Tag Archives: markofoam

2×4 round pin Ride Review with Darshan

2×4 round pin first ride review with darshan gooch from Stretch Boards on Vimeo.

Height/weight:

6’4″ 180-185 lbs

2×4 round pin 6’2″ x 19.25″ x 2.375″ vol. 32.0L

darshan testing the 2×4 round pin barrel riding capabilities photo: Bryan Garrison @wetfeetphoto

Construction type:

6’2″ x 19.25″ x 2.375″ shown with abstract color lamination and futures AM2 techflex thruster set.

CFT std with uni-directional carbon tail strips and with the exception of the abstract color lam bottom, features duplicate CFT std glassing as seen in previous Thing v2 round pin ride review seen here

Fins used:

Futures AM2 thruster set:

fronts: 4.73” deep by 4.64” base – flat foil

center: 4.49” deep x 4.63” base – symmetrical foil

Fins Unlimited custom Stretch Generation 2 quad set:

Fronts: 4.75” deep by 4.625” base – custom stretch inside foil

Quad rears: 4.25” deep by 4.25” base – symmetrical foil

Conditions tested:

Wintery types of CA waves varying from chest high to several feet overhead.

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

The initial idea when ordering this particular 2×4 model was to find the performance differences between the THINGv2 and 2×4. We basically kept the dimensions and construction completely the same. I would imagine a fair portion of people ordering the 2×4 may have ridden it a little bit shorter. Considering the time of year and lack of any contemporary tri or quad fins available in my quiver, I thought I better get with a board that could not only fill a missing link in my quiver, but also a board that would be adaptable in the decent to good wave category.

What 3 board models come to mind when checking out this design?:

Stretch’s THINGv2, Matt Biolos’ Mini Driver, Channel Islands Fred Rubble?…

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

One of the strong points of this particular board is it’s fairly adaptable. Beach breaks, Reef’s, Point breaks, anything with enough juice to get you going and some space to move around. I had a couple great surfs on this board in hollower/down the line type of waves where I rode it as a quad. The majority of the time i rode this board as a tri fin as the waves on offer around town this time of year seemed most suitable.

Ride experience:

In all honesty this was a slight adjustment and exercise in remembering how to ride a contemporary shortboard again. My experience was a little humbling at times considering this past year I have mostly been surfing with twin-fins and singles. Similar to the THINGv2 I tested last year, I found the 2×4 to have a vague familiarity and user-friendly characteristics. Immediately there was an ease or comfort factor when standing up and getting moving. My personal challenge was making the subtle adjustment of stepping further back and finding that sweet spot towards the back fin. (Which isn’t quite the same with a twin fin in particular.)

Likes/Dislikes:

I think there is something to be said here about adaptability and having a board you know you can rely on. The only dislikes worthy of mention would be my own personal limitations from prior lack of interest in contemporary shortboards, This resulted in issues of the balance, timing and rhythm department of my own physical doing.

General observations:

In comparison to the single concave throughout the THINGv2 , I felt there was a little more excitement or eagerness of availability on the back foot that felt like quicker rail to rail transitions.

“If I could choose between this and one other model, I would get the ….. (can be a different stretch model or any other shaper/design):

I’m torn between the 2×4 and the THINGv2 at this point. If I primarily rode contemporary shortboards on a regular basis, I may be leaning towards the 2×4 due to the liveliness available off the back foot. At this point in my limited use and interest in “shortboarding” on a regular basis, I would probably lean more on the predictability and control that the THINGv2 offers.

How well does this board match up to it’s model description?:

I can only account for the slightly longer version being consistent with it’s description. Perhaps a slightly shorter/wider version might be the perfect adjustment in the small to medium sized waves category if you are primarily a conventional “shortboard” type surfer.

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

The 2×4 is highly adaptable, user-friendly, performance shortboard. Daily driver certified*

Check out the Stretch Boards webstore for available stock 2×4 models or contact orders@stretchboards.com to get started on a new custom!

Exactly the same construction as the previous Thing v2 round pin, CFT std with marko EPS, bamboo stringer, 6oz. RWG bottom and deck with 4oz. bias S-glass and carbon tail strips.

 

“What’s he riding?” Sancho’s 3 board quiver

The globe trotting Frenchman seemingly finds himself sliding into more fun waves every time we look. Here’s what he’s been getting his feet into lately:

Benjamin Sanchis (a.k.a.- Sancho)

height/weight:
1.80m  by 86 KG
(5’11” 190lbs.)

 

Mr. Buzz sk8 bat tail – 5’6″ x 19.65″ x 2.4″ vol. 32.8L
CFT std construction
FCSII quad with fiberglass Split Keel quads

 

2×4 round pin – 6’0″ x 19.25″ x 2.5″ vol. 32.0L
2.375″ adjusted rail profile
CFT med construction
FCSII 5-fin convertible with Stretch template WR large quad PC carbon 4.625″/4.125″

 

2win double wing swallow – 5’6″ x 20.35″ x 2.65″ vol. ???
nose “pugged 4″ from a 5’10”
CFT med construction
FCSII twin with MR PC twins (plugs for twin trailer were retrofitted but not yet used)

 

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laundry day quiver shoot. photo: manu migueles photography

 

“Where do you like to surf these models?”

i really enjoy more on reef breaks and points. i can surf the 2×4 6’0″ on an everyday basis in the canaries from slabs to fun powerful reefs.

i surf the mr. buzz everyday also when the waves are small, or fun little waves where my chick surfs.

also in points but work good in little slabs. same for the twins.

“What is it that you like or don’t like about any of these boards?”

the 6’0″ can feel a bit stiff at the drop sometimes. works a lot better in glassy/offshore conditions. but, is the fastest board ever! feels really confident. goes good for turn. (stretch should stop bothering putting the 5 fins set up…heheheh) if i had to choose one board to go on trip will be this one.

the Mr Buzz ,
really really user friendly. goes really good with those fins, got lots of flow.
sometimes feels a bit short on the back hand.
perfect for summertime but hold the rail in points also. good for carving.

here’s some fun follow cam footage of the 5’6″ mr. buzz sk8 carving:

 

 

the twin is a little devil.
it’s crazy fast! holds the rail in turn but also super loose in turn.
rare for a twin but good on the backhand.

 

check the video below to see Sancho laying rail on his 5’6″ pugged 2win.

 

“Are there any comparisons to other boards?”

no. riding those boards is like riding something different which makes it cool. it’s a different vibe.
i have your boards that i have been riding for the last 3 years. no other boards last that long!

“If you had the chance to change anything, what would it be?”

i’d put the factory in europe so it will be easier for me to get boards 🙂 then i could bug stretch all the time in person and talk to him about fins.

 

sancho slips into a goodie to evaluate quad fin placement back home. photo: manu migueles

sancho slips into a goodie to evaluate quad fin placement back home. photo: manu migueles

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through the looking glass. sancho fins his 2×4 round pin getting the hero shot.

“NO FRIENDS” model ride review with Andrew Bennett

It’s summertime!!! Crowds, “so-so” waves and the pervasive struggle to get your slash on could use a good remedy. The “NO FRIENDS” model is your answer!

learn more about the NO FRIENDS model by clicking here

No Friends model ride review with Andrew Bennett from Stretch Boards on Vimeo.

 

check available NO FRIENDS models on our webstore or contact info@stretchboards.com to get dialed in on a new custom!

 

Name: Andrew Bennett

Height/weight: 5’10” 180 lbs

Board model/dimensions:

No Friends 5’4” x 21″ x 2.25″ vol.32.3L

Construction type:

EPS/EPOXY

Fins used:

Fins Unlimited custom hand foiled BUZZ template 4.875″/4.0″ fcs base with FCSII plugs and tab in-fill kit

Conditions tested:

The Hook, Chest high. Weak and crowded.

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

I typically ride much better, but still summer style CA waves on my 5’6” PU/CFT glassed Super Buzz with Buzz Quads.

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

It felt like a lot of volume under my arm especially with the amount of width.

What board models come to mind when checking out this design?

I rode the Dominator model by Firewire and it was similar. The No Friends model felt like it wanted to turn in a shorter radius though. I never rode the Average Joe by Channel Islands but maybe that would be similar.

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

I think the board was ideal for the weak chest high conditions that I took it out in. It gave me a reason to paddle out.

Ride experience:

The board felt like it wanted to turn quickly/pivot. It was very buoyant and responsive so it made it easy to squeeze in a bunch of turns without any help from the wave.

Likes/Dislikes:

The board didn’t feel like it wanted to project and create any lateral speed. I notice my super buzz has much more drive in comparison so it wants to go super fast down the line. But the No Friends felt like it was designed to keep turning in a tight radius.

General observations:

It’s a worthy board to have in the quiver for really gutless waves that are chest high and under.

“If I could choose between this and one other model, I would get the (fill in the blank)

I think for completely gutless tiny waves this would be the right board to jump on. My G-Buzz worked in a little bigger surf than the No Friends model and had more projection. But I think they both have their place in different surf.

How well does this board match up to it’s model description?

The model name is definitely spot on. It was a “no friends” kind of session at the hook. Without bogging at all the board catches anything and turns on a dime.

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

The no friends model takes the struggle out of summer flat spells.

 

no friends spec sheet

Screen shot 2016-07-14 at 4.16.58 PM

outline and volume comparison of G-buzz sk8 vs. NO FRIENDS built with same dimensions.

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No Friends is fully customizable in CFT, PU/PE, or EPS/EPOXY construction options. Dimensions, logos and all options offered through Stretch Boards are just a phone call or e-mail away!

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4 different model logo options available!