I would appreciate your input on this one. I have the chance to get my hands on the surftech model of one of these words for quite a bargain. I would prefer a ‘real’ takayama or bear, however, they are regrettably a bit out of range for me at the moment.
I am thinking of getting either of these boards:
takayama scorpion in 6’4’‘/21.5’‘/2.5’
- bear fat arse wombat in 6’4’‘/21’‘/2.69’'
Regrettably, I don’t have any information on rocker lines etc. The boards seem to have a similar volume, however, the distribution is quite different. It seems to me that the scorpion has most of the volume sitting in the wide nose, contrasted by the narrow pin-type tail. The Wombat has a slightly thinner nose and overall width but much more volume in the tail. How do these two main features affect the way these boards will surf? I am looking for easy glide type of board to enhance my quiver of normal shortboards and fishers. I do not have much experience with these ‘short longboard’ type of boards and it would be great if you could help me understand what the main differences of the boards performing in waves would be.
Another point to consider would be that the scorpion has a much more versatile fin set-up (5 boxes) compared to the Wombat (2+1).
I would recommend the Bear. The takayama has more fin setup options but I’ve ridden short longboards and the nose realy gets in the way. The Wombat seems to me to have good rocker (surftech.com) and the wide tail is going to allow the board to stay loose when going slow. They both have the single fin option for small weak days, I would assume. If you look at the rail line on the Scorpion, it look to me like two thirds of the rail will be in the water when you try to make a hard turn. I like boards in the size/shape range for small days when there is a dumpy last section, and that much rail in the face seems to kill any hopes of a last lip hit. I couldn’t find rocker for the scorpion, but with that nose I can’t imagine it has much in the nose, otherwise it would just be a snow plow and kill your paddling.
Thanks for the input on this! I am based in Honolulu, I am not sure if there is a shop where you could try them. I am also open to other (non-soul-less-surftech-)options of a similar type of board. I need something that gives me enough glide and early takeoff ability to get a few ways among the longboarders on the common south shore spots. I have a wide fish but it only really comes alive once the wave get over waist/chest high. Another board that looks quite nice to me is the (hybrid) egg shape of FCD surfboards. However, it seems quite modern and I am not sure if it will provide early take-offs…
In my experience the most important things to look for if you want a board that will chase the waves down is flat rocker and a decent size nose… It doesnt need to be a big nose, just enough to get lift and maximize the length of a relatively short board. The FCD Heuvo Ranchero (is this the one you’re talking about?) Looks great. The board I’ve heard the best reviews for in this area is the McCoy nugget. I know surftech has a hard time keeping stock on them
I also like the Huevo Ranchero and it would be great to support someone like Fletcher.
I own a custom 6’4’’ nugget shaped by Geoff McCoy, it is a great board. However, for me it only starts working once the wave get some size. Most of the volume of that board sits in the tail and it has to be surfed strongly with your back foot. I struggle with that in small waves, but in chest-high+ point breaks/reefs it is really nice. Geoff is a nice guy and has some great ideas about board design.
The Surftech outlet on Queens St. just off of Ward Ave. has demo boards. When I checked last time it cost $20 for a whole day, not sure what the policy is today. You may be able to try both boards, and the money will be deducted from the cost of the board if you buy one from them.
Blue Planet Hawaii on Ward Ave. has rentals so you might be able to try different brands there, and down the street on Ward near Sports Authority, South Shore Surf may have some rentals.
My mate recently got a 5’8’’ proper glassed Scorpion with the 5 fin boxes and having ridden it as a thruster I have to say its probably the funnest (short)board I’ve ever ridden.
It paddles onto waves like a dream, flies down the line like a rocket, you can turn it on a dime with out blowing off any speed, or hit the lip without a moments notice, and you can even get on the tip if your partial to cheater-fives.
I haven’t ridden a fat arse wombat but looking at it I don’t think it would have the same speed down the line or the zippiness of the flat-rockered pin-tailed scorpion.
You’ve probably made up your mind and bought your board long ago but I thought I’d give my 2 cents for anyone else out there looking. I know I’m getting a mate to shape me a scorpion replica as soon as I can get the cash for it.
This is a no brainer. Takayama all the way. I’ve never even heard of the wombat.
I demoed a Scorpion and loved it. However it was hard to make a decision because I was going towards a firewire fish. Ultimately what pushed me towards the Takayama was the multiple fin setups.
The Surftech dealer on Queen Street just Diamond Head of Ward Ave will allow you to rent a board and if you buy one, you get your money back in reduced cost of the new board.