Is this what we pay for?

grantmac017 · Joined: 04 Aug 2016 Posts: 946

So because puttying over a cracked laminate likely won't show up within the warranty period it's considered an acceptable construction practice?
I see why people avoid Cobra built stuff now, or else cycle through it before the flaws become obvious. Was the gear always this crap?

I'm finding the side conversation in favor of a stubby shape quite interesting given how divisive opinions on them usually are, feel free to carry on.

boardsurfr · Joined: 23 Aug 2001 Posts: 1266

I don't think it's a conversation about stubby shapes. The Blast happens to be a stubby, but the other boards I mentioned which seem to be "comparably great" new designs (Severne Fox and Windtech) are not. Those are just examples, I'm sure there are other great (and many not so great) new shapes out there.

boardsurfr · Joined: 23 Aug 2001 Posts: 1266

grantmac017 · Joined: 04 Aug 2016 Posts: 946

It would have taken 5 minutes to fix this at the factory. I guess I just want to get decent workmanship when I buy something.

So given this is the standard at Cobra I really doubt I'll be buying anything except junkers from there and expect I'll need to fix their flaws, hopefully before too much water finds its way in.

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

Big part of growing up is learning from your mistakes.
Now, 1 for 1, every board you get from them will be flawed and fit only for the fireplace.

U2U2U2 · Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2019 7:25 pm Post subject:

kmf · Joined: 02 Apr 2001 Posts: 503

Geezz...I have owned lots of Cobra built boards and never had a workmanship problem with any of them.
I have two in the garage now, and one is four years old and one is 10 years old. No problems, no repairs, both work great.
(RRD FSW, RRD Wave Cult. )
I just sold a 10 year old JP FSW 102 which is still going strong, and also a 10 year old Tommen 95, whose decals were falling off but the board was still intact and tight.

KMF

GURGLETROUSERS · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 2643

Hmmm! Apart from possible construction faults which experience has shown some Cobra built boards once had (The early Phantom longboard race boards only lasting a season before serious failings, long since cured as the older longboard construction techniques were re- learnt) the sensitivity with which owners use their boards, the lighter ones in particular, must surely affect their durability?

Pounding at speed over hefty chop, and landing hops, makes me cringe and I always do whatever can be done (light on feet, angling board etc) to minimise the shock waves going through the board. Being lighter myself, also helps.

Others I know take the opposite view and insist that if the boards can't take the punishment they are not fit for purpose! It doesn't seem to end well for some of them. (Guarantee claims.) I would think that, as with most things, constant stressing of the structure must lead to failure, and those who do their best to minimise those stresses will enjoy the longest lasting boards.

grantmac017 · Joined: 04 Aug 2016 Posts: 946

This wasn't damage from use or handling. It was a gouge through the deck laminate sometime between glassing and painting which was fixed by just filling with putty. A 10 second fix rather than a 5 minute fix.
I could see using epoxy and microballons, preferably actual glass cloth to tie the laminate back together. But the putty just has no strength and it's a very high impact area no matter how nicely you treat the equipment.

Gwarn · Joined: 22 May 2013 Posts: 124 Location: SF

Welcome to the real world of manufacturing.

Now get over it and stop whimpering.