I just rode this board for four days in a row on a recent camping trip. I’m a serious 6’4” 225lbs middle aged dude that’s slightly above average and rides 2-4 days a week.
I’m riding behind my 2022 MB B52 with three people in the boat + 400 lbs of lead at 11.4 MPH. I’m on the 4’7″ model.
I scooped this board on sale for $500 from The House. This board was designed by the owner of Blusurf, one of the top competitive surf board brands for Pro Dylan Ayala. Dylan is known for his huge airs and smooth spinning. He’s also an awesome coach, I took some lessons from him a few years ago.
These are the most import factors to me on how I determine whether I like a board or not.
Speed 7/10: This board accelerates great down the line with moderate pumping force, it’s not fast like a Phantom but not slug. I’m not as strong or as flexible as Dylan, so I can’t pump half as hard as him. I was still able to to get this board moving to catch decent airs.
Float 10/10: This sucker is wide and thick throughout the entire board except for the tip and tail. It’s has a ton of volume under the front foot which prevents pearling and nose dives. It has the most volume under my foot of all the boards I’ve ridden. I ride a bit front foot heavy with a wide stance, I was able to pump hard to accelerate and not pearl ( bury the rails) like some of my other boards.
Pop 6/10: Despite Dylan catching huge airs, it didn’t have the pop I was expecting but you can certainly catch decent airs on it. Dylan is also more than half my age and weight lol. I’ve seen some other young guys boost this board but I’m older and average lol. I can catch higher airs on my Neo and Phantom.
Liveliness 5/10: This is the boards weakness, due to the wide width and volume this board isn’t the best if you really into slicing and dicing up the wave. With the stock fins, the board felt like a dead fish. I put Future Blackstix on it and the board came to life.
Spins: 10/10: This is where the board really shines, it’s very forgiving and catch free. It’s the most forgiving higher end board I’ve ridden. The spin speed is predictable and easily controlled. I like to spin slowly and learning more spin tricks is my main aspiration.
This board is a 360 machine, it’s by far the easiest board I’ve spun. It can spin on command without set up. I rode out some sketchy 3s that I would have caught an edge on with my other boards.
Weight 7/10: I haven’t weighed this board but it’s heavier than a Phase 5 Phantom and Chaos team pro, but it’s lighter than a Doomswell NEO.
Lows: Made overseas, the nose has very little rocker that can dig into the wave if you’re careful when carving up it for tricks. It’s also not very light or playful feeling under foot. Also toss the stock fins in the garbage and upgrade them asap.
Who’s it for? The average rider that aspires towards progression in spin tricks and airs. This board is best for trick style riding where you set up at the back of the wave, generate speed down the line and execute at the lip.
If you want to learn 360 consistently put this board on your list.
If you really love hard slashing and carving but not into spins, this board will bore you quickly.
Final Thoughts: If you can find it on sale at $500, get it. At full retail of $900, it’s a pass for me. I’m not sure how much better the slightly redesigned ones ride but i’m assuming small improvements (I could be wrong though). At the $900+ mark you have way better options such an American made boards like Pure Wakesurf, Chaos, Soulcraft, P5, etc For a price point option I’d go Doomswell Neo for around $700.
Unfortunately a friend hit a log on it and broke the fin box. I will be sending it to Nick at Chaos for repair so it will be out of commission for a few weeks. I might keep it as a back up board.
