Thinking about getting one…looks like alot of fun.Saw a 6’1" at my local surfshop yesterday.I’ve never ridden one so I went to Channel Islands website to find out more info.Come to find there’s two different types:a MSF and a MSFG2.They’re very vague on info. between the two other than the MSF2 has a spiral vee sinle fin ridden narrower than the 1st generation.Has anyone ever ridden any of these boards or can tell the difference between the two?I would want the one with the most manuverbility and response.Also, when choosing a size,do you go shorter than your regular board or longer?thanks,Steve
I sincerely hope you arent getting this board just because its a CI Machado model. I would recommend you not even worry about those two sticks, and get a custom single fin, tailored to your exact surfing. Order one, make one yourself, whatever. 
For the record, I have a friend who has the MSF model and he loves it. Ive seen the G2 in stores and havent been able to see a difference. Now, just note that me seeing it is a simple glance. I didnt study the thing at all - I tend to veer away from those boards.
Aloha
Bryan
Right now a custom board from any of the shops would take over a month to get.Its the only single fin shortboard I’ve seen all summer so its not like I have alot to choose from.Plus, I wouldn’t have the slightest idea of what kind of board I would want since I’ve never ridden one.Thanks
I’ve heard the second gen board doesn’t have as much volume and is intended for bigger waves. The first gen board is more of an all-around (as in: it’s always going to be fun) board for waves head-high & under. I’d go with the first gen board or one like it.
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Right now a custom board from any of the shops would take over a month to get.Its the only single fin shortboard I've seen all summer so its not like I have alot to choose from.Plus, I wouldn't have the slightest idea of what kind of board I would want since I've never ridden one.Thanks
Where are you?
A shaper here just stuck two early 70s replica G&S single fins on the rack. You could have it today.
Regardless of where you are… I’m sure any shaper would be willing what type of board would work best for you. True it would take some time to get, but it’s better than going out and blowing $600 for something that may not even feel right to you (in my opinion).
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Quote:Right now a custom board from any of the shops would take over a month to get.Its the only single fin shortboard I've seen all summer so its not like I have alot to choose from.Plus, I wouldn't have the slightest idea of what kind of board I would want since I've never ridden one.ThanksWhere are you?
A shaper here just stuck two early 70s replica G&S single fins on the rack. You could have it today.
I live 20mins. from Va. beach and 1hr30mins from the Outer Banks.
Hey Y2N,
IMHO 3-4 weeks isn’t too long to wait for a GOOD Custom Stick, I agree with what has been said. Find a good local shaper and talk to him about what you want specifically, chances are better that you will be more satisfied than buying what is hot right now at the local shops. Also if this is WB surf shop, take the salespersons rhetoric with a grain of salt, they are not known for factualand impartial representation of CI qualities.
In your area I would sugesst talking to either Tim Nolte @TN surfboards, Scott Busbey @ Natural Art at the lighthouse or Lynn Shell @ OuterBanks Boardriding in Nags Head. All 3 shape really nice, excellent riding sticks. Scott probably has the best prices, Tim’s boards are extremely well built, each one reflects his perfectionism.
If you need phone #'s, PM me and I’ll send them to you.
Good luck on getting the ride you want!
JN
Thanks guys for your replies and your advise on getting a custom board but I think you have my question a little mixed up.I’ve never ridden a single fin before.I’ve seen them on surfing videos and look really fun to ride.This is the only single fin I’ve seen all summer from any shops around here.I understand I could goto a local shaper but I wouldn’t have the first clue of what type of board I would want.Plus, Why would I get a custom and have to wait a month when I can get one right off a rack.Who knows,I might end up not liking them.Rolliges pretty much answered a part of my question and the other part was determining a size.Do I go shorter or longer.thanks,steve.
Do you go longer or shorter than your regular board?
When the Tri fins first came out it was noticed that a shorter
Thruster could do the job of a longer Single Fin in bigger waves.
Not sure of the relationship for smaller waves…but I’d go a bit
longer than your regular board in any case.
What the single fin lacks in being able to redirect it at will,
will probably need to be made up in extra glide/length
for hanging in there and catching up and working your way
around the foaming curl at times.
Go Shorter rather then longer. I have a 6ft Single Fin from the 7os i Restorl’d well restalling (still) (just got to paint it and im done) It reminds me of the ci single fin alot, just got a Wing choped square tail instead of the round (pinish) ci tail.
If you 'av never tried a single fin before why don’t you check old garage sales or inland pawn brokers for a $20 shitter. they give you and intro duction on how to ride a single fin. or you could shape youre own. that would be heaps fun!
but anywaise… I like the look of the Gen 1 Ci Single fin. and its a Merrik so its likely to go well. its looks like quite a forgiving board.
you won’t find much of a problem with the board ( i dont think) but if it goes bad maybe its because its a single fin and you have to learn to ride them diffrently.
Its up to you.
Happy Surfing.
Josh.
PS… I’ve never seen a CI Single Fin in the shops here in OZ. does anyone know if you can get them down under?
Hey Josh, my everyday board is a 6’2".Merrick has specific sizes for the single fin.There’s a 6’1" at my local surfshop and I think the next size shorter is a 5’9".So, I guess the 6’1" would be the best choice.thanks,steve
Yeah I would go for the 6ft1. and also If you have the money for the CI go for it! its one of the nicest looking single fins there is.
Happy Surfing.
Josh.