Channel Islands "SAMPLER" Surfboard review by Noel Salas Ep.7
Reviews 9 years ago 115,953 views
Click to buy: SURF STATION - https://www.surfstationstore.com/collections/channel-islands-surfboards/products/channel-islands-sampler-surfboard No obligation, but these links & ads help support the site and keeps the reviews coming! If you decide to buy somewhere else or would like to support the show, please donate at https://www.paypal.me/surfnshow This video is about Channel Islands "Sampler" Surfboard Review Ep. 7. The Sampler is a new small wave signature model by Dane Reynolds. Enjoy the journey as Noel Salas shows and talks about the Sampler. It is designed to go really fast and works well in all sorts of wave sizes and conditions. The Sampler is relatively flat in the rocker and has a very aggressive single concave running through the entire board with a slight double concave between the fins to loosen it up. There is also a slight V in the tail to transition from rail to rail. Noel's custom Sampler DIMS are 5'6 x 19 3/8 x 2 3/8 and the liters of volume are 27.3. This board is very fast and responsive and is recommended for all skill levels. The Channel Islands website recommends this board for waves from waste high to a foot overhead. The Sampler is a board between your standard short board and your fish designs like the Pod Mod or High Five. Noel really likes this board and it is his go too small wave board for high performance surfing. This is what the Channel Islands website has to say about the Sampler. "Take your good wave game to conditions that are not. The Sampler was developed with Dane Reynolds to be that step-down board you ride a little shorter and wider in smaller or weaker surf while not sacrificing performance. It fits in your quiver between something fishy like a High 5 or Pod Mod and your normal short board. Loosely based off the Dumpster Diver, it has flat, racy entry and center rocker, with ample curve out the tail for tight transitions and airs. A generous single concave runs the whole length of the board, with a slight double within the single between the fins, and just a little vee to provide kick off the tail. The outline is full but sleek in the front half, with an exaggerated and slightly forward of normal Merrick hip, and a wide old-school squash tail. The Sampler is suitable for every level of surfer and should be ordered 2-4 inches shorter, 1/4 to 3/4 inches wider, and the same or slightly thicker than the your normal short board." For more questions click on this link to CI about the Sampler. http://www.cisurfboards.com/board/sampler/#videos
I like EPS Spinetek in the chop in smaller waves but it takes some getting used too. I suggest getting the Sampler in Spinetek and the Fever in PU.
I have a 5'5 Flexbar Sampler for over a year now (and just got my 2nd one).
Love the way it feels.
Fast and responsive. A good mix of drive and looseness.
(I'm 5'5 - 148lb // 1,68m - 67kg. Advanced+ surfer: 25+years, almost everyday)
Have tried it in average beachbreaks and perfect (but not hollow) reefs/points.
It's always fast, responsive and fun in almost any situation, from waist to overhead surf.
However I don't looove it in super small surf (ankle-knee-high+ stuff).
I find boards like the Rocket Wide, Puddle Fish and Evo to be better grovelers, with easier turns in powerless waves.
The Sampler feels to me more like a daily driver that excels in shoulder to headhigh waves.
In that category is probably my top 3 favorite (from over 100+boards tried over the last decade+).
Love the Flexbar construction too. Good spring and feel. And handle chops quite well.
It does get yellowish pretty fast and wouldn't say is super strong (creased it in easy surf).
But performance-wise it has a really good feel. Being enjoying it more than Spine-tek, LFT and PU lately.
To sum it up, the Sampler is definitely a keeper in my quiver.
(hope the extra opinion helps someone...)
PS: As I said a few times before, this is the Best board review show on the planet.
Helped me many times choosing the right board.
Salas brothers do an awesome job and deserve all our support. cheers, guys!
I love the Sampler for 1-3’ surf and the New Flyer is not a good small wave board in my opinion. It has too much rocker.
Sure you could go a little narrower on the Sampler. The Stock 5’7” felt good for me...
10. comment for Channel Islands "SAMPLER" Surfboard review by Noel Salas Ep.7
20. comment for Channel Islands "SAMPLER" Surfboard review by Noel Salas Ep.7
It s the first time I want to buy a CI..I ride mostly firewires for the last 8 years so no experience with PU boards.I want a board thats is no groveller but no shortboard either..something in the middle.something to help generate speed and make turns in the pocket in medium power shoulder high waver(like typical everyday waves in Greece).I m in between a sampler 5.9 or 5.10 or maybe a rocket 9.which one would you recommend?Im 5.11 tall and around 185 lbs inter/advance surfer(no airs just some fun turns).
Thanks in addvance!
Cheers
The Phantom and Fever are better all around era for our hood!!!
At the moment I ride a lost v3 rocket 5’9”x19,75”x2,38” = 30lt with thruster fcs2 performer size M.
How do you compare the sampler and the v3?
I'm probably low range intermediate surfer, 42 years old, good fit, 5’8” and 70kg.
What stock dims (Sampler) would you recommend me? I was considering the 5’8” and the 5’9”.
Thanks for your help.
Dave
I bought the M size fins according to FCS specs that says they are right for my weight. Aren’t the L fins too much for my 70 kilos?
Which fcs2 template would you suggest me?
And talking about the board, I forgot to mention that if I have to I would buy the V3 rocket 5’8”=28,5lt beacuse when the waves are around shoulder/head high the 5’9” feels a little too much volume under my feet. Are you still with the sampler 5’9”?
Dave
Need some more of your advice after you sent me in right direction with POD Mod last year. I am 5'9,160lbs,52 good shape, intermediate surfer since 15. Been on and off in water over years, and mainly fun boards last many years, till last year. Surfed a 6'0 Chilli, 39ltr. for a few mos., then bought 5'10 Pod mod 35.8 litres for few months, now too much foam to be able to carve and turn hard, and throw spray!.
Demoed Sampler 5'10, 19 3/4 and 2 1/2=31.2ltrs. and loved it, only dilemma is width, it is 19 3/4, a little too narrow, litres are great- cut hard- way better performance than pod mod- just what I'm looking for now!!
My Question for you is what do you think about going up to around 20 1/2, and reducing thickness to 2 7/16= 31.6 litres?
or even 20 1/2 and 2 3/8=30.7 litres?
or equivalent 20 1/4 and 2 7/16= 31.2 litres?
noticed you customed yours quite a bit up in width and thickness.
I want to find sweet spot and keep performance, don't know if staying with litres and changing dimensions to fit is a good/works well ?
I rather have a little wider and reduce thickness, but want performance.
Thanks,
Rick
I ordered a custom Chilli BV 5'10 about 31.5 litres, w 20 1/4 W , 2 1/2 so after get that in 5 weeks I should be more dialed on litres.
Thanks !!
I think before I decide I will try to get my hands on a 5'9 for demo first, what do you think about going to 20 W on that one-std dim is 19 1/2? since dropping a inch and std drop on thickness drop from 2 1/2 to 2 7/16 , will this make up for change in increased width on 5'9 to keep performance for better or worse vs 5'10?
Thanks so much for your input btw- really awesome of you to help out!!
I guess you could go wider but the wider you go the stiffer the board will feel in your sharp turns. When you go wider it will also make the tail wider too and that will make it pivot a bit slower. The width will make the board faster down the and faster in flat mushy waves but you will loose as bit of performance in the pocket.
There is a fine line on finding your perfect DIMS and liters but I have found that the stock DIMS on the 5'7" Sampler work better for me then the custom one I ordered in this review. The stock 5'7 is 19 wide and I liked so much that I ordered 8 more custom Samplers in different constructions with the Stock DIMS. I say maybe go 20 wide at most if you go custom.
I had this board three times as a 5`10 stock model. I am 5'11 and 175lbs. It worked well from 2-3 ft up to head high but I have to admit I really had trouble controlling it in more powerful surf and overhead, maybe due to lack of skill but in those situations it didn't hold the rail well and suddenly started to break out. Couldnt figure it out and gave up on it. Went on to surf a 6`0 DX1 in bigger surf and that board is amazing.
Stoked you found a board you like in the bigger waves and thanks for your comments.
Bit of a quandary here.
Ive been getting different opinions on whether to go for the 5 9 at 29.7 liters or the 5 10 at 31.2 liters? I like the present way the Weirdo paddles (30.0 Liters) but thought that the 5 10 at 31.2 may be too much volume.
Would the additional 1.2 liters of the 5 10 Sampler over my present Weirdo make it harder to turn that one compared to the Sampler 5 9 ?? I always remember Rob Machado saying that you should go for the higher volume - Foam is your Friend. :)
The LOST volume calculator has me at right at 30.9L
Someone was also saying that because it is for smaller waves the additional volume will help in catching waves, and make the board even faster, but in truth I am not going out if it is smaller than waist high anyway. So I dont want it as a true groveler board in knee high waves, but for the more typical waist to head high that we get for the summer here.
What would you recommend??
30. comment for Channel Islands "SAMPLER" Surfboard review by Noel Salas Ep.7
The fact that you rip and are able to translate the various dims of the board into clear language in order to understand make your site a pleasure to view and makes purchases of surfboards way easier. However with all that said I still have a question for you :)
I ride a 5' 8" Weirdo Ripper at 30.1 liters and was gonna buy the Sampler but was unsure as to whether to go with the 5' 9" at 29.7 or the 5' 10 at 31.2 liters. I'm 5' 9" and usually around 178 - 180 lbs and above average fitness. What would be your recommendations. We pretty much surf slopey reef break and beach breaks in the waist to just overhead range most of the time here in Trinidad, so I was looking for something a bit faster than my Weirdo Ripper but in that same sort of flotation range.
Thanks for taking the time to reply and keep up the awesome reviews!!
Thanks
I really like the Flexbar construction and I think it's worth the money on my small wave boards. Not sure yet on my performance boards because I like a PU in bigger waves. I did order a Fever in Flexbar to do a review on how it goes in some bigger surf..... so stay tuned for that review.
I hope to work with FireWire soon and I am sure they have their reasons. Cheers!!!
What fins do you recommend for this board (for me). I use the Futures AM1 Blackstixin my WR, but I the Sampler that SS has in stock is with the FCS boxes.
I would love to keep using the AM1 Blackstix (though you recommend the AM2) and there seems no true FCS equivalent for the AM1 Blackstix, but what would you recommend as a fin in the FCS setup for me, the AM2?
As another option, I could always order the board through SS from CI in the Futures setup but that means an 8 to 10 week waiting period and by the time it reaches me here, that will be the end of summer.
Thanks
Bit of a quandary here.
Ive been getting different opinions on whether to go for the 5 9 at 29.7 liters or the 5 10 at 31.2 liters? I like the present way the Weirdo paddles (30.0 Liters) but thought that the 5 10 at 31.2 may be too much volume.
Would the additional 1.2 liters of the 5 10 Sampler over my present Weirdo make it harder to turn that one compared to the Sampler 5 9 ?? I always remember Rob Machado saying that you should go for the higher volume - Foam is your Friend. :)
The LOST volume calculator has me at right at 30.9L
Someone was also saying that because it is for smaller waves the additional volume will help in catching waves, and make the board even faster, but in truth I am not going out if it is smaller than waist high anyway. So I dont want it as a true groveler board in knee high waves, but for the more typical waist to head high that we get for the summer here.
What would you recommend??
I would go 5'9 on the Sampler for sure.... it paddles so good because of the low entry rocker. The Sampler has a gas peddle too, so much speed down the line. Your going to freak on how good it goes!
Let me know what you think after you ride it a few times. Cheers
How do you think the Sampler would work with a round tail? Have you heard anyone try one?
Thanks
sizing for a mid-intermediate ? im 6.3 around 175 pounds . was thinking to go for the 6.0 or the 6.1 .
it goes amazing , even with the plastic fins they gave me.. !!
The board was only available with fcs2 , so i have to buy a good set. Do y have any experience with those and the sampler?
Sometimes you need to take some risk to move forward in getting better at something you love. This kind of change could be exactly what you need to grow in surfing.
The shorter board will turn faster and that's what you need in smaller surf. If the Volume is there then you will still have float.
Also how do you think this board would perform if its thinned and narrowed out a bit so that its less of a groveler and more performancy? Do you think it might hurt the board?
Thanks in advance for the response!
I would go with the stock 5'8. The Sampler is epic in 1-4 surf and I don't think it goes to good in bigger because it lacks the rocker needed in bigger waves. If you are looking for a bit more high performance and a board that can still go in 2-4+ surf then what about a 5'11 Fever? A little more rocker but thinned out a bit. Your height at 6'0 and your light weight it might work really well for you.
I surf in San Diego and looking to get a board that will perform in 2-4+ ft surf.
I'm 6'1" 180lbs been surfing for 20yrs but would consider myself intermediate. (no aerials)
The main differences between the DD and Sampler is the rocker. The DD has continues rocker throughout and aggressive tail rocker. Overall the DD is going to be way more high performance and not much of a Groveler compared to the Sampler.
The Sampler has immediate speed from the second You stand up and can do high performance surfing up to 4 feet. It will feel like it's going to slide out when the waves get more powerful, or super hollow.
Thank you
Best Reviews by far on the internet (including surfboard design info). The footage of you using the boards is so helpful!! I keep seeing your videos over and over and I always find new details. I'm thinking in buying the Sampler and I'd love to hear your comments on these 2 questions:
1. The Sampler holds surfing in the pocket/can make tigh turns on small waves? The bump and exit rocker are not as extreme as the NF, but I actually have the NF, who handles pocket surf & tight turns by is kinda slow in small waves. I would love to have more speed in small waves, even if I lose some turning capacity as long as I could still be surfing on the pocket...
2. In one of your comments you said that usually you increase your volume by 1 liter when surfing small waves boards vs shortboards. But I've seen your reviews on B&W, Zeus (shortboards)/ NF, sampler (small waves), and your volume is always around 27 liters. Is this because NF/sampler are "high performance glovelers" and you keep the same volume? Should I buy my sampler with same volume of my shortboard?
Thanks!!
Thanks for your info!! My doubts are now clear
Just a quick update on "Surf n Show Reviews": Best Reviews on the internet; Great place to learn about surfboard design AND replies up to 20 min!! STOKED!!!
Answer to your first question. The Sampler will way faster in small waves than your NF. Simply because of less rocker. You will lose a little pivot in the pocket but on small waves you gotta have speed.
Question 2 answer. I am finding that I like my boards for small waves around 26.5 and my high performance short boards around 26.5 to 27.5. This is s range that fluctuates between models and rocker. A good example is the NF has more entry rocker and that will slow my paddle and down the line speed a bit compared to the Sampler..
On the same note the Black n White has a flat deck compared to the Rook 15 so my normal dims will change because of the full rails on the B&W. This is why I give a range.
To answer if you should get a Sampler in the exact DIMS as your standard short board DIMS depends on your skill level .
to take it out yesterday on a bit of a pumping day (4 to 6 feet off
shore) & it still went great on some descent waves. It's got me
stoked to grab a Black & White as my regular short board. Thanks
again, it was this review that locked it in:) Once I put it under my arm
though I knew it would work for what I was looking for - A board to sit
between my groveler & my regular short board. Proper Stoked!:)
I can't compare the WR and Sampker because the Sampler is made for small waves and it does not have a lot of tail rocker. You will not be able to turn the Sampler like the WR in the pocket or on a wave that is steep.
If you are looking for a good small wave board or even a board that goes good in mushy surf then get the Sampler.
Which model you personally prefer the Sampler or the Bunny Chow for small days and in which kind of material the PU or the Flexbar?
That Sampler will work in 3-4 and smaller. Let me know how it goes after get used to it. Cheers!!!!
and which is better stock dims for me?
thanks
thanks for your answer, it helps me a lot!
Cheers
50. comment for Channel Islands "SAMPLER" Surfboard review by Noel Salas Ep.7
I'm from Brazil and I'll buy the board on monday at LA store..
hope to surf with you in Trestles!
Got a 5'7 dumpster diver, which is my favourite board. Not sure if i get another one or the sampler, which do you prefer and what are the differences.
Cheers
I'm 15 years old, i'm 5'6 for 110 pounds and still growing. I ordered a stock dims 5'7 sampler, do you think that it's the right size for me ? I live in hossegor in France and I really want to feel the sampler like a fast shortboard, that can handle semi-hollow waves in the 3-5 foot range.
I'm currently riding a fat fishy type 6'0, with 33L of volume, and I wanna go shorter for more maneuverability and easy duck dives.
So, what do you think ? I think i'm right, but I want you to give your opinion. I know that there's a big difference between those boards but i'm really sportive. Oh and yeah, i'm a intermediate to advanced surfer.
Again great job, and thanks !
great job!
im about to replace my rocket v3 into a sampler or a stubble
this shuold be a go to board to 1-3 foot beach break surf
will thank for your advice and and would love to see what you woul have choose betwin them
im 5'7 157 lb 70 kg intermidiate to advence surfer usually ride 26 liter
what size do you recommend for these tow models?
Had a quick question on EPS Layup. Have you used a Team Light glassing yet or just ultra light. I am very comfortable surfing EPS boards and I like them light. I have not surfed a Channel Islands EPS board.
I did see that you had an UL Poly that weighed six pounds as opposed to the four and a half pound EPS board. Was that EPS board a UL or Team light. Any advice would be great.
I have a PodMod in 5'8 (33.5lt) and love it for smaller day's but was thinking in adding a Sampler to my quiver for those days when the waves are still small 2-4ft but more punchy. Do you recommend in going up (6'0 with 34.5) or down (5'11 with 32.8) in volume? My first guess would be to go up, because the board is narrower in the nose and the rails are less full, but I would really like to have your input on this. I'm 42 years, 6'1 and 205lb int/adv.
I am 5'8'' 160lb advanced surfer in above average shape. I ride a 5'7'' (25L) new flyer as a groveler (in between my fish and my hp shortboard) I want to raise my volume to 26-7 L and thought about a 5'7'' sampler.
how would you compare the new flyer to the sampler ? which one is a better performance small waves board ?
did you try the sampler as a quad or heard any feedback about it as a quad?
Thanks a lot man
I'm planning to buy a sampler, I've been riding a 5'8 x 19 x 2'1/4, I'm 5'11 and 141 LBS. I'm intermediate.
Could you suggest me a sampler measures
Do you think I will get used to it easily?
Amazing video!
Keep up the good work!
I am planning to order a sampler. I am 132LBS 5'7. I currently ride HS HYPTO KRYPTO 5.8 30L...I am a BEGIN/INTERMEDIA...Could you suggest what size and volume would be ideal for me?
I ride a 5'4" #4 as my groveler, and a 5'8" Fred Rubble as my "shortboard." I live near/surf in Santa Cruz, and we get good waves, but usually nothing super powerful or steep. I'm looking for an in between board between the #4 and FR, and was considering either the Sampler or Fred Stubble. Which, if any, of those two boards would you recommend? How much overlap do you think they would have with my current 2 go-to boards.
Thanks!
Steve (I'm 5'8" ~140lbs)
Excellent channel, very informative. Could you please compare the sampler to the Dumpster Diver.
Thanks.
I'm 6'2 - 187lbs. I started to surf 20y ago but the conditions where I live are not so fantastic and, in the recent years, i've been surfing only 2/3 times per week, so I would consider myself as a intermediate surfer.
I've been riding a FW Dominator 6'0 (34L) most of the times on weak/mushy 2'-4' waves. I really like the board as a all rounder but when it's punchier or choppier it's quite difficult to holp such volume on a epoxy board. Thus, I decided to change my board and get back again to PU boards.
I've the change to take a Sampler 6'0 or a #4 5'11 from a local surf shop. Given the above what board would you recommend for me?
I know that you already comment on the difference between the Sampler and the #4, anyway i'd appreciate a lot your comments.
Cheers!
ps: I really love your style surfing! it's so fluid and powerful at same time! Great!
thanks
This is great to have found these awesome reviews and feedback! Thank you so much for the time you put into all of it...the commentary, the videos of you surfing (so relevant to see how a board goes in the conditions it was designed for) and taking the time answer our questions. INVALUABLE and, yes, CI should hire you and pay you commissions. Love CI but not sure why they don't do the same thing you do on all their boards.
I'm planning to order a custom Sampler and am curious on suggested dims. Yours is wide compared to stock and I read your comment as to why, you also mentioned you liked that the stock 5'7 wasn't as wide as yours and it sounds like that's the route you'd go next time.
Do you recommend sticking with CI's stock widths as it relates to their length and just increasing the thickness to get volume up?
I am 5'4, 145 lbs, surf San Diego, a lot of mushy waist to chest days and am an intermediate surfer. I'm thinking maybe 5'5 x 18 1/2 x 2 5/16 = 25.1L if I stick with CI stock length/width. What do you think? Doesn't seem like I'd want to go any longer but I think I need my volume to be close to 25L to get me into smaller waves easier. Don't want it to be corky and am looking for the board to be responsive.
Currently riding a 5'6 x 18 5/8 x 2 1/4 (24.6L) Fred Stubble and a 5'5 x 18 3/4 x 2 1/4 (24.5L) #4 and feel like I could use a little more volume at times or something that gets into waves easier and is FAST.
Hoping the Sampler works as well for me as it is for you.
GREAT surfing by the way...ripping!!! Thanks for your help.
Of the two boards you mention above I'm leaning more towards the 5'5 simply because of the width but this is where I am still a little confused. In your opinion, which is more important in catching and surfing smaller, mushy waves...width or thickness/volume? Again, I'm probably on the low half of intermediate and don't want to limit myself by going too narrow or too wide.
The 5'5 x 18.5 x 2 5/16 (25.1L) seems like good volume to me but none of my boards are that narrow but they also don't have that much volume. I'm trying to understand if the extra thickness will help get me into waves as well and glide me through the flat spots or if it's too narrow.
Can you please also give your thoughts on how thickness affects small wave surfing/cathcing waves versus width and at what point the thickness works against us just like the width does at a certain point.
P.S. I saw your board for sale on CL...you going with a stock 5'7?
Thanks, bro, I really appreciate your help!!!
Im an intermediate surfer I´m 5´10 & 152 lbs,
What dims (Sampler) would you recommend me?
thanks for your help.
keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers!!!!!
I'm lookin' to custom order this model at 6'4.....21".....2 7/8....@ 41.3l
Hopefully this will provide me with the ability to surf the Gulf Coast!! I'm looking forward to gettin' this board in my hands!
Thanks
Giorgi
Thank you Noel for the thorough answer
and feedback on both of the boards.
I really appreciate your input
ps. my neck beard is 5'8 stock dimensions. what would you recommend if i go with sampler? I'm 5'9 and 150 pounds.
How would you compare the Sampler to the Bunny Chow and New Flyer in terms of speed, performance, wave height and type of surfing?
Thanks
Also, I would loe if you reviewed the #4 and Rook 15 in the future:)
100. comment for Channel Islands "SAMPLER" Surfboard review by Noel Salas Ep.7
I want to give you a big up for your great reviews & your surfing style!
I'm looking to replace my 5'10 CI MOTORBOAT for the mushy & choppy NorthSea waves.
I tried the 5'7 average joe a while ago but found it a bit to 'bulky' :-)
What dims SAMPLER do you recommend? I'm a 6'1 & 190lbs intermediate/good surfer.
Thanks for your help!
Thanks for your help! much appreciated :-)
keep up the good work !
I'm about to get new weapon but am stuck between Newfryer and sampler for everyday surf in SoCali. and if i get order the sampler, i'm thinking swallow tail. what do you think sampler with swallow tail??
thank you.
If I'm surfing a 4 and a sampler, which is better for kinda weak point breaks?
zeus or sampler
which is the better paddler/wave catcher?
cant slide them out as much as I'd like to on my backside. Might not be as powerful of a surfer as you though-165lbs. Might try the JW or MF mediums next ! good luck experimenting !