Standup Zone Forum
Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => SUP Gear Reviews / Newly Acquired / On Order => Topic started by: Mil-Surf on June 22, 2019, 05:37:22 AM
-
So after some back and forth with Jimmy and a much anticipated wait I have recieved my new board! Jimmy Lewis Destroyer, 7’7” x 29” at 100 ltrs. Absoulutely exactly what I was looking for. Nice full nose coming back to pin tail. This will be my main got to board as it should handle any conditions we get here in FL. It has a nice flat deck, comfy looking pad, weighs nothing and the fit and finish of everything is absolutley amazing. Not only did I want the dimensions of this board but also wanted the bomber construction these boards have a reputation for. Military guy and definetly on a budget, this is the first board I have bought brand new and I had to buy it sight unseen so I was very nervous. But after everything I could not be happier and look forward to many fun years with her!
-
no more nervous--enjoy that thang!
and it's truly beautiful--love the colors, stripes and the way the stripes work with the pad--simple clean bold look--not garish
pls report on it, and share info about the surfer--very interest concept--seems he scaled up one of his surfboard designs for you
also weight?
-
Weighing in at 14.1lbs
-
works!
-
So... That's a custom. Jimmy's line shows the Destroyer as a prone longboard. You had him make you a sup version?
-
The Destroyer SUP model has been available for quite some time in Australia. Awesome looking board.
https://jimmylewisboards.com.au/collections/surf-sups/products/jl-destroyer-sup-new
https://www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/Review/NEW-2019-Jimmy-Lewis--Destroyer--Model-arriving-December?page=1
Unfortunately, the 8'0 x 30 115L might be a bit narrow for me. I could probably get away with it on clean days. I'd love to demo one.
Funny how the website says the Destroyer "should fit in somewhere between the Striker & the Stun Gun". Stun Gun must be a misprint. They probably mean the Super Frank.
-
Nice! The 8’10 Sup Destroyer will be my next purchase. Im curious of your age, weight and height? Hope you can report back with a review soon.
-
I bought this solely on the info from Seabreeze. It came out the same time I was looking for a board with those dimensions so it worked out great. Other boards I considered was the L41 Bruce Wayne, very similar shape, and the portal phantom. Went with JL based mostly on construction and his experience. I knew his shape would work and the construction, fit and finish of his boards is amazing. I’m 38, 5’11”, 185. Coming of a Sunova Shroom 7’9” 105 ltrs I think.? Board was awesome but wanted to get away from the fat tail and get something I could use in all conditions.
-
What's funny is I've been thinking about this shape and was getting ready to have it CNC'd. Mine is so close, but the JL continuous rocker looks better than my staged rocker???
What kept me from cutting it was I just bought a used 8'8 L41 ST. I'm hoping to get it tomorrow.
-
This is the one I almost got from L41. Such a bad ass board but in the end I knew the JL would be bombproof and exactly what I wanted. Jimmy talks about the “golden ratio”. Basically the rails/rocker/bottom all coming together for that perfect shape. He was a pleasure to work with and would definitely recommend him.
-
Good looking board! Looks like a fun shape! Let us know how you like it.
-
That is a nice looking board. BTW, blue and shades of, is my favorite color.
Thanks for sharing the picture.
-
that board is a beauty. funny how much it resembles the old Starboard Pocket Rocket.
The more Sup'sters I speak to the more I see an interesting trend of guys going back to surfing anything Waist high and up and and getting on these style boards for the summer or grovelor type waves.
This is the current hole in my quiver and now ive got some serious envy!
-
Nice. Jimmy is a master, and that board looks classic. That should be a really good shape for Florida, and a blast as an all all-rounder anywhere. I've had a few JL boards and the quality is 1st rate. You can ding it, you can break it a bit, but you'd really have to work to get water actually into the boards. Please give us a ride report vs others you've owned/ridden when you're ready.
-
Mil brother! You scored! A short board that will work in Florida mush, that isn't for Mo Freitas.
Sweet. Let us know how the new member of your growing fleet goes for you!
Pray for surf! Ride on!
-
I’ve had the Destroyer out now quite a bit and absolutely love the thing. Stable, fast, easy to paddle, plenty of glide and rips turns, absolutely beautiful paint job and bomb proof. Seriously, what else do you need in a board? Little waves to head high, this thing is a do it all board for sure. Bought based on comments from the Seabreeze, the Australian JL distributor raves about this board. Calls it the best board he’s ever ridden and he has been professionally surfing about as long as I have been alive. Of course being the distributor I was a bit skeptical but now after being on it for awhile I believe the hype. Jimmy killed it with this board.
Im 185-190lbs and its only 100 ltrs. Nervous I went too small when I ordered it, I am so glad I went with the 7’7”. I have no trouble paddling the lineup or getting into waves. If you are considering a Destroyer, don't be scared to go small. Only thing I can even consider a con to the board is the ever so slight dome in the deck. After a 5 hour surf marathon last weekend, it was bothering my knee a little. Not really a fault of the board I guess, just my bum knee.
Running it right now as a thruster to take advantage of that beautiful pin tail, you will need to buy a new fin set at this size. Came with fins more suited for a bigger board. I’m running a Futures F6 center and True Ames 4.6” Side bites and have no reason to change anything up right now. Plenty of speed, excellent tracking and ripping through turns with this set-up.
Looking forward to many fun years with her!
-
Thanks for the review--looks awesome and the size sounds perfect! What finish did you get on the board with it coming in at 14.1 lbs?
-
switch!
nice.....
-
Standard sandwich construction. Not sure they are available in carbon construction yet.
Eastbound-I always surf switch stance going left. Always frontside for me, never really figured out backside. I’d say I’m more comfortable regular foot but much better goofy foot than going backside. I guess my windsurfing background makes it more natural
-
Oh man, I was all set to purchase an 8’10 Destroyer and you mentioned the domed deck! I’m not a fan and I guess from pics I didn’t pick that up. Reviews from the other site no one mentions it. Thanks for the review.
-
Thanks for the review! Looks like fun.
-
i am regular footed but often drop lefts switch---sometimes ill hold goofy (frontside) for a while, then revert to regular, for style points--but i usually go to regular foot as i begin the drop--i surf way better regular---but when i am paddling in to lefts, switch (goofy) often lets me see the wave and set up better
looks/sounds like you surf equally well either side---which is cool, tho given i came up surfing mostly backside, i find it equally enjoyable to front, and might miss it if i evolved to surfing frontside on both lefts and rights
-
Nice review AND review.
Mil - could you please post a profile shot of the nose that shows what amount of nose rocker it has? Thx!
-
Oh man, I was all set to purchase an 8’10 Destroyer and you mentioned the domed deck! I’m not a fan and I guess from pics I didn’t pick that up. Reviews from the other site no one mentions it. Thanks for the review.
The domed deck looks very subtle to me. I doubt it detracts from the performance much. The problem with the Destroyer are the high volumes in the bigger sizes which force lighter riders like us to go small and narrow if we want the correct volume for our weight.
The 8'10 would have way too much float for you. It's designed for riders well over 200 pounds.
Don't confuse volume with stability. Having the correct volume for your weight actually adds stability because the board is cradled more by the water. Ultimately, you want the deck pad to be level with the surface of the water or close to it. Too much volume hinders performance.
-
Oh man, I was all set to purchase an 8’10 Destroyer and you mentioned the domed deck! I’m not a fan and I guess from pics I didn’t pick that up. Reviews from the other site no one mentions it. Thanks for the review.
The domed deck looks very subtle to me. I doubt it detracts from the performance much. The problem with the Destroyer are the high volumes in the bigger sizes which force lighter riders like us to go small and narrow if we want the correct volume for our weight.
The 8'10 would have way too much float for you. It's designed for riders well over 200 pounds.
Don't confuse volume with stability. Having the correct volume for your weight actually adds stability because the board is cradled more by the water. Ultimately, you want the deck pad to be level with the surface of the water or close to it. Too much volume hinders performance.
I do agree it looks subtle but I’m not worried about its performance more about my knees feeling it. And yes I have this psychological weirdness with volume but from experience I prefer to go bigger despite losing performance. Plus I’m 205 without a wetsuit so I think I’ll be fine. I went with the largest super frank and couldn’t be happier.
-
Oh man, I was all set to purchase an 8’10 Destroyer and you mentioned the domed deck! I’m not a fan and I guess from pics I didn’t pick that up. Reviews from the other site no one mentions it. Thanks for the review.
The domed deck looks very subtle to me. I doubt it detracts from the performance much. The problem with the Destroyer are the high volumes in the bigger sizes which force lighter riders like us to go small and narrow if we want the correct volume for our weight.
The 8'10 would have way too much float for you. It's designed for riders well over 200 pounds.
Don't confuse volume with stability. Having the correct volume for your weight actually adds stability because the board is cradled more by the water. Ultimately, you want the deck pad to be level with the surface of the water or close to it. Too much volume hinders performance.
I do agree it looks subtle but I’m not worried about its performance more about my knees feeling it. And yes I have this psychological weirdness with volume but from experience I prefer to go bigger despite losing performance. Plus I’m 205 without a wetsuit so I think I’ll be fine. I went with the largest super frank and couldn’t be happier.
Oh, sorry. For some reason I thought you were 180. Never mind what I said. At 205 you should be fine.
.
-
Oh man, I was all set to purchase an 8’10 Destroyer and you mentioned the domed deck! I’m not a fan and I guess from pics I didn’t pick that up. Reviews from the other site no one mentions it. Thanks for the review.
The domed deck looks very subtle to me. I doubt it detracts from the performance much. The problem with the Destroyer are the high volumes in the bigger sizes which force lighter riders like us to go small and narrow if we want the correct volume for our weight.
The 8'10 would have way too much float for you. It's designed for riders well over 200 pounds.
Don't confuse volume with stability. Having the correct volume for your weight actually adds stability because the board is cradled more by the water. Ultimately, you want the deck pad to be level with the surface of the water or close to it. Too much volume hinders performance.
I do agree it looks subtle but I’m not worried about its performance more about my knees feeling it. And yes I have this psychological weirdness with volume but from experience I prefer to go bigger despite losing performance. Plus I’m 205 without a wetsuit so I think I’ll be fine. I went with the largest super frank and couldn’t be happier.
I can't wait for my new demo board....errrr i mean your new destroyer to come in @LB ;) ;)
-
Oh man, I was all set to purchase an 8’10 Destroyer and you mentioned the domed deck! I’m not a fan and I guess from pics I didn’t pick that up. Reviews from the other site no one mentions it. Thanks for the review.
The domed deck looks very subtle to me. I doubt it detracts from the performance much. The problem with the Destroyer are the high volumes in the bigger sizes which force lighter riders like us to go small and narrow if we want the correct volume for our weight.
The 8'10 would have way too much float for you. It's designed for riders well over 200 pounds.
Don't confuse volume with stability. Having the correct volume for your weight actually adds stability because the board is cradled more by the water. Ultimately, you want the deck pad to be level with the surface of the water or close to it. Too much volume hinders performance.
I do agree it looks subtle but I’m not worried about its performance more about my knees feeling it. And yes I have this psychological weirdness with volume but from experience I prefer to go bigger despite losing performance. Plus I’m 205 without a wetsuit so I think I’ll be fine. I went with the largest super frank and couldn’t be happier.
I can't wait for my new demo board....errrr i mean your new destroyer to come in @LB ;) ;)
Haha, anytime NJS! I’ll let you know.
-
The deck does have a very, very subtle dome to it. I only notice it because of my crap knee and only after a few hours. Hopefully the pics show the deck and nose rocker.
-
Thanks for posting those last pics.
-
That doesn't look like much dome; just a little. They go rail to rail better with at least a bit of dome. Looks totally great!
-
Yes the “dome” is very, very slight. More of just a taper to the rails maybe the last inch or two. Being such a small board though I need to be out there. Board is super stable even at only 100 ltrs to my 190lbs. But the sweet spot has me closer to that downward dip at the rail line. Probably unnoticeable to anyone else. Only reason I notice it is because my knee is such junk. 3 surgeries trying to correct a life and career bouncing around on boats. Also coming off a Sunova Shroom with the best, most comfortable deck I’ve ever been on and arguably the most locked in feel of any board out there. As I get more comfortable with the board I feel I’ll be able to increase that sweet spot a bit. And maybe just throw on my neoprene sleeve on the knee which helps.
I don’t take buying a new board, sight unseen, at price very lightly. I saved, researched all options, waited months for delivery and could not be happier with the new board. Jimmy absolutely nailed this board and I’m looking forward to enjoying it for a long time.
-
Thanks for the front rocker pic. The Destroyer is characterized as having 'more rocker than the Striker" so I was curious. I probably depend too much on nose kick.
-
Oh man, I was all set to purchase an 8’10 Destroyer and you mentioned the domed deck! I’m not a fan and I guess from pics I didn’t pick that up. Reviews from the other site no one mentions it. Thanks for the review.
The domed deck looks very subtle to me. I doubt it detracts from the performance much. The problem with the Destroyer are the high volumes in the bigger sizes which force lighter riders like us to go small and narrow if we want the correct volume for our weight.
The 8'10 would have way too much float for you. It's designed for riders well over 200 pounds.
Don't confuse volume with stability. Having the correct volume for your weight actually adds stability because the board is cradled more by the water. Ultimately, you want the deck pad to be level with the surface of the water or close to it. Too much volume hinders performance.
I do agree it looks subtle but I’m not worried about its performance more about my knees feeling it. And yes I have this psychological weirdness with volume but from experience I prefer to go bigger despite losing performance. Plus I’m 205 without a wetsuit so I think I’ll be fine. I went with the largest super frank and couldn’t be happier.
I am 245 pounds and my 8'5 is very stable - even in rough water. IMHO, at 205, 8'10 will be too big.
-
The King's volume Calculator puts the target volume for a 205 pound advanced rider at 123 liters. That's just a general rule. Most people can go much lower than what the chart says.
If you haven't ridden a board with the correct volume for your weight, you don't know what you're missing. The lower volume is what allows you to properly bury the rail and carve turns.
-
So after some back and forth with Jimmy and a much anticipated wait I have recieved my new board! Jimmy Lewis Destroyer, 7’7” x 29” at 100 ltrs. Absoulutely exactly what I was looking for. Nice full nose coming back to pin tail. This will be my main got to board as it should handle any conditions we get here in FL. It has a nice flat deck, comfy looking pad, weighs nothing and the fit and finish of everything is absolutley amazing. Not only did I want the dimensions of this board but also wanted the bomber construction these boards have a reputation for. Military guy and definetly on a budget, this is the first board I have bought brand new and I had to buy it sight unseen so I was very nervous. But after everything I could not be happier and look forward to many fun years with her!
Milsurf
How did you go about ordering the destroyer and getting it shipped? The Canadian JL distributor is closing shop. The JL website doesn’t list the board.
Cheers
Bob
-
So after some back and forth with Jimmy and a much anticipated wait I have recieved my new board! Jimmy Lewis Destroyer, 7’7” x 29” at 100 ltrs. Absoulutely exactly what I was looking for. Nice full nose coming back to pin tail. This will be my main got to board as it should handle any conditions we get here in FL. It has a nice flat deck, comfy looking pad, weighs nothing and the fit and finish of everything is absolutley amazing. Not only did I want the dimensions of this board but also wanted the bomber construction these boards have a reputation for. Military guy and definetly on a budget, this is the first board I have bought brand new and I had to buy it sight unseen so I was very nervous. But after everything I could not be happier and look forward to many fun years with her!
Milsurf
How did you go about ordering the destroyer and getting it shipped? The Canadian JL distributor is closing shop. The JL website doesn’t list the board.
Cheers
Bob
Bob, I emailed Jimmy directly he’s very good at replying. His son Marlon is hopefully getting my Destroyer ready for shipping. Info@jimmylewis.com
-
Thanks LB,
The Destroyer is a board that I am interested in. There are too many empty spots on my board rack as I have moved two boards on to new homes the past few months. Looking for a short “high volume board” and a 9’ nose rider but in no hurry until I find the right boards. The 7’7” 100 l Destroyer would fit the short board role I think.
Cheers
Bob
-
FRP- just like LB said, went straight through Jimmy (how cool is that!). Email back and forth with a legend, no big deal. Pretty cool talking to him I sent him a pic of my first big purchase, a Kinetic windsurfing board circa 1995. I mowed a shitload of lawns and shoveled snow of many driveways to save up for that board. He was a part of that board and decades later a part of my new ride. Truly a good guy to work with and makes forking over money to a guy who you can trust much easier.
The board breaks traditional rules of volume to weight. I had a KM 8’6” x 29 @107 ltrs. Super tippy! Very hard to stand on and paddle around a lineup. Awesome board on a wave but shit construction, gave to my son to beat up. Bought a few of them super cheap when going out of business and sold all the others making mine free and I still didn’t like it. Went to the Shroom at 7’9” same volume, much easier to paddle. Stable and the best most comfortable deck I’ve ever been on. Sold just because it was a specific board for mushy, crap waves. There it excelled but on a decent day or a once the wave had any shape to it it sucked. Wide tail, boxy shape was just not a one board solution for me.
I started looking for exact shape/ philosophy of the Destroyer before Jimmy had it out. Shorter, lower volume, spoon nose, pin tail, bomb proof. Tried a few custom shapers who were willing to try it it(at my expense). Another too busy with foiling to make(DW). Did not like the idea of shelling out 1500-2000 bucks for someone to give it a shot. Plus most customs are making simple surfboard construction, glass over foam, but at SUP prices.
In comes the Destroyer on the Seabreeze. Holy shit, just what I was looking for! Made by Jimmy, highly endorsed by his Australian distributor(amazing surfer, loads of experience and best board he has ever surfed). I emailed both, figured out design, shipping, price, etc. and got mine in Florida. Could not be happier!
This board is unlike anything out there and should be on anybody’s radar if looking for new board. Truly a one board quiver and go small! Very stable for size.
-
I liked the looks of the Destroyer from the start but my target volume is around 100 to 110 and at my age I doubt I could ride the 7'7 or 8'0 except on the cleanest days. None of the lengths and volumes fit me.
I like what Jimmy did with the Super Frank offering two volumes and widths for each length. My 7'6 x 31 is plenty stable and 115 liters is not overly floaty for me at 175 lbs. Companies need to do this more often because many riders under 190 pounds always seem to get left out of the picture when going small and narrow is not an option.
The 8'5 or 8'10 Destroyer would be perfect at 100 - 115 liters. This would also allow for a flat deck.
-
i dont like thick boards, and i dont like boards wider than 29.5 or maybe 30", on the steep beachbreak i ride closest to home
and im 6'2" 190lbs
so i gotta have some length to get the volume i need under my tired 60yo fatass
i am dialed in with my creek 8'7" @ 115 ltrs, after a bit of struggle with exhaustion at the 90 min mark of a session (I now go 3 hrs with no prob most of the way), but i have finally found a bit of zen with this size---shorter @<29"w would certainly be more fun on the wave, but the concession in positioning ability and endurance would not be worth it
creek 8"7" hits my spot spot on--it's prolly mostly the dimensions, but also a bit about the details of the shape---best part? much as I am comfortable that ive found my best size for surfing, the board is not remotely holding me back--my surfing continually improves--now way better than i ever surfed prone some 25-45 years ago
short and wide--tho fun on mushers--just wont work on the jacky shorebreak i enjoy most of the time
of course ill be riding a rocky point somewhere in new england---softy of a right that peels---fri morning
fingers crossed
and re the thread--board looks beautiful--dome? nah--from your pics, it's actually nice and flat, compared to many-my starby is pitched as having a flat deck--your JL looks similar--if i hadnt just done a blowout/requiver, id be looking very closely at this board--the weight/volume is most impressive, and jimmy is one of a few legend shapers i'd certainly trust--and his shaping videos are excellent--if anyone has one of these boards in the northeast id love to water-swap my creek portal or starby some day
now can we pls have some decent surf in the northeast for chrissakes--like fri/sat
-
i dont like thick boards, and i dont like boards wider than 29.5 or maybe 30", on the steep beachbreak i ride closest to home
and im 6'2" 190lbs
so i gotta have some length to get the volume i need under my tired 60yo fatass
i am dialed in with my creek 8'7" @ 115 ltrs, after a bit of struggle with exhaustion at the 90 min mark of a session (I now go 3 hrs with no prob most of the way), but i have finally found a bit of zen with this size---shorter @<29"w would certainly be more fun on the wave, but the concession in positioning ability and endurance would not be worth it
creek 8"7" hits my spot spot on--it's prolly mostly the dimensions, but also a bit about the details of the shape---best part? much as I am comfortable that ive found my best size for surfing, the board is not remotely holding me back--my surfing continually improves--now way better than i ever surfed prone some 25-45 years ago
short and wide--tho fun on mushers--just wont work on the jacky shorebreak i enjoy most of the time
of course ill be riding a rocky point somewhere in new england---softy of a right that peels---fri morning
fingers crossed
and re the thread--board looks beautiful--dome? nah--from your pics, it's actually nice and flat, compared to many-my starby is pitched as having a flat deck--your JL looks similar--if i hadnt just done a blowout/requiver, id be looking very closely at this board--the weight/volume is most impressive, and jimmy is one of a few legend shapers i'd certainly trust--and his shaping videos are excellent--if anyone has one of these boards in the northeast id love to water-swap my creek portal or starby some day
now can we pls have some decent surf in the northeast for chrissakes--like fri/sat
6'2 and 190 doesn't sound like a "fatass" to me. Sounds lean and mean.
-
Good report and thread Mil-Surf!
Always nice to find the right board and have it arrive in perfect shape :)
Nice pics of you ripping it up in some Fla waves!
Enjoy many fun sessions on it... and keep taking pictures.
-
if anyone has one of these boards in the northeast id love to water-swap my creek portal or starby some day
I am on the Destroyer 8'5 and would be up for a swaparoo some day. I'm in Newburyport. Shoot me a msg if you wanna make it happen. I've always wanted to hop on a Creek. I'm 5'11 and 190lbs but I've never been on anything shorter or less volume than this 8'5 @ 130L.