The Robber is a truly unique hybrid surfboard. It is at once loose yet drivey, sensitive yet forgiving. I love the design and the faux wood spray finish. To surf the Robber effectively I found I needed to completely chill out (good thing we’ve been testing a heap of retro fishes) and feel loose and flexy. Short of donning my afro wig I almost imagined being Rob Machado whilst testing this board. It really helps. If you visualise yourself as someone like Rob whilst riding his signature board in the right conditions a little bit of magic might just happen.
The board definitely takes a bit of getting used to:
- it’s flat yet has forgiving round rails
- it’s loose and slidey yet holds a tight line on bottom turns
My best part of riding this Al Merrick creation was backhand cutbacks – it seems this board was made for them. Starting off I’d draw an easy line out onto the face and then arc fairly sharply around. The board turns on a dime with instant response to back foot pressure and rockets back around. Hitting the foam the board spins back with awesome release (thanks little trailer fin) landing you, ready, in the pocket to do it all again.
Fluid, flexible and fast would be the three words I’d use to describe how the Robber should be surfed. Don’t expect miracles unless you have the natural grace and flow of one of the world’s greatest surfers but if you’re after a summer board that’s less fishy and more performance then the Robber could be the one for you.
Plus it looks sick.
Sleeping with the Robber. The editor didn't want this one to go back to Channel Islands.
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:17 pm
Yeah, the robber is a sweet board. got mine about a month ago and it rides pretty good. found i dug a few rails to begin with but you’re right about it turning ona dime. good review tx
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:17 pm
Hey Matt, how do you think it would be for a girl surfer? I’ve been surfing for 2 years and am looking for something between a Mal and shortboard?
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:25 pm
Hey Tina,
I reckon you may be better off with something a little more sturdy than The Robber as it can be loose at times. If you like Al Merrick boards how about trying The Pod or the Waterhog models. Both will suit your level whilst leaving room to grow.
Cheers,
Brad, Editor, Surfd.com
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Yep – totally agree with Brad. Get yourself on a Pod and you’ll have heaps of fun. Let’s do a Pod review soon!
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:49 am
Hi…I’m about to head to Bali and have been thinking about buying either a 6’4″ Pod or 7’0″ Waterhog for the trip. I’m not a regular surfer, so I’ve never improved beyond advanced beginner/intermediate, but I’m comfortable paddling out in head-high waves and do ok once I get to my feet.
My dilemma is catching the wave earlier vs. having a board I can actually duck-dive. What’s your advice on either board? I’m 5’8″ and weigh 160lbs.
Thanks…Jonny
April 2nd, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Hey Jonny,
I’d go for the catching the wave earlier option. Bali is all about reef so you should theoretically be paddling out in the channel and, hopefully, landing up back near the channel after each ride. Depending on where you surf you might want something with a bit more rocker than the pod, which is pretty flat. You don’t want to be node-diving at a place like Bingin, believe me. I’ve got scars to prove it.
Have a great trip.