Plastic Vs Composite

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Plastic Vs Composite
Topic Started: Apr 11 2008, 12:34 PM (261 Views)
eaf602_blaze	Apr 11 2008, 12:34 PM Post #1
Member Posts: 2 Group: Members Member #1,032 Joined: April 11, 2008	Hi all, OK, after 20+ years paddling and loving the surf I've decided that butt bouncing (while fun) isn't what it's all about. I'm seriously looking at the Mega Neutron HDP but have had my head turned by the offer of a composite Prowler. My questions are: - Will I get my arse handed to me on a plate in the prowler? I like the seating position in the Neutron, is the prowlers more old school, narrow/low knee position? Stats Height - 6ft Weight - 12st Feet - 9 I am experienced in surfing in playboats and hope that the transition to uber speed will be painless; plastic or composite whats your thoughts? Cheers, Blaze



AndyMcC	Apr 11 2008, 04:39 PM Post #2
Advanced Member Posts: 175 Group: committee Member #799 Joined: April 24, 2007	I spent a year surfing a plastic maverick and i really enjoyed it (coming from a playboat) i thought it was a great boat and a much better way to enjoy the surf. but..... i just got a composite neutron and it is sooo much better than the maverick, much faster and alot more manoeuvrable. Obviously there is a big difference in price but i would say go for the composite boat. As for the prowler, i have never surfed one. Andy.



Harry	Apr 12 2008, 12:08 AM Post #3
Advanced Member Posts: 1,288 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: May 9, 2004	Hi, The Prowler was one of the best boats Mega ever made. Forgiving, good performance level and a real all rounder. I've a feeling that if they were still being made you still see them doing really well at competitions. Composite boats have a distinct and noticeable performance advantage over plastic boats in the surf. If you've surfed a composite kayak it would be really hard to go back to plastic. That said, they are a lot more expensive and a lot easier to break (but they can be fixed). Definitely try the Prowler if you have the chance. I'd say it's more forgiving than a Neutron. You shouldn't find it too hard to adapt to, but surfkayaks are a lot different to playboats so expect to have to spend some time adjusting. Maybe surf with just the centre fin in to get started. Downside is the seating position, while it's manageable I never felt comfortable in a Prowler or very securely locked-in. But that's just me. It was the boat of choice for the NI Squad only a few years ago and it's beaten many a newer design in competition. Hope that helps, Harry



eaf602_blaze	Apr 13 2008, 09:09 AM Post #4
Member Posts: 2 Group: Members Member #1,032 Joined: April 11, 2008	Cheers for the advice chaps....well, composite it is. I've gone instead for a Mega Mustang; looks the business and I prefer the seating position (more like mike good old butt bouncer). Now I've just got to talk my wife into letting me visit the Emerald Isle for some of yer great surf. All the best, Blaze


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