Can anyone offer any insight as to how a Becker 9’6", Mike Gee, performs as I may get one?
I am over 55, stand 5’8" on a good day, weigh 155 soaking wet and will use it at Surfers’ Point, Ventura. As I am not the strongest paddler, I am hoping the extra length will help my glide and improve my wave count. I currently surf a single-fin 9’1", 22.25 with a rounded pin and rails similiar to the Mike Gee.
Thanks for any help.
this might be helpful
HalSose, thanks for the link. As Becker Boards has a good rep, I will assume what they say is true and not propaganda.
Which shape are you interested in, the X model or the mormal Mike Gee?
What kind of surfer are you, etc etc. I know MUCH more about this board than I should 
Aloha
Bryan
I am looking at the normal Mike Gee.
As for me, I have shoulder injuries (non-surfing) that always prevent me from giving 100, hence I am seeking more glide. Poor vision contributes to a late take-off, so seek some forgiveness. I am regular foot and drop-knee turns tough, but not impossible, as I have bad right knee. Been doing push ups all my life so my popup is fast and smooth.
So I tend to get up find trim, cruise and change direction by bending my knees and shifting my weight. Guess I could say I don’t like to step back and turn. What I don’t like is the lack of speed and control on cutting back. So going up and down the face is difficult. Prefer head high or smaller waves. To an outsider I am an intermediate at best with the desire and drive to have more fun. From my point of view, I am the best out there as I always have great time.
I’ve seen waves appearing to just roll under guys with this board, however, a few more strokes and they are up and flying.
Hope this helps and I do appreciate the feedback, especially if know that MUCH.
Well…the X is much much fine tuned more to performance, and if you’re looking for float, than the Gee will do ya just fine. 9’6" is kind of on the larger side than what we normally make the Gees at. 9’2" seems to be the popular size of this board. Although its advertised as a “performance noserider”, it’s much more of a performance type longboard than what you would think a classic noserider is.
It would be a good board for you, in my opinion - and if you can find one jump on it. The waves you described are exactly what the board is tuned for. However, I’m not sure you would be really able to tell the difference between this and some other performance shapes. Unless I’m mistaken (which is entirely possible, since a lot of misconceptions can come from simply reading) - it sounds to me that with your experience you wouldnt really be able to tell the difference between riding a 9’6" Gee or any other kind of 9’6" semi-performance type model.
Also, if it’s float you are considering, have you considered the UFO? It’s more geared as an all around longboard, and might suit what you’re looking for a bit better. It’s also designed with the 9’6" shape in mind. Without knowing more, I can only surmise.
Also, if you are planning a custom order through Becker by the website or the store in South Bay, PM me first. And don’t spend 500-600 bucks getting a board straight off the rack. Get one custom shaped for the same price or cheaper.
Aloha
Bryan
Bryan, you are not mistaken and I appreciate giving me the benefit of the doubt. Also, I was curious as to what you have in mind/or would suggest if I go custom? PM if ya want.
Tino
tino,
i have a 9’4" mike gee and i love it (i’m 5’11", 165). i’ve taken it out at c street several times and i really like the board there. i’ve found it to be really responsive and a good noserider. on the ankle high days it suffers a little, but i think all performance boards like it will. i’ve surfed it in beach break stuff and some reefs in san diego, and i’ve been pleased with it’s performance in all of it. i wanted a good all-around board, and it’s definitely that.
i ordered mine custom, and phil had it done and waiting to be picked up in less than 3 weeks. my brother has a 9’2" and his was done in a week, both for basically the same price as an off the rack one. i stopped by the shaping factory before ordering and they showed me around and were super cool. phil was out but dan cobley was in and was happy to answer my questions, along with one of the managers. my bro had an old gee from back in '96 or so and also really liked that one. it was a little different than the ones now but both were good boards.