2014 Naish Hokua 8'5"GT versus 2010 Naish Hokua 8'10"

[Oahuwaterwalker]

I picked up a used 2014 Naish 8'5" this week at a pretty fair deal and have had it out 3 times in the last 4 days. My previous board was an 8'10" Naish Hokua from 2010.

For starters, the 8'10 is a really nice board and shines no less after riding the 2014 8'5" they both have their strengths and draw backs. Several times this winter I had the 8'10" out in surf from head high to double overhead and it was fantastic. I was amazed how it handled some very late and steep take offs, transition from rail to rail is really good and when you step on the tail it really livens up. The biggest drawbacks are two (1) domed deck makes for legs getting tired faster and balance more challenging and (2) rocker is great but board pushes water and you end up needing to take off in the pocket.

Over the last couple days I have had the 8'5" out in shoulder to slightly overhead conditions and here's my take so far. It's lighter weight (about 18 lbs with fins) and straighter rocker line make it easier to get into waves than the 8'10". The flat deck also is much easier on the legs and helps to make the 8'5" not any more difficult to balance on than the 8'10". Where I have found myself having to adjust is related to the flatter rocker line on the 8'5". Naish calls it a "progressive" rocker that is flat in the middle and more pronounced in the tail. Getting used this different rocker meant I missed a few really good waves... TODAY, I missed the wave of the session  because I pearled the board while dropping in.

You really have to move aggressively towards the tail and, it seems, avoid straight drops. Later into my session this morning, I adapted and was making some equally steep waves, but you can't just dive bomb like you can on the 8'10, it takes a little more "technique." Once on a wave the board is pretty fun and lively, but I do think the 8'10 transitions from rail to rail a little better. If you get yourself in the sweet spot it can definitely be snappy. I had one wave the first day out where I was able to really get dialed in and swing the board around quickly off the top of the wave, I'm working on dialing that in.   

Now here's the thing, new the 2014 is $1995!!!! You can find the 2010 8'10" for anywhere from $500-$700. Both shapes are old Harold designs so who cares what year they are. I think the 8'10 was more consistent with traditional surfboard shapes and the 8'5 is a more contemporary take. For those who have done some wave sailing, the difference is a lot like going from the more aggressive rocker lines on older wave boards to the newer flatter designs. There is a place for both, you just have to figure out what direction is best for your style.

Aloha

[jondrums]

Interesting take.  I have the 2014 Hokua 8'8" x32.  It really has a lot of rocker, much more than other boards I have ridden.  I can catch waves with very little effort if I'm in the pocket, but it is really a slow moving board and thus is hard to catch waves if I'm not in the right place.  I do feel like it plows water and takes a lot of energy to move around - so the paddle back out can be a slog.  On the other hand, the narrow nose cuts through oncoming waves smoothly, which is nice.

 But on the wave, it is so much more expressive that I'll take that tradeoff.  I've taken a number of very big steep late drops and felt full confidence - enough that I don't think I want to go back to a flatter rocker profile board.

[Oahuwaterwalker]

Had another session with the 8'5 in some overhead and fairly critical waves today and took a lot of beatings. I haven't sold my 8'10 yet and I'm actually going to take it out the next time I go. I'm 90% sure I would have made most of the waves I missed today if I had the 8'10. I like the 8'5 but feel it would be a better board with slightly more rocker, a little more scoop in the nose, and a very slight dome to the deck... hum... sounds like I want it to be like my 8'10 lol.

While the flat deck is comfortable and easy to stand on, I think it compromises rail to rail transitions. Yes, I realize there are some guys killing it on these, but I wonder if some of these changes were done to make a "high performance board" that is also accessible to a broader range and level of rider.

A good friend of mine does VERY well on his 8'5 and was with me today. This makes me think I will adjust to the board, but at the same time, I keep thinking maybe the other board just works better for my style.

Side by side on the ground, the "flatness" of the 8'5 is very visible compared to the 8'10.