Surfing Waves

hey guys,
anyone own a HB slam fish, im looking at a few new boards, own a 7'6 mini mal, but have recently been riding my mates 6'8 retro shortboard and looking for a board of similar volume.

have been looking at a few fish, mostly coz i tend to have more rolling breaks where i surf so need the extra volume and quick planing ability, and this board looks like the tool i need to get the job done.

my questions are, first, has anyone owned one and what do they think of it?

second, why is it so cheap compared to alot of similar boards? ive seen them sold in a few shops for just under 300quid, where as a similar board from tiki, rusty and firewire are over 400 someimes over 500.

would anyone recommend it for an intermediate / transition board? like i said, ive been riding a 6'8 retro single fin.

dimentions are: 6'4 X 20'1/3 X 2 1/2
Im: 5'11 175lbs and fairly athletic

No-ones ridden this board?

can someone atleast tell me why they are so much cheaper than alot of similar style boards, i know the terry fitzgerald hand shaped are more expensive because the mans a shaping legend, are these other HB boards just pop-out versions of his hand shaped boards?

heres an image of the board in question, im loving the look of the board, dimentions sound right for me and the price seems pretty awesome, but im still worried why its so cheap? i just cant find any info on these boards or reviews anywhere, even the HB website doesnt give much info about it and unfortunately cant get to a surf shop to try one out as im out of the country till sept, and want my new stick ready to go the first day i get back!

please please please guys if anyone can help me out i would greatly appreciate it.

I bought this board in Portugal last year for 300Euros.It's a nice board for small days but the glassing is bad.First session on it and it got a nice crack on the rail...!These boards are made in China so do not expect any quality...

Thanks for the information windshell, i knew there had to be a drawback with the price, however i think i have a local shaper who can make me a similar spec board albeit with a few tweeks to suit my needs and a better glassing job for around the same price.

is yours a thruster or the 5 fin set-up? where abouts in portugal have you been surfing it, i surf peniche and lagos quite often, does it handle ok in those type of waves?

it's a thruster.I've been surfing it in Sagres.It handles ok in waves up to 6 feet.But in small/mushy conditions it is perfect.

thanks windswell,
i appreciate the feedback, i usually dont get to surf anything above 4-5 feet so i think a similar board would be ideal, have you been using the standard fins with it? i know one site recommended using larger side fins with a smaller trailer fin for a more fish-like feel, what do you use.
sorry for all the questions, just like to know as much as possible before i commit.
thanks again

No worries deepwaterdesigns,
I use the standard fin setup.The larger side-smaller trailer fin seems a good alternative setup for looser drive.
I prefer the standard though.

thanks windswell, i appreciate the help and advice, ill probably stick with the standard set-up until i get familiar with the board, then i might give the looser feel a try!

If your going with a shaper, Maybe you should see what they think would be a best for you. I had a total deferent board in mind then what the shaper picked for me. He said this board would take me to "that next level". He hit it right on the money. I'm glad I kept my mouth shut on what style I wanted or thought I needed.

point taken donhoe,
ill chat with whichever shaper i choose to go with and let them make a suggestion from there, its always hard to know which direction to take and i think you get stuck with one idea of what you need, so its good to get someone elses opinion.
thanks mate