RRD Cotan vs Naish Skater. I need some help.

[Ludmil]

Hi guys,
I am thinking to get one of these but I can't find direct comparisons for both boards.
The locals are riding mostly COTANs, but unfortunately no Skaters around to compare, or to get some information.
I was told, that 5,4 COTAN is probably the best size for the local conditions (chop, onshore, mushy waves, light winds), and for my weight as well: +/- 75 kilos.
Meanwhile I've checked Skater dimensions, also read some reviews about it, but surprisingly, I found that the Skater size for me is probably the 5,2.
The Skater in that size looks much smaller...

Would anyone help, with size per size and overall comparison, so I make up my mind, please?

PS. Was told that PU one from RRD is better, but relatively fragile...

Thanks,
L.

[Yodarocket31]

I rode a 2014 and a 2015 Naish Skater. The 2014 went back to the factory for warranty reasons- poor saturation of resin meant open air bubbles in the fiberglass. In short, it wasn't watertight.

They sent me a 2015 model as a replacement, but it didn't last long. Buckled and then snapped in half after 6 months of riding. Watching the promo videos, you'd think these boards could withstand tons of airtime and the landings that go with. Apparently not.

When I saw what the inside of these boards look like, I was appalled that they could be listed for such a high price. Not worth the money, IMHO.

[Ludmil]

Thank you Yoda. I may get second hand either, not keen to spend fortune on it.
However, I am looking for comparison between cotan and skater...
Thanks,
L.

[TomW]

Hi, I build boards and researched around. At Your weight a 18x 5-2 is plenty. If you are shorter than 175cm then a 5-0 will be good too. Depending on your wind strength, if it is a lot, smaller board, light winds bigger.

Build wise, you are best looking for real life experiences.

A rrd is a real surfboard, with polyurethane Core and laminated skins. The Naish is more of a factory board, with sandwich eps Core. Naish describes the build on their website. There's nothing inherently bad or good about either, it comes down to the details and quality control.

[Dirk]

Had the Skater 5.2 2017 and now 2018 (have not ridden that one yet). Weight 73kg, 5.2 is the right size. I rode it strapped and jumped at lot. I had heel dents in the front and that was about it. Nice board, light weight, the 2018 is 2,77 kg including pads and footstrap inserts.

[tautologies]

I got a lot more weight and my skater 2016 is holding up fine. I'm jumping it. I'm wearing on the deck pad but can't even see much in terms of heel dents. I'm riding it strapless. Sorry can't help with the comparison.

[PAFF]

PU/poly construction vs epoxy...

Epoxy wins.