Hey Noel, the move to Texas is a smart one. Using a pool for a base line performance trial for board testing is one of the best uses of that tech. Looks fun too!
Saw you in passing a couple days ago at the pool, but I didn’t get a chance to formally welcome you to Texas. Glad to see you’re fitting in at the pool🤙🏼
I’ve been surfing a black sheep RNF 96 here in Rhode Island all winter. Board has been my go to in virtually all conditions. I weigh 240+ in a wetsuit and pressure dents are minimal!
Had my hip replaced a few weeks ago at 30yo. Inspiring seeing you still rip Noel. Thanks for the comparison review on this one. I’ve got a Lightspeed RNF that I love… always wondered what difference there was between the constructions.
@@coldseamonster pretty bad. I had it scoped and debrided a couple years ago which made it even worse. I was having pain just walking so I decided it was time. Stage 4 osteoarthritis with CAM impingement
@@zach1978 Thanks for the info. I am getting a pinch every time I take a step. And if I try to crouch low it can give out on me. I get extreme pain when I raise that side laterally. It's time.
Black sheep mo bettah. I have both. My EPS is also one inch shorter. I don’t like it nearly as much. The one inch in rail line is huge. I still haven’t found a great rhythm on my light speed. Not as much drive. I have a pu and black sheep both I like better with extra rail line. But the black sheep blew my mind the first day out this winter. It could do no wrong, especially with the mick fanning foiled twin plus!! Ripped every turn like butter, and I didn’t have to baby the last 1/3, the 80/20 foil freaking accelerated with the carbon layup, double snappy.
C4 tech is awesome. For the Mayhem fans on the west coast:. Unfortunately C4 is only made in their Florida factory but not Cali, so anticipate shipping costs and a little extra time. Strangely I have a second hand C4 mayhem board with a tiny print that says "made in Vietnam"... Don't know wtf that's about but Mr Salas could probably enlighten us which construction (black sheep etc) is available directly from the California factory
Awesome side by side review. Question regarding lightspeed durability. How easily are pressures showing up and breaking down the deck? I have the chance to get one for cheap but worried board won’t last long. Cheers!
The Light Speed pressure dents a bit easier compared to the Black Sheep but the Light Speed does not pressure dent as easy as PU/Poly. If you can get the Light Speed board cheap then you are way ahead of the game!! I would Snatch it up ASAP.
hey noel, appreciate the show as always. had a question about the RNF 96 in black sheep vs the puddle jumper HP in c4. Im a bigger guy at 6' 198 lbs and am looking for something to fill that 1-4' range, already have a mega groveler for the weak very small days, and have all my boards dialed in for good shoulder high days and up. but im looking at either the: RNF 96 black sheep wide in 5’10 x 21.25 x 2.60 - 36.75 PJHP c4 in 5’11 x 21.25 x 2.63 - 36.75 being a bigger guy im looking for decent paddle into waves and glide, it looks like both boards can surf the pocket and turn fine. Also, was wondering if you happened to try the controller quads on the HP? or if you didnt think it would suit the more tapered tail?
Audio is a bit tinny when speaking to your friend in the large room. For a minute I was concerned you had gone all JoeTurpell on us. Great video though :)
Dang! That left looks like it got a lot better! Maybe you can do an updated review of the wave pool, because MAN... that place looks epic! Are you surfing the "Pro Surf Session" or the "Advanced Surf Session"? Thanks Noel.
Hi Noel, thank you for this epic review! I’m 5’6 and 150-155lbs, intermediate transitioning to advance surfing, mainly riding a 5’7 27.5L shortboard. That board requires me to be in tip top shape though. Looking out for a groveler for 1-4ft mushier waves, torn between getting a 5’5 or a 5’6 or even a 5’7, what do u think? Need a bit more volume for a daily driver. Thank you very much!
@@felipep2666 i tried out a 5’7 PU RNF ended up selling it, it had too much volume and was kinda hard to turn. I reckon a 5’5 would have suited my level of surfing better
Hey Noel, what are the differences between spinetek and dark arts? Does spinetek feel more like light speed and black sheep feel more like dark arts? Which do you prefer? Thanks!
Spinetek feels a bit more like Light Speed… maybe SpineTek has a little more pop due to the spine being a little more rigid. Blacksheep has a little more pop compared to Light Speed. Comparing Black Sheep to Spinetek…. The BS offers a smoother ride. Maybe better said… the BS tortion flex is less abrupt compared to Spinetek. All 3 constructions offer excellent performance.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks a bunch. Is Dark Arts as smooth as black sheep construction? Is one construction harder to harness than the other? Which is your favorite construction? Thanks.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks so sick. Due to bad hip I went with that board for extra volume. So far , good for straight airs and basic 360's but I am having a difficult time engaging rail for good turns. Looking forward to the review!
@@surfnshowreviews7777 I just got a rnf redux in black dart fcs system. I’m used to more of a hpsb with a futures system and am also a traditional thruster guy. Right now I have in the newer performer 2 +1 hybrids and they just feel so strange to me. Almost like really loose trucks on a skateboard and the board doesn’t sit or glide it kind of trudges through water in spots. If I was going to get a thruster set for that board what would you recommend. Been looking at the mayhem 5 fin set to run a quad option too. I am in Florida also.
Noel I have heard great things about your surfboard fins, but the price point 100-125 dollars for a set dissuades a lot of would be buyers like me.have you guys ever considered making some fins in a cheap hard plastic like futures thermotech and selling it for like 50-60 bucks so us peasants can experience the designs?
Sorry… I like my fins to perform a particular way. Not interested in fins that flex out and offer inconsistent turns. I say save up and get some quality fins and invest in your progression for the sport you love.
Thank you for your reviews and I’ve appreciated them in the past as many others have …. But…….. they’ve broken down into gratuitous or redundant repitions to both the types of boards and the waves you review them in… try surfing just 1hr in sizable non repetitive waves.. medium to long period sizable swell and the boards won’t matter as much as the skill and fitness… I’ll be back to watch once you’ve made the advancement and can properly showcase a boards upper and lower range instead of just the lower end over and over with the same old same old over and over…. 🤙🏽
Classy response Noel… personally, a Lost RNF review of Black Sheep vs Lightspeed absolutely caught my attention. I have my lightspeed RNF on order and am down for another review of this very versatile board in the many constructions they make it in. I’ve got a little FOMO that I didn’t go black sheep construction, but still stoked I went lightspeed over the Pu poly and lib tech.
Omg just the review I was waiting for as I’m literally on board builder trying to decide ! Thank you !
Hey Noel, the move to Texas is a smart one. Using a pool for a base line performance trial for board testing is one of the best uses of that tech. Looks fun too!
Saw you in passing a couple days ago at the pool, but I didn’t get a chance to formally welcome you to Texas. Glad to see you’re fitting in at the pool🤙🏼
Cheers… next time please introduce yourself
I’ve been surfing a black sheep RNF 96 here in Rhode Island all winter. Board has been my go to in virtually all conditions. I weigh 240+ in a wetsuit and pressure dents are minimal!
Great post... thanks for sharing
@@surfnshowreviews7777 what is your length/volume/experience?
Had my hip replaced a few weeks ago at 30yo. Inspiring seeing you still rip Noel. Thanks for the comparison review on this one. I’ve got a Lightspeed RNF that I love… always wondered what difference there was between the constructions.
Cheers!!! Get better quick
Dannnnnng, Zach, that's heavy. Hope all is well and you get back to it quickly
Just wondering how bad was hip before you finally got surgery? I keep on putting it off.
@@coldseamonster pretty bad. I had it scoped and debrided a couple years ago which made it even worse. I was having pain just walking so I decided it was time. Stage 4 osteoarthritis with CAM impingement
@@zach1978 Thanks for the info. I am getting a pinch every time I take a step. And if I try to crouch low it can give out on me. I get extreme pain when I raise that side laterally. It's time.
Black sheep mo bettah. I have both. My EPS is also one inch shorter. I don’t like it nearly as much. The one inch in rail line is huge. I still haven’t found a great rhythm on my light speed. Not as much drive. I have a pu and black sheep both I like better with extra rail line. But the black sheep blew my mind the first day out this winter. It could do no wrong, especially with the mick fanning foiled twin plus!! Ripped every turn like butter, and I didn’t have to baby the last 1/3, the 80/20 foil freaking accelerated with the carbon layup, double snappy.
Epic post… thanks for sharing.
How much more buoyant does the black sheep fill over your PU?
@@shanecriss5310 I think the EPS feels more buoyant.
I am undecided between blacksheep and Pu... what do you recommend?
@@LarsKonersmann black sheep.
I’m buying one after watching this ❤
I got this board in C4 and it's epic in all conditions. Ordered another exact board in FCS for fin options!
That’s sick… I like the C4 tech a lot too
@@surfnshowreviews7777 You're the one who sold me on it haha 🤣🤙
C4 tech is awesome. For the Mayhem fans on the west coast:. Unfortunately C4 is only made in their Florida factory but not Cali, so anticipate shipping costs and a little extra time. Strangely I have a second hand C4 mayhem board with a tiny print that says "made in Vietnam"... Don't know wtf that's about but Mr Salas could probably enlighten us which construction (black sheep etc) is available directly from the California factory
@@Miles_Goodson_Bangs_Kids I’m not sure either… that’s a question for the folks at Lost
@@Miles_Goodson_Bangs_Kids Luckily I live in OC so I just order through Catalyst SC and I can go pick it up or delivered for pretty cheap.
The original Lost Black Sheep from the 2012ish era was magical .......
Awesome side by side review. Question regarding lightspeed durability. How easily are pressures showing up and breaking down the deck? I have the chance to get one for cheap but worried board won’t last long. Cheers!
The Light Speed pressure dents a bit easier compared to the Black Sheep but the Light Speed does not pressure dent as easy as PU/Poly. If you can get the Light Speed board cheap then you are way ahead of the game!! I would Snatch it up ASAP.
hey noel, appreciate the show as always. had a question about the RNF 96 in black sheep vs the puddle jumper HP in c4. Im a bigger guy at 6' 198 lbs and am looking for something to fill that 1-4' range, already have a mega groveler for the weak very small days, and have all my boards dialed in for good shoulder high days and up. but im looking at either the:
RNF 96 black sheep wide in 5’10 x 21.25 x 2.60 - 36.75
PJHP c4 in 5’11 x 21.25 x 2.63 - 36.75
being a bigger guy im looking for decent paddle into waves and glide, it looks like both boards can surf the pocket and turn fine. Also, was wondering if you happened to try the controller quads on the HP? or if you didnt think it would suit the more tapered tail?
@@mattcole2456 I say 96… I don’t like the controller fins.
Audio is a bit tinny when speaking to your friend in the large room. For a minute I was concerned you had gone all JoeTurpell on us. Great video though :)
Sorry… the lapel microphones weren’t charged so I used the camera microphone.
These things always happen when there is no repeating the recording.
Dang! That left looks like it got a lot better! Maybe you can do an updated review of the wave pool, because MAN... that place looks epic!
Are you surfing the "Pro Surf Session" or the "Advanced Surf Session"? Thanks Noel.
I am surfing the Advanced setting
Is it always offshore and no crowds at BSR? @2:27
Hi Noel. What do think about the double dart tech as compared to the black sheep? Thx!
I am sure the DD goes good… I have not tried it yet
Do both of these boards have a 5 fin set up? Or thruster only?
Thanks Noel!
Thruster only
Great review!!!
Great! Do you plan to review the california twin pin?
Absolutely
@@surfnshowreviews7777 cool
Really curios as to BV2 vs Rnf 96… pockety little beach break what do your prefer?
96 handles punchy little waves better
Awesome review, thank you. RNF 96 or swordfish for a travel board?
96 by a mile
Hi Noel, thank you for this epic review! I’m 5’6 and 150-155lbs, intermediate transitioning to advance surfing, mainly riding a 5’7 27.5L shortboard. That board requires me to be in tip top shape though. Looking out for a groveler for 1-4ft mushier waves, torn between getting a 5’5 or a 5’6 or even a 5’7, what do u think? Need a bit more volume for a daily driver. Thank you very much!
Hi! What’s dims did you get at the end ? (If you get the board) I have almost same height and weight (155) and I have the same doubt
@@felipep2666 i tried out a 5’7 PU RNF ended up selling it, it had too much volume and was kinda hard to turn. I reckon a 5’5 would have suited my level of surfing better
@@felipep2666same! What about you?
Hey Noel, what are the differences between spinetek and dark arts? Does spinetek feel more like light speed and black sheep feel more like dark arts? Which do you prefer? Thanks!
Spinetek feels a bit more like Light Speed… maybe SpineTek has a little more pop due to the spine being a little more rigid. Blacksheep has a little more pop compared to Light Speed. Comparing Black Sheep to Spinetek…. The BS offers a smoother ride. Maybe better said… the BS tortion flex is less abrupt compared to Spinetek. All 3 constructions offer excellent performance.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks a bunch. Is Dark Arts as smooth as black sheep construction? Is one construction harder to harness than the other? Which is your favorite construction? Thanks.
@@orangshoes21 Darkarts is more explosive and it’s my favorite at the moment. The Black Sheep seems to be a little more manageable
Im in el Salvador and broke both my surfboards. I can borrow a rnf 96 black sheep. Can it handle 6-8ft +?
Any board construction can break in 6-8’ surf. I would go PU/Poly in overhead surf
Hi Noel. Have you had a go at the Js Xero? Tempted to buy it but could use uncle Noel's opinion...Cheers mate
Sorry not yet. I might get my hands on one soon. Not sure though
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Looking forward to that. Thanks for answering bro
Your hip seems to be doing well. 🤙🏼
Feeling a lot better. Thanks
Black sheep vs PU.. what’s your thoughts and recommendation?
Watch the 96 review. I answer that in the review
Great review what would you get a RNF or RNF redux?
96 without a doubt… next level performance in a hybrid outline
I know you had Happy Everyday tested by a buddy , are you going to give it a go yourself? Either way amazing stuff.
Yes, I hope to get that review done soon. I took one to Puerto Rico and it went really good in 2-6’ surf.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks so sick. Due to bad hip I went with that board for extra volume. So far , good for straight airs and basic 360's but I am having a difficult time engaging rail for good turns. Looking forward to the review!
How does black sheep compare to XTR 10?
@@505surf3 XTR10 is more durable and might have a little more pop
would love to see what the key differences in black sheep and black dart are
Black Dart is full Carbon…. Should have a bit more pop through turns
@@surfnshowreviews7777 I just got a rnf redux in black dart fcs system. I’m used to more of a hpsb with a futures system and am also a traditional thruster guy. Right now I have in the newer performer 2 +1 hybrids and they just feel so strange to me. Almost like really loose trucks on a skateboard and the board doesn’t sit or glide it kind of trudges through water in spots. If I was going to get a thruster set for that board what would you recommend. Been looking at the mayhem 5 fin set to run a quad option too. I am in Florida also.
@@neverstopburninn I would get a fin set with more rake. Check out the Al Merrick 5 fin set
Noel I have heard great things about your surfboard fins, but the price point 100-125 dollars for a set dissuades a lot of would be buyers like me.have you guys ever considered making some fins in a cheap hard plastic like futures thermotech and selling it for like 50-60 bucks so us peasants can experience the designs?
Sorry… I like my fins to perform a particular way. Not interested in fins that flex out and offer inconsistent turns. I say save up and get some quality fins and invest in your progression for the sport you love.
Dude even bill gates needs discounted gear... Surfing is becoming the sport of kings again!
Thanks - rnf 96 vs stealth v3?
How do you rate the lib tech Noel?
I have never tried Lib Tech sleds
both boards look good the water in the pool is it salty 🤙
No it’s fresh water
Noel, are you gonna go bigger on your board's?
'Cause everything's bigger in Texas. 😂😂😂🤙
Maybe a little… ha
I’ve never seen guys so talented at surfing, but look so ugly why they surf 😅❤
Thank you for your reviews and I’ve appreciated them in the past as many others have …. But…….. they’ve broken down into gratuitous or redundant repitions to both the types of boards and the waves you review them in… try surfing just 1hr in sizable non repetitive waves.. medium to long period sizable swell and the boards won’t matter as much as the skill and fitness…
I’ll be back to watch once you’ve made the advancement and can properly showcase a boards upper and lower range instead of just the lower end over and over with the same old same old over and over…. 🤙🏽
Thanks for commenting I will be doing more Beachies soon. Or maybe our show is not for you. Just saying…
Classy response Noel… personally, a Lost RNF review of Black Sheep vs Lightspeed absolutely caught my attention. I have my lightspeed RNF on order and am down for another review of this very versatile board in the many constructions they make it in. I’ve got a little FOMO that I didn’t go black sheep construction, but still stoked I went lightspeed over the Pu poly and lib tech.