Mar 15, 2011

Standard Inflation





Just wanted to let you matters out there know that I've been riding my 4GF Standard with 90 degree bend (when in the water) almost exclusively for a over a year now and am stoked on this setting. Seems to work fine for me in all conditions. And it's a firm L-bend, so the fabric goes tight. My guess is that the rails and channels get a crisp tuck-edge for both grip and release. Plus the semi-rigid mat is easy to paddle and control. I have done a few tests of lower and higher inflation, just out of curiosity, but keep coming back. This may not work for you, but I like it...

9 comments:

Growling Gecko said...

I concur. 90 degrees on the Standard works just fine!

Anonymous said...

you in hawaii?

Anonymous said...

sweet pics. like that one where you are cruising along on that nearly faded wave. any other craft would bog. - 9N78W

Paul Gross said...

One of the many reasons I've always maintainted that the Standard was, and is, a magic mat is that the ideal inflation level for surfing is also the ideal inflation level of paddling and catching waves.

Large or small, bumpy or glassy, right or left...I just set it at 90 degrees and forget it.

Most good mats are very close to this ideal, but the 4GF Standard nails it.

Surfsister said...

I, too, can attest to using the 90 degree bend on my Standard. I don't even think about it anymore or tinker with the inflation. I test the bend while on land and then paddle (kick?) out to the lineup. I spent close to four hours in the water on Sunday--the majority were spent on a surfboard, but the session was made perfect by ending it on the mat.

Paul Gross said...

SS,

I would suggest you set up the inflation level after you've been in the water few minutes, to let the temperature of the air inside the mat stabilize.
:)

PG

Pahl Dixon said...

Those shots are from Hawaii. I'm in NZ now, and have been matting in boardshorts for the whole summer. So stoked on the utter simplicity of mat, trunks and flippers!

Surfsister said...

PG, I usually get the bend on land and then adjust in the water. When I said I didn't fool around with inflation, I meant on land. I wasn't clear. I do find that I need to reset (for wont of a better term) the bend once I'm in the water. But the adjustment is minor because I've already got it closed to dialed in on land.

GRAYMAN said...

Riding the Standard Blue Streak I've noticed I never have the mat that hard. I set at 90 t paddle out, it deflates as it cools and I usually end up letting air out unless its really puming. Even the, I cant remember last time I was at full 90.

Interestingly, the canvas deck seemed to need a lower angle. I wonder if the lack of pliability in the deck is the reason: ie same air, harder bend.

G