Laird Bark 14 Tuflite impressions

[rkdjones]

I recently bought a used Laird Bark 14, Tuflite construction for flatwater paddling.  I'm 165lbs, so admittedly a little light for the board.  But I wanted an efficient stable board for when the weather turns bad.  I usually paddle a Ron House 12-6 race board.

First the negative:  It is surprisingly heavy (over 35 lbs).  And it is hard to control in a side wind.
And the positive: It is so stable compared to the Ron House and just as fast or maybe faster.
In balance: It will be a good board for paddling when the water is cold or the conditions are such that I feel insecure on my Ron House.  I think I will probably continue to paddle the House during warm water months on local lakes, but use the Laird Bark for cold marine water paddling and winter paddling on lakes.

Robert

[gorgebob]

Solid board , stable and crushes chop. Tuff as nails but a little heavy. Better for #200.

[mdsurf]

I have had the Laird Bark 14 in prolite carbon for 2 years and it is lighter but may ding easier.  It is a trade off.  It feels real light to me and works great in ocean and rivers for me but I am #250.  Perfect board for me and it is stable and faster than others for me.  Like it will keep it, use it on our group outings also.  Side chop is ok but I would rather hit it head on.  Little runners are fine.  and Summer bumps and small waves catches smooth and surf ok for what it is.