Thanks very much for the pics. What is the difference in rocker between the new Maliko and the Bullet V2? It a bit hard to tell from the pics.

Massively wider tail on the Maliko (than the Bullet V2). So I'm surprised the Maliko surfs as well as it does because I've always thought that the thinned-out tail of the V2 was one reason it surfs well for a 14.

Great - what were your impressions of the Maliko, and what conditions did you try it in.

Is it crazy stable? I'm thinking about going for the 26" wide one, but my balance is pretty damn average and I paddle in totally s***e conditions.

That's great DJ, thanks.

A few years ago we got a 4+ metre swell at our local outer banks break, about a mile offshore. It was the biggest swell ever recorded at our (small wave) break, which normally maxes out at about 2 metres. Period was 18-20 seconds. I duly loaded up my GoPro and took nearly an hour of gruelling paddling to get out there through walls of whitewater. I took the biggest wave I've ever taken around here (and I was born and bred round here). It was a great wave, cheered by a load of my mates, and I ride it for about 300 metres and then off into the channel, dry hair. I can't tell you how pleased I was to have captured it on film. Very few people surf out there (it's a long way out, very rippy, and hard to forecast) and few believe how much bigger it gets than it does inshore - it's hard to see from shore.

But, you guessed it. When I got home, I hadn't loaded the SD card... I stared in disbelief at my own stupidity. Then I almost bit my own knuckles off in frustration and irritation. The waves have never been even half that size ever since. One day...

At your size get an unlimited board and never look back.

drfierce said..
Hi there. Late to the party but thinking of getting a 14 footer for my next board. I'm in coastal CT which equals chop but no surf. Some flatwater as well. I'm 6 ft and 175 lbs; my current main board is a SIC 12'6 bullet (27") wide. Was thinking of going 26" instead of 28" in this board. Can't easily demo either where I live.

An online seller also has a 2016 Maliko 14 x 26 LE for about the same price, but was leaning towards the newer boards as there is no real cost savings.

Would love to know your thoughts. Also specifically interested why DJ went up from 26 to 28.

I went from 26 to 28 because initially the Maliko's were only 24 or 26 so I had no choice but I get the 26.. At 6'4" and over 200lbs I found 26 a bit tippy in anything but calm water.. Especially when using my large DW camera mount.

Once they released a 28 I found that width perfect for me.. I also have an order in for the new 2018 Maliko (also in the 28 width).

If someone is tossing up between two widths I would always recommend the wider of the two unlike most shops and serious racers that usually recommend the narrower option.

I have paddled both and I honestly think the Maliko feels noticeably faster (in both acceleration and maintaining a higher speed) and is more stable but the higher (and pointier) nose on the V2 makes DWing slightly more relaxed.. The SIC has the better handle (come on Naish) but I prefer the Naish deck pad.. Both are great boards.