Pyzel "Astro Pop" Surfboard Review by Noel Salas Ep.90
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- Опубликовано: 22 авг 2024
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In this episode I put the Pyzel “Astro Pop” through the paces in 1-4’ surf. We started testing this model in Waco, TX at BSR Surf Resort and it did NOT disappoint.
The two custom boards I ordered worked insane in the pool and ocean. The Astro Pop is very fast and offers excellent performance in tight transitions. I found it to be very user friendly and it excelled in 1-4’ surf.
This performance fish felt good as a Quad, Twin Fin + Trailer, and it went great as a Thruster in the ocean too. This is the most versatile board I have ridden to date that shreds in all three different fin set ups.
I highly recommend the Astro Pop for beginner to expert level surfers that want to excel in small waves.
My height: 5’9”
My Weight: 160 lb or 72.5 kg
Surfboard Dimensions:
5’3” x 19.25 x 2.25 Liters 25.6 (Epoxy and PU Boards same dimensions)
Epoxy Board weight: 4.60 lb (with traction pad)
Poly Board weight: 5.55 lb (with traction)
Recommended Future Fins:
Twin + Trailer = T1’s or T2’s with the T1 Trailer
Thruster = John John Florence or Jack Freestone Generation Series
Quad = JJF side fins / QD2 3.75 Quad Rears
Recommended FCSII:
Twin + Trailer = MR’s
Thruster = Performers
Quad = Performer side fins with Reactor Quad rears
Most versatile board I've owned in 30 years. Goes amazing in 2-4ft waves as a thruster (stock Futures L), 1-3ft as a quad (Futures Thermoflex), 1-3ft as a 2+1 (Akila Aipas). I'm 73kg and have the 5'7, it is my go to for beachies and reefs up to 4ft (overhead). Blindingly fast with quad setup once on rail in more powerful surf.
Thank for sharing this !
is it also OK in 4-6‘ surf??
Have you tried other 2+1 set aside from the Aipas? How do you think they compare to the MR fins recommended by Noel?
Tried one the other day, rode the 5’9 PU (I’m 183cm and 82kg). So much fun, quick, easy to manoeuvre and plenty of performance in the pocket. It feels a bit like a rocket wide, it seems like as the sizes get larger they get proportionately longer compared to wider so starts to ride more like a small wave performance board. It held in at just overhead surf as well on a few of the sets. Another great review, thanks Noel!
Hey John, you may never see this but... I am a intermediate surfer that got into surfing later in their life and I have to say, I've learned more about surfing from watching your reviews than almost any other medium. Good surfers that are friends often forget what it was like to be not so great and not familiar with the lingo. This makes it a struggle when trying to determine what kinda board to use etc. I appreciate how you explain things in a way that makes it relatable for those of us that aren't on your level. Kudos!
Rad review as always Noah! Looking to try this board out soon as I think it'll be a winner for my home break. BTW a suggestion on your reviews, what do you think about starting your riding clips at the last few paddles and pop up? I feel like it tells a lot about how much glide and stability a board has. Those are a few top points for me in a board anyway. Keep the reviews coming! My Surf n Show mini quiver is doing me well!
Bryce Molenkamp We will do some of that on reviews moving forward to show glide and get up and go speed. Thanks
Pyzel is making best boards today ! majority of us are " brands prisoners " and go with brands which not really work and does not suit us ! But with Pyzel its a brand name that works ! Try the Pyzel Happy twin best small wave performance board, works well in small with small board elements and surf and pivots like a shortboard !!! Many of us makes mistaked with Lt, u cannot take same Lt with these small wave chunky full boards, u want good balance and sensitivity, go shorter and less Lt, these boards already carry too much foam...
daniisrael____ I told Jon I wanted to review the Happy Twin he said nothing.... crickets. Bummer that board looks epic.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 maybe some day-- haha
I just bought the Astro Pop XL, epoxy build it is going to take 15 weeks, so should have it just before the end of the year. Frothing for this beast also picked up a set of MR twinnies 2 + 1.
Just picked one of these bad boys up. Rode with a stiff fiberglass 2+1 in 2ft overhead Hawaii wind swell. The chop didn't bother one bit but the speed was too much for me to handle (for now) I never felt so much pop on my snaps. To the point that I was afraid to try any more after a few fails. The speed was intimidating. Maneuvers set up beautifully, stayed on the line I chose without effort. Any recommendation on fin sets (futures) that will help me tame the board down a little? Take away some speed and tighten up the tail some for the bigger days. Looking for more control I guess. Until I can get used to seeing through my turns with all that pop that the Astro Pop gives. Mahalo surfnshow community
Try fins with a bit more Rake. You will get more control for sure.
Will do! Mahalo
Your ride at 8:07 was some A-Roll Noel footage! That was a goooood clip.
Thanks to your advice I bought a Astro Pop as a daily driver for 1-4 “East Coast Shredding”. Considering I’ll have this board for a while, which “step up” board would compliment the Astro Pop in slightly bigger waves for a lower intermediate in the East coast and Caribbean. Thanks in advance!!
Kelvin Batista Phantom
Honestly, your reviews just get better and better! Now, I just have to wait your review on the Lost x MR Cali Twin. Are they comparable?
livemoksha Yes... AP out performs the CA Twin in the pocket but the CA Twin might be a hair faster down the line. The CA Twin also catches in the nose area a little more too. The AP is more free in tight pocket turns
Shredding on the Twinny Fanga.
Unreal review, Pyzel will need Ghosts round the clock to keep up with demand after this.
Beauty SnSR, awesome show.
Jono Edwards Yewww... sick little board for sure! Cheers
Ordered a custom Astro Pop from pyzel UK can't wait to get it great review Noel 🤙
how'd you like it bro??
@@jensenh4832 I love it bru it flys I'm a big guy and I ordered a 7ft2 x 22½ x 3 1/8 56:.48 ltr been getting lots of comment from people in the water on how well I'm surfing on it especially seeing I'm 49 years old I feel like I'm rolling back the years bang on 🤙👌👍
One of your best reviews yet! Board looks great.
Thank you for the amazing reviews you make! Really helps me to understand the concepts behind the design and construction. The fins are a show apart. Good waves and peace ✌
Great looking board, great surfing, great soundtrack. . .What more could one ask for 😁 👌🏽
It looks like a great board! The majority of my time I am on a 2+1 now and never thought I would love it so much. To the point now where I am pulling the trailer and getting comfortable with the tail release. On a Modern2 now, but always picking up the twinnies at the local shop. Thanks for the review.
That first turn @ 3:36 was money, the bottom turn, everything!
Great review thanks Noel appreciate your efforts.You have dealt extensively with the major manufacturers like CI,Lost,Pyzel etc.My question is this : How are boards under licence made in different countries compare with those made/shaped from HQ of these manufacturers?I guess what im saying is how different is a pyzel gremlin made in brazil comparer to one made in pyzel HQ and how do they do it?
Ryan The Rock Great question... I don’t have a solid answer for you there. I am sure each board manufacturer spends a good amount of time choosing the right overseas licensing group for their brand. Maybe something good for us to do a review on in the near future. Thanks for the solid question....
After a 20 year break i'm riding a pyzel rat skull and loving it. This astro pop is my next board for sure, i can tell from the lines you're drawing it has the same pyzel dna but much more high performance. I already know how it'll go without riding it lol. You're ripping it Noel.
onespeed After you get one let us know how it goes
Hi Noel, which one do you prefer for grovelling and small wave performance? SE Twin Turbo 2, Gremlin or Astro pop?
I'm 75kg 5'11 - 40 years surfing. Daily driver a 5'9 Hayden Unitled V2 EPS (FF).
Just sold a Chilli Miami Spice 5'7 at 30.8L
Bought Astro pop EPS at 5'8 (29.9L) and this board IS TOO BIG. Glides on like Miami Spice would if it was 32L
Because the rocker is sooo Flat on AP.
Over all am not that impressed. The swallow just grips too much for smaller 1-3 feet waves and slows the turn.
The board has far too much foam thickness right up the nose (shape is okay) and makes the board too heavy on nose for faster turns.
I took the FSC and MR twin fins. The MR twins are for a 85+ kg guy IMO. Additionally adding The trailer fin makes the twin far far too tight (fin is too stiff and thick).
The Futures I had for other boards in twins in the AMT were perfect with trailer - suited my 75kg perfect.
A hybrid between the Chilli Miami spice and Astro Pop would be the perfect groveller. AP nose shape but thinned, the Miami tail and a rocker half way between the two of them.
Also the Pyzel electra is toooo soft. I have more pressure dings in 3 months than I had on Miami Spice in 3 years !!! And Chilli a little lighter with more volume....go figure !!
A final lesson guys - NEVER MIX BOARDS WITH FCS and FUTURES - you will spend your life and waste countless money trying to get fins to match your boards. SETTLE ON ONE - and just never buy a board with other fin type. I find Futures better as range of Twins carried far superior to FCS. Also Futures ride numbers give more scientific predictability to choosing a fin. Also FCS fin with a knock on your leg can come out and be lost. But also that can be a good thing if it was going to be a big nasty fin chop from rear of fin !!
A final thought - unless you go much smaller in size - this board is a down the line proposition with low top to bottom performance, but gets on waves really easy. More a cruiser vs performance.
Agree on the range and data for the Future Fins being superior, so got them in my boards, but found them an absolute bitch to try and remove the fin. Not only are they tight as a nun's due to inconsistencies in finish, but they also have the lug on the wrong end, so you have to push them down, not pull them up, to release them, so you have no leverage, so it made swapping and trying out fins a nightmare. So I switched to FCS, and regardless of the inferiority in many ways, they are soooo much easier to change out. I have now switched to FCS on my new quiver, and I won't be switching back. I did lose one fin in the surf that popped out, even though I put in a grub screw (the design doesn't let the grub screw bite properly) and that pisses me off, but I will still prefer to put up with it and be able to try out different fins easy.
I agree on the Electra being soft. I have heavy pressure dents in my custom Electra (epoxy) Astro pop.
Hi Noel and viewers
I wanted to add another set of fins as an option that I’ve really liked.
I have this board in the 5’7” (I’m 6’0” tall) and it works really well with the new Machado quad set (made for the seaside). The pivot nature of those fins work very well with the flater rocker. Also, I felt it helped the board in overhead conditions.
Great reviews Noel. 👍
interesting, i have those fins and the machado twins too. what do you likethe best between machado quads and the normal quads ?
Noel
How does it compare to the rnf 96???
Hey Noel, I was wondering if you have any advice for tall skinny guys looking for a smaller wave board. I'm 6'2, 180lbs, intermediate. I first tried an Ultra Joe 5'7 31.5L and really didn't like it. It was fun and skatey as a quad in tiny mushy waves, but once the waves got closer to 3-4ft and the faces got steeper, drop-ins started feeling really awkward (like I was going to faceplant in front of the board) and the board almost felt like it was sinking too much in turns. I then got a Superbrand Vapors 6'2 33.5L and I love this thing. It works great in 4ft+ surf, is helping me surf better rail-to-rail, but feels like a barge in tiny waves -- hard to keep speed through turns (probably more on my technique). It seems like these tiny, wide grovelers are just really awkward for me to surf given my height and low weight. Maybe I could use a longer, wider, but thinner board? Like 5'10-6'0, 19.5-20" wide x 2.25-2.5" thick? I was wondering what you think about this?
Andrew English Sounds like you need to go custom. Lots of good boards to choose from... go to our website and check my favorites for the size waves u want to surf
Thanks for touching on FCS. Your Thruster set up looked solid on Vid,
Hey, loving these reviews! As I see you live in San Diego, can you do any reviews on Jason Bennett's designs at Chemistry?
Justin Carson I live in Orange County CA and I ordered boards from Jason last year and they never sent them. Sorry...
Surf n Show Reviews you paid for them and they never came or you asked for boards??
The Honey Dip is epic
astro pop vs rocket wide for 2-5 foot wave beachbreak? drive, manouvrability, speed, paddling, flow? which one its easy ridable, more fun, for a intermediate surfer to evolve in surf maneuvers? start doing some carves, bottom turns, snaps...
Rocket Wide...
@@surfnshowreviews7777 spinetek vs PU?
@@diogobrandao4467 Spinetek for me in 1-4’ waves if you surf more clean conditions. If you surf a lot of choppy waves then go PU
Do you like the Astro pop more or the rocket wide.
Thanks
Gil kalbfeld
How does it compare to the Gremlin
marcus Crespo Splitting hairs but I think the Gremlin might be a tad faster and have better flow. However the Astro Pop seems a tad better in the pocket and the nose area on the AP was catching less on my turns.
Astro Pop or Rocket Wide! Guess RW is more of a small wave performance board even thou the stock dims on the RW are more stubby?
Hi Noel, love you reviews, I’ve watched both the Astro Pop review and the Rocket wide. I’ve got a Cali Twin as my all out groveller, what would you recommend out of these two to sit inbetween by firing waves board, Astro or Wide? I like full shaped boards so both look sweet. Thanks!
I actually bought this in PU, off the rack, with a volume of 25.9L. If I get an EPS version, should I stay with the same volume or go with the lower at 25.1L? I’m at 5’8” 145lbs.
I also bought a PU off the rack. If the board works for me I’l consider getting an EPS slightly smaller as well. Let us know how it goes for you.
Hey Noel, Do you think for a low intermediate surfer what board would be better between the Astro P. And the gremlin. I’m 5’10 70kgs, I have a greedy beaver 6’ with 37.5L which is a lot for me but good to catch waves, I was thinking may be around 34l would be good for those boards??
Cheers mate 👍🏼
Jimmy Dabriou Both Boards will go good for you! I think the Gremlin is a little faster and has better flow but the AP offers more performance in the pocket. Strange too I would think just the opposite. With this being said go Gremlin for your skill level and have more fun going fast in small waves... it still turns excellent too.
Cheers mate, what do you think about the length though? Should I go 5’10 or 5’9 with my bio?
Jimmy Dabriou 5’9”
Great review Noel, after 25 years break, I'm 55 years old 75 kg 1. 76m serfing on pod mod Ci 6.2 40.7L and happy with him, I'd like to buy 2 L low - volume. What would you recommend on the Gremlin or astro pop?
Itzik Tzur Astro Pop surfs more like the PM. Give it a go and order it 2 liters less
Hi Noel, Great review again.
Based on your positive feedback on 2+1 setups, i was looking at the futures site. I see that they also have the T1 2+1 setup in the thermotech construction. Have you ever tried this construction before? They are offered at a great price so I am wondering about the performance that they deliver. Would love to hear your view on those.
pheelleip I have not tried that tech yet.... I recommend Honeycomb if your over 170 pounds. If your light weight then give them a go
Hey
hope you feeling ok.i have second hand sampler.and astro pop.for 1 to4 reef break.cant decide.any advice ?
never had the sampler.
Hi just watched your vid on back foot position and tail pad position. Watching this vid, did you manage to get your tail pad far enough over the back fin, considering the leash plug position is to the side and that this board is a swallow tail? Thanks 🤙
Yes.. we got it back far enough. From what I remember
Hi Noel! Would you recommend going up in volume if you're getting this as a groveler or would you stick with your regular shortboard volume?
I like staying the same… if your surfing small mushy waves then I suggest going up 1L
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Sounds good. Thanks for the quick reply :)
Now that some time has passed since this review would you say the board goes better as a quad or 2+1?
@@christopherhewitt9091 Both are so fun… maybe Twin + Trailer
Thanks for the review and greetings from Germany🤙 which size should I go for as a
5’8 150lb low intermediate?
I say 29-31L is a good range for you
Another amazing review Noel! My regular surfboard is a 5'11 with 30 L. I have 5'5 height with 171 lb weight. What is better dimension of AP for me, 5'3 or 5'4? best regards!
Dr. Ivan Penna 29-30 liters for the AP
How would this board size up for bigger, older, slower surfers? Some boards size up well and others just get do not work? My local shop has a 6'8 and a 7'0? Thanks love the reviews
Sam Leary It will size up great... go for the smaller one of the two... it paddles great
Im 75 kg, What size of fins you think should Fit best? Used tô like Fcs 2 performer médium sides with old jw fcs 1 center, but i got some extra pounds , and dont know if i should change for larges
I say switch to a large neutral template
Thank you ! I Will Also try mt astro pop as a quad. Did you use performer large with reactors medium rears, right?
@@invistacompeu5292 yes… you can also use medium side fins
@@surfnshowreviews7777 whats you think about the jw large Fcs 2 tri fins air core?
@@surfnshowreviews7777 and theres anyway i can buy your MS Fins in Brazil?
Great Review Noah. Just wanted to ask you, would you recommend this as a first “short board” or are there other options by pyzel you recommend ? Im looking for a board i can get ton of speed out of and work out my turns. Riding right above waist high all the way to 2 foot overhead. Im 5’7 140. Would really appreciate your input man. Stay easy
Thanks Noel, review is really insightful as ever. I’m riding (and loving) the Rusty Heckler as a daily driver and its due a replacement. This seem pretty similar, which did you prefer?
Brett Meyer Astro Pop
Thanks
Do you like the Astro pop better or mini ghost? For small not great waves. Witch one is loser?
1-3’ mushy waves I like the Gremlin better. You can make it looser with my Pivot Twin+ Trailer. Check them out here… they are mental.
surfnshow.com/products/twin-fins-p-twin-1
Hey Noel I recently broke my trusty heckler and was thinking about either replacing it or getting a one of these astro pops. How do they compare? I feel like my heckler was extremly high performance for such a fishy outline. Watching both of you reviews it even seems like you got the heckler to do better vertical surfing than the astro but that might be because you only rode thruster in that review. What do you think?
I say check out the BV2 by Chilli for a bit more performance with a Twin + Trailer set up. You can go Thruster too when it gets bigger.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 I did see your review on that board. Looks interesting but I like my pyzels and rustys too much to deviate. Just having a hard time between the heckler and astro.
I am wondering about the same thing ,
Thanks - watching all these is turning me into a board expert 😅 how would you compare this with an RNF 96 Libtech?
The Lictech construction seems to be pretty durable but it might not have the same pop a regular EPS/Epoxy has. The 96 can handle bigger surf.. it’s more versatile compared to the AP.
Insightful review as always Noel.
In a head-to-head matchup, would you take the Aipa Twin +1 or the Pyz AP in a comparable fin setup?
Mike Wan Akila Aipa Winged Twin surfs like HPSB with incredible speed. The AP draws Groveler type lines... so the Aipa Winged Twin will out perform it in the pocket.
Another awesome review! Just wondering, any reason why you took the front foot traction off the EPS board after the pool? I'm considering getting front traction on my next board but heard mixed reviews from people!
Matthew Boyle I didn’t like it in the ocean. It was a Prolite traction pad that has too much grip.... could move my foot around easily
Pyzel’s knocking it out the park. Love his boards, maybe after my Gremlin dies I’ll get one if these.
Waxfoot Yessir
Seems like a CI Rocket Wide? No?
brd2deth AP is a Performance Fish... RW is a small wave performance board... no comparison. The RW will our perform the AP in 3-4’ surf all day long but the AP is faster, Grovels better in mushy surf and it’s more user friendly.
Surf n Show Reviews , Thx Bud. Love the show. Keep up the good work man. Have a good one🤙
Great review! So, what would be the major difference between the EPS and PU versions, since they are exact same dims? You’d say difference in wave conditions? Tnks!
Vinicius Bitencourt EPS offers more pop. And projection through turns. I mentioned bigger waves on the PU because it settles down better with more speed. Sometimes EPS can be a bit corky and hard to sink the rail when your going fast on bigger waves or when it’s choppy surf. The PU cuts through the water better..... it also helps that This PU was glasses a little heavier.
Surf n Show Reviews thanks for the reply! Helping me decide for sure!
Keep riping! Aloha!!
What did you think about the Astro Pop vs MR/Mayhem California Twin?
Aaron Taylor Both boards are sick... Astro POP is more performance and offers more fin set up options.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 what about Astro vs Rocket Wide???
Great review as always Noel. I am wondering how you would compare the Astro Pop to the FW Seaside?
Ken Kohncke That’s a great comparison... Seaside is a bit faster but the AP offers more hold and performance in the pocket.
Hey Noel, What would you choose and size to surf Huntington Pier 1-4ft? Astro - Epoxy, PJHP - C4, Seaside or Ultra Joe Spinetek?
Most of the time I feel like I need much more foam under the chest for better paddling and more speed because it can get very mushy and slow.
Im 5'10 165lb Intermediate skills.
By the way, thanks for creating this channel and doing a fantastic job in your reviews. You are helping thousands of people around the globe.
Coconut Inc The Astro POP and Seaside have more foam under the chest and paddle better. The Seaside is fast down the line but the Astro POP our performs the Seaside in the pocket. Both boards will carry good speed in the mush. The Astro POP is epic in multiple fin set ups... Thruster, Quad, Twin Plus Trailer. Seaside is Quad and Twin too.
Surf n Show Reviews thanks Noel. Your help and into already narrowed my choices tons... very helpful.
What about size and liters for those? For those boards do you recommend grabbing with 1 extra liter to make even easier the paddling and wave count? I’m 5’10 165.
Coconut Inc I don’t like adding 1 liter... they paddle good already due to less rocker compared to a HPSB. It’s up to you.... add a liter catch more waves or don’t add the liter and get more performance
Hi Noel, curious on the Futures fin selection. You chose the 3.75 which is a small fin instead of the 4 which whould be a medium one. Any special reason for this? Because on fcs you were using medium quad rears.
Miguel Lima I like Medium Quad Rears better... more drive and a little better hold. Sometimes the 3.75 gives a little more release.... just makes it more fun on the wave face sliding the board a bit easier. Go with Medium Quad Rears
Hi Noel !
Great review one more Time !
Which is the best in weak , choppy , on shore wind conditions ? NB2 or AP ?
Thx
I have the same question too
Lookin ready for WSL run
What’s did you prefer out of the Astro pop and the rocket wide?
killabootsproduction Astro POP feels like a High Performance Fish/Groveler, Rocket Wide is a Small Wave Performance Board. If I had to choose one I would go Astro Pop
@@surfnshowreviews7777 wow ! I thought you were a big rocket wide fan, thank you for sharing this choice coach :)
Hey Noel, wondering if I could get your quick opinion. Looking at ordering a custom Astro Pop. I'm 6'4 200 lbs, surfing in Oregon so wearing 5/4 wetsuit adds a lot of weight. I want to keep the length short, maybe 5'10", but need to keep the volume higher than the stock 5'10" dims. Would you recommend increasing thickness or width more?
Increase thickness to add more volume. Adding width will make the board tighter and hard to turn quickly..... if you add width I suggest only 1/8 wider than the stock 5’11” dims.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 excellent, thank you so much!
Hey Noel.
My current quiver is 5'6" Phoenix (DHD) 29L and 5'8" P2, 28.5L.
Now I am looking an EPS board for 1-3ft waves. What is your recommendation?
I like some boards as the Astro Pop, Gremlin, Seaside, Glazer and Black Baron ...
Many thanks!
Astro POP, Seaside, and Black Baron are epic. Tough choice... I say AP or Seaside
Can you please describe difference between performance fish and performance groveler (ride/performance). Could you tell one from the other by the ride/feel only if you didn't look at the board first. thanks
Raymond Welsh Performance Groveler will Pivot in the pocket a little better most of the time compared to a Performance Fish. In this case the Astro Pop feels better in the pocket compared to the Gremlin. Another difference is a performance fish usually has a down rail for a little extra hold. Not always though...
Great review Noel! Seems like the CI Twin you reviewed long ago carries more speed and has a more refined outline though.
urbansurfah Yes more refined but the AP is faster and grovels better
@@surfnshowreviews7777 the other thing to keep in mind is this board is very much designed for powerful small waves (hawaii) so that beak and flat entry rocker lend them selves to waves that carry more speed at smaller sizes. Much to your point Noel, I find the board excels best in punchy beach breaks and more hollow small reefs. I’m not super fond of the way it performs on waves with mushy shoulders.
Hey Noel. Great Review. I'm 6'2'' 190Lb . I ride a 5'10' fishbeard but want something with a bit more meat for bigger days. Found a stock Astro pop 6'0'' . Would this work good if it gets 2 feet overhead being a bit of a bigger board than suggested for me?
Not really… the AP is a Groveler not a mini step up. Check out the Phantom
Noel another great show! Astro pop vs Hydra ? But as far a durability I'm thinking the Hydra would be a lot better?
AP is better too to bottom in 1-4’ surf. Hydra faster in 1-2’ mushy surf
By the way .... it’s a very fun, fast and nimble board. Big thumbs up 👍
(I’m 6’ feet - board is 5’7”)
Hey Noel, amazing review! I've narrowed my search for a daily driver down to to the Astro Pop and now I'm just wondering about size. I'm 5'10, 187lbs and just starting to link my turns and am looking for something that'll go well in 1-4ft. I thought maybe the 5'9-5'10? What do you recommend?
I suggest 35-37L... if that seems low you can go 38
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Cheers!
Solid, insightful review! Looking at this as a potential one board quiver for east coast beach/point/cobblestone breaks, usually 2-4 ft or so. My question - although I assume you would say its not ideal - will this board go ok in the slightly hollower, bigger stuff like the noreaster/hurricane surf we get in fall + winter where it gets up to around 5-7 ft or so and is steeper, punchier mid-long period swell. I'm currently on a Lost QK, which works nicely for me in everything except waist/stomach and smaller where it's just not fun anymore and I bust out the fish or midlength.
Kevin Sullivan Check our the Pyzel Pyzelian 2 for your 1 board quiver. Watch my review
Keep the quiver killer for the bigger hollower stuff, you're asking way too much out of one board
Hi Noel,
I’m riding my Astro Pop as quad with large Matt Biolos FCS 2 fins. They go pretty good, but lack tail release and sometimes I feel like I get stuck on forehand turns. I was thinking of going with your recommended Proformer/reactor fin set up. My questions are, do you think the difference would be noticeable and would the set help with tail release and turn initiation?
Cheers
Aussie Snowboarder Just go all Reactors... the Performers are neutral like the Mayhem fins... to similar. Go L tractor side fins and Medium Reactor Quad rears
Thanks mate, appreciate you coming back so quickly. Keep up
the great work legend!
Surfboard wars - GREMLIN VS ASTRO POP 🙌🏽
J Boy Surf That would be a fun one
Surf n Show Reviews hi Noel ! Why the Gremlin paddles better than the AP?? I’ve notice that the AP has even lower rocker than the Gremlin ..What makes the difference for the better paddling ??
as a new intermediate coming off a longboard, could I make this work? I'm 16 and am very athletic so I wonder if this would work? also I live in Texas so the surf ranch is my go to wave.
MichaelSmith Yes the AP will work good for you. Just make sure you get it on the bigger side and make it easy for yourself.
Surf n Show Reviews thanks man! would you say this is better for the surf ranch than the pod mod, uber xl and rocket wide?
MichaelSmith The Surf Ranch is where? Are you talking about Kelly’s surf ranch or Bsr Surf Resort. Sorry I’m confused
Surf n Show Reviews my bad for not clarifying. bsr tho
MichaelSmith UB XL or Astro POP are my first choices for BSR
Hey Noel, great review. I’ve been checking some of your videos to help me decide on a board for smaller, less powerful surf. I’m 5’9” and 70 Kg and currently riding a FireWire Unibrow 6’0” with 34 L volume. However, I want to go down in volume as I’ve been surfing more frequently and have improved my level and my fitness, but still need the board to be a bridge to the FW.
Now, honestly I’d like to find a board that can be used as a thruster, quad or twin (which I don’t know if it’s the case with this one as you only mention a 2 plus 1 configuration). So far I have looked at the Lost Swordfish, the Pyzalien 2 and this board, but am not sure. Which one of those would you recommend? Or is there any other board that you think I should take a look at? Thanks from Ecuador!
The Astro POP is a good Groveler… best in 1-3’ surf. It will shred 4’ sloped or mushy waves. I have not surfed a board that works well in every fin set up option.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks for your answer. Astro Pop or Pyzalien 2? What do you think the sweet spot for each one is and where do you think they overlap?
What do you think is the Astro Pop’s upper limit in wave size?
Is the Pyzalien as versatile with fin settings as the Astro Pop?
Do you think any of the two surf anything like a twin fin with the 2+1 configuration?
Cheers!
@@dlangpap AP is best in 1-3’ surf… it will shred a Twin + Trailer fin set too.
The P2 is best in 3-8’ surf… very versatile in fin set ups.
These two boards don’t really overlap… AP is a Groveler and P2 is your Daily, HPSB, and mini step up in 1 board.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks, really appreciate your answers. Do you think one could improve the P2 performance in waves 3 ft or less (are we saying 3 ft is waist high?) by trying an optimum 2+1 setup or even experimenting with a twin setup? Also, please let us know when you review the Firewire Mashup as I think that one could be an alternative as well, maybe sitting between these two? Have you ever tried a FW Unibrow? If yes, do you think it’s comparable to the Pyzalien?
As far as construction goes, personally I think Firewire makes the toughest most durable boards that still react well with the peripheral wood stringer. Aside from the dark arts, do you think any of the Pyzel constructions can match Firewire’s?
Thanks again!
@@dlangpap To get into all of your questions and dial in your boards I highly recommend a surfboard consultation. You can sign up for one here.
surfnshow.com/pages/surfboard-consulting
If you had to pick between fcs or futures, what would you do and why?
Futures... way more fin template options... especially in Twin Fins and Twin Plus trailer. You can buy fins from Captain Fin, Shapers, Futures, Tru Aims, etc....
@Stephen Burton good question
how do you think the astro would go with just your HP twins and no trailer?
It will be really fun in 1-2’ surf… it might slide out a little in 3-4’ surf
@@surfnshowreviews7777 gotcha. Have you ever tried your astro in over head? I've been riding my 5'2 in 7 foot the last week and loving it
Thanks Noel. Again a great review man. Astro Pop vs Ultra joe ?
LORENZO ROMAGOSA Tough one... both boards are epic. AP is faster and paddles better. The UJ might be a little better in the pocket but it’s close.
Noel! Thanks for all the epic reviews! So i live near eureka during the summertime here we have a bunch of windswell like 6@8 kinda stuff pretty lumpy and disorganized any ideas on performance groveler for that kinda surf? Thanks!
Thanks - watching all these is turning me into a board expert 😅 how would you compare this with an RNF 96 Libtech? Looks like it goes super fast
Hey Noel! Great review! Could you advise plz. I'm 6.1 tall and 82kg. Just found only one astro in closest surf shop 32L volume. I surf 33.8 fishbeard but it seems to big for fast beach breaks. Looks like it should fit me the best, but don't wanna dissapoint) what do you think?
Liter range for 180lb surfer.
Expert = 29-30
Advanced = 30-32
Intermediate = 32-34
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks a lot Noel!
What do you prefer as a groveler, an astro pop or lost pjhp? Different types of board but which gives that more fun in small waves?
g y Astro POP... more performance in the pocket and I love all then fin set up options the AP has to offer.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Hi, thanks for the quick reply, have only just discovered the channel and saw the CI rocket wide review, your preference of astro pop v rocket wide in 1-2 ft surf?
g y Astro POP is a better Groveler
Hi Noel, really great job, reviews are super helpful. Thanks. I need some help if possible ... I would like to take an AP, I'm 5'2 "and 145lbs (small but heavy), intermediate ... what size would you recommend? I've seen the XL version ... what do you think? Thanks for your help.....
Your liter range should be around 27-29L
@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks for the quick reply ... so could AP XL 5'4 " in EPS would give me a little more tolerance (about volume) ?
@@fabang9057 If it hits your range then yes
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks !
@Surf n Show Reviews If I normally surf about a 5'10" at about 165 and 5'10" would going to 5'6" x 2.50 x 2 5/16 be shortening it enough? Would you think that I added too much width for the board? I really don't like thickness which is why I went with more width but not sure if its too much? Aloha!!
Jensen H To much width will make the board tight and slow to turn quickly. It will be fast due to more surface area but the extra width will hinder performance a bit. Try to even it out a bit.... if you don’t like thicker rails then add another “ or two to keep the thickness and down. Then just go a little wider and it will work way better.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Really appreciate it, I just talked to them and was able to get it switched to 20" which is only increasing the width by 1/2" from stock which is in the range that was recommended on this video too! pretty awesome to get some legit advice so quickly. aloha!!!!
Jensen H Excellent!!!
Hey noel you may have already answered this question.. the pyzel gremlin or astro pop? Love your work 🤙
d t Astro Pop
@@surfnshowreviews7777 which one paddles better?
pizzaHunter It’s close but I think the Gremlin might paddle a little better. I
Hi Noel, long time I follow your reviews for boards they're alway great and with that punk rock that make a kind of old school/lost mayhem style!
I got question about this board: don't have lot of videos that show, I see yours and one of Jack Freestone (wich you also talk about the fins) and Koa Smith. They surf in pretty big waves, especially Jack that surf a solid tube that was I think around 10ft or even more in the take off.
For what I see works good too in overhead waves. What do you think about? Would you recommend also for overhead waves?
Carlo Grotti Trevisan Sorry what Fins are you talking about? I’m confused on your question....
@@surfnshowreviews7777 lol sorry! So I mean that you talked about Jack Freestone's fins, and I've seen a video where he also test of this board, and he was riding a 5'9 of it, in 10 feet solid waves, tubing. So I was asking if in your opinion this board is good also for overhead surfing, or is only cause he's a super pro and can use everything everywhere :D
Carlo Grotti Trevisan He’s a super pro....
@@surfnshowreviews7777 oh I was also thinking this, you confirm! :D I'm also a team rider of a brand here in Europe, but really far from those levels! Anyway, this is the video facebook.com/watch/?v=707142579782866
hello noel. Again thanks for all the advices. I watch often your videos and made a lot of decisions based on your input, always been a hit so thank you. My current seaside is kind of giving away due to some accidents. I love it, but right now they dont sell the seaside where i am (or extremely expensive because imported) and i was thinking of trying the astro pop instead to replace it in my 2 board quiver (i have a ghost for better waves). On the website it says for 1 to 6 feet, but you seem to recommend it only for 1 to 3 foot. Why that ? Do you think the seaside would be a better complement to my ghost ? I was definitely interested but i dont want leave a hole in my wave range... I am using machado quads and machado keels by the way
Astro POP is best in 1-4’ surf. For 5’ surf and bigger ride your ghost.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 ok thanks bro ! will definitely go for it then. I have the machado quads and keels as FCS, do you think it will ride well with it ? i also have my pyzel 5 fin set but in futures so i have to chose which finbox i want depending on which fin set i will use (hate that the segmentation but oh well too late...). Since it looks similar to the seaside i figured it would ride similar with the machado quads and keels, maybe im wrong ?
@@KC-ro9ro Go Futures boxes and shred your Pyzel 5 fin set.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks man, much appreciated for all the help 👍
Loving this as 2+1, do Futures AMK’s work in the Astro Pop?
Great review. and even better surfing! if you had to choose 1 fin set-up for this board, which would it be? Thruster, Quad, or 2+1 ?
Tough one.... 2+1
@@surfnshowreviews7777 good to know. Thanks.
One other thing, do you ride a medium or large in a FCS fin with a thruster set-up?
Im interested as im the same height and weight as you and ive always ridden the medium.
@@stevenadams9478 I used to ride Large 95% of the time. Now I ride my own fin designs that have a Large Base for maximum drive and Medium fin depth to keep my boards fast and loose. Check out my concept here www.shopsurfnshow.com/collections/fins/products/surf-n-show-thruster-rakes
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Awesome. thank you.
Loved the discussion about liters for hpsb vs groveller. I'm a bit confused to be honest about boards volume liters and how it relates to surfing. Had a 7.0 superfrog for a long time that had 50 liters, paddling was very easy and board was stable but not very maneuvrable. I got me lately a used ghost custom shape. 6.8 and comes at 42 litres. I can barely feel any difference in paddling between the 2 and the board feels like a rocket, especially when waves have punch. I also tried a uberdriver xl @42.5 litres for one session but it had medium fcs2 fins so it felt much looser compared to the ghost. I want to get another board as a daily driver for smaller surf, volume calculators say I can go as low as 35L(I'm 6ft1, 80 to 85kg). I found a couple boards at 38L and I keep wondering how much lower volume I can go before hitting a wall. I'd love to see a video some day with more details about surfboards volume.
Rabatavus Here is good liter range for a guy your size by skill level.
Intermediate surfer= 34-35 liters
Advanced= 32-33 liters
Expert= 30-31.5 liters
@@surfnshowreviews7777 oh man thanks for the answer. This is motivating, I might go with something in the 35-38 liters to try. Much more choice out there in that range.
White tiger or Astro pop??
I like the WT better for smaller waves. It’s faster and grovels better
In your opinion for fun but performance east coast 2-7 surf would you go with this , a pyzalien or something else? Let me know as I am going to pull the trigger for a new board soon! The grail you recommended to me has been very fun but looking for something new. Cheers!
Parker Ritter The P2 is epic... I highly recommend it
Hey Noel,
What’s your favourite board for 1-3ft summer conditions? After a
groveller with a performance twist. I’ve got an Astro Pop in PU, but interested if there are better boards out there for an upper intermediate surfer.
Cheers,
Aussie Snowboarder Check our the Fishbeard, or Black Baron. I also swear by the Akila Aipa Contemporary Fish and Modern Fish
Would a rocket wide be worth looking at?
Aussie Snowboarder It’s a bit slower... the AP grovels way better. If your looking for performance in the pocket then yes but I like the NB2 better than RW.
Thanks Noel, appreciate your help
Ended up buying a 5'4 Hydra and 5'8 Astro Pop after your reviews and I'm in love with them. What would you recommend to bridge the gap between the Astro pop and my 6'0 driver round tail?
I'm 5'10 170lbs living in Florida. The driver round tail only works for me in 4-8ft walls with push and the Astro pop is great for 3-5ft tricky/mushy surf. Looking for a board for 3-6ft punchy yet tricky/wonky beach break surf
I really like the Inferno 72 to bridge the gap between those two sleds.
Astro pop or ultra joe?
I like the Astro POP better
@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks again Noel, your show and your surfing it's next level!!
What about the rail? Medium ?
Rail is full but not boxey
Hey Noel, which Board do you prefer: Pyzel Astro Pop or the CI Pod Mod? Thanks for your opinion!
For 1-3’ surf the AP Carrie’s more speed. The PM has a better big wave range 1-6’.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks! So for a one board quiver, which board would you choose: The AP, the Pod Mod or the Bobby Quad? I could buy the torqe version of the pod mod for 440.- new…so thats quite intriguing…
@@raulgonzales6721 I am dropping a new Series on the best 1-Board Quiver in the Hybrid category this Monday. Check it out…
@@surfnshowreviews7777 I will for sure!
@@surfnshowreviews7777 the astro pop was not in the comparison noel :(
Hey Noel! Thanks for the video. How does a Single-to-Double concave (Channel Islands style) compare against a Double-to-Double?
JorgeAndresCoppiano. Great question... not sure. I would have to surf two boards with same dims to tell you what they both feel like and what the differences are.i would like to think the Double to double would be looser (easier to roll over on rail) compared to the Single to Double. Sometimes what I think isn’t exactly how it feels though.
Noel you absolutely rip!’
Hi Noel ! I have a Gremlin 5’9 33,4 lts but I was thinking on selling it and get a shorter one. I’m 5’9 185 pounds intermediate surfer. I’m feeling the 33,4 lts a little too much and I was thinking a little less volume. Mostly surfing mushy beach breaks. So, I was thinking 5’5 Astro Pop or the same gremlin but 5’5 SWALLOW TAIL. Do you think this last one would work the same as the astro pop ???
By the way, I’m about to get a Pyzalien 2 as a daily driver. 2 boards quiver
Cellini Cozzarelli Dick 2 board quiver. Maybe try the Astro POP at 32 liters?
Surf n Show Reviews Atro pop 5’5 x 20 x 2,62 31.9 liters. My current gremlin is 5’9 x 2,38 x 2,60. What I’ve read about the Astro pop is that have medium rails instead of fuller rails as the gremlin
Cellini Cozzarelli The Gremlin is faster down the line but the AP is quick rail to rail and offers more performance. Maybe just take your Gremlin down 1 liter
Hey Noel, I’m thinking about getting the phantom as my daily driver. I am about 5’ 8” 170. What size board would you recommend?
nicholas tovar Liters for you to consider according to skill level.
Intermediate= 31-32
Advanced= 29-30
Expert= 27-28
Length wise... I like my daily drivers 5’7” - 5’8” so I say 5’8” - 5’9” for you.
Great review! Would you recommend epoxy or PU for 1-3 ft surfing?
Phil Mahoney Epoxy
Hi Noel, would a Reactor large on the front and performer medium rear as a quad will perform the same as your setup on this video ?
Cellini Cozzarelli Sorry I don’t remember my Quad set up. I like the M Reactor QD rears and go a L performers as side fins
Surf n Show Reviews thanks Noel, my question was that if the opposite setup (large reactor on front and M performers qd rears would perform similar as the one you like and described in your reply.
Cellini Cozzarelli You want your Quad rears to be more pivotal... not sure what Quad set I ran but I highly recommend going with Pivotal Quad Rears compared to the Performers. The Performers are more neutral
Hey Noel 👋🏽 Great Review! I surfed a 5’10 gremlin and want to buy the Astro Pop. I’m almost 6’0 but weigh only 65 and I’m not sure if I should buy the Astro Pop in 5’8 or 5’10 since I sometimes had trouble doing maneuvers with the gremlin. Could you help me out there?
philgm guitar How much do you weigh? 65 pounds at 6’0” tall???
Surf n Show Reviews Oh Sorry! :D I weigh 65 kilograms, that’s like 143 Pounds?
philgm guitar For your weight and if your a intermediate level surfer I have your liter range coming in at 28-30. The Gremlin you tried was way to big for you.... if your a beginner/intermediate surfer then I agree with 35-38 liter range.
Surf n Show Reviews Yes, I am Intermediate. Yeah I felt like I couldn’t really perform with it like I wanted, it felt like too much under my feet. Thanks for your fast answer, helps a lot! 28-30 liters it is then!
epoxy or poly in 2-5 ft
Kevin R EPS