Will be getting some Safari blanks (from South Africa) shortly and was just curious as to anyones’ impressions - vs. Clark, or just on its own merits.
They say the stringers are “African Exotics”. Any clues as to what type?
By the way, will run about $130 for a 9-1. My last Clark 9-1 Y was about $90 + shipping (had 6 shipped for $90) so it seems reasonable as I’ll be picking them up for that price.
Thanks,
Pete
Will be getting some Safari blanks (from South Africa) shortly and was just curious as to anyones’ impressions - vs. Clark, or just on its own merits.
They say the stringers are “African Exotics”. Any clues as to what type?
By the way, will run about $130 for a 9-1. My last Clark 9-1 Y was about $90 + shipping (had 6 shipped for $90) so it seems reasonable as I’ll be picking them up for that price.
Thanks,
Pete
they are giving away 2 for 1 in South Africa because they have had so many problems with the foam . I know its not the best - shrinks , soft and has big cell . I would take a chance with them - hope you haven’t paid up-front !
Madman,
Thanks for the heads up. Still waiting for the shipment…am buying from someone who has a mess of blanks coming so, I have no money outlayed yet - Cash on pick-up. Figure I’ll have a chance to inspect and pass on it or take a few - or one - to try.
Really thought more people would have seen or heard of Safari…But, if it’s as, or close, to what you’re saying (I assume you meant “wouldn’t” not “would” take a chance with them- from the tone of your post) maybe they’re not filling their share of the Clark void as much as I was told.
Thanks
Pete
Hey Pete
How did the Safari foam work out.
I’m in the same situation.
There are a coupld of shapes that are only avaliable from “Thier plugs”.
Let us know how that works out.
Cheers
-B~
Basswave,
Picked up 4 blanks a week or so ago. Haven’t had time to cut into one yet - work and glassing some Clarks getting in the way.
Couple of notes though. Seems Safari either doesn’t have a great release agent (? I’m not sure of the exact mfg. tech.) or they pull the blanks out of the mold too quick but, virtually every blank I had to choose from had alot of areas - especially near the nose and tail - where the crust had pulled away and taken foam with it. Was about to load a 9-1 when I noticed this at the tail and would have been lucky to net an 8-6 out of it after cleaning it up - had I taken it.
Also, take a tape with you. Their 8-3 (comp. to the 8-3 E) measured 8-0 1/2 and I’m used to netting 8-1+ boards from the Clarks. Otherwise the others were pretty close to what I’m used to. With the 8-3, also got a 6-9 (6-9 A), 7-11 (7-11 R), and a 9-1 (9-1 Y). Didn’t get any but, their short board blanks looked quite good.
Stringers…they are a little skimpy at first glance, compared to Clarks std. on longer blanks - but we have the technology to get around that…
Will post more when I get time to shape one.
Pete
Couple of notes though. Seems Safari either doesn’t have a great release agent (? I’m not sure of the exact mfg. tech.) or they pull the blanks out of the mold too quick but, virtually every blank I had to choose from had alot of areas - especially near the nose and tail - where the crust had pulled away and taken foam with it.
I saw the same thing at mitches. Big chunks taken out of them that could have caused problems while shaping.