Found over the years that wood is stiffer, lighter and more durable. It is a few hundred dearer but the bag whilst not the best out there is worth roughly $100-$150ish which eases the pain.

Wood is also damn good looking but then this years AST is much more appealing than the older versions IMO.

Construction and looks aside the AST being single fin only and the wood having the FCS sidey's does make a difference to some. Keep in mind though that the 11'4" surfs really nicely as a single anyway.

In the shop we sell roughly 50/50 which may or may not help.

All the best,

Sam.

Thanx Sam,

I recently surfed an older AST with the single fin & loved it. Want to get one for flat days paddling between the points or on the harbour. surfed it in waist to shoulder high clean & loved its responsiveness & glide. So I'm not sure if I really need the added stiffness & prettiness of the timber. I'd never use the bag either. Leaning towards the AST. I agree that the current colour way looks nice too.

The wood one lets you add a windsurf sail. Could be of use...if it's a keeper!

If you are a board breaker.. or surf in a big dumpy shore break surf area the wood is a stronger construction that will resist snapping and also flex less.. Personally I think the AST is more resistant against small bumps and knocks even though the AST is slightly heavier.. If these issues are not a concern for you and your conditions I think the AST will be fine even though there is no bag and the fins are not as good.. The AST it has the advantage of having a slightly non slip nose area. So if you like to nose ride and don't want to wax the nose area the AST might be a better choice.. I think it's great that Naish offer this cheaper option.

DJ