Magic Sam ride reports..

jbb

Well-Known Member
Mar 17, 2010
878
576
Southern California
Drill down in this excellent article to see what Marc says about the modern Sam shape:

http://www.liquidsaltmag.com/2013/02/shaper-spotlight-marc-andreini/

I've only owned the Brian Hilbers / Kirk Putnam version of Magic Sam

PHD SOS:
http://rephullmen.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/94-sos-phd.html

This is the model Marc references --> it is based on the version that Paul Gross developed a number of years ago based on word of mouth description of the original. Here is a quote I found from K.P. on Sway's from the early 2000s,

"I have 2 of Paul Gross's son of Sam boards .They surf like longer stubbies.There is a sweet spot on my 9'4'that just flys 4th gear.They were shaped out Phil Edwards blanks so the rocker would be low but they have a nice crown on the deck thin rails and greenough fins."

I had the privilege of spending a couple of hours in Kirk's garage the winter before last and during that visit, I laid hands on Kirk's P.G. shaped Sam. Hilbers version is the closest to Paul Gross' shape that I've encountered.

Nowadays, you can order a Spence Sam which is based on Paul Gross' modern Sam but I've ridden one and it's not same as the original shaped by P.G.. Marc Andreini's model has his tweaks and probably is easier to ride versus PHD but Hilbers' board is my preference and anyone who knows me knows what a huge advocate I am of Andreini Surfboards

For what it's worth, I sold my PHD SOS to a good buddy a while ago and got a PHD 9'3" ANT to replace. It's similar design as SOS but a pin tail with a bit more nose rocker than the PHD SOS so easier to paddle, extra whippy turning and it loves to lock high in the pocket.

Just for fun:

https://youtu.be/uClgP_a1_Ew

Oh, and this from Paul Gross, if interested:

http://displacementia.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2016-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2017-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=27
 

Veterano

Well-Known Member
Aug 29, 2013
2,835
3,885
"Nowadays, you can order a Spence Sam which is based on Paul Gross' modern Sam but I've ridden one and it's not same as the original shaped by P.G.. Marc Andreini's model has his tweaks and probably is easier to ride versus PHD"
Interesting take, JBB. I think I told you once that Marc looked for my Spence Sam (pictured above) for a good 15 minutes in my old front yard and then deemed it; "... the best Sam I've ever seen".Needless to say, that stoked me. So I guess what I'm saying is don't discount (and I know you're not) the Spence/PG Sam. All three of these options are top shelf. And I would never even consider going to anyone other than these 3 for this model. Why? They all three kneel at the alter of GG (and by the same token, PG) and have for the last 40 years. That's where the board has it's US pedigree.
 
O

OrangeDog

Guest
^ Accurate.

My Spence Sam/spoon designed by PG. Unreal board and prompted the sale of most of my other longboards.
 

jbb

Well-Known Member
Mar 17, 2010
878
576
Southern California
In total agreement, O.G. The Spence and the Andreini didn't blow my doors OFF the way the Hilbers does but, others rave. As you say, I'm only providing my opinion here.

In addition, I didn't reach this conclusion in a vacuum. Several people here get credit for providing input and practical experience with these various models to aid in the selection process.

You via email & convo and most definitely Roach and Wade by virtue of sharing boards from their quivers to allow me to arrive at my first preference. Best thing about this forum besides the inherent humor and sarcasm is the spirit of aloha shared by most.

A final thought I would offer to those that want to try a modern Sam from any of these guys: order a custom!! You'll likely be surprised at the value. Pretty certain that Marc Andreini and Brian Hilbers will be at the Boardroom Show in Del Mar, this weekend (May 14-15) if you care to speak to them in person...

edit: to eliminate confusion --> O.G. "old gangster" as in Veterano
 

Veterano

Well-Known Member
Aug 29, 2013
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3,885
AND that's the best time and place to get boards they brought down for the show and do not want to take back home. Wheel & Deal!
 

Veterano

Well-Known Member
Aug 29, 2013
2,835
3,885
OrangeDog wrote:
^ Accurate.

My Spence Sam/spoon designed by PG. Unreal board and prompted the sale of most of my other longboards.
Same here. Once I got on a finely foiled LB w/o "ears" (wide nose) and the wide point back, I sold all the others and have been going in that direction ever since.

As JBB says above, talk to Hilbers for a custom. He's a mad scientist and a master rail turning, foam mowing, opinionated trip!!! I've gone down some forks in the road with him (like the Ant) that have brought me nothing but slide/glide bliss.
 

Surfnfish

Well-Known Member
Feb 6, 2015
2,221
3,456
PNW between here and there
All good stuff, very enlightening. After reviewing rider feedback on this thread and the one on general Pig recommendations, obviously hard to go wrong with Jim, Hilbers or Marc.
So since he is already making me a Glider, pinged Marc regarding a 9'4 Magic Sam, saves the $200 per board shipping to my home on the Oregon coast, can time the pickup of both boards with a visit to my son's family who lives 5 mins from Marc (in my old neighborhood).
Frankly bored with my 2+1 HPLB's, which I'm currently off-loading, can't wait to get back on boards with dat silky glide.
 

bbslider001

New Member
Jul 16, 2014
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0
Gah dangit all this talk of this and Smukes conversations have me wanting this ridiculously bad....BAD!! Think the JP Magic Ham route is how I am going, but I am thinking out loud.

Involvement...This has been good learning...thanks Veterano and others
 




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