Page 1 of 1

R5vs R8surf

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2026 5:15 pm
by Jeeper
I currently have 19R% Surf that I have been happy with. I made the mistake of going to the Boat Show and checking out a R8 Surf. It's 25 model that is left over.
Has anyone gone from the old series to the newer one with tsurf tabs. Is the wave much better and the performance?
I’m just wanting opinions before signing the papers.
thanks

Re: R5vs R8surf

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2026 5:46 pm
by Jeeper
IMG_2541.jpeg
[attachment=1]IMG_2536.jpeg[

Re: R5vs R8surf

Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2026 7:00 pm
by MnLakeBum
The wave on the R6 and R8 Surf is certainly better with more forward push. That helps especially with beginner and intermediate surfers but I’m not sure it matters much for someone who is a proficient surfer. We have an R5 Surf that we bought new in 2018 and my adult kids and their friends have no problems doing 360’s and other tricks on its wave. The R8 certainly has more space than an R5 and if you need that it’s certainly worth the upgrade. I might be in the minority, but I like the interior better on the R7 and R5 over the R6 and R8.

Re: R5vs R8surf

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2026 8:24 am
by Cctvdc
I agree with you so far as preferring the odd R series than the new R’s. So I guess we are in the minority.

Re: R5vs R8surf

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2026 9:41 pm
by Jeeper
I like the look and interior of my R5. It seems to be better built then the even numbers but I like a lot of the features now offered. Does anyone know when Cobalt changed from Kevlar stringers to fiberglass?

Re: R5vs R8surf

Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2026 5:55 am
by Norris_Boating
I am not sure they ever use Kevlar Stringers, they are still doing the Kevlar Reinforced Hull.

Re: R5vs R8surf

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2026 4:22 pm
by Jeeper
On the spec sheet it list’s fiberglass stringers on the R8. I’m not sure if my R5 has the has Kevlar . On my old 190 it had a sticker on it saying Kevlar stringers.