Bic Ace-Tec 11'6" vs Surftech Universal 10'6"

[NoVaSUP]

I'm looking at these two boards both could be had about same price.  I'm 6'3" 210 and been out suppin' twice.  Want something stable and to be used about 70% flat and 30% small surf.  Also to be a family board used by my kids ages 7-13.  I like the long-term durability of the Bic with the polymer coated skin.  Shape looks good too.  Though the Surftech 10'6" is kinda tempting as it might maneuver better in surf but could be just as stable as the Bic (Surftech 10'6" 206L 32" width 25lbs  Bic 11'6" 215L 32.5" width 30lbs.)  The Surftech 11'6" is 238L and I think this might be a boat in the surf.  Any recommendations?

[SUP Viking]

Hands down go with Surftech. Far superior product all around. I ride a 9'8" Jamie Mitchell and have ridden a majority of Surftechs lineup. The 11'6 will be a bullet in surf. Don't worry about that size. The size of the board is perfect for your body size. I had a 11' Laird that i used for cruising and surf. And compared to my 9'8" JM the Laird was a bullet in surf and catching waves was a breeze.

I think anything shorter than a 11' won't be as versatile. And it sounds like you want an all around good board. Good luck with the hunt!

[gulfcoastflorida]

This is good news... I just got a SurfTech 10' 6" Randy French... glad you asked!

[longboarder63]

Different strokes for different folks.  I have a Bic Ace Tec 11'6" and am totally satisfied with it.  Durable, light, a great all around board.

[westbeach]

another vote for Surftech. We have the 10'6 Randy French and it takes a beating with the kids paddling with it. Great all around board.

[Finsup]

i vote Surftech, i actually paddled both, but went with the Randy French Universal 11'6".  Great board, for everything.  I even have a fishing setup on it for those gotta go fishing days.

I am 5'9" and weigh 215lbs, and the Universal 11'6" feels perfect in flat water, no surfing experience on it yet as i am in Central NY, all nice lakes around here though.

Enjoy and good luck.

[GreatLakesWaterman]

The Universal has the full deck pad.  It can make it a little tough to attach a tie down.   I just saw the 10'6" Wahine and it was very nice looking.  Light and nuke proof.  I suggest the Bic. 

[Weed]

I've gone thru six boards this summer and at 230lbs the Surftech Universal 11'6" has been the best all arounder which I picked up last week. By far the most stable board at 32.1" wide and handles well in ocean chop/cross chop. I haven't used it in small surf yet but my gut instinct says it would do well.

You can't go wrong with Surftech which I feel will have a better resale value over the Bic if you ever decide to sell it.

[Fishman]

I saw a damaged Bic Sport board yesterday at a warehouse liquidator.
The kind of place that buys lost and damaged stuff from shippers. They had a new Bic Sport 10'6  Ace Tec Wahine. The board was damage bad, a 5" X 1" chunk was ripped upwards on the tail.

Looking at that damage got me thinking,
1. How would someone do a good repair on that?
2. Does that type of foam absorb water faster than the "normal" EPS foam? (to me, it just looks  like it could get water logged fast )

For me, the Surftech would be the easy choice.

[GreatLakesWaterman]

Why not get a Laird?  The Laird would be far better in the surf than the Universal.  I can't imagine trying to ride on one of the universals thick rails.  The 12'1" seems like the obvious choice. 

[gladwell4]

Surftech. We've had many discussions regarding best all around board and the French Universal really is universal. Our family quiver includes Starboards, Surftechs, Southpoint and ULI. The Surftech is the best all around.