Buying first Longboard

[pren]

Mid 40s, 5'7, 160lb. I have been surfing for a year and half on most weekends. live in New Jersey, short beach breaks, 3-4 ft is great and most of the days 1-3 ft. I have been learning on my wavestorm, and now I can mange to go down the line, about to explore turning. Looking to buy a longboard for my next learning stage, budget is around $500.

I bumped into this local listing of a 9' Walden Magic X2. Looks in pretty good condition, with one ding which the owner said was fixed by pro.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/425611299022208/?ref=search&referral_code=marketplace_search&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A65736c91-6b00-4e09-92c3-358d88d96536

Need you guidance on: Is Walden Magic X2 a good choice for east coast and my ability level? How durable is X2?
The ding looks minor to me, is it something to worry about? Is it a fair price?

[Naeco78]

Hey there! Yeah the X2 molded epoxy should be a lot more durable for that transition from soft to hard top. Just remember that its a lot less forgiving in the water and with mishaps.
Otherwise it sounds like the shape should work out relatively well for progressing from beginner on up. I like that it has a hard edge around the board because Jersey waves can be a steep takeoff and that type of rail should have more bite when needed. Sounds like it has a good combination of things that should help with your progression, without hindering the beginner aspects too much.
Cost is a tough one to gauge between covid and the winter/summer price volatility. Some boards can double in price from winter to summer, so it could be a good time to buy, if negotiable.

[pren]

Thanks Naeco78.

Is the ding in the picture something to worry about? looks to me more like scratches after the repair.

[Naeco78]

I'm not seeing any issue with the repair.. looks like its just that line in the middle of the rail? They did a good job with the color match. But in person, I would press on that area with moderate pressure and make sure theres no soft spots or flex. If there is, it would likely be a bad sign of moisture or leftover foam damage that would likely fail again in the future. Hope this helps

[pren]

In person, the condition is worse than the seller described, I bought it anyways. Looks it needs some work, not sure if I can do it myself (not experienced at all), or I need to bring it to a shop. A deep scratch (pic 1) and some chips.

[IB_Surfer]

So, this is the test for epoxy (or any other) board, and it might sound strange.

If you put your lips on it and suck on it, if you have suction and no air from inside the board then you are good, if you can suck in air from inside then you need to fix it. Give it a try, though I would clean it a little before trying it.

It might be superficial stuff, though one looks like a dog bit it.

Good luck with the new ride.

[pren]

After kids went to bed, I sucked on the deep scratch which concerned me the most. It's close to the rail, a little tricky. I don't feel any air coming out. I know what you mean by the dog bite. It is in the middle of the board, so not very likely.

For other chips of the paint (outer layer). Is it purely cosmetic?

[waikikikichan]

In the photo where there's a long crack and your thumb and pointer finger, is there a similar crack line a few inches over on the deck side ?

[pren]

Thanks waikikikichan. On the deck was a minor scratch. The long one close to the rail looks like a crack. Looking at it closely, it is caused by a scratch, pretty bad one tho.