What is a pop-out?

What is a Pop-out?

A popout is a termed heard often by surfers to describe a type of surfboard. This term is not used to describe a brand of surfboard but rather how the board was made. It means that the board was made 100% by a machine, in a factory, rather than shaped by a person.

Should I buy a popout ?

I am not here to make judgements on what surfboard you should buy but I will present the facts, that I am aware of at least. Popouts are usually not made in the USA, they are made in Asia utilizing the cheap cost of labor and production that many other US companies use as well. Popouts are also taking business away from local shapers, guys who make boards from hand. And, yet at the same time, surfing is growing rapidly, and shapers are not able to meet demands, so pop outs may be making up for this. So there is a market for them, and some people really like them.

Should I buy a custom board?

That is entirely up to you. Even if you are a beginner, a custom board may be right for you. They are the same price as popouts, and sometimes cheaper. The downfall is that they can take several months to make, but hey, how many custom made products do you currently own? Its very unique. If you are a first time board buyer, I generally recommend you go to a shop and pick up a used board, then see what you want.

How do I know if a board is a popout?

Well, I am not going to list brands, but generally the best way to tell is to ask. Ask the shop where the board was made and who shaped it.

Do popouts surf differently?

This is a matter of opinion and preference. Kinda like asking are Macs better than PCs? Different boards for different people. Just have fun surfing and be happy. Surfing is not a fashion show.