Review: Al Merrick Robber
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. We didn't want this one to go back to Channel Islands.
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
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?
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
Yep – totally agree with Brad. Get yourself on a Pod and you’ll have heaps of fun. Let’s do a Pod review soon!
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
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.
hey im also thinking of getting a ci pod, im an advanced begginer and my only problem surfing is pooping up, i need a more steady board. would a pod work?
i have the same problem as u i would get the robber the pod a whouldent have as much fun
i have the same problem as u i would get the robber the pod you wouldnt have as much fun
hey man im 14,been riding since i was 10.iv had 3 boards and the one i have now is a 6.4 quad ,its not that fast.is the robber for me i want to go faster and get some quick turns in on small waves(knee height to 3 foot). thanks good review 2
Hey, as anyone riden this board with a thruster set up?
cheers
Hey Rod, the review copy we had was a thruster. It was pretty loose and skatey but heaps of fun.