My 8 6" surf shape doesnt quite catch waves as easy as my 9 6" naish but nothing that would be a problem

Because it is 1 ft shorter its a little bit harder catching fat waves, real waves are no problem.
As far as looseness and turning goes there is no way you could compare the 2, the surfshapes wins hands down, the things rip in the surf. When a few more of you guys who surf well (casso, piros, dog , other robbo etc) get to finally try a surfshapes it will blow your mind. Then they will be flavour of the month 10 out 10 board for me