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Sunova 8'10" Steeze // Review

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Created by Casso > 9 months ago, 14 Sep 2017
Casso
NSW, 3764 posts
14 Sep 2017 8:46AM
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Back in the early days, 2008 I think it was, I remember seeing a young Matty Lumley absolutely ripping on a PSH All Rounder down at the Mambo Merimbula Classic. It was about nine foot long and, like a lot of SUPs from that era, it had a big rounded nose. I was on an 11 footer at that event and the thought of riding a tiny nine foot SUP freaked me out a little bit.

The other day, I took the new 8'10" Sunova Steeze for a test run and to be honest I was a little freaked out about riding such a BIG performance SUP - but that was before I'd snagged 15 or so nice little rip bowl runners on her.

I felt like I was surfing just like Lummers, all those years ago - the Steeze's quiver killing characteristics had me pulling out all my traditional longboard moves yet it allowed me dabble in some high performance stuff, exactly like a Mambo champion of yesteryear.
Disclaimer: The 8'10" Steeze won't necessarily help your performance with any dance floor antics at Merimbula's Club Sapphire.

Old school moves

Easy to have fun with

With its 110 litres of volume (20 more litres than what I normally ride) the 8'10" is so stable and so easy to pick up waves on. Even though it is only 8'10" it feels like a much bigger board to paddle especially when you look down at the big round nose and 30" of width. But that's all good - you want as big a board as possible when paddling. You just don't want a massive board when you are on a wave. And the Steeze isn't a massive board when you are on a wave. The back half of the board (the bit that is mainly engaged in the wave when surfing) is quite refined with a pulled in rounded pin tail, chiselled high performance rails and substantial vee in the tail which allows you to transition from rail to rail with ease.

Can get critical if required

Still small enough to throw around

The wide nose of the 8'10" Steeze provides a lovely stable platform if you are inclined to take a walk but the narrow tail of this mid length beauty provides an agile power source for the occasional snap or tail waft.

Doesn't mind a bit of a walk

Like all the other Sunovas I've ridden, the tail pad kicker is in just the right position. When you shuffle your foot all the way back to stomp on the tail and crank a turn, you'll feel that comforting ledge against your fifth metatarsal and you'll know that's exactly where Bert Burger wants you to be to start getting radical. And speaking of things in the right position, Sunova have nailed the LiftSUP handle position in this model too - the perfectly balanced, pull out handle makes carting the Steeze a breeze.

The performance oriented rocker not only allows tight turns in and around the pocket but it also means you can step back when a mini mountain of white water approaches, rock the nose skyward and pop over frothy hurdles like that with relative ease.

The two plus one fin configuration in the Steeze is perfect for this type of board. It allows one to experiment with differing sizes of longboard style setups or throw in a more performancey thruster cluster.

I'm thinking, with its longboard looks yet high performance characteristics and length, the 8'10" Steeze might just be on its way to bringing the mid-length pleasure craft back into fashion. Even in competitions.

Versatile in all parts of the wave

Highs
- Just plain fun and easy to ride
- Looks awesome
- Super strong construction
- Impeccable workmanship and materials
- Paddles into waves fantastically
- Pops over whitewater quite easily
- Can be used to throw the tail or whack the lip
- Doesn't mean you have to forget your traditional longboard moves
- Comfortable and grippy deck pad
- Retractable LiftSUP handle means no more stubbed toes
- Can be locked up (via the LiftSUP handle).

Lows
- Makes you regret buying those last three boards of varying sizes.












rodriguez
VIC, 883 posts
14 Sep 2017 12:07PM
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Nice review Casso.what sizes does it come in?
Cheers,Rocket.

normster
NSW, 314 posts
14 Sep 2017 3:34PM
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new model?

combo of style, speed, and kruze ?

Langers
VIC, 75 posts
14 Sep 2017 6:38PM
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Have to keep an eye out for this one . When does it hit the shops .

SunnyBouy
473 posts
14 Sep 2017 4:58PM
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Nice board and always great pics and review

Tardy
4919 posts
14 Sep 2017 5:15PM
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Good review .
styley surfing .

Hoppo3228
VIC, 736 posts
14 Sep 2017 7:46PM
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Basically Sunova's version of a JL Striker IMO...

sgo
VIC, 152 posts
16 Sep 2017 8:32AM
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Any chance of getting tail width at 12" and 24", also how much vee ?

Casso
NSW, 3764 posts
16 Sep 2017 2:51PM
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Select to expand quote
rodriguez said..
Nice review Casso.what sizes does it come in?
Cheers,Rocket.


I'm pretty sure they will available as an 8'6", 8'10", 9'6" and 10'0".

Casso
NSW, 3764 posts
16 Sep 2017 2:55PM
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Select to expand quote
normster said..
new model?

combo of style, speed, and kruze ?


Good theory but I think the name is from a STyle can can be ridden with EEZE.

Casso
NSW, 3764 posts
16 Sep 2017 2:56PM
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Select to expand quote
Langers said..
Have to keep an eye out for this one . When does it hit the shops .


Not sure - you'll have to speak with your local retailer.

Casso
NSW, 3764 posts
16 Sep 2017 3:00PM
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Select to expand quote
sgo said..
Any chance of getting tail width at 12" and 24", also how much vee ?


Tail at 12" = 18 1/16", sorry that's all I've got.

sgo
VIC, 152 posts
16 Sep 2017 5:52PM
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Select to expand quote
Casso said..

sgo said..
Any chance of getting tail width at 12" and 24", also how much vee ?



Tail at 12" = 18 1/16", sorry that's all I've got.


Thanks, that's about 1" under a Speed or Soul tail with 31.5" width.

16 Sep 2017 6:02PM
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I think they should be called the Sunova "Striker"! I believe AA loved the Striker so much he got the Sunova version....Even done to the sizes....Awesome all-round board :)

AkeG
132 posts
16 Sep 2017 9:56PM
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Looks nice! How about a shot of the rocker line?

AkeG
132 posts
16 Sep 2017 10:07PM
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Jimmy Lewis Boards said..
I think they should be called the Sunova "Striker"! I believe AA loved the Striker so much he got the Sunova version....Even done to the sizes....Awesome all-round board :)


I've had a 9'5" Striker for a few years or so, love the board for most all conditions under head high EXCEPT steep and pitchy waves where the lack of nose rocker is a chore (to keep the nose from burying) on a late drop.

If Sunova adds more nose rocker to a JL Striker (like) shape, you're going to have an instant classic!

17 Sep 2017 6:33PM
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Hi AkeG,
the 9'5 Striker has been redone after the amazing response & performance of the NEW 8'5 Striker....The original 9'5 was made for bigger heavier surfers but the NEW 9'5 is more performance based with a more refined rail & beautiful rocker line...My 8'5 Striker is as good as any performance sup i've ridden especially when you put performance thruster or quad fins in the board...

17 Sep 2017 6:34PM
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Hi AkeG,
the 9'5 Striker has been redone after the amazing response & performance of the NEW 8'5 Striker....The original 9'5 was made for bigger heavier surfers but the NEW 9'5 is more performance based with a more refined rail & beautiful rocker line...My 8'5 Striker is as good as any performance sup i've ridden especially when you put performance thruster or quad fins in the board...

25 Sep 2017 7:46PM
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Hoppo3228 said..
Basically Sunova's version of a JL Striker IMO...


I've always respected Sunova as an "innovative" brand with a good quality product just like Jimmy Lewis... Jimmy's NEVER copied a product in his life so I'm surprised Sunova would sell out to commercialism & copy another brands board just because it sells so well & because a certain retailer knows it's such a great selling board...Anyway "Imitation is the greatest form of flattery" :)

margeaux
QLD, 59 posts
25 Sep 2017 8:59PM
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You couldn't of put it any better.

colas
4986 posts
25 Sep 2017 7:15PM
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Maybe some reality check is in order... There have been lots of excellent longboard SUPs on the market well before the striker...

26 Sep 2017 8:52AM
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colas said..
Maybe some reality check is in order... There have been lots of excellent longboard SUPs on the market well before the striker...


The Striker has been around for quite a few years now Colas, sure the 8'5 & 10'0 are brand NEW, but the 8'11 & 9'5 have been on the market longer than most... I've worked & ridden for a couple of the big brands & been sup'ing for over 10 years as well been an instructor for over 6 years....Back when I started all we could get were "Custom" boards in the early days & I went to Aussie Titles for long boarding so I know what's been around in the "Market"... A "retailer" who "lost" his JL account pushed for the Striker to be copied because it was such a good seller.... It's probably up thee close to being the number 1 "performance longboard/all-round" board in OUR market.....

colas
4986 posts
26 Sep 2017 1:08PM
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Well, I have been SUPing since before the Striker was introduced, and there were definitively quality production longboard SUPs already. If only the Laird ones, and a lot of SurfTech, to speak only of the non-European brands.
Plus longboards have been here for more than 70 years, I would bet that shapers coming up with a new longboard SUP have had a lot more inspiration sources than the Striker.

But I agree that we had a lot of production boards available early on in France, more than in OZ, maybe because it had been a big sailboard market and the distribution channels were already set up.

warwickl
NSW, 2173 posts
26 Sep 2017 5:46PM
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Hi Colas I have read many of your posts and taken a lot from them and like that you often have different views and experience.
I recently bought a Jimmy Lewis 8 5 Striker and fitted it with Shaper Kwad fins now 6 sessions in. I have also surfed the earlier 8 11 version plus had many SUPS (production and custom) with 5 in garage atm but doubt I have your experience or skill.
So just wondering if you have surfed the J L Striker especially the latest 8 5 and if so I would be keen if you can recommend a better all round board for beach breaks to surf about head high?
I look forward to your comments.

MickMc
VIC, 452 posts
26 Sep 2017 6:16PM
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Select to expand quote
warwickl said..
Hi Colas I have read many of your posts and taken a lot from them and like that you often have different views and experience.
I recently bought a Jimmy Lewis 8 5 Striker and fitted it with Shaper Kwad fins now 6 sessions in. I have also surfed the earlier 8 11 version plus had many SUPS (production and custom) with 5 in garage atm but doubt I have your experience or skill.
So just wondering if you have surfed the J L Striker especially the latest 8 5 and if so I would be keen if you can recommend a better all round board for beach breaks to surf about head high?
I look forward to your comments.


I surfed a JL 8'11 Striker for about a year. Great all round board. I now own a Laird 9' Surfer. Also a great all round board. The Laird has more refined rails, is a little narrower and lower volume than the Striker. The Striker is a little more stable and the Laird is more high performance. That being said, I find the Laird is still stable enough to take out in windy, choppy conditions and still have a blast. In short, I prefer the Laird. Who copied who? Did anyone copy anyone? Are they all influenced by each other, and in this case particularly who has had a look at the top long board shapes? Who cares? Best board wins. Love to try the Steeze.

colas
4986 posts
26 Sep 2017 4:44PM
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warwickl said..
So just wondering if you have surfed the J L Striker especially the latest 8 5 and if so I would be keen if you can recommend a better all round board for beach breaks to surf about head high?


I would stress that I absolutely do not say that the Striker is not a great board! I was just reacting to statements that was presenting it as something that didn't exist before, and that is such a pinnacle of SUP design that everybody is copying it ever since. I said nothing of the board qualities themselves. Shapers get inspired by other shapers all the time, thats how state of the art progress. But I often recommend JL boards when asked, if only for the outstanding reliable construction.

This said, in your specific case, it is very had to recommend boards, especially for people you do not know. My last recommendation was totally wrong for instance, the guy didn't manage to stand on the board I recommended with some chop even after more than 10 sessions, and this after more than a dozen emails/posts. Kind of my personal reality check as a "SUP advisor". So I'd better have people knowing you and your spots give you advice.

Plus there is a lot of subjectivity in how we love/hate boards. If for some reason you like a board (brand loyalty, harmony of the lines,... even the graphics), you will enjoy it much more than another board that may be labeled "better" in some tests.

26 Sep 2017 7:21PM
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Colas, I NEVER said it was "such a pinnacle of design" & that EVERYBODY is copying it....Just 1 brand! down to the sizes, shape & marketing...Not to mention the words that came form the retailer mentioned that they WERE copying the Striker.... Maybe things get lost in translation to you....

SunnyBouy
473 posts
26 Sep 2017 5:50PM
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Does seem a bit odd that this thread has derailed into a JL design vs Sunova design.

Maybe there ought to be two threads, one the JL and this one for the Steeze..

Just saying.

mbuzz
NSW, 261 posts
26 Sep 2017 8:08PM
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mbuzz
NSW, 261 posts
26 Sep 2017 8:27PM
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Quick visual comparison. Steeze keeps it's width running further towards the nose, has a more rounded nose,different tail shape,differentsidefinposition (further back), pluseasier on the eye than the fugly striker ; )


warwickl
NSW, 2173 posts
26 Sep 2017 8:56PM
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Not the latest Striker eg my 8 5 is 3 or quad fin and different to that version in rocker and volume distribution and more.



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"Sunova 8'10" Steeze // Review" started by Casso