I’ve had a couple of customers come in for repairs over the last week who couldn’t believe their good fortune in picking up a couple of mid-lengths for between $300-$400. Both bought from an online auction and both from the same manufacturer.
The board in these photos was first damaged while trying to put the fins in and them pushed the rest of the way in while in the back of a ute (pick up).
The second board had both fin plugs ripped out by a 10 year old in the shorebreak on his first wave.
The strange thing is both customers still think they got a great deal.
When asked what I thought of the boards all I could say was “you got what you paid for”, in the nicest possible way of couse.
It’s really not that hard to set the plugs properly.
sad thing is the consumers are miss led into buying it.
saw a really expensive board that called a flameconductor or somthing like that.
same stuff plug failer deck implosion.
imho i think back in the 60’s 70’s they pretty much dailed in the best materials and methods of construction. thats why those boards are still around and surfable today. everything else just comes and goes like it always has.
www.diasource.com/fourcs.htmHave any of the surf mags done anything on educating customers? I’m thinking of the 4 C’s of diamond purchasing, for example.
Some articles on what to look for in a quality product might help reputable manufacturers get an edge over cost cut things. Manufacturers easily pick the (potential) defects in a board, even when they are under the skin - like the fin plugs not being attached to the top deck in the boards above.
It’s a question of passing knowledge to customers so they know what to look for. I think this needs to be done in a general way, rather than just to people who pass through your shop. Think 60 minutes tabloid - are you getting what you paid for (even if you didn’t pay much)?
