Donald Takayama has a Joel Tudor model, it was 9’2", wasn’t it? Because I can’t find it. I saw there are two Surftech models, a 9’2" noserider and a 9’2" diamond tail. Are these boards the JT model? D.Takayama is still shaping the JT model? Is an all-around board? Any comments about this board would be greatly appreciate. (I’m not talking about the 9’4" “Model T”) Thanks! Raoul
he,s not shaping the jt model anymore cause joel tudor has his own board label now. the design was semi high performance. but with at takayama’s they are generally shaped towards stylish surfing rather than shortboard surfing tricks. get the speed shape its similar.
Why do Joel Tudor boards cost so damn much? I was looking at some of his boards…$850, $900, $1000…Its not like Joel is the one shaping them. The ones I saw were very basic. single color with a pin line…single stringer…nothing special at all. Is it because his name is on it? The shape was very standard, basic outline soft 50/50 rails…maybe I just dont understand.
I don’t know 'bout Joel’s boards but it does seem to me that it isn’t that these "high end " boards are too expensive- but rather the rest of the industry is too cheap price wise.Looking at the materials and labor, not to mention environmental mitigations and benefits for laborers( neither not as common as they should be)and it seems to me that a $500 longboard has built into it all that is wrong with the commercial surfboard industry-pollution, safety and labor problems.
That, and the fact that he has enough sense to capitalize on his reputation!
A guy at the shop told me the R-Pin model (Round Pin) is the new name for the Tudor Flow model. As for pricey boards, I’m torn: Considering the manhours & skill involved, even a $1000 board is a good buy (provided the board is flawless). Think about snowboards & skis poppped out of a mold in some far off plastics plant. Then think about the price. That said, it’s possible that some local cat in his/her garage can shape something that will cut the nuts off alot of “Gourmet” boards out there. As for me, I own one of Tylers boards, it wasn’t cheap, but it’s my baby, and man is it pretty. I also have an ET Kingfish, which was a bargain orphan I got for $200. That’s one fast board, and I’m surprised there isn’t more buzz about it. Cheers!
pat ryan rules…long live the kingfish
pat ryan rules…long live the kingfish Here here!! Pat’s the man! The kingfish is like a 1 board quiver!
Considering the manhours & skill involved, even a $1000 board is a > good buy (provided the board is flawless). Think about snowboards & > skis poppped out of a mold in some far off plastics plant. Then think > about the price. I don’t think it’s fair to compare those. First of all, many cheap snowboard are produced in the US. Second, most skies/snowboard are made in Austria which is not really far off nor cheap plastic plant, but rather hitech factories. Third, you can get a handmade snowboard for $300-350. You can also get a snowboard or skies at $1000, but then we’re talking hitech composite constructions with exotic materials not found in a generic surfboard, or ‘gadgets and hype’. Fourth, try building a snowboard of rideable quality in your basement. The initial cost of machinery is much higher the for surfboard manufacturing the snowboard manufacturing as you will need a press of some sort. Now try getting the strength weight ratio of a comersialy built snowboard… Actually, when you think about it, surfboard manufacturing is actually very lowtech, the materials have not change much in, what, 30 years? nor has the machinery changed. That’s not to say that all boards are the same nor that there is no way of justifing a $1000 pricetag. But building a surfboard is all skill and know-how. If your gonna compare prices for snowboard and surfboard, have a look at the cost of materials, machinery and the man hours for custom surfboards vs. custom snowboard. A custom snowboard is $850-1000 at www.donek.com regards, Håvard
Point well taken, Håvard. By the way, are you from Denmark or Norway? If so, is there any good surf over there? Just curious, and again, you raise some good points. Cheers, John
Point well taken, Håvard.>>> By the way, are you from Denmark or Norway? If so, is there any good surf > over there? I’m located on the westcoast of Norway. The surf here would be great if it wasn’t for the UK. But whenever a low is north of UK we’ll get groundswell. Further north it’s better. You have to deal with the cold in some way though. regards, Håvard