Flyer vs. K-Small?

[the.ronin]

Anyone with experience on either or, preferably, both of these boards? Opinions or comparisons? How much smaller did you go relative to what you normally ride?

Thanks.

[oldgrom]

Yo brah the flyer will be a stable surf anytime/anywhere and with the right fin set opens up the throtle. But.... the K-small is more of the ripper style your looking for just get one with Future boxes (NOT FCS) and fin load that K stick for some explosive results and I think you'll be a sick monster in the surf able to tear it up ( Look man iether choice you'll be happy and you can allways sell it if your not!!!

[b123]

This is probably just splitting hairs, but any idea on flyer vs. flyer ii?

[oldgrom]

I like the Flyer more but they are both great designs

[BoarderDave]

Never been on KSmall.. but the one Flyer I have been on was instant love.. I needs me one.

[the.ronin]

What exactly is the difference between the I and the II?

I think the Flyers also come in a swallow tail which I’d think lessens the drag on an otherwise very bulky tail. I was tempted but ended up sticking with the squash tail Flyer I.

[BoarderDave]

Copied from Channel Islands website:

Flyer 1:
MODEL DESCRIPTION
A worldwide favorite, this design excels in small to medium surf but still rides and responds like a conventional shortboard. Al considers this the best small wave shortboard he has ever designed. It should be ridden 2” to 3” shorter and 1/4” to 1/2” wider than your normal shortboard. We can build the Flyer up to 7’6” for you big guys.

Also available as a quad with a wide swallow tail.

Also available in Tuflite Technology in select dimensions.

WHO SHOULD RIDE THIS BOARD
You want to maintain the same speed and maneuverability you have on your shortboard in good waves but in small surf. Can be ridden by all styles of surfer.

SKILL LEVEL
Beginner - Pro: 1 - 10

Flyer 2:
MODEL DESCRIPTION
Widely considered the most versatile shortboard we make. Full rails allow for floatation in small waves while the swallow tail keeps it solid in overhead surf. Order it 1/8” thinner than your normal shortboard. Also commonly ridden an inch shorter.

Available in Tuflite construction.

WHO SHOULD RIDE THIS BOARD
If you can only have one board for all types of waves from real small to well over-head, this is your board. Can be ridden by all styles of surfer.

SKILL LEVEL
Late Beginner - Pro: 3 - 10

[the.ronin]

So it looks like the 2 is a bit more high performance and only comes in the swallow. It’s interesting that they recommend the 2 be *thinner* than your normal shortboard. I think I like my Flyer 1.

[LucasG]

Lately I've been feeling my Flyer is kind of slow for the break I surf at. I am now looking at getting something with smaller dimensions to get more speed on the waves to ride them quicker as they close quiet fast...

[the.ronin]

^ Lucas, you might want to consider the K-Small if you like the extra foam along the rails but not along the nose and tail. Otherwise go with the tried and true MX which I still swear by.

Interestingly, I'm finding the Flyer works out well on the fast close outs we've got here. It's allowing me to catch the wave quicker and get that extra millisecond for a better chance at some face. Granted, the Flyer can't hold a candle to the MX when it comes to clearing steep drops.

[LucasG]

^ Lucas, you might want to consider the K-Small if you like the extra foam along the rails but not along the nose and tail. Otherwise go with the tried and true MX which I still swear by.

Interestingly, I'm finding the Flyer works out well on the fast close outs we've got here. It's allowing me to catch the wave quicker and get that extra millisecond for a better chance at some face. Granted, the Flyer can't hold a candle to the MX when it comes to clearing steep drops.

What are the dimensions of your flyer?

[the.ronin]

6-0, 19, I wanna say 2-3/8

That can be a bit misleading though, I think what sets the Flyer apart is a very apparant wider nose and tail section as well as very little rocker.

[LucasG]

Oh well, I have a 6'6", huge difference.