Has anyone ever heard of them or have any experience/reviews on them?
I have never heard of them but I'm getting a good deal on one and cannot find any research on the net?
Seven answers:
John F
2009-09-11 06:11:49 UTC
Challenger were a powerhouse US surfboard company in the 50s and 60s. I'm not sure at what point they went out of business, but I'm pretty sure it was around the time of the 'short board revolution' in the late 60s, early 70s. The rights to the Challenger name was bought up by a Chinese manufacturer. Newly built Challengers are chinese popouts, made in sweat shop factories in China.
My son got suckered into buying one about 15 years ago. It looked nice, and to be honest, it wasn't a bad ride. But, like all cheap pop outs, it started having glass problems and delamination. Lots of leakage and rot. I talked to some knowledgeable folks in some shops, and it wasn't worth the money for me to even try to fix it at home. It's still in my garage if you want to buy it.
Lots of big name manufacturers went out of business, and shrewd Chinese entrepreneurs bought the rights to their brand names. It is pretty common. Most of the Chinese boards (and Thai boards, and eastern european boards) are all factory made popouts made with substandard materials and workmanship.
hartsock
2016-11-16 21:35:07 UTC
Challenger Surfboards
choppers
2009-09-10 18:47:43 UTC
Challengers were made in the 50s and 60s, if its the same company we are talking about.
They are classics now and worth 3-4 times of what they sold for originally.
If it's from the 50s or 60s it could be a nice investment if the board is in good condition.
Try looking for Challenger surfboards on Longboardgrotto.com
Judson
2015-10-17 12:31:42 UTC
I bought my first Challenger in 1968, it was a 7 2" V-Bottom. They were extraordinary boards. Over the next few years I bought about a half dozen. I still have the last one I bought. It was custom made for me, 6 10 Swallow-tail, single fin. It s in remarkable shape and I still surf with it. I wouldn t trade it for the world.
anonymous
2014-10-08 12:02:39 UTC
I got a Challenger. Great board. Enjoy it.
?
2017-02-11 21:59:11 UTC
1
Sandra
2015-09-13 11:02:36 UTC
How about Challenger "belly" boards of the late '60s?
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