Blast vs. Flashpoint

BudWeiser · Post by **BudWeiser** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 8:14 pm

I'm considering getting an everyday surfing board, and I was
wondering if any one could contrast and compare

the Blast Aussie Tri vs. Flashppoint Tri fin

I'm looking for a board that is 6'0 or slightly bigger and will
be an everyday board for beachbreak.

I know the Blast middle fin is setup further than the Flashpoint
and would like comments.

Jon Manss · Post by **Jon Manss** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 6:13 am

Don't limit your search to two designs. You have several shapers in your area that shape for your surf conditions. Shoelkopf's are taylor made for S Cal. and I know you will here from most soon. Happy hunting

Bud · Post by **Bud** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 9:27 am

Just like the hamburger commersial says.....

You can have it your way!

You can get extra plugs installed for the center fin so you can position the fins up or back.

Blast Kneeboards are built with better materials.
Clark Foam is more resilliant than any Aussie foam which is coarser and brittle, S type fiber glass is stronger and lighter than the industry standard E-type.

Many of the worlds top shapers use the same factory for their high end custom work.
Brewer, Rawson, Arakawa, Barry Kanaiapuni, Randy Rarrick, etc. etc. etc........

The board will last.

You get a money back guarrentee.

Blast kneeboards cost less too.

KAVA · Post by **KAVA** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 12:18 pm

dean cleary and romo boards are nice over here but since the HB/NB outing i am inclined to try/buy a flashpoint. If you are really concerned about shapers check out a couple diffrent styles. most if not all shapers will design boards as you see fit. the more detail you give them the better your board will turn out. if you dont know the dimensions of the board you want? give the shaper your dimensions and what you expect from your board and what area's you surf/kb.

I have used both kneeboard shapers and surfboard shapers for knee boards and although its good to have that kneeboarder influence in the shape, it can also be bad. Often the shaper will input into the board his own feel for the design where as a surfboard shaper will try to follow your request further in that he doesnt KB. then again maybe i am going on a diffrent tangent .I have had great boards shaped by kneeboarders AND non kneeboarders it all depends on the talent of the shaper and your communication with him.
(confused? lol)

if cost is an issue have your hawaii or aussie shaper shape you a blank then glass it over here

Jon Manss · Post by **Jon Manss** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 3:43 pm

Just to confuse you and to clarify. Bud and Bruce both make high quality boards and are worth the money if the board fits your style.

DYdamo · Post by **DYdamo** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 5:32 pm

Hey Bud, we have a saying "Typically American"
I"ll just leave it there Have a nice day

W.G. Facenda · Post by **W.G. Facenda** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 5:39 pm

No need to leave it "there" take it with you , it kinda smells.

ScottMac · Post by **ScottMac** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 6:06 pm

Eric Carson · Post by **Eric Carson** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 5:58 am

I have a 5'11" Blast tri and a 6' Flashpoint. I've ridden both boards in hollow shorebreak and outside groundswell conditions, mostly chest to a few feet overhead. The Blast came with small fins and was way too loose for me and did a lot of sideslipping on juicy drops. I replaced the side fins with larger Occy's giving the board a bit more drive.
Both boards are fast and loose, with the Blast feeling most at home in the pocket. The Flashpoint has a swallow tail and I can get this board more vertical than the Blast. Both boards work well for spinners, 360's off the top, with the Blast getting around easier. I also agree with others comments on the forum about Flashpoint's maintaining speed while "Going off the top and re-entering"
I consider both of these boards magic. If you want to pull tailslides, go with the Blast, if you're looking for a more crisp power hitting board go with the Flashy.

stemple · Post by **stemple** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 3:27 pm

I have two flashpoints and three blasts. They are different boards and both have there strengths and weaknesses. One thing is for sure Bud is right about the durability of the boards. My blasts are slightly heavier but the glass and foam are more durable. My stubb vector after two seasons has only small pressure dings, my flashpoints after one season have noticeable pressure dings. I also noticed that my Parkes board also pressure dinged a bit easier as well.

Its not an american thing its a product quality thing (foam/glass not shaping skill). If you go through boards fast anyways it probably doesn't make that big of difference.

Gareth · Post by **Gareth** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 5:48 pm

talk to both shapers and see if they are on the similar wavelength to you and if it is custom and you a HONEST with what you want and your ability you will get what you are after

john - · Post by **john -** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 6:21 pm

DYdamo wrote:Hey Bud, we have a saying "Typically American"
I"ll just leave it there Have a nice day

since we live in a moving to the right capitalist ecconomy ourselves and hart has marketed himself quite well here, one have to suggest DY, that it is also very/typically australian to promote ones product

Drstyle

as one American shaper put it

I make a board I hate it...My mate jumps on it and loves it

one persons trash is anothers treasure

Im riding a second hand flashpoint that is about 8 years old that I bought for $50

my $500 parkes is having a rest and i got a bit board with it

they are both great boards

Drstyle - get a good board from a good shaper and let your own skill do the talking - as Bud said - a good surfer can surf a door

BudWeiser · Post by **BudWeiser** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 6:46 pm

Eric Carson wrote:I have a 5'11" Blast tri and a 6' Flashpoint. I've ridden both boards in hollow shorebreak and outside groundswell conditions, mostly chest to a few feet overhead. The Blast came with small fins and was way too loose for me and did a lot of sideslipping on juicy drops. I replaced the side fins with larger Occy's giving the board a bit more drive.
Both boards are fast and loose, with the Blast feeling most at home in the pocket. The Flashpoint has a swallow tail and I can get this board more vertical than the Blast. Both boards work well for spinners, 360's off the top, with the Blast getting around easier. I also agree with others comments on the forum about Flashpoint's maintaining speed while "Going off the top and re-entering"
I consider both of these boards magic. If you want to pull tailslides, go with the Blast, if you're looking for a more crisp power hitting board go with the Flashy.

Thanks for the reply Eric and Syd,
this is what I'm looking for.
I'm a 3 finner guy which one could easily assume from my question, who contrary to some perceptions made in this thread
knows what he wants and is narrowing it down.

DYdamo · Post by **DYdamo** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 4:09 am

Dorje wrote:

since we live in a moving to the right capitalist ecconomy ourselves and hart has marketed himself quite well here, one have to suggest DY, that it is also very/typically australian to promote ones product

I have no problem with self promotion! What pisses me off is
the arrogance of "mine's bigger/better/faster/cheaper/best". Show me
where Bruce has posted a message flogging his boards. He gladly answers anyone's questions without ramming his product down their throats or using the opportunity to take out a full page Ad!.

MWROBERTSON · Post by **MWROBERTSON** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 9:48 am

DY,

I dig that photo of you in the signature area. Are are you riding a slab and is that Dee Why? Have you posted the original? I would like to see a larger version of the same photo. Loved your post too.