Read the original post..............Kiter2007 wasn't snivelling he was just after some advice on where he could get his board fixed. Read through the thread and you will see how it progressed from there. [}:)]
Retail prices are the same in Europe dude! If you don't want to pay fill price just wait for the superseded or chase a good second hand.
The board got into the wash, what do you expect? It isn't a delamination there is obviously an impact with something. No matter how much you paid, you take a risk then you assume it. A surfboard is not designed for jumping, don't expect a lightweight board to be bulletproof and just be prepared to pay the consequences.
When I see the damage a dumper can do on a person, I am not surprised it can snap a board.
If you want a bulletproof board, get yourself an AXIS Freewave. Not a proper surfboard feel but great for tricks and much stronger than your usual SB.
I've dealt some warranty issues with the named shop, it took some time but they have been great. No point blaming a reputable shop for your mistakes.
The board durability argument is a bit different and off topic but I'll bite.
For $600 you can get a surfboard. It will break in the circumstances that the O.P describes. They all will.
So what does $1200 get you? The same thing but epoxy and painted with a logo? Would seem so.
Windsurf boards are abused way more and rarely break. Why? Styro core, glass, divinycell (PVC) foam, more glass.
Sandwich construction is tougher... waayyy tougher. So if paying $1200 for the same strength as a normal PU foam/glass surfboard, that's just dumb.
A sandwich board would be much much stronger. For double the price I'd expect better.
What is North's construction? Epoxy surfboard plus heel patches and maybe a layer of bamboo on one side (thats an extra $10 and is sort of kinda sandwich). And for that you pay double...?
I have to agree with cauncy, I believe in good customer service, which includes good communication, it appears that has not happened in this case!Also It makes me wonder if North have been amazing with their warranty's this year...how many other people have had this (or similar) problem. as i said before sounds dodgy to me. A New, High end board breaks in the first few weeks and warranty is refused??
Denying a warranty claim due to damage is hardly bad customer service??? It seems Darren and North have already gone beyond what would normally be expected, twice over (unless I've misread it again) they are satisfied its not a warranty issue but were still trying to get the OP back on the water.
I can vouch for AKS and their enthusiasm in getting a (Core) warranty claim sorted ASAP, and secondly for North boards. My Whip has been treated worse than a Highgate hooker but it just keeps going and going., the bloody thing just won't die.
I think that ridiculous high end pricing should include warranty against water impact, even if only for short period. Otherwise, what incentive is there to buy them over an Australian made product. At the same time as frustrating as it may be, don't take it out on the retailers, shop staff..... They are just meat in the sandwich and your best opportunity to get a resolution. $1,000 + for a board... pffft. The great majority of the kiting brands shapes are absolute pigs anyway. If your in the wrong spot on a wave, your board can break/crease/ or ding, even in a 1 foot shorey regardless of construction, unless the thing weighs a tonne. You could buy 3 regular surfboard factory secounds for the same price. You will probably get just as much lifespan and enjoyment out of each of these boards as the high end model. Also gives you the opportunity to mix it up & experiment with different models. Kind of moves you up the pecking order to design a board for yourself, rather than adjusting your riding for the stock outline. By the end of the third one you should know the dimensions, weight, construction you are after. Find yourself a local shaper. Get something custom made to your specifications, glassing materials, dimensions. BTW IT WON'T HAVE A WARRANTY. 
As I see it what is AKS to do? Of north have rejected the warranty then what does a retailer do with that?
I'm not to sure on the phone calling communication saga, this is where individuals perceptions become tainted. So lets leave that for now.
But AKS have asked north about the warranty and north have said no. So put yourself in their shoes, where do they go from there?
I have seen nothing but problems with these mass produced SBs from people I kite with. This includes 5 different boards from 4 different companies.
But.. You are using a SB with a kite. Don't forget that. And a stronger board means a heavier board generally. Unless you go carbon. Then expense rises dramatically.
Personally I think it is part of the territory gotta be realistic.
But I'm not denying at all how frustrating it must be for this fella. Four of these boards I have mentioned are still being sorted through with the manufacturer. Even after a couple of months. Farq that I say.
^^^^ I think Weta said it best
Hey Zarb, I don't know anything about construction but I have had a similar experience as Chris6791 with my Whip, I love it and it hasn't let be down once. Maybe the x-surf is not as suitable for Perth conditions (I understand Kiter2007 was under the impression that the 2013 model was constructed differently from the 2012, and therefore would not break , but we've seen the evidence) I'm not sure which model of North you were looking at but this has been my experience for what its worth.
There was a Whip, Pro Series, and a Skimfish (which looks like it would be awesome fun!). All felt the same in terms of materials used.
I recon They all feel very similar to the touch including the x-surf, it was just a bit lighter than the whip.
i've watched this post progress, i have a 2013 x-whip & a 2013 whip, one is ridden strapped(whip) & x-whip strapless. No heal dents on either, now i don't jump the x-whip but my son does, the whip go's large 
. No impact damage on either board
Now that creased nose is exactly like 2 surfboards & 1 sup that i've owned, all of which nosedived into our lovely Perth metro beach-breaks 
above is styro, 2 layers of 3mm divinycell and glass in a 2004 model WS board.
Just had a look at some of the spiels on the construction methods:
North
Bamboo Tech:
Using our Bamboo Tech construction, we take full advantage of the dynamic qualities of natural bamboo. Optimized layers and the mix with composite materials help us to construct powerful, agile and versatile directionals that come with a unique flex - Responsive Flex!
Not very informative...
Cabrinha
Eco Cork & Bamboo construction:
+ Light weight EPS core
+ CORK & BAMBOO Sandwich layering
+ Durable deck and shell
+ inserts
Signature Construction:
+ moderate density pu core
+ wood stringer
+ Performance flex
+ no inserts
The eco cork and bamboo construction sounds similar to what North is constructed from (with what little info they give), but the boards felt very very different when compared side by side
Naish
Best
Naish and Best - that's what we wanna see.
I have repaired a LOT of windsurfing boards claiming to be carbon/kevlar or whatever and the actual areas it is used in and how much can vary widely. Like 'snap in 1 year on flatwater' or 'last 10yrs of mega abuse' kind of "widely"
I'd like to see all manufacturers honestly show what is in them.
. No impact damage on either board
. No impact damage on either board i paid for the repair with no discount and now use it as my old dinger, the joys of the sports we love 
