Author Topic: Jimmy Lewis Super Frank?  (Read 19618 times)

Badger

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Re: Jimmy Lewis Super Frank?
« Reply #15 on: October 09, 2017, 01:30:15 PM »
A delay in the shipment of the 7'6 x 31" Super Frank has given me time to reconsider. The better choice would definitely be the 8'0 x 30" but as it turns out, they don't have any in stock.

At my weight of 170, I think the 7'6 at 115 liters might be too much volume and thickness for such a short board.  I didn't want to take the risk so I canceled the entire order.

I guess not many have tried the board yet. I was hoping for more input. It's not easy buying a board on specs alone.

.



« Last Edit: October 09, 2017, 01:34:02 PM by Badger »
Kalama E3 6'1 x 23" 105L
Axis HPS 980 / PNG 1300
Sunova Flow  8'10 X 31"  119L
Me - 6'0" - 165lbs - 66yo

Mmac

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Re: Jimmy Lewis Super Frank?
« Reply #16 on: October 09, 2017, 04:26:18 PM »
Badger, I weigh 195lbs and have been riding the JL SuperFrank Lean 8'x30" all summer. It's been a great little board that works well in a variety of conditions and makes small waving riding a lot more fun. For it's size, it's stable and catches waves well, turns great and motors through flat sections. At my weight, I mainly use it in clean or smaller conditions. It was the board I reached for the most this summer. I had a blast riding it and got lots of compliments on my surfing. I'm rocking it with AU curved front fins combined with a small 3" trailer fin. This combo is working great on this board for me.
Coming down from a 9' board, I found the 8' board to be a lot more fore/aft pitch sensitive with foot placement. I found it so sensitive that I marked exactly where to stand while paddling. Once you get this dialed, all is good. On a wave it's stable and you can move all over it. I love the 8' but can't imagine what the 7'6" is like. Hope this helps.
« Last Edit: October 09, 2017, 04:44:52 PM by Mmac »

Mmac

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Re: Jimmy Lewis Super Frank?
« Reply #17 on: October 09, 2017, 04:47:50 PM »
A delay in the shipment of the 7'6 x 31" Super Frank has given me time to reconsider. The better choice would definitely be the 8'0 x 30" but as it turns out, they don't have any in stock.

At my weight of 170, I think the 7'6 at 115 liters might be too much volume and thickness for such a short board.  I didn't want to take the risk so I canceled the entire order.

I guess not many have tried the board yet. I was hoping for more input. It's not easy buying a board on specs alone.

.

PS, I think the 8'x30" Lean model would be perfect for you.

Badger

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Re: Jimmy Lewis Super Frank?
« Reply #18 on: October 09, 2017, 06:25:27 PM »
Mmac, thanks for the fine review. It's very helpful. I'm convinced that the 8.0 x 30" is the best choice for me.

I guess the volume and board thickness are my biggest concerns. I'm probably near the lower side of the proper rider weight for this board but I think I'm still within the range.

Ultimately, I think 100 - 105 liters would be perfect. 115 is pretty close and would probably give the board a bit more glide for catching those less than powerful waves.

I doubt the 7'6 x 31" would work as well for me. The 7'6 x 29.5 would be nice but I don't think it would have enough stability.

My 8'4 doesn't have the speed I need for mushy waves. My 8'10 works better but feels too big. The 8'0 Super Frank Lean looks like just the right board for those conditions.

I'm hoping one becomes available soon.

.



« Last Edit: October 09, 2017, 06:28:59 PM by Badger »
Kalama E3 6'1 x 23" 105L
Axis HPS 980 / PNG 1300
Sunova Flow  8'10 X 31"  119L
Me - 6'0" - 165lbs - 66yo

Badger

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Re: Jimmy Lewis Super Frank?
« Reply #19 on: October 10, 2017, 09:28:09 AM »
Mmac, I forgot to ask, how well does the Frank turn with the flat rocker and full length semi hard rails? I expect it doesn't carve like a board with more roundish rails. Does it need to be ridden from the tail?

Do the rails seem chunky at all? Does the board feel corky?
Kalama E3 6'1 x 23" 105L
Axis HPS 980 / PNG 1300
Sunova Flow  8'10 X 31"  119L
Me - 6'0" - 165lbs - 66yo

surfshaver

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Re: Jimmy Lewis Super Frank?
« Reply #20 on: October 10, 2017, 11:44:40 AM »
I'll chime in here.  I went from a Jimmy Lewis 9'1" Stun Gun to a 7'10" L41 Popdart.  Only 10 liters less volume but a lot more challenging in anything but smooth conditions for me.  Other than volume, for me the most important considerations are length and rocker.

You're right that going from the 8'4" flow to an 8' SF rather than 7'6" is going to be easier.  In smaller mushier waves, glide matters and glide comes from length and rocker.  The 8 footer will help keep up your wave count.

My only regret about the L41 is the fairly aggressive rocker, combined with the shorter length means it doesn't glide into waves very easily and my wave count goes down.  The trade off is that it is a very fast board that can handle overhead waves.

I wouldn't worry about the harder rails and flat rocker.  They will help get the board on top of the water and make it feel skaty and fast.  I haven't seen a close up of the rails but in my experience Jimmy doesn't shape chunky rails.

Badger

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Re: Jimmy Lewis Super Frank?
« Reply #21 on: October 10, 2017, 01:43:20 PM »
I'll chime in here.  I went from a Jimmy Lewis 9'1" Stun Gun to a 7'10" L41 Popdart.  Only 10 liters less volume but a lot more challenging in anything but smooth conditions for me.  Other than volume, for me the most important considerations are length and rocker.

You're right that going from the 8'4" flow to an 8' SF rather than 7'6" is going to be easier.  In smaller mushier waves, glide matters and glide comes from length and rocker.  The 8 footer will help keep up your wave count.

My only regret about the L41 is the fairly aggressive rocker, combined with the shorter length means it doesn't glide into waves very easily and my wave count goes down.  The trade off is that it is a very fast board that can handle overhead waves.

I wouldn't worry about the harder rails and flat rocker.  They will help get the board on top of the water and make it feel skaty and fast.  I haven't seen a close up of the rails but in my experience Jimmy doesn't shape chunky rails.

How much do you weigh? Did it feel like the volume on the 7'10 was right for your weight? I wonder if 115 liters might be a bit floaty for the 7'6 with me at 170lbs.

I had an 8'5 JL World Wide for about a year and I'd say that design had chunky rails. That's why I switched to the Sunova Flow. The Flow is almost identical to the WW but without the chunky rails.

I wasn't worried about the rocker and rail shape of the Frank. They are why I like the design. I just wanted to know how the board turns compared to a board with more normal rails.

The more I think about it, the 8'0 x 30" is the way to go for small slow waves but I still wonder what the 7'6 x 31" would be like. Definitely lower wave count I would think but maybe still fun. I'm sure I could ride either one. I wish I could demo them.

.
« Last Edit: October 10, 2017, 01:52:35 PM by Badger »
Kalama E3 6'1 x 23" 105L
Axis HPS 980 / PNG 1300
Sunova Flow  8'10 X 31"  119L
Me - 6'0" - 165lbs - 66yo

Mmac

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Re: Jimmy Lewis Super Frank?
« Reply #22 on: October 10, 2017, 04:03:02 PM »
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Mmac, I forgot to ask, how well does the Frank turn with the flat rocker and full length semi hard rails? I expect it doesn't carve like a board with more roundish rails. Does it need to be ridden from the tail?

Do the rails seem chunky at all? Does the board feel corky?

It turns super quick, probably more pivoty quick rather than carving quick. I haven't noticed anything negative about the rails and it does have plenty lot of rocker.  The flat section is small which is probably why I find it foot sensitive while paddling.  The rocker allows take offs from the steepest waves without pearling the nose. The wider nose also allows you to lean forward and paddle hard for waves without nose diving. The rails on the Lean model are thinned out from the center of the board which creates a bit of a domed deck.  The rails are even thinner than those on my SuperTech and are nothing like the fat rails on the WW. It doesn't need to be ridden from the tail but like most, the further back, the quicker the turns.  It doesn't feel corky, I would describe it as a bit fore/aft pitchy until you figure out where to stand.
If you're ever in Charleston I'd be glad to let you check it out. I'm considering adding an 8'6" SF Lean to my quiver and may even be co-erced into selling the 8'er.

surfshaver

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Re: Jimmy Lewis Super Frank?
« Reply #23 on: October 10, 2017, 04:40:07 PM »
Badger, I weigh between 185 and 190, over 200 in a wet wetsuit.  For me 125 liters feels easy and 115 still feels ok, although I'd like to see what that volume feels like in a longer and/or flatter board.

At 170 you are probably good @105 -- but there's nothing wrong with having more volume in your small wave/grovel board.   The 7'6" @ 100 might get a little fatiguing and having the extra 6 inches of length will help you get into more waves.

APPST_Paddle

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Re: Jimmy Lewis Super Frank?
« Reply #24 on: October 10, 2017, 05:29:01 PM »
Badger - I actually have a similar board (JP Surf Wide 7'4 x31", 110L), although I'd say the JL is probably much more refined, and eventually I"ll upgrade to the Super Frank.

I really have a blast on the Surf Wide in short-period, wind chop type of waves, it's really easy to get to the tail, and I have no issues at all with stability. Keep in mind - I'm generally riding it in less than ideal conditions.

With that said, I really never take it out in bigger waves (over chest high) or when it's super clean, I'd ride the SuperTech now or the B&B if it's small and clean.

Knowing your quiver - I'd go with the 7'6" x 31", no worries with the stabiliity at 7'6", and if you are going to go short, for a grovelly type board, may as well go all the way.

Good luck.
« Last Edit: October 10, 2017, 05:35:09 PM by APPST_Paddle »
7'6" JL Super Frank Lean
8'2" JL SuperTech 
10'1" JL Black and Blue
14' BIC WS Tracer
6'5" JL Flying-V/GoFoil Maliko 200
Kenalu Ho'oloa 95, Werner Rip Stick 79

Badger

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Re: Jimmy Lewis Super Frank?
« Reply #25 on: October 10, 2017, 06:03:38 PM »
When the dealer canceled the order for the 7'6, it wasn't clear if the cancellation got through in time. So the 7'6 may still arrive and I'll get to see it. If that's the case then I will more than likely take it.

If there is no 7'6 in the shipment, I will go ahead and order the 8'0 if Jimmy expects to get more in stock.

.
« Last Edit: October 10, 2017, 06:07:40 PM by Badger »
Kalama E3 6'1 x 23" 105L
Axis HPS 980 / PNG 1300
Sunova Flow  8'10 X 31"  119L
Me - 6'0" - 165lbs - 66yo

Badger

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Re: Jimmy Lewis Super Frank?
« Reply #26 on: October 10, 2017, 11:26:19 PM »
Badger - I actually have a similar board (JP Surf Wide 7'4 x31", 110L), although I'd say the JL is probably much more refined, and eventually I"ll upgrade to the Super Frank.

I really have a blast on the Surf Wide in short-period, wind chop type of waves, it's really easy to get to the tail, and I have no issues at all with stability. Keep in mind - I'm generally riding it in less than ideal conditions.

With that said, I really never take it out in bigger waves (over chest high) or when it's super clean, I'd ride the SuperTech now or the B&B if it's small and clean.

Knowing your quiver - I'd go with the 7'6" x 31", no worries with the stabiliity at 7'6", and if you are going to go short, for a grovelly type board, may as well go all the way.

Good luck.

My only concern now with the 7'6 x 31" is that it might feel too wide, as if I cut 16" off the nose of my 8'10 x 31" Flow.

The 8'10 Sunova Flow is by far the better grovel board over the 8'4 Flow which comparatively has difficulty catching anything under waist high, but the 8'10 feels more cumbersome and less maneuverable in small waves.

How does the width of your 7'4 JP affect the ride? Do you feel that it limits the board at all? Does the shorter length help make up for it?

If you upgrade to the Super Frank, which size would you get?



« Last Edit: October 10, 2017, 11:42:02 PM by Badger »
Kalama E3 6'1 x 23" 105L
Axis HPS 980 / PNG 1300
Sunova Flow  8'10 X 31"  119L
Me - 6'0" - 165lbs - 66yo

APPST_Paddle

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Re: Jimmy Lewis Super Frank?
« Reply #27 on: October 11, 2017, 04:36:11 AM »
Badger - I actually have a similar board (JP Surf Wide 7'4 x31", 110L), although I'd say the JL is probably much more refined, and eventually I"ll upgrade to the Super Frank.

I really have a blast on the Surf Wide in short-period, wind chop type of waves, it's really easy to get to the tail, and I have no issues at all with stability. Keep in mind - I'm generally riding it in less than ideal conditions.

With that said, I really never take it out in bigger waves (over chest high) or when it's super clean, I'd ride the SuperTech now or the B&B if it's small and clean.

Knowing your quiver - I'd go with the 7'6" x 31", no worries with the stabiliity at 7'6", and if you are going to go short, for a grovelly type board, may as well go all the way.

Good luck.

My only concern now with the 7'6 x 31" is that it might feel too wide, as if I cut 16" off the nose of my 8'10 x 31" Flow.

The 8'10 Sunova Flow is by far the better grovel board over the 8'4 Flow which comparatively has difficulty catching anything under waist high, but the 8'10 feels more cumbersome and less maneuverable in small waves.

How does the width of your 7'4 JP affect the ride? Do you feel that it limits the board at all? Does the shorter length help make up for it?

If you upgrade to the Super Frank, which size would you get?

Yeah, I'd go with the 7'6" x 31, but I have had to change my thought process on catching waves with the smaller board. At that short of a length, and with the JP the board yaws side to side pretty quickly, so I just get used to catching waves later than usual. Really, my approach stroke to catch a wave decreases as my board gets shorter, but with the 7'4" it's maybe 2 or 3 quick strokes and I'm on the wave. That's what makes it perfect for short period, bumpy surf.

It works, and the fact that you can get to the tail so quick makes it really fun. With regard to the width, I really don't feel it as much with regard to on the wave, because the rails aren't really thick and frankly, I need the width to have stability. It would be perfect to have like a 7'6" x 30" sitting around 108 or so L, but if I had to choose between going down to 7'6" or losing width, I'd drop down 7'6" just to fill out my quiver.

I'd talk to Marlon about it, he's been really helpful when I've had questions.
7'6" JL Super Frank Lean
8'2" JL SuperTech 
10'1" JL Black and Blue
14' BIC WS Tracer
6'5" JL Flying-V/GoFoil Maliko 200
Kenalu Ho'oloa 95, Werner Rip Stick 79

Badger

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Re: Jimmy Lewis Super Frank?
« Reply #28 on: October 11, 2017, 07:30:09 AM »

I'll bet the 7'6 x 31" Wide and 8'0 x 30" Lean have about the same stability.

The 8'0 should have a little more glide and wave catching ability. The 7'6 is probably a bit more maneuverable on the wave. Both are good things and the negative aspects if any between the two boards are likely small.

Since I prefer early entry over late takeoffs, I'm leaning toward the 8'0 but I'm not cancelling out the 7'6. I'm sure I'll end up with one or the other.

« Last Edit: October 11, 2017, 07:35:04 AM by Badger »
Kalama E3 6'1 x 23" 105L
Axis HPS 980 / PNG 1300
Sunova Flow  8'10 X 31"  119L
Me - 6'0" - 165lbs - 66yo

NorthJerzSurfer

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Re: Jimmy Lewis Super Frank?
« Reply #29 on: October 11, 2017, 09:00:32 AM »
Badger-  have your ridden /considered the Hypernut?  I have the 7'4 @ 105l at my 215lbs.

I also can only ride it in perfect conditions- and without winter gear.  If you are looking for a small wave machine at 170lb it might be a good choice.  I love it in the right conditions- it just happens too infrequently. (Trade? Hmm Hmm:)

  I myself was thinking about getting rid of it to get something back in the 115l-120l range so i can use it with a wetsuit and in choppier conditions and the super frank was one of those considered.


 


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