New L41 on order

[AJR]

Placed an order for a new board today - a blown up version of this one (S5 ST hybrid). Thinking I'll go with a University of KY blue on the nose fading to white...  8'2" x 31" x 4 1/2" @ 132L

[surfcowboy]

Sweet man! We have to hang out some time. We like all the same boards. Lol

[beached]

interesting...top looks like ST, bottom looks like S5. do you have an ST already? what are the benefits of this design? maybe that cannot be answered till you get it! anyway, please let us know when you do. 

[AJR]

interesting...top looks like ST, bottom looks like S5. do you have an ST already? what are the benefits of this design? maybe that cannot be answered till you get it! anyway, please let us know when you do.

I have an 8'4"x31"x4.5" ST and I love it. Loose, fast, stable, and it handles small and large waves equally well. I had an S4 before and it got way out of control at head-high and above waves. It was probably my lack of skill but I don't have any problem with the ST.  Plus at the time I thought I wanted a good-conditions board (which is what Kirk made me) but in hindsight I realized I want my boards to work in all conditions.

The ST spoiled me so much that I hated to surf my conventionally shaped 8'11" Craig so I sold it. Since I try to keep two boards (to allow for the inevitable repair) I needed another. Nothing used caught my eye so I reached out to Kirk. He says this style is loose and lively and the channels/tail design work together to control the width. He's been spot on for the last two boards so I don't doubt his judgment. I'll post a review in a couple months once I get the new ride.

[mrbig]

That is one beautiful ride. Swap a spin on the Slate with ya!

Only problem is a large land mass between us...

[beached]

I have an 8'4"x31"x4.5" ST and I love it. Loose, fast, stable, and it handles small and large waves equally well. I had an S4 before and it got way out of control at head-high and above waves. It was probably my lack of skill but I don't have any problem with the ST.  Plus at the time I thought I wanted a good-conditions board (which is what Kirk made me) but in hindsight I realized I want my boards to work in all conditions.

The ST spoiled me so much that I hated to surf my conventionally shaped 8'11" Craig so I sold it. Since I try to keep two boards (to allow for the inevitable repair) I needed another. Nothing used caught my eye so I reached out to Kirk. He says this style is loose and lively and the channels/tail design work together to control the width. He's been spot on for the last two boards so I don't doubt his judgment. I'll post a review in a couple months once I get the new ride.

it's funny cuz i have the 8'4" ST as well and also think it is an awesome board, but have been thinking about trying the newest Tomo-esque designs. I couldn't be happier with my boards now, but like many...I cannot stop looking! So I'll be very curious when you post on the differences (if any) between your boards. My initial experience with Kirk went very smoothly and wouldn't hesitate to do another.   

[surfafrica]

Oh man, I am really interested to hear how this build turns out for you.  I have a 7'8 ST and absolutely LOVE it. Now that I've had some time on it, I'd like to go down in size (I'm a lightweight at 145 lbs) and am starting to think ahead to 2016. I've been looking at the S4 and S5 but the ST is just so good.  This hybrid is really interesting.  So ya, looking forward to your review.

[AJR]

 Popdart is on the way...


https://www.facebook.com/L41surf/posts/894328497303426:0

[socalgremmy]

Awesome! I've been "tomo-shopping" for a few months. Waiting to hear about the latest design tweeks to pull the trigger.
What are your stats? And, why do you say it's a hybrid?
Also, if you don't mind, what is Kirk charging for it.
Can't wait for the review....

[AJR]

Awesome! I've been "tomo-shopping" for a few months. Waiting to hear about the latest design tweeks to pull the trigger.
What are your stats? And, why do you say it's a hybrid?
Also, if you don't mind, what is Kirk charging for it.
Can't wait for the review....

I'm 6'1" 220~230 lbs. price varies depending on what you have done (eg extra for carbon rails and color). The price list is accurate on his website and shipping was $200. It's a hybrid in my mind because it's an S4 nose, ST step rails, and S5 tail...

[SUPalon]

Ride report?...

[AJR]

Simsup Popdart ride report

Finally my initial ride report on the Popdart; I'm 6'1" 225 lbs naked (give or take) and have been SUP surfing 8 yrs now I think (can't remember how long!).

My two boards:

L41 SIMSUP ST bought June 2014
8'4" x 31" x 4 1/2" @ 136L
21.2 lbs with pad, leash, monster, and fins

L41 SIMSUP Popdart bought Oct 2015
8'2" x 31" x 4 1/2" @ 132L
18.0 lbs with pad, leash, monster, and fins

The Pd to me is the S4 nose, newer S5 grooved tail, and the ST rails.  The nose is pulled in more on the Pd but tail width is about the same at a glance. The ST has the deep V whereas the Pd is a double diamond with the grooves on the bottom. The rocker looks very similar to me and the ST seems to have a more pronounced belly nose.   I'm sure there are other differences that the trained eye could point out.

First couple of sessions were in mediocre (at best) conditions: calf to knee high, weak surf, windy and choppy. Stability was slightly less than the ST but plenty stable.  I felt the Pd wasn't made for these conditions - the ST would have been more fun but given the conditions nothing would have been a lot of fun.

The 3rd session was much better - chest high (or a bit bigger at times) at Tourmoline. The Pd needs more wave!!  Fast, loose yet not out of control, and easy to carve. The Pd didn't feel like a small skateboard on a steep hill like my S4.  I didn't feel like it took that extra half step to get back on the tail like with the ST. Maybe the narrower nose keeps me back more on the board?   It's also nice that I have the 5th box - gives me the option to add a trailer if I feel the need for more control. The Pd was loads of fun in these conditions!

I still love my ST and if I could only have one i would choose it - it's more of an all around board and just tons of fun.  The Pd is higher performance and a ton of fun if the waves are more substantial. I still need more time with the Pd to unlock its potential but it's definitely a keeper!

[AJR]

Finally posting pics too:

[eastbound]

thanks for posting

[lopezwill]

Wow!  Beautiful board!  Thanks for the report.