The
F101 is a super strong, light weight responsive surfboard that attempts
to overcome the inherent weaknesses in conventional surfboards that lead
to structural failures such as breakage and pressure dinging, common maladies
since the incorporation of Clarks Ultra Light High Performance blanks.
Broken boards were a major problem in the late 80's to early 90's and it
still happens, though with less frequency due to improvements by glassers
who have taken the time to research the problem and improve their technique.
Pressure dinging still often- almost always occurs and is probably very
often caused by over shaping of the rocker- sureformers still carelessly
cut into the softer inner core of the blanks. But the problems are mostly
inherent to the A) the lightweight blanks now being used almost universally
and B) inferior laminates. F101 is addressing this issue with carbon fiber
and metallic composite laminates as well as Kevlar (not used on MUD'S Gun).
Kevlar is a lighter stronger material and the most expensive material in
F101's arsenal of stronger laminates. It is perhaps more suited to shortboards
whereas the other bulkier laminates may be more appropriate when planning
a gun or a long board.
At this time F101's are being marketed more or less experimentally at a rate of approximately 10 per month. They have appeared at several industry trade shows and the company is seeking to gain a wider acceptance while struggling with the high costs of the laminates. At this time the boards are mainly offered on Ebay auctions. You might say F101 is still a well kept secret.
The board pictured above was purchased by MUD for the
purpose of big wave surfing. This page may be updated from time to time,
with performance reviews of this one board, and more information about
F101 as it becomes more available. If you would like to purchase an F101
for yourself- you probably know how to get a hold of MUD on Surfline by
now, and that's what you need to do.