Softboard Test

During a recent Queensland flat spell, ASL decided to put a couple of soft boards through a fun test, ‘cause what else do you do when the waves a flat?

Our test pilot was Sunny Coast ripper, Eli Craiko, and the setting was The Spit on a ridiculously small day.

Here’s Eli’s comments:

Softlite 5'9" Quad Fish:

“The black Softlight board was sort of a fun board to ride, easy to paddle on to the waves. I think the quad set up was good for manoeuvring and building momentum. It was also easy to hold its position through transition and with speed.”

The manufacture has this to say about the 5'9" Quad Fish:

This weapon gives you the best of both worlds, fish tail looseness fused into a modern shape and regular size. The quad fin system will get you bashing those sections even quicker.
The Softlite Classic is ideal for for a fun and safe introduction for both kids and adults learning the skill of surfing with it's softer PE Deck skin. The Softlite Classic has been designed by professional surfers and are fully handshaped templates.

Features: 8lb PE Deck, Heat Laminated 100% Waterproof EPS Core, Xtra Duralinx Slick, swallow fish tail, 1 Moulded Stringer with Reinforced stringer system, Edge Trim system, exoskeletal strength membrane, Nyflex nylon screws to screw fins in.

RRP: $259.95

ASL RATING: 4/5
BEST FOR: Teaching your girlfriend to surf, or dogging between the flags of crowded tourist beaches on small wave days
FOR MORE: www.softlite.com.au

Redback 6'0" Revolution Series:

“The white and blue Redback board was the same sort of deal - piss easy to get onto nothing. The board is limited on manoeuvres,  but its more for carving turns and for cruising along waves. It’s super buoyant as well.”

The online catalog has this information about the Redback 6'0" Revolution Series:

Refined Hi-Performance Shape: The latest in moulding technology allows for superior softboard shape with progressive rails, improved rocker and a thinner overall profile. The result is a board which has speed to burn and turning abilities which rival that of a fibreglass board.

Features: IXPE deck, slick bottom, Revolution Series technology, 3x new performance fins, leash plug, no leash

RRP: $199.95

ASL RATING: 3.5/5
BEST FOR: Beginners learning to surf, or for more experienced surfers it's good for fun and mellow sliding on small waves days and learning to hang 10
FOR MORE: www.landandseas.com.au

More Photos:

Black stealth. The Softlite 5'9" was easy to manoeuvre on small, lumpy waves.

Quad fins for speed.

A few more inches on the 6'0" Redback for extra floatation in small waves and mellow turns.

Regular Thruster three-fin tail.

The Softlite 5'9" Quad Fish and the Redback 6'0" Revolution Series.