I’ve been wanting a Takayam Scorpion for a long time now and I finally have the money to buy one. Currently, they discontinued the Tuflite version and now it’s made by another company with a similar epoxy construction - but lower quality.
Do you think a local shaper can make one that is just as good as the real thing? Or is it better to just buy the new one.
I just heard that this company who is making these boards is out of business … does anyone have any insight as to who will make the next version of this board. I’d like to buy a used one, but I can’t find one anywere nearby. I’m looking for a 6’4 or something close.
Do you think a local shaper can do a good job replicating it and if so, what questions should I ask the shaper to see if he/she is qualified?
Did a quick search for Donald Takayama. Hawaii Pro designs is making them. So is Ricky Carroll in Florida. Both would be making better boards then the Surftech. For your education a surftech is not the real thing. If you are on the east coast RC would be your best bet.
OK, OK - I stand corrected. I hope I didn’t insult anyone by suggesting that the Surftec version is the “Real Thing”, and that the most damaging thing I did is insult my own intelligence. That’s not really what I was trying to say/ask. I know that nothing beats a board shaped by the man, himself … but if I’m not riding Donald’s hand crafted surfboard, the Tuflite is my first choice of “pop outs”. I’ve had a couple of them and like them unitl it gets super windy and/or bumpy out there.
I have about $800 to spend (hiding cash from the wife and baby) - unless I sell another surfboard out of my quiver. I prefer to support a local surf shop or a local shaper (I live in Santa Cruz) - so here is my refined question. "Do you think it’s better to buy the epoxy “pop out” version of the Scorpion (from what I understand is an identical copy of his approved shape, but in a different construction), or to ask a local shaper to make one “just like it”. I don’t know if anyone can really do that - even the Ghost(s).
Do you think a local shaper is the best option and if so, what questions should I ask to make sure the person is qualified?,
Or is the “pop out” more dependable,
Or should I just save my money until I can ask the Ghost (or Hawaii Pro Design - thanks Arts, and pay for shipping) to shape me one,
Or simply be patient and wait for a good used one to come up on Craigs List? - I’ve been looking for at least a year.
You live in Santa Cruz. There are good shapers everywhere there; I know you are looking for a specific shape but I would go in to someone, say the board you’re thinking of, your skill level, where you usually surf and then let that shaper make his version with his personal touches to make the board work better for you.
I’m pretty sure that both Hawaiian Pro Design and Ricky Carroll worked with Donald on the Program for their CNC Cutting machine before he ventured to the line up on the other side. IMHO That would get you closer to the Masters hand then a tuflite.
I would not hesitate to get something from RC. He is a master shaper board builder himself. The Boards coming out of his shop are very well made.
My vote, real thing from a real shaper. You live in a land of many talented shapers. Haut, Coffey, Colletta, Pierson, etc. Tuflites, surftechs and all that are great for guys that live in places like Pakistan or Germany and don’t have access to real shapers. Don’t you think? Mike
Thanks guys. If I ask one of the big name shapers do you think that would be happy to replicate it? Or do you think they may be a little insulted that I’m not asking for their own creation - and may want to add their own twist to it? Maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad thing but I’ve never asked a shaper to replicate another shaper’s board before. I’m not sure if anyone of the local guys have a closer style to Donald than the next, but if I go custom I’m leaning towards Haut, Arrow or John Mel.
There is only one 6’4 “pop out” Epoxy Flyer Scorpion left at Freeline surfshop right now and it would be $800 out the door with stock fins and a leash, or an extra $70 to upgrade to the Honeycomb fins. They said this the last one they can find and they can not order any more.
You’ve already been waiting a long time, a couple of months won’t matter in any real sense. If you’re concerned about getting the “real deal”, then go with a ghost shaper that worked with Donald. See the above mentioned references. That way, you’re getting what you would have gotten if you had bought one in poly a few years ago in any shop. Shipping to Santa Cruz from the SD area? We’re not talking about a lot of cash, and a shaper usually has a shop or two that they work with in regards to delivery. Door-to-door would be more expensive, and again, we’re only talking about days/weeks at that point.
It sounds like you’re focused enough on this shape that you’ll always be second-guessing an outside shaper’s take on it. Go with the ghost.
Tuflites are what they are, and I’ll concede that the Takayamas ride better than most, but what they are not is the same board. Just the same logo.
Don’t let your impatience get the best of you. Do it right and you won’t regret it.
Yeah, thanks Jeffrey. I was just sitting outside looking at the stars thinking the same thing. I’ve got plenty of other fun boards to hold me over for a while and I can be patient enought to save a little bit more money and give it to the Ghost. In the long run I’d rather have the hand shaped poly - maybe even a 6’2. Thanks again everyone for the thoughts, feedback and suggestions.
I would go with a local shaper, but if I wanted a Takayama label poly Scorpion, Mitch’s Surf Shop in San Diego has a god selection of them. Shipping is only $80 according to their website.