I was tossing up between for smaller waves but something that can be pushed hard
@@truckandplane I think I liked the BV2 more but couldn't get the volume I wanted with a shorter length. Super fast board and really responsive and maneuverable. The problem was the strength as I creased it. Don't think Twin Tech is the way to go. Maybe EPS or PU with stringer and epoxy resin?
Coreflex seems to work well. Haven't noticed any additional pop over a typical EPS but I like the idea of the extra strength with the carbon rods. I creased my last EPS.
I used to have this board and I was more than happy with it. However, the board in the lightspeed construction was creasing all the time, and I ended up selling it. Would be happy to get it back, but in a stringered version.
The Puddle Jumper HP would be my personal choice, though have only heard good things on the RNF. Cool to see Raglan going off lately, been looking like indo
Happy with the RNF for what I want it for but good to know about another option. Actually the board I most loved for summer was the Chilli BV2 but couldn't make the length/volume work, and it was weak in EPS. Raglan has been spectacular the last couple of months.
The 96 seemed the better board for what I was after and I looked at a lot of makers' boards including the Gremlin. Happy with it so far, although it's definitely for summer waves in the 1 -4ft range, at least for me.
It's a great board for summer. I may have gone a touch long a touch too much volume but it will work for me from here on, too. I see that Lost have revised their dims a little on it, giving more volume at shorter lengths on both the standard and wide dims. Recommend it for grovelling 1 - 3 ft definitely, and you can ride it in bigger waves if you change fins. I switch to another board over 3ft unless the waves are soft. I'm pretty much committed to using the Futures 2 + 1s in the RNF96, but on smaller days use the AM Keel twins--I'm not a twin fiin guy, but find these twins give me the stability and hold I want. It's coming on winter here now so the swell is getting gruntier, and I'm not using it even on smaller days, preferring the Red Tiger.
Just saw your video and it resonated with me on a number of levels. I just grabbed myself a 5'11" RNF96 (Libtech) after surfing Seasides (5'10" and 5'8") for the last year or so. Only had a few surfs on the RNF96 so far and have been impressed with the performance. I think for me the board "feels" less floaty and easier to turn. Are you using the MR twin plus trailer fins? Great video.
I use Future Fins. Got the Al Merrick Keel twin fins for grovelly 1 - 2ft waves, then use the T1 Twin (2+1) up until 4ft when I swap to AM2 Honeycomb Thruster. I find though when waves have got real punch, bump or are jacking up, I'd prefer to be on a PU board. That said, I'm really enjoying the 96 for summer waves. Glad you like the video.
Mate you are a small guy and are riding 37 litres. For a big guy that would equate to us riding 48 litres (epoxy you can subtract 3-4 litres). All your boards are stiff - the Pyzel Ghost for example. Then your new smaller epoxy is very wide with the widest point up the nose. So for that you should be on a 5'10" max. All these boards - all of them are single-to-double-concave - go shit in bad waves but fire when it's good. But all boards do. It's about time these so-called shapers (machines in Asia) reverted back to wings and channels with pin noses. And stopped shaping for only relative midgets and dwarves.
nothing worse than buying a new board and not gelling with it. I bought a Pyzel Gremlin at 6,2 (38lt) but feel its too big, bit stiff and hard to engage rail, tried different fin combos but cant get it to spark. i bought this board after a 5 month break from surfing and lacking surf fitness, looking at selling it now. Will be interesting to see how you go with the RNF.
Now had three surfs with the RNF96. The waves have been in the summer grovelly 2 - 4ft and it's performed well for me--the kind of conditions I bought it for. It's EPS epoxy so it's "floaty" but not so much that I can't duck dive. Relatively easy to paddle onto waves. Good speed. Manoeuverability has been good---not catching on the rail in cutbacks or off the lips and easy to turn. Liking it so far.
Liking the 96 for smaller days when there's not a lot of energy in the waves. Had it out tonight in good overhead surf and was surfing it tentatively. Needed my Shadow but it's in the shop getting repaired.
Love your videos, Really interested like other comments on RNF 96, I’ve been told this is a one board quiver that you can comfortable ride in double overhead, obviously surfing talent would help. I have a CI Rocket Wide 6’3 at 41+ . Really enjoy its simplicity and rides well. Pedictable I’m 60yrs 81kg and realised my ltrs were 41-42, thus is where I can comfortably paddle and catch beaches waves in Crappy 2-3 ft sydney waves. Seriously considering the RNF 96 at 6’4 and epoxy. Q. Will you keep the RNF 96 ? Also, Q. Did you look at Pyzel wild cat. 4 Channel Twin, This may have accommodated your ltrs to length equation. Pyzel velocity project for mature surfers wanting high ltrs in smaller length. Keep up the great reviews, you are like a Noel Sallas with your breakdown of individual board performance.
@@foromnii Glad you enjoyed them. I rode my 6'00" RNF96 in punchy overhead surf and didn't enjoy it so much. For me, I was too concerned about being careful with what I was doing on the board at that size and power of a wave. I like not having to worry about the board under my feet. Also as you say a factor of surfing talent. I might have considered myself an early advanced surfer years ago, but definitely in the intermediate space now. I will keep the RNF96. Enjoying the way it works in summer waves in the 1 - 4ft range. I did look at the Pyzel Astro Pop but not the Wildcat. Astro Pop didn't seem to be what I was after. When it comes to channels, I'm in the camp of "great for smooth surface days, but not when there's bump, wind ruffle or chop." I rode a 6'6" in Indonesia and Sri Lanka years ago with channels and it was the bomb. Pretty happy with where I am at with my boards right now, but do have one on order that should arrive mid-January. Will do a video on it and my thoughts after it arrives.
I’ve never really been a “surfer”, but I’ve always surfed, for at least the last 52+ years(@60)…… I have bought off of racks many times, and had more than a few custom made, (local shapers) boards. Most all (boards) have given me some incredible memories, and kept me sane in very tumultuous times. Never been up to my 👂s in $, so many board purchases were dollar dependent. Totally understand local shapers need da support. But sometimes, gotta get what you can afford. If it leads to good waves, then it’s all good brah.💪🤙
honest best board. I ditched my thrusters for this board. the thing turns and holds rails just like any shortboard but a ton more drive. love it. enjoy it.
Been riding on and off for quite a bit now and enjoying it. Considering whether or not I went for slightly too much volume, but I'll no doubt age into it. :-)
Interesting video's. Really enjoyed. I see you have found your ideal volume and are now altering the board shapes under your feet. Be interesting to hear your feedback on the different board performances and what you are ideally looking for to suit your style of surfing? Also do you have a step up range? How big a surf do you surf these boards in?
I to have been surfing for 50 years but alas my volume has been steadily increasing every board I order haha! Short boards are no longer short and step ups are getting bigger and longer! Cheers
In regard to what I'm looking for: it's for boards to be able to go vertical, cutback without catching a rail, respond to jamming turns in waves without length hindering the board coming around, have sufficient volume for me to get onto waves without major effort, and be suited to the conditions I'm out in. My Ghost at 6'4" is my step up for bigger days. Here it's unusual to get surf over 8' so that's pretty much my limit, and I wouldn't feel comfortable going out in anything bigger. My RNF96 is for 1 -4' grovelling waves. My Shadow XL for good 4 - 6' surf, and my Ghost for anything over 6'. The 96 and the Shadow allow me to surf the way I want to in the conditions they are suited to. The Ghost is really for drawing lines on the bigger days. I do have another board on the way which will either supplement or replace the Shadow--won't know until after I get it. Imagine though I'll keep the Shadow as well for when I travel so that I have a spare either way if I break a board. That's the plan at the moment anyway. I can though see more volume not too far down the line, and maybe even a mid-length.
Thanks for your reply, ve😮ry informative. Cheers
I'm currently surfing the 6' RNF96 for summer, the 6''1" Red Tiger XL for good small wave performance, the 6'2" Shadow XL for 4' - 6' and 6'4" Ghost for 6'+. We rarely get surf over 8' where I typically go surfing and I'm not comfortable over that anyway. Most of the time at my local and a number of the waves I travel to it's 2 - 6'. I did last weekend though surf my Ghost in bigger waves as a quad. Don't ride it that often. Worked a treat.
Gotta be the best.choice thus far in my eyes for you. Can't wait for your feedback and underfoot sensation riding this beauty yeeeeeew
Put up a video of my very first surf on the board - Northland POV 2023. It was a perfect day for it with 2 - 3ft summer waves. Took a moment to get used to the floatiness of the board, being EPS Epoxy, but was everything I hoped it would be--easy to catch waves, easy to turn and fast. Since had it in very grunty 4 - 5' waves. Would have preferred my Shadow but still handled it although I had to surf with more care.
Awesome bro. I’ve had my eye on the RNF 96 for the last 12 months. Just need to save up the funds. I’d be keen to hear your thoughts on the core flex.
I haven't noticed anything special about coreflex in terms of 'ping'. I do though feel--perhaps in my mind only--that it has the strength to avoid creasing--strength is certainly one of the selling points of the technology. I had the best surf on the 96 about three weeks ago. Perfect waves with 3ft sets. The board performed so well and cemented my feelings that it's a great board for summer waves in the 1 - 4ft range that don't have a lot of juice . Overall, I think I could have gone half a litre less in volume but not enough of an issue for me to want to get rid of it.
@@tui_ruwhiu_wavecomms awesome good to hear. I have the same dilemma as you had with the seaside. I’ve got a retro fish for small days but the problem is I can’t throw it round like my short board. How did you find the rnf compared to the chilli bv2? Those were the 2 boards I was tossing up between for smaller waves but something that can be pushed hard
@@truckandplane I think I liked the BV2 more but couldn't get the volume I wanted with a shorter length. Super fast board and really responsive and maneuverable. The problem was the strength as I creased it. Don't think Twin Tech is the way to go. Maybe EPS or PU with stringer and epoxy resin?
Coreflex seems to work well. Haven't noticed any additional pop over a typical EPS but I like the idea of the extra strength with the carbon rods. I creased my last EPS.
I used to have this board and I was more than happy with it. However, the board in the lightspeed construction was creasing all the time, and I ended up selling it. Would be happy to get it back, but in a stringered version.
I think I would, too.
The Puddle Jumper HP would be my personal choice, though have only heard good things on the RNF. Cool to see Raglan going off lately, been looking like indo
Happy with the RNF for what I want it for but good to know about another option. Actually the board I most loved for summer was the Chilli BV2 but couldn't make the length/volume work, and it was weak in EPS. Raglan has been spectacular the last couple of months.
@@tui_ruwhiu_wavecomms chur, Taranaki been on the sizzle too
@@tui_ruwhiu_wavecomms check out the Roach 2 and tge master killer from STCY. Lee makes awesome boards over on the goldy
Did you consider a Pyzel Gremlin or Gremlin XL? The RNF 96 is a great choice.
The 96 seemed the better board for what I was after and I looked at a lot of makers' boards including the Gremlin. Happy with it so far, although it's definitely for summer waves in the 1 -4ft range, at least for me.
Anymore feedback on the RNF96?
It's a great board for summer. I may have gone a touch long a touch too much volume but it will work for me from here on, too. I see that Lost have revised their dims a little on it, giving more volume at shorter lengths on both the standard and wide dims. Recommend it for grovelling 1 - 3 ft definitely, and you can ride it in bigger waves if you change fins. I switch to another board over 3ft unless the waves are soft. I'm pretty much committed to using the Futures 2 + 1s in the RNF96, but on smaller days use the AM Keel twins--I'm not a twin fiin guy, but find these twins give me the stability and hold I want. It's coming on winter here now so the swell is getting gruntier, and I'm not using it even on smaller days, preferring the Red Tiger.
Just saw your video and it resonated with me on a number of levels. I just grabbed myself a 5'11" RNF96 (Libtech) after surfing Seasides (5'10" and 5'8") for the last year or so. Only had a few surfs on the RNF96 so far and have been impressed with the performance. I think for me the board "feels" less floaty and easier to turn. Are you using the MR twin plus trailer fins?
Great video.
I use Future Fins. Got the Al Merrick Keel twin fins for grovelly 1 - 2ft waves, then use the T1 Twin (2+1) up until 4ft when I swap to AM2 Honeycomb Thruster. I find though when waves have got real punch, bump or are jacking up, I'd prefer to be on a PU board. That said, I'm really enjoying the 96 for summer waves. Glad you like the video.
Dude drop the music or turn it down by a lot. Good video otherwise, great content
My bad
Mate you are a small guy and are riding 37 litres. For a big guy that would equate to us riding 48 litres (epoxy you can subtract 3-4 litres). All your boards are stiff - the Pyzel Ghost for example. Then your new smaller epoxy is very wide with the widest point up the nose. So for that you should be on a 5'10" max. All these boards - all of them are single-to-double-concave - go shit in bad waves but fire when it's good. But all boards do. It's about time these so-called shapers (machines in Asia) reverted back to wings and channels with pin noses. And stopped shaping for only relative midgets and dwarves.
nothing worse than buying a new board and not gelling with it. I bought a Pyzel Gremlin at 6,2 (38lt) but feel its too big, bit stiff and hard to engage rail, tried different fin combos but cant get it to spark. i bought this board after a 5 month break from surfing and lacking surf fitness, looking at selling it now. Will be interesting to see how you go with the RNF.
Now had three surfs with the RNF96. The waves have been in the summer grovelly 2 - 4ft and it's performed well for me--the kind of conditions I bought it for. It's EPS epoxy so it's "floaty" but not so much that I can't duck dive. Relatively easy to paddle onto waves. Good speed. Manoeuverability has been good---not catching on the rail in cutbacks or off the lips and easy to turn. Liking it so far.
Liking the 96 for smaller days when there's not a lot of energy in the waves. Had it out tonight in good overhead surf and was surfing it tentatively. Needed my Shadow but it's in the shop getting repaired.
Love your videos, Really interested like other comments on RNF 96, I’ve been told this is a one board quiver that you can comfortable ride in double overhead, obviously surfing talent would help. I have a CI Rocket Wide 6’3 at 41+ . Really enjoy its simplicity and rides well. Pedictable
I’m 60yrs 81kg and realised my ltrs were 41-42, thus is where I can comfortably paddle and catch beaches waves in Crappy 2-3 ft sydney waves. Seriously considering the RNF 96 at 6’4 and epoxy. Q. Will you keep the RNF 96 ?
Also, Q. Did you look at Pyzel wild cat. 4 Channel Twin, This may have accommodated your ltrs to length equation. Pyzel velocity project for mature surfers wanting high ltrs in smaller length.
Keep up the great reviews, you are like a Noel Sallas with your breakdown of individual board performance.
@@foromnii Glad you enjoyed them. I rode my 6'00" RNF96 in punchy overhead surf and didn't enjoy it so much. For me, I was too concerned about being careful with what I was doing on the board at that size and power of a wave. I like not having to worry about the board under my feet. Also as you say a factor of surfing talent. I might have considered myself an early advanced surfer years ago, but definitely in the intermediate space now. I will keep the RNF96. Enjoying the way it works in summer waves in the 1 - 4ft range. I did look at the Pyzel Astro Pop but not the Wildcat. Astro Pop didn't seem to be what I was after. When it comes to channels, I'm in the camp of "great for smooth surface days, but not when there's bump, wind ruffle or chop." I rode a 6'6" in Indonesia and Sri Lanka years ago with channels and it was the bomb. Pretty happy with where I am at with my boards right now, but do have one on order that should arrive mid-January. Will do a video on it and my thoughts after it arrives.
People who surf buy stock boards . Surfers get custom-made boards from a shaper who they have worked with to improve their for years.
That’s an interesting personal perspective.
what a load of shit
I’ve never really been a “surfer”, but I’ve always surfed, for at least the last 52+ years(@60)…… I have bought off of racks many times, and had more than a few custom made, (local shapers) boards. Most all (boards) have given me some incredible memories, and kept me sane in very tumultuous times. Never been up to my 👂s in $, so many board purchases were dollar dependent. Totally understand local shapers need da support. But sometimes, gotta get what you can afford. If it leads to good waves, then it’s all good brah.💪🤙