Choosing the right style and make of board for you is not easy so here are a few tips regarding Epoxy or Fiberglass and brand new or secondhand to consider before purchasing.
Epoxy or Fibreglass?
Epoxy Facts:
- Epoxy a stronger and float better than fiberglass boards.
- They are more stable in the water.
- They were originally designed to surf in freshwater wave pools.
- Don't look as good as traditional fibreglass board as you can't see the stringer (the wooden line through the middle)
- They are all round cheaper as they now become mass-produced.
- They are sturdier and are less likely to ding but hard to get fixed as less surf repairers work with epoxy.
- Price for an epoxy board would be around £200 new, but price can vary with different brands.
- All round epoxy boards are lighter as they are made with the polystyrene foam as the inner and the epoxy resin on the outer.
Fiberglass Facts:
- Can be hand shaped to your size and shape height and weight
- They ding a lot easier than a epoxy so you need to take extra care.
- Not as stable as an epoxy board in the water, but does allow you more movement and flexibility.
- They are usually more expensive to buy £320 but prices can go up into the 1000s depending on brand.
- They are made from a polyurethane inner and a fiberglass outer but unfortunately overtime they will get waterlogged due to dents and just the board ageing.
Secondhand? or new?
- My recommendation is epoxy boards are so cheap now you can pick one up for £200 so why buy a secondhand board if you can get it brand-new.
- Second-hand market has dropped due to a lot of boards being produced heaper.
- Don't buy what you can't feel and see support the surfboard shops if you have a problem you know where they are buying off the Internet is risky
- My advice by new from the surf shop, it will last longer and you wont be at risk of purchasing a waterlogged door on the net.
- Don’t forget: The dimensions are always written at the bottom near the fins or on the stringer, make sure you check it out on every board you see.
Good luck and I hope this helps with your search to find your perfect board.
Cheers
Mike Young