I picked one up this weekend and had an incredible session. The board I have is a bit different than the standard model. It is a 7’4" with a rounded pin instead of a square tail. It has a Bahne center box and FCS side fins as opposed to all FCS. (I can post the true dimensions later if anyone’s interested.)
Becker touts the board as a model designed for punch and drive in more challenging conditions. I used it in head high plus, hollow surf yesterday and it blew away all of my expectations. The setup used was an 8.5" cutaway with no side fins. Moved the fin back in the box to compensate for the responsiveness of the fin and WOW! On my second wave I flew past sections that I could previously only make with my Rocketfish. The speed and control is unreal and definitely lifts the confidence level a couple of notches.
In 26 years of surfing I have only had four truly “Magic” boards ranging from a 6’4" Rincon Designs dbl wing swallow to my own 10’ perf longboard. I believe I’ve found number five. In fact, it will replace my 7’10" semi gun.
Interested in others experiences, good or bad, with this model.
I’ll tell ya this - the board was designed without the sidebites in mind. It’s main feel is a “single fin mentality.” How did you get it fine tuned, and when did you get it if you dont mind me asking. Also, try slapping a bigger and beefier fin - maybe the one you use on your longboard and be pleasently surprised with the results.
The cutaway was just an experiment to see what kind of feel and control it gave the board. Hitting the right spot in the box was a little luck and a little familiarity with cutaways. I do have a 9.5" flex fin that I’ll try next as well as a Kanoa Dahlin Pro model and a couple of Greenoughs.
I’m used to single fins so the side fins just didn’t look right with this particular board. I know they work and eventually I suppose I’ll give em a try but right now I’m more interested in getting the single fin dialed in.
Hey Senior glad you are enjoying my (your) board. Try a 8" Norm flex or similar raked flexy fin ~8.5" from the tail in smaller or softer surf, too fun. I agree the board is best as a single. The stock thruster setup was really stiff so I had the box put in, made it come alive. I found a Paul Gross 7’6 that rocks and something had to go.
Thanks for the info, I’ll definitely try out the flex in the smaller stuff. Also, great idea installing the fin box.
I usually surf Pipe, Overhead and Little Rincon when it gets bigger. Keep your eyes open, if you see your old board call me over.
I know what you mean about “something had to go”. That’s why I put up my 7’10" Denny Smith. Works great in the big stuff like the Overhead, but it’s a little “gunny” for most spots in Vta and S.B.