Thinking of getting the Bark 14' Surftech? Any opinions?

[StandUpPaddleSurf.net]

Your review of the Surftech Bark really makes me want to get that one.  If you could only have one board for downwind would you get the Bark with no rudder or the F-14? Both of them are about the same price.  Would you race the Surftech Bark in the 14' class or is it not fast enough compared to the F-14?  Maybe i should wait to see how your F-14 comes out.  At least with the F-14 you can go with the rudder if you want.  Sorry so many questions.  Thanks for the replies because there are not many people to ask about this type of stuff.  

That's kinda hard to answer bc I mostly ride the molded F-14 in 18 mph and higher winds on the Hawaii Kai run.  It has a higher top speed, fits nicer in the bump, is stable and light to paddle.  I really like the rudder.  I've had faster times on the F-14 than Bark although I've only ridden the Bark a few times on the Hawaii Kai run.  The F-14 gets up to speed faster than the Bark but the Bark continues in the bump with more ease...maybe due to weight.

The F-14 displacement board is a whole different animal bc both the ST Bark and molded F-14 have planing hulls.  I'm probably not taking the F-14 displacement board surfing because the others will most likely surf better.  That's just a guess so I'll have to see.

The Bark is more durable and surfs better.  It's heavier and has less volume than the F-14.  It's a good all around board.  Call Surftech and demo one.  You'll answer your questions after you try for yourself. 

[Shawn Michael]

Very cool thread from some experienced guys...nothing to add just great to have these kind of reviews...love love love the f-18....the SIC rudder are really user friendly even the first time you used em, they are just done right...if you want a rudder, gotta go with SIC not as tough as the BARk though...

[diesel]

Okay guys, we can finish this thread.  I ended up getting a total deal on a new VorticeXP for $1100 at the C4 headquarters in honolulu.  There are like 10 more boards down there for the same price.  Karel had to fix them up a bit because they were blems but it seems to be a total deal on a board that started out at close to 3k.  Hopefully it doesn't fall apart but it seemed very hard and I am used to evaluating this type of construction from owning OC-1s which is the same type of build.  They are built by Karel Tresnak from Outrigger Connection who really builds a good quality product so I feel somewhat confident buying a blem board.  I think it's a really good deal.  Can't wait to try out my board.  Thanks for everyones help, especially Tom and StandUpPaddleSurf.  Mahalos.

[PonoBill]

I think I'd rather be on a 12'6" or 14'er in those conditions. 

The planing F18 is just fine in short pitching swells, the displacement hull not so much. I had it our a couple of days ago in a pretty strong wind--25-30 mph -- and it spent a lot of time going sideways.

[venice mace]

you should add Hobie to your list.  New 14's look sick!  Good guys too

[diesel]

you should add Hobie to your list.  New 14's look sick!  Good guys too

I have never seen Hobie boards in Hawaii.  I don't know if anyone is carrying them.  They do look good.  I already end up getting a good deal on a VorticeXP.  Thanks.

[bing]

Diesel - what do you think of your Vortice XP ?  How durable is it ?  I have a Vortice BW and have wondered how it compares to the XP besides being heavier.

[1paddle2paddle]

Diesel - what do you think of your Vortice XP ?  How durable is it ?  I have a Vortice BW and have wondered how it compares to the XP besides being heavier.

Since my wife and I have one of each, I figured I'd respond.

There are definitely durability issues with the XP.  After we purchased the XP (used from the C4 shop), we were down at the demo day and the guys (won't name names) said the XP was really designed as a racer only and not a board to cut your chops on.  Its just too fragile for everyday use.

For my wife and I to paddle together we needed to pick up another board, but I sure the heck wasn't going to buy a new one.  I saw a good condition BW version on craigslist so I picked it up a couple weeks ago.  Last weekend I did the Hawaii Kai run on the BW, and truthfully, I didn't feel it was a handicap at all versus the XP.  In fact, the extra weight actually seemed to help it keep on bumps.  Also, I tried hopping on it as I was catching some bumps to help it drop in - I would never do this with the XP.

I imagine that, over a longer race, the extra weight of the BW version would start to make itself known.  But for the 8 miles of the HK run, it was no problemo.  In fact, I got rolled by a set at Kaimana (kook!) and was glad I had the BW instead of the XP...

[diesel]

1paddle2paddle is probably a good source of info since he has both.  BW seems better because stronger as long as you don't mind the weight.

[bing]

Thanks for the summary.  I have been very happy with my BW and always wondered if I was missing anything not having an XP except for being lighter.   

[WindJunkie]

I've owned the bw and now the xp.  No doubt the xp is faster.  the bw has a lot more rocker on it and tends to push some water.  The xp gets up and maintains speed easily.  Riding the xp will improve your balance because it's tippy.  It catches every little bump with little effort.  Definitely don't want to be falling on top of the xp it is a little on the fragile side of any board I've owned.