What wood would be the best to experiment with on surfster style plugs? I have made some dannies out of ayc would this work better or should I use something like birch or maple? Also how should I slope the face of the plug?

I plan on using AYC for surfsters, I think it will swim fine, my dannys do.

I've done a few surfsters. Some freshie sized ones with colorado blades for lips, saltwater sized ones with Tinman lips. Used AYC in both cases and worked well. I'm sure Red Cedar or Pine would work too. Birch or maple is probably a little on the heavy side. The Tinman lips are relatively heavy. If you use those, you probably will not need any lead in the chin. If you go with the Colorado blades, you might need a little lead in the chin.

Jigman

red ceda

CS, why red over ayc,lighter? wider grain ? or?
Thanks.:)

red cedar has a wonderfull action, it is lighter then ayc and really lets the plugs desighn and action come through, plus it will more bouyant then ayc.
so it will ride on top nice in faster water, the action will be more fluid and open.................
those hard woods You was talking about will dampen the action.

P.S. Bob Hans made a killer surfster. I have one left that is trashed from years ago
Paint whats that:D

Be extra certain to use a good dust mask when working with red cedar.

YA, Bob Hahn surfster!:D