Getting a SIMSUP

[srfnff]

Bumping this thread.  Is everyone going stinger less on these boards.  All the L41 Simsups look like they are stringerless.  Thinking about jumping on the bandwagon but not sold on stringless.  What say you on durability and dents so far

Pretty sure you can get the L41 SIMSUPs with or without stringers. I think they use basswood.

[srfnff]

The four SIMSUP models look similar in dimensions and general shape. Their web site explains the positives of the models as one goes from 1 to 4 (higher performance, etc.). What are the negatives? In other words, if model 4 is the latest & greatest, why would anyone buy a new #1-3?

In simple terms I think it goes something like this (referring back to the excellent discussion on this thread re stability, volume, width, etc. especially re trade-offs). The S1 is the most stable and least high performance oriented of the series. On the other end, the S4 is the least stable and best performer of the series. Each step along the series adds performance features and slightly decreases stability. So really, there's a SIMSUP model available for every surfer to choose from based upon their physical skills and physical attributes. Add to that a discussion with the shaper who can fine tune the board to meet the surfer's exact needs, wants and abilities.

The overall wide plan shape of the Simmons inspired SIMSUPs assures stability and (this is important) is what allows the boards to be so short and maneuverable but still maintain their stability. Performance on an S1 is increased over conventional, longer SUPs due to the fact that (if nothing else) it's so short! Add in more performance enhancements as found on the S2 and S3 and you still maintain stability (slightly decreased for each board along the series) but performance skyrockets.

Making this personal...I've owned all the SIMSUP models except the S4 which I have surfed and would own but it's too unstable for me based upon my skill level and the fact that I'm 66 years old. The S4 is just too much work to stand on, and it doesn't leave me with enough energy to complete my typical 2-4 hour sessions. In the same way, surfers really need to consider their strengths and weaknesses when talking to the shaper about their new board.