Author Topic: NELO is in for the games with Light Signature Race  (Read 259433 times)

photofr

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Re: NELO is in for the games with Light Signature Race
« Reply #1020 on: March 26, 2019, 04:39:23 AM »
photofr, I like the look of that board and I wanna test it and see how it feel and compare to others  8)

Easy, buy it from Ludovic and have it shipped to Australia. Then you can compare speed on open water with your custom JL Sidewinder II. And post detailed review here :-)

Surely, JEG can find a board that doesn't require a 20 hours plane ride. He does have the right attitude: giving it a try, and seeing for himself.

As for my board, there are 4 people claiming to be interested - but seemingly, Europeans take longer to hit the trigger than folks back home.

BTW...
If I recall correctly, the Nelo boards originally came out at 3450 euros.
After about 6 months, that price went up to 3600 euros.
Looking at the Lightcorp website again, I am now seeing 3695 euros, each.
It sort of makes sense, for as long as a Starboard will be 3500 euros / without a "lasting construction".
Nelo SUP - 14' x 23"
Nelo Surfski 560M - 18'4" x 17"

Area 10

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Re: NELO is in for the games with Light Signature Race
« Reply #1021 on: March 26, 2019, 05:09:16 AM »
If Nelo would build one that is a design I could actually use, then I’d buy one over a Starboard at that price. But Starboard makes designs I can use and Nelo don’t, so I won’t.

ukgm

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Re: NELO is in for the games with Light Signature Race
« Reply #1022 on: March 26, 2019, 05:46:11 AM »
If I recall correctly, the Nelo boards originally came out at 3450 euros.
After about 6 months, that price went up to 3600 euros.
Looking at the Lightcorp website again, I am now seeing 3695 euros, each.


I know first hand that it's not Lightcorp driving that price change, it's Starboard. We're nearly into 'halo' product territory soon - if we're not already.

photofr

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Re: NELO is in for the games with Light Signature Race
« Reply #1023 on: March 26, 2019, 07:56:56 AM »
At one point or another, paddlers will start looking for alternatives, because it's getting a little expensive.

iSUP - about 1200 euros (doesn't last).
SUP - 14x what ever without weighing a ton - about 3500 euros (doesn't last).
hSUP (as in Hollow SUP) - 14x what ever - about 3800 euros (long lasting, proven construction).
SURFSKI - with a rudder and a 11 kilos hollow construction - starting and still at about 2500 euros (long lasting, proven construction

It's a no-brainer: more people will make the move.
Nelo SUP - 14' x 23"
Nelo Surfski 560M - 18'4" x 17"

ukgm

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Re: NELO is in for the games with Light Signature Race
« Reply #1024 on: March 26, 2019, 08:21:38 AM »
It's a no-brainer: more people will make the move.

I don't think so. The market, drivers and buzz are completely different between the two in my view. I just think paddlers will have a short shelf life in SUP whereas surfskiers are more like kayakers i.e. long term lifers not driven by fashion or fad. Surf skiing has been helped massively by boats like the Epic V8 (making it manageable) but since SUP's biggest market is inland based (with the coastal market being quite small), you'll more likely see ex-SUP paddlers try something completely different.
« Last Edit: March 26, 2019, 08:23:10 AM by ukgm »

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Re: NELO is in for the games with Light Signature Race
« Reply #1025 on: March 26, 2019, 08:22:49 AM »
Weight is a much bigger issue for you, photofr, because you weigh so little, so a boards’ weight is a bigger percentage of your body weight. Plus, I have SUPs that are more than 10 years old and are pretty much the same as they were 10 years ago: how long do you need a board to last???

Although some gullible individuals may pay eg. 3500 GBP for a carbon Starboard, 95% of “normal” people will buy the cheaper construction, which costs a lot less money. Hardly anyone who isn’t getting a big discount will be buying the full carbon boards.

I wouldn’t buy a surfski even if it cost 100 euros, because I want to SUP not surfski. I doubt that anyone is looking at the prices of these elite items and choosing their activity on the basis of the relative prices.

ukgm

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Re: NELO is in for the games with Light Signature Race
« Reply #1026 on: March 26, 2019, 08:23:47 AM »
I doubt that anyone is looking at the prices of these elite items and choosing their activity on the basis of the relative prices.

I agree.

photofr

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Re: NELO is in for the games with Light Signature Race
« Reply #1027 on: March 26, 2019, 09:44:53 AM »
Weight is a much bigger issue for you, photofr, because you weigh so little, so a boards’ weight is a bigger percentage of your body weight. Plus, I have SUPs that are more than 10 years old and are pretty much the same as they were 10 years ago: how long do you need a board to last???
...

Honestly, when I spend 2000 or more euros, I'd like my "toys" to last a bit...
 
Here's my short list of boards I have been extremely unhappy with as far as lasting - they ALL had massive pressure dings after just a handful of sessions in the Ocean.
- JL 14x27
- JL 14x25
- SB Sprint 12x24
- SB Sprint 17'6x23
- SB Ace 14x25
- SB Allstar 14x25
- SB Racer 14x25

Aside from pressure dings, most of the above boards aged poorly, and looked a bit run-down before the first season was over.

So, to answer your original question: How long do I want them to last?
3 to 5 years would be nice - without too much compromise on weight (since as we both know that would impact feather-weights like me).

Note: I usually "baby" my equipment (I can put 1000's of kilometres on a board or paddle and not even put a scratch on it - as long as I don't race) :)

Nelo SUP - 14' x 23"
Nelo Surfski 560M - 18'4" x 17"

photofr

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Re: NELO is in for the games with Light Signature Race
« Reply #1028 on: March 26, 2019, 09:53:00 AM »
It's a no-brainer: more people will make the move.

I don't think so. The market, drivers and buzz are completely different between the two in my view. I just think paddlers will have a short shelf life in SUP whereas surfskiers are more like kayakers i.e. long term lifers not driven by fashion or fad. Surf skiing has been helped massively by boats like the Epic V8 (making it manageable) but since SUP's biggest market is inland based (with the coastal market being quite small), you'll more likely see ex-SUP paddlers try something completely different.

I agree with most of the above - and YES, the V8 was a splendid move from Epic that helped EVERYONE. The Nelo 520 followed years after, and between the V8 and 520, there were 1/2 a dozen "beginner skis" that were super appealing to get people into the sport.

I agree with your view on the two sports too, but with one more factor that IS INVOLVED:
Imagine a person who doesn't paddle...
That same person who goes and gets into SUP with a 11x30...
That same person who eventually progresses to a 14x25...
That same person who races...
And then that same person who gets a little tired of SUP Racing...

Well, I have seen it myself:
Individuals who have followed the above path (almost to the letter), and then have found themselves getting into (and purchasing) either an OC1 or a Surfski (and even sometimes both to end up with only a surfski at the end).

Get people involved into SUP - it's good for everyone (including the Surfski World).
Get people involved into Surfski - it's also good for everyone (including the SUP World).

Heck, getting more people involved into water sports could benefit many different markets - eventually. Getting more people playing video games "may not".
Nelo SUP - 14' x 23"
Nelo Surfski 560M - 18'4" x 17"

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Re: NELO is in for the games with Light Signature Race
« Reply #1029 on: March 26, 2019, 11:42:41 AM »
Weight is a much bigger issue for you, photofr, because you weigh so little, so a boards’ weight is a bigger percentage of your body weight. Plus, I have SUPs that are more than 10 years old and are pretty much the same as they were 10 years ago: how long do you need a board to last???
...

Honestly, when I spend 2000 or more euros, I'd like my "toys" to last a bit...
 
Here's my short list of boards I have been extremely unhappy with as far as lasting - they ALL had massive pressure dings after just a handful of sessions in the Ocean.
- JL 14x27
- JL 14x25
- SB Sprint 12x24
- SB Sprint 17'6x23
- SB Ace 14x25
- SB Allstar 14x25
- SB Racer 14x25

Aside from pressure dings, most of the above boards aged poorly, and looked a bit run-down before the first season was over.

So, to answer your original question: How long do I want them to last?
3 to 5 years would be nice - without too much compromise on weight (since as we both know that would impact feather-weights like me).

Note: I usually "baby" my equipment (I can put 1000's of kilometres on a board or paddle and not even put a scratch on it - as long as I don't race) :)
Well, IMO if you buy Starboard raceboards then you should expect them to look like they belong in a dumpster by the end of the first year, and then for them to be actively falling apart by the end of the next. I’ve always thought that the Ace should have been called the “Entropy”.

But JL boards are usually very durable. So you must have been unlucky. I’ve owned four JLs and they were all exceptionally well-built and pretty much looked the same the day I sold them as the day I bought them.

I currently have 20 SUPs and have owned at least as many others, by many brands. Most of the brands have let me down in some regard at some time. But I suspect you have been especially unlucky because of your predominant association with one particular brand. As I say, I’m still using boards that are 10 years old no problem. In fact I’ve even got an inflatable SUP that’s 10 years old and still going strong!

mrbig

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Re: NELO is in for the games with Light Signature Race
« Reply #1030 on: March 26, 2019, 01:16:10 PM »
404 light, no dents, no chip, light, and very funtional.

Owned one Starby which was a POS. Once was enough for me.

JP, hahaha. Chipalong Cassidy. Down the highway.

Friends with JL seemed to have no issues, and friends with SIC no issues.

Pay your money and take your chances.
Let it come to you..
SMIK 9'2" Hipster Mini Mal
SMIK 8'8" Short Mac Freo Rainbow Bridge
SMIK 8'4" Hipster Twin
King's 8'2" Accelerator SharkBoy

ukgm

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Re: NELO is in for the games with Light Signature Race
« Reply #1031 on: March 26, 2019, 01:47:45 PM »
It's a no-brainer: more people will make the move.

I don't think so. The market, drivers and buzz are completely different between the two in my view. I just think paddlers will have a short shelf life in SUP whereas surfskiers are more like kayakers i.e. long term lifers not driven by fashion or fad. Surf skiing has been helped massively by boats like the Epic V8 (making it manageable) but since SUP's biggest market is inland based (with the coastal market being quite small), you'll more likely see ex-SUP paddlers try something completely different.

I agree with most of the above - and YES, the V8 was a splendid move from Epic that helped EVERYONE. The Nelo 520 followed years after, and between the V8 and 520, there were 1/2 a dozen "beginner skis" that were super appealing to get people into the sport.

I agree with your view on the two sports too, but with one more factor that IS INVOLVED:
Imagine a person who doesn't paddle...
That same person who goes and gets into SUP with a 11x30...
That same person who eventually progresses to a 14x25...
That same person who races...
And then that same person who gets a little tired of SUP Racing...

Well, I have seen it myself:
Individuals who have followed the above path (almost to the letter), and then have found themselves getting into (and purchasing) either an OC1 or a Surfski (and even sometimes both to end up with only a surfski at the end).

Get people involved into SUP - it's good for everyone (including the Surfski World).
Get people involved into Surfski - it's also good for everyone (including the SUP World).

Heck, getting more people involved into water sports could benefit many different markets - eventually. Getting more people playing video games "may not".
. The only way I could see surfski prosper massively would be if it developed inland with events and participation. Because it hasn’t means numbers will always be limited (in that sup downwinding or surf is in proportion to the rest of the sport). Funnily enough, I discussed with organisers how mass participation could work in the uk 3 or 4 years back and they weren’t interested. They preferred the high skill specialised nature of surf ski races. Fair enough. At least they know their identity.

JEG

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Re: NELO is in for the games with Light Signature Race
« Reply #1032 on: March 26, 2019, 02:48:05 PM »
photofr, I like the look of that board and I wanna test it and see how it feel and compare to others  8)

Easy, buy it from Ludovic and have it shipped to Australia. Then you can compare speed on open water with your custom JL Sidewinder II. And post detailed review here :-)

Surely, JEG can find a board that doesn't require a 20 hours plane ride. He does have the right attitude: giving it a try, and seeing for himself.

As for my board, there are 4 people claiming to be interested - but seemingly, Europeans take longer to hit the trigger than folks back home.

BTW...
If I recall correctly, the Nelo boards originally came out at 3450 euros.
After about 6 months, that price went up to 3600 euros.
Looking at the Lightcorp website again, I am now seeing 3695 euros, each.
It sort of makes sense, for as long as a Starboard will be 3500 euros / without a "lasting construction".


photofr, there is a lot of false advertising now and the only way to find out is to test at my expen$e  :)

photofr

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Re: NELO is in for the games with Light Signature Race
« Reply #1033 on: March 27, 2019, 02:22:32 AM »
I agree that a lot of the information shared across the board, on FaceBook, or even on YouTube can sometimes be questionable.
- May I recommend that we START holding everyone accountable for providing false info?

However, aren't we sometimes to blame as well?

For instance, when someone says a board is very stable, don't just take it for granted. Ask them what they are comparing it to.

I have seen the same exact problems with Surfski paddling - and I am so glad that we came up with primary stability vs. secondary stability - in order to clarify a few things. It's gotten way better, with people actually telling you how a ski will feel compared to 3 or more surfskis.

I am still seeing (across the board) people downright lying about board or ski weight though. Are they removing fins / rudders / lines / pedals / handles / pads - BEFORE weighing????

In my opinion, we probably have 4 main categories:
- Untrusted people (people who aren't honest at all)
- Marketing bull (unfounded findings, or pulling stuff out of their A###)
- Accountable people (people who do their best to share their findings)
- US (us paddlers wanting to believe that a new 14x21.5 board is going to be as stable as an Allstar 14x25)
Nelo SUP - 14' x 23"
Nelo Surfski 560M - 18'4" x 17"

ukgm

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Re: NELO is in for the games with Light Signature Race
« Reply #1034 on: March 27, 2019, 02:41:16 AM »
I agree that a lot of the information shared across the board, on FaceBook, or even on YouTube can sometimes be questionable.
- May I recommend that we START holding everyone accountable for providing false info?

However, aren't we sometimes to blame as well?

For instance, when someone says a board is very stable, don't just take it for granted. Ask them what they are comparing it to.

I have seen the same exact problems with Surfski paddling - and I am so glad that we came up with primary stability vs. secondary stability - in order to clarify a few things. It's gotten way better, with people actually telling you how a ski will feel compared to 3 or more surfskis.

I am still seeing (across the board) people downright lying about board or ski weight though. Are they removing fins / rudders / lines / pedals / handles / pads - BEFORE weighing????

In my opinion, we probably have 4 main categories:
- Untrusted people (people who aren't honest at all)
- Marketing bull (unfounded findings, or pulling stuff out of their A###)
- Accountable people (people who do their best to share their findings)
- US (us paddlers wanting to believe that a new 14x21.5 board is going to be as stable as an Allstar 14x25)

A lot of this issue in the past was because that people on forums and social media did not (or would not) disclose their affiliations or conflicts of interest. It doesn't seem too bad on here these days.

 


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