rusty vs. Al

[Rusty44]

As you can tell, I like rusty by my username.
Not for good reasons tho, not because ive tried the boards, but mainly because it was the first major brand ive seen, lovin the logos, and idk the boards just look so professional..

But..

Then i found out that my homie Machado (haha)surfs al merrick along with kelly slater..
Now dont get me wrong, im not one to fall for business things and go with al merrick because the pros go to it so ima ask you guys..
Who do you think shapes better boards and has an overall better company? and if you think there is a better brand than both, share it with me, but please dont sway off my real question like people do sometimes ha
One more thing.. Is it Al Merrick boards or is it considered Channel Island Surfboards? I know theyre the same thing, but i was wondering what I would say to someone who asked what board i had ???
thanx -

[gulfsurfer]

Dude, get a local shaped board!!!

[Brent]

Both of these name shapers use CAD technology and hire resident shapers/finishers to finish boards on site. The only direct physical input they have is the original design, then scanning it and then uploading the file. That's it. The obvious exception being team riders boards...and then only for the original board...even theirs are cookie cut. They turn out better too. More consistant refinement of designs. Better control of the outcome.

It makes no difference mate, both are primo shapers.

But I still buy local -Rusty & Al have never even seen my local so how could they possibly shape me a board that works well here??? Actually daily i see young groms sinking up to their knees trying to keep low volume, big rocker pro-guns moving in the real-world waves most of us surf in 90% of the time...all because they're gotta have a name board. Nuts.

[Broosta]

Rusty or Al Merrick? Toughy that one dude.
I used to have an Al Merrick but didn't like it that much. Never tried a Rusty. Both obviously top shapers but it all boils down to which board suits you and your conditions.
I didn't like tha Al M cos it didn't feel as loose as I wanted so I traded it for a Lost and never looked back.
I have avoided local shapers cos I'm not exactly sure what dimentions I need, and if I'm leaving it to the shaper I'd rather trust a top notch dude rather than a unknown local dude. I have been worried that it may take several locally shaped boards before arriving at a shape that works well for me, and I wouldn't want my board to only work well at my local break cos I like to travel to good surf spots too.
Oh yeah and my local shaper (Seabeast) is not 'that' experienced so that steered me away from going local.

[gulfsurfer]

Both of these name shapers use CAD technology and hire resident shapers/finishers to finish boards on site. The only direct physical input they have is the original design, then scanning it and then uploading the file. That's it. The obvious exception being team riders boards...and then only for the original board...even theirs are cookie cut. They turn out better too. More consistant refinement of designs. Better control of the outcome.

It makes no difference mate, both are primo shapers.

But I still buy local -Rusty & Al have never even seen my local so how could they possibly shape me a board that works well here??? Actually daily i see young groms sinking up to their knees trying to keep low volume, big rocker pro-guns moving in the real-world waves most of us surf in 90% of the time...all because they're gotta have a name board. Nuts.

Yeah, i see that alot where a stupid kid buys a merrick board or something just because kelly uses it or somethin, then you see them at the beach the next day and it wont float them. Pretty funny.

[Brent]

There has to be a good local shaper...not the clown you mention but someone else within say a 30-50 mile radius? Go to them instead.
Having said that Rusty & co do now offer things like the "84". A return to realistic volumed & moderate rockered usable boards.

I'd love a CI fish however, they look a treat.

[deathfrog]

Stop worrying about brand names and get a board that works, like a local shaped board, one of the older ones that actually have volume to them, shape one yourself, or if you just have to have the brand names get a custom from either one, rusty's tend to be a bit lighter, usally have more cosmetic defects (like twist in the board or something) but still work awesome, and the CI boards aren't as light but are slightly more durable and seem like they have more time spend on them.

Where do you live? If you're surfing a somewhat quality/known break, chances are you have a ton of local guys that could make you a just as good board if not better, and if not, then you'll get an even better board for the conditions than gettting a name one.

Your pick.

But I do agree, the CI fish looks insane.