Buzzsaw sk8 review with Darshan Gooch

 

Buzzsaw sk8 with Darshan Gooch from Stretch Boards on Vimeo.

Name: Darshan Gooch
Height/weight: 6’4″ 185 lbs

Board model/dimensions: Buzz Saw sk8 6’0″ x 19.5″ x 2.25″ vol.31.8L (straight off the stock board rack!)

Construction type: CFT std (1/8″ bamboo stringer, marko foam 2.1pcf compression molded EPS, deck channels, 45º bias weave S-glass and RWG) + striped carbon tail strips

Fins used: Futures Timmy Patterson (sides) with Fins Unlimited S2 Stretch fiberglass 4.25″ quad rear pair

Conditions tested: Point breaks, reefs and beachbreaks,. Average to good waves, from slopey / mushy, and into hollow barreling waves as well.

Background (general skill level, current board(s), misc. other factors):

Just another working class parent from around the way. Continuing to remain passionate about riding waves, while keeping those kids fed and bills paid. 25 years surfing experience.

Initial thoughts/expectations (was this really what you thought you were getting?):

This was actually a stock board that was sitting in the factory. Initially I was drawn to this board looking for a daily driver to fill a few places where my quiver was lacking. Although the volume was a little towards the full side for my comfort, I previously had really enjoyed my experiences with the Super Buzz and was interested in going further down the rabbit hole prior to our El Niño season of 2015/16.

What wave types do you imagine surfing when viewing this design? (full spectrum and size range):

Since this board is coming from the daily driver sector I would imagine this board to cover a wide range of waves / conditions from average to good waves.

Ride experience:

Perhaps due to new board excitement, I found my first wave to actually be one of the best waves I ever caught on this board. The Buzz Saw paddled very comfortably and with my feet slipping right into the sweet spot of the concave SK8 deck I was ready to dig in at first draw. Over time I found this board to fit and work best in the pocket or curvature of the waves face. Also having great tube riding capabilities, there were a number of sessions were I took the Buzz Saw into waves outside of what I perceived to be it’s preferred size range. More often than not, I was surprised at Buzz Saw’s capacity to adapt and conquer in good waves in the overhead range.

Likes/Dislikes:

The Buzz Saw thrives to fit and be pushed through turns in tight/round places on the wave where your standard shortboard might not fit. Perhaps my stubbornness to only ride this board as a quad made for times when I struggled or fought the extra volume of the skate deck in slopey or mushy parts of the wave. Considering my size 13 foot, I may have found my width limit for preferable SK8 deck options here.

General observations:

The Buzz Saw has an uncanny ability to be very adaptable from average everyday fun, into great waves that would be more performance oriented.

Summary (synopsis, recommendations or overall feeling you would tell a friend):

Lively daily driver that loves to be ridden in the pocket and also thrives in the decent to good waves category.