Which Soft Top Surfboards Have the Best Warranties

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Which Soft Top Surfboards Have the Best Warranties


Soft tops, AKA Foam boards (more affectionately known as ‘foamies’) and Doyles have gone ultra mainstream, even making their way to Pipe thanks originally to Jamie O’Brien. More recently, both Mason Ho and John John have joined in on the fun and have been seen surfing their signature soft tops on the North Shore.

While soft-tops are known mostly for messing around on smaller, fun days and treating them like they are a throw-away item, boards are getting more technical and surfers are pushing the limits on them. If you’re considering adding one to your quiver, it’s worth knowing if and how you’ll be protected, if at all. While we will get into the specific warranties below, it’s worth pointing out the biggest anomaly of them all. The most famous surfboard warranty has to be what people secretly call the ‘Costco rental program.’ Costco has a ‘Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee policy ensuring that you can essentially damage or break your soft-top as many times as you want and keeping coming back for free replacements. There are some caveats to their guarantee so it’s best to read it in detail before making any major purchases.

However, they do say “On Merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell, and will refund your purchase price*” So… best to be buying your Wavestorms from Costco only.

 


 

Jamie O’Brien demostrating how far you can push the limits of a foamy, breaking his signature Catch Surf soft-top at Pipeline. Luckily Surfcare Protection Plans even protect soft-tops. See below on which plan works best for which soft boards.

John John taking both his JJF Astro Fish and Log for a spin on the same wave riding all the way to the sand.

Mason Ho doing what he does best, putting his board in harms way on his signature Softech Twin.

As demonstrated by three of the best surfers in the world, soft-tops are extremely versatile. What isn’t as versatile are the warranties that come with each of the boards. Outside of the Costco return policy, none of these boards are covered for accidental damage causing delamination, dings or breaks. And… unlike a few years ago, as the foam surfboards increase in their construction quality and performance so does the price, making it all that much more important to keep them protected.

Click on the links below to skip to the brand of soft-top that you’re looking for more warranty info on:

Owned by AGIT Global which also manufactures:

  • Storm Blade
  • True Wave

    The below applies to Wavestorm, Storm Blade and True Wave soft-tops.

    • Limited Warranty: free of manufacturing and materials defects
    • Duration: 30 days

        Manufacturing and Material Defects

        All surfboards, stand up paddleboards and other products by AGIT Global are warranted to be free of manufacturing and materials defects for thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. All claims of any manufacturing or materials defect must be made within thirty (30) days directly to AGIT or to the retail store where the Wavestorm Board was purchased, together with proof of purchase. If it is determined upon inspection by AGIT Global that a manufacturing defect is present, then AGIT will repair the board or replace the board with like merchandise at its sole discretion. No monetary refunds or exchanges for any product other than an AGIT product will be made. Provided, however, that any boards used for commercial purposes, such as rentals, surf schools and camps, are not warranted for any period of time. The installation of any third party parts and/or accessories, such as fins, grips and/or mounts, on AGIT products voids the warranty. Drilling or cutting into, and/or affixing objects to, the AGIT products also voids the warranty.

        Although AGIT products are made with the finest materials and manufactured to the highest standards in the industry, because of the nature of surfing, AGIT Global cannot warrant against damage to or breakage of a board caused or incurred during its use, even if such damage falls within the thirty (30) day warranty period. Damage to any AGIT product resulting from wear and tear, misuse, exposure to the sun, heat or elements, or simply caused by the demands of the board when in use, including but not limited to boards that are wrecked, snapped, punctured, scraped, broken, crushed, compressed, dented, and fins or straps that are broken or damaged, or any other damage or breakage of any kind that is not caused by a manufacturing or materials defect, is not covered at any time. Repair and replacement kits, however, are available from AGIT Global by contacting its Customer Service Department at (877) 673-3622 or (714) 389-1818. Do not use solvents or cleaners on a Wavestorm Board. Wavestorm Boards are manufactured to last for many years with proper care according the Good Board Care Guide included with this purchase.

         

        MF Soft-top Warranty

        • Limited Warranty: Unknown
        • Duration: 30 days

            Our policy lasts 30 days. If 30 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.

            To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

            To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase.

            There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)
            Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
            Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

             

            Pyzel JJF Soft-top Warranty

            • Limited Warranty: Unknown
            • Duration: 30 days

                We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return. (excluding surfboards)

                To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.

                 

                Odysea Catch Surf Soft-top Warranty

                • Limited Warranty: Protects against manufacturing and materials defects
                • Duration: 30 days

                    As stated by Catch Surf - All new Catch Surf® boards are warranted to be free of manufacturing and materials defects for thirty (30) days from the date of purchase, subject to the full terms and conditions of the warranty below. 

                    Any Catch Surf boards used for commercial purposes, such as rentals, surf schools and camps, are not warranted for any period of time. 

                    The installation of any third party parts and/or accessories, such as fins, grips and/or mounts, on the Catch Surf board voids the limited warranty.  Drilling or cutting into, and/or affixing objects to, the Catch Surf board also voids the warranty.

                     

                    Softech Soft-top Warranty

                    • Limited Warranty: free of construction defects
                    • Duration: 30 days

                        Your Softech warranty does NOT cover:

                        • Exposure to excessive heat. Heat can damage the shape and lamination of the board
                        • Creasing of the deck or the slick - Water absorption
                        • Accidental or forceful damage to the board
                        • Over-flexed or broken boards
                        • Damage caused by leashes or other accessories
                        • Dents or depressions from the rider or foreign objects
                        • The print on this board will self-destruct with time and use
                        • Some sunscreens and lotions MAY affect the print on this board

                         

                          Formula Fun Soft-top warranty

                          • Limited Warranty: free of manufacturing defects
                          • Duration: 30 days

                              AlthoughFormula Fun boards are made with the finest materials and manufactured to the highest standards in the industry, because of the nature of surfing, Formula Fun cannot warrant against damage to or breakage of a board caused or incurred during its use, even if such damage falls within the thirty (30) day limited warranty period.

                              Damage to any Formula Fun board resulting from wear and tear, misuse, exposure to the sun, heat or elements, or simply caused by the demands of the board when in use, including but not limited to boards that are wrecked, snapped, punctured, scraped, broken, crushed, compressed, dented, and fins or straps that are broken or damaged, or any other damage or breakage of any kind that is not caused by a manufacturing or materials defect, is not covered at any time.

                              Due to nature of materials used in the construction of soft surfboards in general, there will be some water absorption, which is normal and not a defect. This water typically drains after each use.

                               

                              Degree 33 Soft-top Warranty

                              • Limited Warranty: free of manufacturing defects
                              • Duration: 30 days

                                  We warranty our boards for any manufacturer defect for 30 days from the original date of purchase. If you feel that your board has a manufacturer issue, please take pictures and forward them to surf@degree33.com. If we determine that the cause of the damage was indeed a manufacturer defect we will resolve the issue in whatever manner is appropriate- repair, replacement, or refund. Please note, even though you may feel that the manufacturer is at fault, it may be determined that the damage was caused by pilot error, and in these cases, the responsibility may be yours.

                                  Each board we build goes through 2 levels of quality control before it is ever delivered to the customer. We do this to insure that every board we build meets our quality guidelines. It is our reputation on the line if your new stick doesn't live up to your expectations. However, because surfing is an extreme sport taking place in an always changing and unpredictable environment, there are certain types of damage that we cannot warranty once the customer has taken possession of their new board. Following is a list of these types.

                                  1. All of the following types of damage can happen at any point and in ANY size surf. Even really small waves have been known to create enough hydraulic pressure to snap brand new boards.

                                  • Broken or buckled boards
                                  • Breaking of fins or the fin boxes
                                  • Cracking or warping of board resins

                                    2. We cannot warranty any damage caused by exposure to heat and UV. All boards can be damaged by the sun and it is our policy to recommend that anytime your board is not in use, it is stored in a reflective and padded board bag to prevent de-lamination.

                                    3. All our boards are shaped completely by hand and we can not warranty or credit for any cosmetic issues. A cosmetic issue is considered anything that does not affect the structural integrity or performance of the surfboard which includes but is not limited to the finish on the surfboard, variations in color, and variations in dimensions. This applies to both stock and custom surfboards. If you deem the issue to be more than a cosmetic issue please send pictures via email within 3 Business days of receipt.

                                    4. Lastly, pressure dents from sustained or elevated pressure is commonplace for surfboards. All surfboards can dent with pressure from feet, knees, elbows, or any other firm surface.

                                    Damage to your board is part of owning a surfboard. Although we take very effort to create a product that is resistant to breakage, keeping your board perfect will only happen if you hang it on the wall and leave it there. :)

                                     

                                    Almond R-series Soft-top Warranty

                                    • Limited Warranty: free of manufacturing and materials defects
                                    • Duration: 30 days

                                        All new R-Series by Almond surfboards are warranted to be free of manufacturing and materials defects for thirty (30) days from the date of purchase, subject to the full terms and conditions of the warranty below. All claims of any manufacturing or materials defect must be made within thirty (30) days directly to Almond Surfboards or to the retail store where the board was purchased, together with proof of purchase, using the procedure under the heading “Warranty Resolution” below.

                                        Although R-Series by Almond Surfboards are made with the finest materials and manufactured to the highest standards in the industry, because of the nature of surfing, Almond cannot warrant against damage to or breakage of a board caused or incurred during its use, even if such damage falls within the thirty (30) day limited warranty period.

                                        Damage to any R-Series board resulting from wear and tear, misuse, exposure to the sun, heat or elements, or simply caused by the demands of the board when in use, including but not limited to boards that are wrecked, snapped, punctured, scraped, broken, crushed, compressed, dented, and fins or straps that are broken or damaged, or any other damage or breakage of any kind that is not caused by a manufacturing or materials defect, is not covered at any time.

                                        Due to nature of materials used in the construction of soft surfboards in general, there could be some water absorption, which is normal and not a defect. This water typically drains after each use.

                                         

                                        Bru Surf Soft-top Warranty

                                        • Limited Warranty: Protects against defects in the materials and manufacturing
                                        • Duration: 60 days

                                            Buell Soft-top Warranty

                                            • Limited Warranty: Unknown
                                            • Duration: Unknown

                                                Haydenshapes Soft-top Warranty

                                                • Limited Warranty: free from any manufacturing defects or faults
                                                • Duration: Unknown

                                                    All surfboards sold by Haydenshapes come with a warranty to be free from any manufacturing defects or faults. Surfboards are NOT warranted against breakage. This warranty is not transferable. Goods under warranty cover will be replaced or repaired by the manufacturer. No refund can be provided under any circumstances. Warranty only covers the item(s) sold by Haydenshapes. A large percentage of returned goods are found to be, not faulty. If the returned goods are determined by Haydenshapes to not be faulty, then all returning shipping fees will be worn by the customer. We will seek the permission from the customer to charge this cost to the customer’s credit card where possible. Failing this, the goods will be sent back by Australia Post COD freight collected. Haydenshapes also reserves the right to charge the labour cost for examining these goods where no fault was found. All warranties are voided if returned product is found in any way to be mishandled, mis-installed, modified, tampered, abused, physically damaged. Please attach a copy of the original invoice or provide the original invoice number. A detailed fault description sheet must be sent together with all the returning warranty goods. Customer is responsible for any shipping and insurance cost involved in sending the warranty claim goods back to Haydenshapes. Haydenshapes is not responsible for any parcel missing in transit, on its return back to Haydenshapes.

                                                     

                                                    ISLE Soft-top Warranty

                                                    • Limited Warranty: protected against faulty materials
                                                    • Duration: 1 year

                                                        Our team is committed to bringing you the best quality paddle boards designed and tested by people who surf and paddle daily. Ride it and love it for 60 days or return it! If you don’t love your board we will take it back + 1 YEAR WARRANTY ON MATERIALS!

                                                         

                                                        BZ Soft-top Warranty

                                                        • Limited Warranty: Unknown
                                                        • Duration: Unknown

                                                            NSP Soft-top Warranty

                                                            • Limited Warranty: limited to repair or replacement of the defective product
                                                            • Duration: 1 Year

                                                                This warranty is only valid to the original purchaser of the board, from the original dealer. This warranty is valid for twelve (12) months from the date of purchase of the original product. This warranty does not cover the following claim conditions:

                                                                • Damage or defects caused by impact with any materials or objects (incl. ramps and sliders).
                                                                • Damage or defects caused by collisions, abuse, misuse or accidental damage.
                                                                • Breakage or defects as a result of prior damages.
                                                                • Damage or defects caused by transport, loading, unloading, dropping, or out of water handling.
                                                                • Damage or defects caused by heel dents.
                                                                • Damage or defects caused by non-recreational use.
                                                                • Damage or defects caused by inappropriate storage or handling.
                                                                • Damage or defects caused by exposure to temperatures over 21°C (70°F) and under 0°C (32°F).
                                                                • Damage or defects caused by natural events such floods, earthquake, fire, etc.
                                                                • Damage or defects caused by alterations or modifications including the use of a larger fin than specified.
                                                                • Damage or defects caused by repairs.
                                                                • Damage or defects caused by usage of the board after a claim is reported.
                                                                • Damage or defects caused by flat landings.
                                                                • Damage or defects caused by improper mounting or adjustment of bindings or footstraps.
                                                                • Any damage except manufacturing defects in material or workmanship.
                                                                • Damage or defects caused by storage of the board in closed, damp conditions (for example a wet boardbag).
                                                                • Damage or defects caused by impact with the sea floor.

                                                                 

                                                                  Paragon Soft-top Warranty

                                                                  • Limited Warranty: None
                                                                  • Duration: NA

                                                                      Due to the unpredictable variables associated with the act of surfing, Paragon Surfboards cannot guarantee against damage and cannot warranty once a surfboard is used.  This includes but is not limited to dings, cracks, heat exposure, delamination, and broken boards.

                                                                      Please keep in mind that the hydraulic pressure of a breaking wave can damage any board at any time regardless of the size of the waves.  Additionally, returns/refunds will not be made for accidental purchases or changes of heart. Returns/refunds are available for surfboards that arrive damaged due to shipping.

                                                                      Shipping Damage

                                                                      If your surfboard arrives damaged, please email the details along with pictures of the visible damage to info@paragonsurfboards.com within 2 days of receiving your surfboard.  We will respond within 7 days advising you with the appropriate action to take.  Please do not return items without receiving instructions. Paragon Surfboards must approve the return of the item if any claim of shipping damage is made.

                                                                       

                                                                      Southbay Board Co. Soft-top Warranty

                                                                      • Limited Warranty: Unknown
                                                                      • Duration: Unknown

                                                                        REFUNDS (IF APPLICABLE)

                                                                        Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund.

                                                                        If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days.
                                                                        SHIPPING

                                                                        To return your product, you should mail your product to either our West Coast or East Coast warehouse, depending on which location is the closest:

                                                                        South Bay Board Co., 12752 Monarch Street Garden Grove, CA 92841 United States.

                                                                         

                                                                        Foamy Soft-top Warranty

                                                                        • Limited Warranty: Unknown
                                                                        • Duration: Unknown

                                                                          88 Soft-top Surfboard Warranty

                                                                          • Limited Warranty: Unknown
                                                                          • Duration: Unknown

                                                                             

                                                                            Protecting your soft-top against accidental damage is easy as match up the right board with the right protection plan. here’s the break down:

                                                                            1. If your board has a soft-top but epoxy bottom, you are better off purchasing Surfcare Premium. This way, you are covered for both break and dings in the case the bottom of your surfboard incurs damage.
                                                                            2. If your board is a soft-top with foam core and laminated bottom, the Surfcare Essential plan is a better fit as it covers only breaks, which is the primary concern with full foam soft-tops.
                                                                              Surfboard Insurance plan coverage.png

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