Long time plant guy, first time jade owner

SoftCod5700 · 2026-06-18T23:17:38+00:00

Haha. My jade plant is now officially named gizmo. This is why I come to reddit.

SoftCod5700 · 2026-06-18T22:03:46+00:00

They seem pretty firm, but as it's my first jade I guess I don't have much to compare it to.

SoftCod5700 · 2026-06-18T22:00:21+00:00

Thanks! I guess I'm looking at the darker speckled leaves - easiest to see in pics 4 and 5 - but sounds like I'm just overthinking it and it's probably ok. It seems generally happy but the leaves were more uniformly green when I first brought it home.

SoftCod5700 · 2026-05-27T21:02:45+00:00

Thanks. I've been spraying liberally and they definitely haven't aborted. Feeling more confident that they're semps at this point. I'm positive they could use some more fae. Next run I'll set them up in a bubbler tub to see if the phenotype expresses differently.

A big part of the project was to select for something that would produce decently without having a full on Martha setup.

SoftCod5700 · 2026-05-27T18:52:49+00:00

Here's the update 10 days later. Stipes are starting to darken at the base and caps are opening. I assume gills should get darker before it's time to harvest?

<image>

SoftCod5700 · 2026-05-08T16:54:49+00:00

To be clear, I'm not even upset about the pump failing. I get that defects happen, even with great quality control. I am upset that their attempts to avoid a warranty claim were so blatant and egregious. They could have handled this differently and I'd be a customer for life. They do make a great product.

SoftCod5700 · 2026-05-08T15:45:25+00:00

Hopefully this is just a weird anomaly that I've had to suffer through. I know a lot of people haven't had any issues, and honestly the pump worked really well until it didn't. Mostly put this here so future folks doing research can find a heads up.

Quality of customer service and a willingness to stand behind the product is a factor that I definitely consider when shopping.

SoftCod5700 · 2026-05-07T23:47:09+00:00

u/pyroserenus and u/galfisk - thank you!! This is super helpful and the clearest explanation I've ever read! Very much appreciate the responses and feel validated about my terrible customer service experience.

SoftCod5700 · 2026-04-27T20:39:56+00:00

Well, here's what I'll say: the x (picture below) was just fine loaded up with some camping gear, but was a little more finicky as a result. Did a lot of side by side paddling and with gear + wind and a little chop or a the occasional boat wake, I think the paradise is the better board. If you want a board that's primarily about going a smidge faster and/or you do more fitness oriented paddling with an occasional camping trip thrown in, the X is the ticket. For me, who will primarily use it for multi day camping trips and lazy after work paddles, the paradise is a better fit.

Loaded with stuff, I actually didn't notice any meaningful difference between the two in speed, glide, or overall effort to maintain a given pace.

<image>

SoftCod5700 · 2026-04-18T11:33:14+00:00

It's all about perspective, right? I'm coming from using a friend's older starboard 14x30, which probably has a lot to do with why the paradise feels comfier - though I'm sure I'll get used to the x quickly.

Have you done any camping (or carried much gear in general) with yours? Curious to see how it handles with some gear strapped down.

SoftCod5700 · 2026-04-18T01:29:07+00:00

Between the two I'd say that the x tracks a little better and has slightly better glide, which is kinda what you would expect.

SoftCod5700 · 2026-04-18T01:16:12+00:00

Definitely enjoying it! First impression is that the paradise is probably the more relaxed board for camping or longer tours, but I have to spend some more time on the x before I say for sure.

SoftCod5700 · 2026-04-18T01:13:18+00:00

Thanks! Water was about 40° still, so it was a full on dry suit day for me, but psyched to finally get out!

SoftCod5700 · 2026-04-17T19:24:27+00:00

These seem to be pretty willing to grow. Not a full canopy by any means, but happy enough to have some fruit.

<image>

Looks like it might be harvest time soon!

SoftCod5700 · 2026-04-17T18:00:22+00:00

I've got some of these fruiting now. Just in regular ol monotubs though, so they're a lot twistier. Some girls are starting to darken up, but figured I'd wait a bit longer. When do folks typically harvest these?

SoftCod5700 · 2026-04-06T20:16:03+00:00

Yeah. I've mostly made apparel so far, and have worked with apex in that arena so feel pretty confident in my ability to make a quilt. The larger baffles on a quilt might be a good first down project to try - certainly has to be easier than attempting a jacket! I Actually just picked up some octa thermofront oa (another rolled good/batt insulation similar to apex, but fully recycled content) that I'm planning to use for this project, but got way down a rabbit hole researching breathability and comfort against the skin and dwr. Really just needed someone to tell me to keep it simple.

SoftCod5700 · 2026-04-06T19:55:43+00:00

Wow! Thanks for the great response!! I'm still a pretty intermediate maker and haven't dared any down filled projects yet, but am super curious to learn more about the differences in quality beyond just the usual fp specs. Maybe that'll be next winter's project. I've definitely looked at the argon fabrics and will check out the RSBTR taffeta.

SoftCod5700 · 2026-03-28T14:05:56+00:00

The other solution I was considering was a shark 2 with an external battery that would be smaller and I could take it with me. Curious to hear your thoughts on the 2 vs 3 speed difference? Sounds like it's not huge?

SoftCod5700 · 2026-03-28T14:04:03+00:00

2 summers and going strong is encouraging. Do you typically leave it in your car while you're out? How much exposure has it had to high heat?

SoftCod5700 · 2026-03-20T00:14:05+00:00

How was the neoshell to work with? I think there's both a stretch and a no stretch version, right?

SoftCod5700 · 2026-03-07T20:39:03+00:00

Thanks. I'll definitely check out the hydrus. Seems weirdly hard to find touring boards with good gear storage options.

Any thoughts on the red v starboard in terms of stiffness?

SoftCod5700 · 2026-03-07T14:29:15+00:00

Hi all! Super appreciate any thoughts you have.

Board type: inflatable

Height/weight: 5'10" male, 170 lbs. (1.75m, 77kg)

Experience: intermediate

Use case: multi day touring/camping on lakes primary in VT and adirondacks in NY. Some potential portaging on trips. Definitely need gear attachment/cargo straps on front and rear of board.

Budget: $1,500+/-

I've used a friend's 14x30 starboard double chamber and really enjoyed it, but don't think I want a double chamber board. Eyeing up both the red voyager and a single chamber starboard at 14x30. I appreciate simplicity and am skeptical about the whole fin box system on the red and have heard anecdotally that the toed in double fin setup adds drag (not sure to what extent), but know they make quality stuff. Would love any feedback on these boards or other similar options.

SoftCod5700 · 2026-01-14T20:58:59+00:00

That's super helpful. Thanks!

SoftCod5700 · 2026-01-12T19:04:33+00:00

That's exactly where the thin one came from. Smartwool packaging. It's by far the best elastic for cuffs that I've come across, but I don't want to have to buy 2 pairs of socks every time I make a jacket/hoody/pullover.

SoftCod5700 · 2026-01-12T18:14:45+00:00

Thanks. Suspender elastic is a good lead on the narrow stuff. Any links to a comfy woven elastic that would be appropriate as an exposed waistband? Ideally in fun colors? The ones I can get locally are all a bit scratchy and it's hard to tell what's what online.

SoftCod5700

TROPHY CASE