I'm definitely leaning Blackbird at this point, with the main reason being immediate availability if I want to surf it this winter.
I imagine a custom from GH would be 6-8 weeks after glassing. I definitely want another board from him at some point, and the speed egg sounds really fun. His rails are definitely super foiled, which I love, but like haar said, I think that definitely takes away from the float. Funny enough, when we were talking when I was ordering the board, I told him paddling speed and ease were a priority, so he said he'd size it as if he were making a fish for himself, since he's a big guy and possibly a bit heavier than me. But when I actually paddled out with it, I was like oh boy, I feel like I'm dragging an anchor compared to paddling the CI Flyer or Pyzalien.
Also found this used Blackbird, although it's not much of a discount from an off-the-rack board, and the volume's not listed (dims are skinnier than stock for the length):
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/spo/d/san-diego-rusty-blackbird-surfboard/7570153273.html
I don't know enough about board design to say, I just know it subjectively feels way more difficult than on my shortboards, and requires more effort for less paddle speed.
I surf primarily Del Mar (15th street (yes, I know, I know, it's not that defined of a reef) and a few of the spots to the south (7th, 11th), which have little rock fingers that lend some shape, and have that same awful paddle out and massive playing field on big days. The other spot is Cardiff and Pipes/Traps/the San Elijo stretch. If it's too crowded for my liking at Cardiff Reef proper, which it usually is, I head north of the Kook statue - Traps/Pipes/etc. Same thing on a big day though - LOTS of water moving, current, chop, long paddle, and most of the others out there are on much, much longer boards than a 6'2".
Yes, oeste858, you have it right. I have no business or interest in Blacks at 15-20'. If it's that size, I'm up on the beach with my camera at the bamboo hut taking pictures and happy I'm on the shore. Same thing with the waves sdsrfr is describing from today, I suspect (went to Scripps this morning but saw that it seemed like the Cove was breaking). That's not an immediate goal of mine, either. Just looking to hit the spots I mentioned above in 8-12' surf, where it's big mushburgers most of the time, but fast moving with lots of water, making it tough to scratch in, and with the peak shifting, so having to chase it down and dodge clean up sets. Like someone else mentioned, even though the waves I surf at size are not top to bottom (most of the time), there's a LOT of energy. Don't think I'm at a level where I'd feel comfortable or competent in really top-to-bottom waves at DOH+.