Simsup size and durability question

[socalgremmy]

Am thinking of getting a production Simsup ST, either 8'0 or 8'4
Am an old, intermediate SUSer at 5'11" and 180#.
Currently surfing a Naish 8'8" X32 @ 140ltrs in mostly mushy 1 to 4' beachbreak, occasionally shoulder to overhead. Looking for a bit more stability in chop, better tracking (wave catching) while paddling and more responsive turning.
Any input on what model to get and the general durability of Simsups would be appreciated....
Thanks,
Bob

[anonsurfer]

Am thinking of getting a production Simsup ST, either 8'0 or 8'4
Am an old, intermediate SUSer at 5'11" and 180#.
Currently surfing a Naish 8'8" X32 @ 140ltrs in mostly mushy 1 to 4' beachbreak, occasionally shoulder to overhead. Looking for a bit more stability in chop, better tracking (wave catching) while paddling and more responsive turning.
Any input on what model to get and the general durability of Simsups would be appreciated....
Thanks,
Bob

Based on my experience with Simmons style boards I'd recommend going 120L - 130L.  The standard 8'0" ST is 129L (1.57L/KG).  If you want to push your surfing ability go with the 7'8" at 119L (1.45L/KG).  If you want stability in chop go with the 8'0". 

The smaller ST will definitely be more responsive but probably won't track better than your longer board. 

[Sup-position]

Gremmy
There are quite a few Simsup Production's around our area...
You can try Zoo's 8'0 or hit me up.
I have one in Demo..

[socalgremmy]

Gremmy
There are quite a few Simsup Production's around our area...
You can try Zoo's 8'0 or hit me up.
I have one in Demo..

Thanks, Ralph,
I'll hit up Zoo and try his out.....

[OCsurf]

You can try my 8-4

[surfafrica]

I have a 7'8" ST (and LOVE it).   I'm 145 lbs and a low-intermediate.  If you are looking for something to handle choppy conditions, for your weight, I'd recommend an 8'0"/129 L or an 8'4"/136 L in the ST (which sounds like you already are considering).  In chop, you might find the 7'8" a little tippy.  If you can try Zoo's 8'0" or OCsurf's 8'4", you'll know which way to go. So cool that you might be able to demo both before making the call.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on the ST and how it compares to Naish.  Always cool to hear people's perspectives on SIMS vs more traditional shapes.

[breakbad]

FWIW I'm 6'2" 185lbs and a beginner surfer. My custom 8x30 @ 129L tomo is stable for me in chop. I use the FCS Stretch shaper series quad large set.

[socalgremmy]

You can try my 8-4

Thanks Mike,
That'd be great.
Zoo is talking about meeting at Trails this Saturday....
Bob

[Zooport]

That would be great to have you go too, OCSurf.  Bob could compare my 8'0 to your 8'4.  My lovely, non-surfer wife is going too. 

[AJR]

I'm 218 lbs and my 8'4x136L ST and it has enough float and been plenty stable for me.  Plus I was 235 lbs when I bought it and my opinion was the same then; if anything I'll go a little smaller next time (maybe at or just under 8' and around 127L) .  I don't think I have great balance either.  This is by far the best board I've ever had; each time I take it out I'm amazed at what it can do.  It's fun in the small stuff and doesn't get squirrelly in the larger waves (head high is the most I've been in lately in San Diego).  It's fast, turns as long as you get on the tail, stable, did I say fast?, and generally just a ton of fun.  I haven't surfed my 8'11" Craig since I got this because it works in all conditions for me.

[beached]

ditto what AJR said, though it's taken me a while to get my balance down on this board (i have the 8'4" as well). i'm 6'3" and a bit over 200lbs and found chop a bit challenging for the first few months on it, but i kept taking it out in the worse possible conditions, and now i can stand on it in just about anything. i just don't want to use my other boards anymore as this board is so damn fast/maneuverable  compared to any of them. i'd only caution on going smaller...but if you get to demo, no advice trumps that. 

[Sup-position]

So

Jay has the 8'8"
OC has the 8'4"
Zoo has the 8'0"

Try them all...

[socalgremmy]

So

Jay has the 8'8"
OC has the 8'4"
Zoo has the 8'0"

Try them all...

Excellent, maybe we can all meetup this Saturday and swap boards?
What's the forecast for Trail 6?

[Zooport]

I just cut my hand on my fin this morning.  Got 5 stitches, so I'm out of the water for 10 days.   So I wont be at trails on Saturday.

 Don't mind the pain, it's not surfing for 10 days that hurts.

[socalgremmy]

I just cut my hand on my fin this morning.  Got 5 stitches, so I'm out of the water for 10 days.   So I wont be at trails on Saturday.

 Don't mind the pain, it's not surfing for 10 days that hurts.

What, no pics?