Hey TJ,
Welcome to LTS! Thank you for joining us here and posting your question.
I spent all of last season riding just the Cabrinha 5' 7" S-Quad and my skims. I weigh 160. The second I jumped on that board it was like magic for me. All we get here is on-shore to side-shore small to the occasional overhead waves, and the 5' 7" really works nicely in those conditions. The S-Quad is pretty quick board, and does not feel draggy at all. It does not have a super loose feel though, and if you like having a board that tracks up and down a face it is spot on for that. Its especially nice for the non-ideal real world waves/conditions that most of us get. I would find it very unlikely that it would break loose on you on bottom turns. I am a heavy back foot surfer, and I cannot recall that board ever breaking loose on me unintentionally.
The weight of the 5' 7" is good, but I would not call it light. I recently rode Jon's custom and it was probably at least a 3/4 pound or more lighter. However, when you go custom you are paying for a board built exactly for you, and the weight should always be better than a production board. Production boards are generally made to fit a wide range of riders and styles - plus they are usually made to be more durable for warranty issues. My only complaint on the 5' 7" would be that the fins could be better, and they should be changed out pretty soon after getting the board.
As far as going custom vs. the 5' 7" S-Quad that depends on how long you are willing to wait, and cost. When I rode Jon's board it was a sick board, but I did not get to ride it in any waves that day. Just chop and flat water. However, I know that if Jon tells me a board is good - it is. The guy knows surfboards inside and out, and he does not hold back on his opinions.
I am sure Jon will chime in and give you his feedback.
surfsky wrote:saw you thread on good boards but dont have access to
Were you not able to view a thread on LTS? Please let me know. That should not be the case. Anyone can read any posts on the board, but you have to be a member to write and reply to topics. Also how did you hear about us?
Thanks again for joining.