Think I posted this in the wrong forum earlier, insert red face here 
........trying again.
Looking for some long range/term experience feedback between these two boards. Got myself in a bit of a predicament committing to purchasing one of each, a 2012-2013 Naish Glide 14x27, [glass not carbon], and a 2015 +/- SIC 14' V2 scc Bullet. This is a 1st world problem for sure, and actually quite stoked to be in this predicament
Both used in pretty good condition, very fair deals, but can only realistically keep one. Want to use it as a loaner inticement board for my wife and friends to come play with me, plus as a tool to increase my downwind skill set. And something that I can comfortably look the other way when it acquires new bumps, scrapes and assorted use marks....not a beater, but not my precious Infinity either.
Obviously, the SIC will be lighter and easier to handle, the handle is the best there is IMO, but probably more fragile. The Glide, is durable, the wider tail making maybe more stable?, but gotta be heavier and more difficult to handle, yet most folks who have or have had one won't let 'em go or regret if they did. Both boards have solid reputations as good downwind catching tools.
I have a small window of time to try 'em both but won't see any downwind or down breeze conditions in that time....just some flat water trials. That'll factor in particularly as the loaner, but not complete the full picture
So basically understand the pros and cons of each, but looking for some feedback of those who have spent some "quality" or long term time on both, and which would you choose??
Thanks in advance!
I know both these boards very well and although I'm a big fan of the Naish boards I'm thinking the SIC is probably the better board out of those two mostly because of the great handle that SIC have and the Bullet is also slightly lighter.. They have a similar paddling performance and build quality.
DavidJohn - thanks very much for the reply...was hoping you might chime in here ;-] Your Naish preference is known multi-forum wide so this candid & fair response is appreciated and matches my inclinations. It is amazing the SIC handles have not been copied more industry wide - they are that GOOD!
Only other thing I might ask is there much stability difference in your opinion between the two boards? Not that it'd change my leaning much, but curious none the less.....thanks again!
took the trip south yesterday, Hood River 1st, then to Portland - beautiful to see the Gorge in it's early morning glory again, and even the Willamette in downtown Portland was looking awesome yesterday, traffic aside!! Heading back out of Hood river into 35 mph headwind with the short purchase on my racks was unnerving.........not like the old days with a stack of two sub 8' sailboards. I hate using bow or stern lines 'cause they play hell with the car paint. Might have to find a work around for that..........
Collecting the Glide was very surprising - it was barely heavier than the Bullet! With the two of them stacked you could really see the similarities and the differences. Bullet's skinny tail, thinner nose, concave underside, and thickness in the standing area. The Glide's wider tail, semi-uniform thickness, nose to tail, and more kick in the nose. Both have been tossed around a bit, but are very sound, and in great overall shape, [got some cleaning to do and loose the Big Winds rail tape and they'll look good to boot.] Still, nothing to worry about robustness, or the "first" bash - either one is gonna be perfect! Wanting try them both now ::)
You're killing us here, offwhite...
Oh to be able to travel again to do downwinders...Hawaii, The Gorge...ugh....
Just missed another M2M weekend on Maui.
Whilst I am a big SIC bullet fan, I would guess that the Naish is going to be better at The Gorge, due to the narrower and additional bow rocker.
Although the SIC handle wins big time when talking about the logistics of carrying your board in good downwind conditions.
Select to expand quoteoffwhite said..
took the trip south yesterday, Hood River 1st, then to Portland - beautiful to see the Gorge in it's early morning glory again, and even the Willamette in downtown Portland was looking awesome yesterday, traffic aside!! Heading back out of Hood river into 35 mph headwind with the short purchase on my racks was unnerving.........not like the old days with a stack of two sub 8' sailboards. I hate using bow or stern lines 'cause they play hell with the car paint. Might have to find a work around for that..........
Collecting the Glide was very surprising - it was barely heavier than the Bullet! With the two of them stacked you could really see the similarities and the differences. Bullet's skinny tail, thinner nose, concave underside, and thickness in the standing area. The Glide's wider tail, semi-uniform thickness, nose to tail, and more kick in the nose. Both have been tossed around a bit, but are very sound, and in great overall shape, [got some cleaning to do and loose the Big Winds rail tape and they'll look good to boot.] Still, nothing to worry about robustness, or the "first" bash - either one is gonna be perfect! Wanting try them both now ::)
I had a GC and regularly took 14' boards on long trips. Never once needed bow or stern lines (unlike my Stinger I currently drive).
The trick is to have roof racks that bolt into the rails using the sockets the rails themselves are bolted into.
The OEM roof racks clamp onto the rails which is why they don't recommend long loads but most aftermarket racks (think Thule, Rhino, ProRack etc.) actually bolt into the roof. These ones are bulletproof.
