Switch Shapers?

[IB_Surfer]

So I am at a crossroads. A while back I used a shaper that made me a nice longboard. Since then I lost track of him and went to my current shaper who was the best deal in town, so kept going back for board after board.

I actually heard about my old shaper from a buddy, called him up, and he is cheaper than my current shaper. Plus way closer, I have to drive 45 min to get to my current shaper, only 5 minutes to this one.

So, is there loyalty with shapers? I like my shaper, not love tho, he has made some suggestions that did not work, but the ones I have that did work are awesome. This new one should be good too.

What do you think, change shapers???

[hit_the_lip]

There is no loyalty in surf boards. I work with a local shaper also, but from time to time I'll buy a board off the rack if it feels right to me. Does that mean I'm being disloyal to my shaper? I don't think so. The only loyalty I have is in finding a board that works good for me, and suits the needs for which I'm buying it. My loyalty is to myself.

It may take awhile for the new shaper to understand your likes/dislikes, thats the only drawback I can think of.

[dtc]

We aren't talking about hairdressers here...

I figure two things:

1. Your old shaper will never see you, so it won't matter
2. You will return to your old shaper and he will know the new one wasn't as good

[AJR]

The way I view it is it's your hard earned money so spend it as you wish...

[IB_Surfer]

Went with the new shaper, he was $50 cheaper and threw in free paint.

The only thing is that I got it in purple, since it's the school color I work at. Not sure if I will regret this later

[Surf Hound]

I would try the new guy again. I had a shaper in Hi that I was 100% loyal too and I did not care about pricing. In fact I would always throw $50 extra and tell him not to cut me a deal etc. I was friends with him, his wife and he just had his 1st baby ..... I realized shaping was his livelihood and wanted to support him. Haven't found that guy yet in Ca but think I may have if this guy would hurry up with this board I am waiting on. Lol. I think it is "each to their own" as I am not as concerned about pricing as much as I am concerned about getting knowledgable input and quality output while having a good relationship with the guy. I do think you pay more for the input rather than the output though. Lots of guys can make a quality board but does that board work for you and your style? That's what I pay for.....

[IB_Surfer]

Yeah, my current shaper is ok but think I need a change anyway

[Aqualife]

Hi,
I think changing shapers is legitimate on pure costs and other grounds. The fact that you considered changing suppliers is already telling in itself - meaning the old one doesn't really deserve loyalty. Also if you keep the same shaper, you might get stuck in a pattern and never try anything new. It's like getting a whole fresh look at your surfing, I reckon. He might recommend stuff that the old one never thought about. The only shaper I would even travel for was a guy who actively listened and tried new things with me. If a board didn't work, then he'd take it back and sell it off the rack at a small fee. He also fast tracked my boards over casual orders and made sure I had them ready for trips. He also took feedback very well, not much of an ego. Still miss him, he lives in NZ and the next time I am over there, I'll pre-order boards off him for sure.
How is that purple board coming along? I just sold a purple one - being female, I thought for sure only another female will buy this one and then this 6'4 tall dude rocked up, didn't blink at the colour and walked away happy...

[IB_Surfer]

So here she is already shaped. Gonna go with resin tint for an old fashioned look. My winter gun will be ready just in time for winter

[oldmansurfer]

What are the dimensions? What kind of fin set up will it have?

[IB_Surfer]

7'6 x 20 x 2 7/8, like hybrid between a california gun and a rhino chaser. Gonna go with FCS fins

Here it is after paint

[dtc]

Thought you were going for purple?

Have to say, I really enjoy all the different tints and spray jobs and the rest people get on their boards. One of the great things about buying custom, you dont end up with a white board.

[IB_Surfer]

Yeah, I was going to do purple for my school colors but chickened out, I like this way better LOL

[Surf Hound]

I like the tail rocker. Are you going with a big thruster set up?

[IB_Surfer]

Not really, was going with DHD Performance core fins or GX5 carbons, I think the outline and rails will give it enough hold, bigger fins will mean harder to paddle into the wave. If I need bigger I was going to try GMB's again, always liked those for my bigger boards.

My old gun was 7'6 x 19 1/4 x 2 5/8, and I did catch double overhead+ waves with it, but I had to paddle my arse off and I did miss some waves. I am hoping to double my catch rate with this new iteration.

[IB_Surfer]

Where, here she is...

[jwoz]

Nice!!!

[oldmansurfer]

Yeah I think I could use a board like that. nice

[IB_Surfer]

Yeah, supper stoked. I might take it out tomorrow just for the heck of it, not a big day but want to feel the paddle.

[peazz]

Nice board IB, Make sure to get some shots of you dropping in?