adamj2281 wrote:First impressions..... a great mix between a surfboard and Mako. Ocean Rodeo has really outdone themselves on this one, I've been waiting/asking for a Mako oriented surfboard for awhile, and this board is a perfect mix.
Adam, we've been hoping to release this board for years but it took us a very long time to get it right and we were very aware that we not release a board that was only half way there as 1st impressions count. So far, we feel quite vindicated as everywhere these initial demo boards have shipped we have seen immediate stocking orders from dealers and great feedback from consumers.
adamj2281 wrote:So.......this board is ideal because it's oriented towards conditions we are generally in, wind-driven waves that are typically not as steep (unless you luck into side-off conditions) and there's generally some sort of chop to work through.
Precisely what we were aiming for - make the everyday conditions a blast to ride.
adamj2281 wrote:Upwind was better than expected, I actually struggle for some reason getting upwind on my quad
Can't speak to the shape of your quad but rocker line on the Mako Duke and the deep concave help drive the board up wind. . .
adamj2281 wrote:Changing stance was easier than I expected as well given how light the board is. Deck pad is really comfortable.
I've found - and we have been told by many riders - that the Duke is far more stable than most directionals, making it very easy for footwork....
adamj2281 wrote:Overall construction is top notch.
We are really happy with the overall fit and finish of the boards and are really excited by the new production techniques we are using. As NYKiter identifies below the boards can still be dinged but the Rampart Skin has already shown to be far tougher than a simple epoxy fiberglass finish.
adamj2281 wrote:Thanks OR
Thanks Adam!
NYKiter wrote:We've already had a ding on the demo here. A bruising caused a spot on the rail to push in and the rampart skin (seemed like thick paint?) bubbled up. Had to peel it back and place some rubberized glue on it. The inside was the translucent fiberglass. Not sure how to handle dings
NYK - the Duke is an EPS foam core with epoxy resin and fiberglass that is then baked under pressure to adhere the Rampart Skin. Once damaged, the skin can peel back but should be easily repaired with any epoxy putty. If you are concerned about aesthetics you can dye the putty orange but otherwise, back fill with putty and sand. Could also paint over afterwards if you wish...
The Rampart Skin acts as a great barrier to everyday dings and scuffs but all foam core boards will ding if hit hard enough. We have had some damage to some of the local boards too but overall we are very happy with the durability of these boards given the conditions and beaches they are being used on...