Lost "Hydra" Surfboard Review by Noel Salas Ep.102
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 พ.ค. 2020
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In this episode I put the Lost "Hydra" through the paces. I get two stock boards... one 5'0" at (25L), and the other board is 5'1" at (26L).
Both boards go good at the point breaks, but I like the 5'0" best as it went better at the beach breaks as well. The Hydra is quick and nimble in tight little pockets and paddles great. I also like how fast it is in mushy waves…… yes, I surfed it in some mushy beach break.
I liked the Hydra best as a Quad and after thorough testing with the S-Wing fins they went excellent too. This little board is very versatile, and you can run a bunch of different fin set ups.
The Hydra is a true Groveler and it is a FAVORITE of mine for 2020. I highly recommend it for Beginner - Pro Level Surfers in 1-3' surf.
My Height: 5'9" & weight 160 lb or 72.57 kg
Fins Tested in this review:
Quad Set Up:
NVS Peregrine (Size L) Side Fins with
Captain Fin Black Panthers (Size L) Side Fins
Futures Pyzel (Medium and Large Quad Rears)
Thruster Set Up:
Captain Fin Black Panthers (Size L)
S-Wing Fins: (Thruster)
Green (Very Flexible) & Orange (Medium Flex) - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
This channel is amazing, very in depth, like even going in on the fins you used then showing footage for the specific fins, very honest review, you guys are just a wealth of information and I really appreciate it.
I have been waiting on this review for what feels like forever YAY!!
Just rode your quad fins on my hydra today. Unbelievable honestly. Changed the board in the best way. Bought my hydra after I saw this review a few years ago. Best board I’ve ever ridden in 1-3ft. Felt even better with these quads. Was already super fast but today it had more pivot and released when I wanted it to. Thank you!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🙏
Great music at the end of the video. Awesome review! Cheers
Well mentioned the issue on beach breaks!
Great job mate, thanks for the review👏👏👏
Love the reviews! Very thorough and trustworthy. Would love to see you do more reviews at the Harbor or t-street. Too much Lowers. Almost all boards feel and look good on that wave.
Holy Sheet Spray!
Great Review, Micro boards going big on Micro Waves.
Yet another excellent review that will probably end up setting me back several hundred bucks, lol - love it !
Great video, thanks for using my music! 🤙
Andrew Leo Your music is epic Andrew... thank you
Hey Noel..... absolutely love your reviews! I was fortunate enough to pick up a Hydra a couple weeks back and got it in the water yesterday for the first time up in Morro Bay! What a great board and the timing of your review couldn't have been any better!
So I'll preface this with 'poor fin selection' and a bad a case of (what I'm referring to as) 'Covid Arms'.
So the waves were actually larger than I was expecting......looked like 2-3ft on Surfline, was more like 6-7 with some punch....but clean and we'll defined shoulders (I'll take it!)
Not knowing the ideal fin set up yet, I ran a quad set up of large Futures/Jordys and two medium trailers. I'm 6'3/ 210lbs on a 5'11 (40L).
So the board was a little slow in the release and drop into waves......maybe just the fin selection but it caught my attention and I was curious your thoughts on that.
However, on the few waves I didn't botch, it was super quick down the line, and responsive as hell! Exactly what I was hoping for......fun, snappy, yet very stable. I actually think I could've gone shorter in length based on your review and how everything felt yesterday. I'm thinking a 2+1 set up might open op the flood gates of speed and agility with that board.
Anyways....keep up the good work. Love you enthusiasm and passion for surfing.
Kenneth Noren Epic post...
Try the S-wings mentioned by Noel in the Review. You will have the Quad Control but Trifin Pivot, and will increase Drive of 2" longer board and Propulsion. What Else ??
Great review!
Picked up a C4 Hydra (5’8”) a couple weeks back, i’m 6’3 175 btw. It’s absolutely mental for small VB conditions. Been running with the T1 2+1 exclusively and it has a ton of drive and is super responsive. I can still put it on rail and get it to do what i want despite its width. Super fun board and i can’t wait to mess around with quad setups.
I’m your height at 190 to 200lbs, what length would you recommend for my weight?
@@offthewallsurfer1 that depends on your experience but i don’t think you could go wrong with a 5’8”-5’10”. I could have definitely gone 5’7” or maybe even 5’6” but my local shop didn’t have the full range. If you get it in C4 you can expect a little more float as well. hope that helps
@@josephjones9783 awesome! Thanks for the reply! Cheers 🍻
thank you for surfing beach breaks. That's where more people surf
Those fins look totally sick
What's the relative benefit of going that low in volume on a groveler board, vs sizing up to a 5'4" or so with increased paddle power / wave catching ability in the small stuff? I know the rails are probably a bit more responsive / edges sink better, but is that worth it for sacrificing wave catching ability in weak conditions? Maybe it doesn't affect you because you could probably surf a lunch tray, but for 90% of surfers I just wonder if people are giving up waves for a smaller board.
flat rocker and wider chest area and tail will help you catch more waves anyway ... main attribute of groveller board is flat rocker compare to performance shortboard ... flat rocker will help you paddle and catch more waves and surf better weak conditions , same volume shortboard board will paddle worst , even dan mann was talking about how this days he is surfing groveller boards in same or lower volume then performance shortboard , shorter board will fit better in pocket and it’s easier to surf in small waves rather then long flat board , but it will struggle in bigger more punchy surf
@@kickamatus Dan the man... could also surf a lunch tray. The older I get and the more weight i gain (facepalm) the more I'm moving to wider, longer boards for plaining in mushy surf. Once you have enough foam to plain into waves sufficiently while your paddling, volume seems to only be added swing weight and rails that are harder to sink. in a lack luster soft surf, width, and to a lesser extent, length are your friends. I'd say keep the thickness similar to your short board get the width out a couple inches. In addition don't go too short but go shorter to fit into shorter waves. If your getting a custom, I always tell my shaper to use a flat deck, carry the foam as far to the rails as possible and then pinch the rails so you can dip them. It keeps the foam under your chest where you need it and still allows you to carve well.
Hi Noel!! I really like your reviews. I am going to decide to buy the first board. How to do compare Hydra / rocket wide (for beginner and small wave 1-3')🙏🙏
Hi Noel, great review once again. Your comment about this board not being ideal for punchy beachbreaks is really interesting for me as that is mostly what i get to surf. I usually surf 1-3ft beachbreaks that are really hollow and fast. What type of board (or maybe a specific model) fits that kind of wave in your opinion. As these waves are not really big, I always thought grovelers would still be ideal, but then again they do have a lot of power. Very interested in your opinion and keep up to good work!!
I really like the Lost X MR Cali Twin for small but punchy beachbreak.
Seaside. I ride mine in hollow waves and it flies
The Hydra can do fast 1-3' beach break down the line but surfing top to bottom in the pocket of a 3' hollow wave it will struggle a little due to the lack of rocker and rail line from my perspective. If your racing down the line and boosting airs or tube riding it will go excellent. The Hydra will out run most hollow beach breaks so speed and down the line surfing is one thing the Hydra does very well.
How big would you say that wave in 6:15 is? In Florida we would call that 3-5ft/chest high but it seems like in Cali that would call that 2-3ft
Hey Noel, love the reviews! Have you ever considered increasing your volume? Especially in a grov, just looks like you sink fast and work for every bit of speed. I'd love to see what it looks like when you get on a 27 or 28L, just because the avg guy can't always muscle through like you do. Thanks as always, awsome show!
Bryant Forsythe Watch my review on the Roberts Star Chip... surfnshow.com/collections/roberts-surfboards/products/roberts-surfboards-star-chip
You will see what I look like on a board with more foam. Not much flow and I’m working to hard to connect all my turns
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Would that be fixed by having thinner rails at the rear of the board, like Pyzel likes to do lately?
@@dadthelad Maybe
For an all purpose east coast board which would you recommend, the Hydra, the Seaside, or the Ultra Joe (or one I didn't mention)?
LordPhoenix140 East Coast mushy waves the Hydra will go amazing but when it pumps over there on hurricane swells the Seaside will be best out of three.
Awesome! Especially liked the beachbreak session. Would you think a PU works better in windy, bumby conditions?
Absolutely... in choppy surf I prefer PU
thanks for another great review! between this and the rusty heckler, which would you choose for 1-3ft weak california point/beach break?
The Heckler offers more performance and can be ridden in a wave with some push better than the Hydra. The Hydra is faster and has more glide and it excels in 1-2’ mushy waves.
Have you tried those s-wings in any other board yet? Pretty interesting concept
Looking to get the hydra and maybe you can help out nailing the details. Im 6’2 180lbs intermediate surfer of 20 years. looking to fix my fundamentals and get up and go as fast as possible. The boards im shopping for are the lib tech 5’9 or 5’11 with Fcs II fin sockets. Im airing on the bigger volume because i want to maximize the amount of waves ridden. It seems lib tech have more volume for the same size because the board itself is heavier when compared with its equivalent PU model. Any thoughts?
The Lib Tech will be way more durable... go for more foam if you want more waves.
Hi Noel
first of all, thanks for your great reviews and insides. As a land locked Austrian surfer I really appreciate not just the surfboard reviews but also the surfskate clips. started off practicing on the street a couple of days ago and I love it. just one short question, pyzel gremlin vs hydra. what are the main differences between those two (beside fish vs shortboard)? which one would you prefer and why?
I like the Gremlin better... it has a better wave range and it surfs the pocket a little better. The Hydra is fast down the line and it like to project in my shy gutless surf.
thanks for the quick reply mate.
I’m thinking of switching out my bottom feeder for a Hyrda and I gather there are some similarities between the boards. The BF goes great with controller fins- did you try a set of controllers in the hydra? Cheers Noel- great review.
Sorry I didn’t... not much of a fan of the Controllers. I tried them in a couple boards years ago... they are fast down the line but not very good top to bottom or carving for me.
Nice review Noel. Are you planning on reviewing the El Tomo quad fish anytime soon? The boards look extremely similar and would make for a good review and comparison. Thanks.
Deforest L. Cooper Yes.. I just got one and we started shooting already
Surf n Show Reviews do you like it so far? It would be cool to see if it works as a twin. Tomo said he tried to design as a quad/dual fin (keel) but it didn’t work. He did say that it could possibly be ridden as a twinny. Would be cool if you tried it as a twin fin setup (just a suggestion). ;)
Looking for a small wave pb/grovel for south SD beach breaks this summer. Was also looking for a twin/quad. This looks like a sick choice. You think it’ll work good in these mediocre beachie waves? If not do you have any better options? I’m 5’11 130lbs intermediate+ thinking about 5’1 or 5’2. 🤙 cheers
The Hydra is excellent in 1-2’ mushy waves. If the waves get hollow it will struggle. I suggest the Seaside…. It’s epic in 1-6’ Surf
what do you think about custom slim down version? im 6 3 92kg and i m thinking about 6ft hydra bt smiled down same with and thickens like 5 9 hydra? reason i dont wanna go to crazy in volume, will it work? i have 5 9 hydra and im missing bit of rail , specialty in slow fat waves and i can imagine faster paddling around line up , . will it work? or where can you see issues with slim down longer hydra, i know from Matt Biolos post on INSTGM he is working on new model for summer 2021 its looks like slim long hydra. Maybe you can make episode about customizing boards and give people advice how to do it and not to waist time and money, thanks
It should work pretty good. I would wait to see what Matt comes up with.
Hey Noel, you said the Hydra is best for 1-2' mushy, what do you recommend for 1-2' hollow beachies?
If it’s hollow then it’s got a little power... I would want something like NB2 that’s fast, short and quick in the pocket
Hey Noel. Another awesome review.
Would you ever consider doing a review on the Firewire Chumlee or Tomo Evo or any of the potatoes?
I’ve been asking for the EVO to review from FW for years now. No boards sent as they are always sold out. The Chumlee is a Groveler that likes to straight and fast but it can’t do a legit turn. I tried one in 1-2’ clean surf and it was horrible for turns. I have no desire to ride the Potato models either. Sorry
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Chumlee! Chumlee! Chumlee! I'm sure you can turn it. You just need to eat a good breakfast.
Hi Noel! I saw that you reviewed both the Hydra and the Puddle Jumper! Can you explain me the big differences? I am moving to short boards right now and I don’t know which one to choose! I am a big guy 6’3 and 200lbs to the volume is important as well
Hydra is legit in 1-3’ mushy surf. It has great speed due to its overall low rocker. The PJ off more performance in the pocket and is really fun in 1-5’ surf.
Hi Noel, what would you recommend for 4-6ft, a lost driver 2.0 or a pyzel phantom?
Wave Magnet Both boards are epic!!! I recommend the Phantom if you want a better paddler and a little more forgiving. The Driver 2.0 is all performance with excellent speed and drive.... however it’s a little more demanding.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thank you, this was very helpful!
Hi, Noel. Greetings from Brasil. How the hidra compares to the lost MR? Can I say the MR is more forgiving and best for mush beachbreaks, with some texture, for a in the pocket style like yours?
That in advance.
The MR offers more performance in the pocket. The hydra likes mushy 1-2’ waves. If I had to choose one for Brazil beachies I would go MR
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Excellent. Just to clarify, I mean the California Twin MR model, ok? Which are, in your opinion, other models (from any shaper) to consider for 2 to 5', textured beachbreaks, in the pocket surf? Many thks again.
@@robertobrunori9729 The MR CA Twin is excellent for choppy waves. I also like the new Flat Earth, Akila Aipa Modern Fish, and CI Fishbeard
What do you think about c4 tech for a driver 2.0 or a sub driver?
I think it will go good in a Sub Driver if you are looking for better durability compared to the Lost CW. I don't recommend it for the Driver.... I would keep that PU/Poly or go CW for maximum performance.
Between this board and the JS black baron, to have as a second board for fun waves, what would you recommend? Thank you Noel!
António Vandias Tough one... the Hydra will grovel better in 1-2’ waves but I am a sucker for a Twin Fin. I would go Black Baron if you like Twinies
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Super helpful, thank you!
How would you compare the Hydra to the Seaside? Hydra seems like more of a groveler and Seaside seems quite performance based. Is that a fair assumption?
Very fair assumption. Hydra is best in 1-3’ mushy waves. The Seaside will shred 1-6’ surf.
I got this board based on your awesome review ! Picked up the 5’0 c4 24.5 L. Was wondering if you had some quad set up recommendations for lighter surfers around 130lbs
Sean S. Futures= medium Pyzel 5 fin set. FCSII = medium Performers Thruster in PC with Medium Reactor Quad Rears
Surf n Show Reviews, Thanks for the quick reply and recommendations , Im running futures on this board . Keep on shredding brotha ,good stuff!
Hey mate.... You said at the end it would be good for anyone from a beginner to an advanced surfer..... Surely it's not bouyant enough for a beginner surfer? Would you recommend a beginner get it a bit longer to up the volume?
Sean Ward Yes..., buy it as big as you can .... it will paddle well and be somewhat stable enough for a beginner to get up and surf a bit. Obviously a long board is always better.... however a youngster or someone light weight will go pretty good on this board.
Hi Noel, thanks for the great reviews. I'm considering buying this board, but i'm not sure if I should take this board or the puddle fish.
I'm looking for a board to surf the absolute worst conditions, for when I can't get my Lost Short round going or when I surf with my girlfriend while she's on a foamie.
Would you recommend this board or the puddle fish?
I suggest the Hydra for the absolute worst comditions
@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks for the response, and quick too! Looking forward to the next review!
Hey Noel! Was just wondering a couple of things. First off, I am currently riding a 6,4 Rocket Wide which was my transition board from the longboard and have been surfing it for some time. I have gotten to the point where I can safely say I am an intermediate surfer but I feel that my board is holding me back on more radical maneuvers. I am currently 5”9 and growing and about 145 pounds. Whats a board you recommend for my situation? Thanks man!
Also note, I tend to surf in the 2-7 ft range, and I’m kind of looking for a more durable board. Thanks again!
Random Stuff With you growing it’s tough... The RW at 44 liters is a bunch of foam for you to turn quickly. Let’s start dropping the foam to 34-36 ish. Maybe buy something used to say some cash as you progress. I looked any of these boards for your next step down... Gremlin, Astro POP, Puddle Jumper HP, Ultra Joe, El Tomo Fish, JS Psych Nitro.
Random Stuff With you growing it’s tough... The RW at 44 liters is a bunch of foam for you to turn quickly. Let’s start dropping the foam to 34-36 ish. Maybe buy something used to say some cash as you progress. I looked any of these boards for your next step down... Gremlin, Astro POP, Puddle Jumper HP, Ultra Joe, El Tomo Fish, JS Psych Nitro.
Surf n Show Reviews wow ok thanks so much for responding so quickly. Love ur vids!
How does the flow and speed compare to the Pyzel Astro Pop. Do you still like the Astro Pop? Cheers great video Noel!
This Hydra might be a little faster. The Astro Pop offers better performance in the pocket for a Groveler.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 do they overlap a lot or compliment each other well? I live on the east coast of Florida
@@Julianuribe23 That’s a fun 2 board quiver. Hydra in 1-2’ mush and Astro POP in 3-4’ surf
awesome review! always love your show. Since this board looks like El Tomo a lot is it possible to do a review for El Tomo, too? Thank you Noel
I just got the El Tomo Fish and we already started shooting on it. Review is on the way.... stay tuned.
Surf n Show Reviews fabulous! Can’t wait!
Surf n Show Reviews can you also talks about how El Tomo compare to go fish and seaside for a bit? It would be nice to know 🙏
el tomo is more performance oriented hydra is more groveler type of the board
Matus Kicka Agreed
Noel, Where can I get a set of those S-Wing fins ,Pro 440/ Orange with 375 rear quad
Here in the States check with Catalyst Surf Shops.
Can you review the lost sabotaj aswell? Really appreciate your videos btw!!
Tim Gerdes Driver 2.0, Rocket Redux, and Sub Driver are the next Lost boards. Not sure about the Sabotaj yet.
Hi Noel! I know you're a big fan of the rnf96 I have it in 5'9 and thinking getting an hydra 5'5. Would you keep your rnf even for small mushy waves or hydra is the way to go even with lower volume than rnf?
The Hydra will grovel better… it’s faster do to less overall rocker compared to the 96
@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks for the reply, even from going from 35L on the 96 to 33.5L on hydra?
@@yanb5439 Going down 1.5L is a lot. I suggest getting similar volume… especially for small mushy waves
Hey Noel, how user-friendly is the Hydra? Your front foot seems to be squirreling a bit right after a hit. Might just be the length but curious if you'd recommend this as a groveler for someone at the beginner but sometimes intermediate skill level. :)
The Hydra is very user friendly... I’m surfing it really short so it’s extremely responsive. I think this board will go good for you at the right size. Cheers
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks for the fast response! That's great to hear. I'm eyeing a Lib Tech Hydra at 5'5 33.5L (I weight 190-195). Think that's a good fit? Also, my neighbor turned me on to your Patreon, subscribing now. :)
@@andrewholt2078 Yewww!! Welcome to our Family. On your Libtech Hydra I think your liter range is more like 36-38L
5:54 Pretty much Florida Wave issues.
Things to look for when buying a board.
Hey Noel,
I'm 5'9" and 145lbs in VA Beach, intermediate level, what size would you recommend in this board?
I say roughly 29-31L for you in those mushy waves
@@surfnshowreviews7777 awesome thanks man. On another note, do you reccomend th hydra or the puddle jumper hp?
@@stdavis22 Hydra is best in 1-2’ mushy surf. The PJHP has a better wave range and it will shred hollow beach breaks and points breaks.
Howww! Your reviews are getting better and better!
How do you compare with the seaside?
Both boards are fast and super fun.... the Hydra will out Grovel the Seaside in paddle speed but the range on the Hydra is 1-3' max. The Seaside has a much better wave range.... I like the Seaside in 1-6' surf as a performance fish. I like the Hydra better as a Groveler and the Seaside better as a Daily Driver for surfers that love a Performance Fish.
Hi Noel!!
Hydra or Puddle fish?
Hola Noel! Greetings from Puerto Rico! Thanks for all you do for the sport of surfing! Curious if you think I should get this board or the Pyzel Gremlin?
I would say I fall under beginner/intermediate territory. Ive been using longboards and fun boards for a while now. Im fairly new to shortboarding, but paddle and duck dive pretty good and understand the etiquette in the water. Would appreciate your help!
Both boards will go good for you. The Hydra excels in 1-2’ mushy waves but struggles a little in steeper waves 3’+. I think the Gremlin is more versatile with a wave range of 1-4’ surf.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Sounds good! I think Im going to go for the Gremlin! What dimensions would you recommend? Im 6'1" 170lb
@@surfnshowreviews7777 btw I just got a carver and Ive been practicing using your patreon content! Appreciate the classes!
@@stefanotano4639 Stoked
@@stefanotano4639 I like 36-38L for you on the Gremlin.
Hi, are you planning to review the Lib Tech version?
No sorry
Thank you for the review! What's the main difference with the puddle fish?
Jean-Simon Lamarre The Hydra feels faster, smoother rail to rail, and more performance.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 For PF vs Hydra, seems the Hydra would grovel better but how about in 3-4ft + waves which would go better? Deciding on one of the 2 and wanted to see which board had better range.
@@wavydays6611 the PF has a better wave range.
What FCS fins for this board?
afree2121 You can mix n match your favorite FCSII fins as a Quad set up. I suggest the Reactor Quad Rears and if you buy it on the shorter side then you might like a fin with more Rake as you side fins or Thruster set up. Twin + Trailer I would go with the MR’s.
How is this board compared to the puddle fish ?
Sebastien Loeb Please read my comments below... I already answered that question.
Hey Noel! Which traction pad are you using there?
I used the Creatures Mick Fanning pad. It’s for wide tail boards.... however I like the Creatures Jack Freestone pad better for wide tail boards.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Ha, awesome, I just put the Jack Freestone on my new Hydra (ordered after watching this video!). Thanks!
Noel, I’m going back and forth on Hydra vs Seaside as groveler in New Jersey beachbreaks - can you please give me your recommendation? Maybe there’s something even better suited than these 2
Mike K Hydra is better in 1-2’ mush... Seaside is more versatile and it goes great in 1-6’ surf.
Surf n Show Reviews I’ve been riding and loving c4. Do you think firewire helium is more buoyant? Wondering how to size comparatively
Mike K Same
Noel, amazing review, as always!!!. Looking for summer 1-3' microwaves. What u recommend, RW, Ultrajoe or Hydra?? what size (volume)??
I'm 145 lbs and my height 5'8". Got a Fever 26,5l that works great for my 3-6' surf.
Thank you so much for all the videos!
Hydra for 1-3’ sloppy waves is amazing...
Love your reviews Noel. Been considering my NZ summertime board, for beach breaks and small points.
Want something that carries my 200pound frame and is versatile. Hydra, El tomo or Seaside?
I am leaning towards seaside.
Yes... Seaside or Hydra
That board looks good Mate i have owned a few Lost grovellors and really liked them but the Seaside is next level.
hey noel could u please review the pheonix by dhd next it looks like a sick board
Schneids Sorry... DHD does not send boards for review anymore. Not sure why...
what do you mean this is a good board for beginners? As a beginner this is a solid board to start on?
Anonymous A longboard is always best to start on. I think a beginner will like this board if they buy it big and ride it in 1-3’ surf. It paddles great and if you buy it 40+ liters then it will be a great board to learn on.
Hi Noel. Any real upside of this if I already have an Astropop?
Not really…
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thank you for taking the time to reply. Appreciate it!
A future video on shortboard sleds for 1ft days would be epic. Plenty of good boards waist high and up but after something that isnt a longboard and goes well in those days (sometimes weeks) of clean thigh to waist where you only see longboards and micro groms out normally.
@@JaredKnapp1 Hydra is the best I’ve ridden for 1’ mushy waves
Sick review! Board looks floaty & fun! Liked that you hit it for a minute, at a beach break! Nice! Would love to see you review the FireWire Damn Mann’s Twice Baked 🥔!!!! 👊🤙
Yes please review the Twice Baked! 🙏🏾🤙🏾
D M - I purchased a 5’3 FW Twice Baked, about a month ago. Tried every Large & Medium, quad & thruster fin configuration mixed them up on quad set up’s, etc. Even purchased the Naked Viking Dan Mann (Shaper Series) 5 pc set. Actually preferred the NVS thruster set up the most.
With that being said, I was still left wanting more reaction & more performance, from the Twiced Baked. Took it out in all types of conditions & never really was stoked on it.
I own a 5’2 FW Sweet Potato & a 5’5 Chumlee & love them both! They both surf sick on the East Coast conditions.
Took it back, lost a few hundred & got a 5’5 Rob Machado FW Seaside Helium instead.
Should have got the Seaside initially.
Shannon Young thank you for that very insightful feedback. u got me thinking a different direction now! 😅 cheers! 🤙🏾
D M After riding the FW 5’5 Seaside, with the Large AirCore quad set up, for the last few day’s...
It’s like night & day!!!
Gonna throw in some AM2 medium quads next, just to see how they feel as well.
Was able to get great hold on bottom & top turns, was able to get the fin’s free whenever I wanted & able to get the board 180 degrees in the white water, after a hard off the lip finish.
The Seaside is fast, responsive & super fun to surf!!!
@@shannonyoung5382 Yo! Took your advice and bought the new design 5’4 Seaside about 3 weeks ago. Board is super fast and responsive! Running quad pivot fins. Still trying to get used to the feeling of having all the foam under my front foot only. Works great in 2-6ft faces. Twice Baked in TT is too heavy. I still want that board since I buy all the potatoes. If they make the TB in Helium it’s a buy for me 😅. cheers!
Hey Noel, what are your thoughts on riding the Hydra as a thruster?
Just rid mine as a thruster the last few days. It actually goes surprisingly well because thrusters usually never workout in short and super wide grovelers/fishes like this. I'm 5'10 170lbs and using the Futures HS1''s in a 5'4 29.5L C4 Hydra
Update: surfed this morning and I did a vertical frontside snap that felt so good on it. Also, I'm using the large HS1, not the medium HS2
How would you compare this to the ultra joe or average joe from al merrick ?
Roi Rabinek The Hydra is faster than both CI’s but the Ultra Joe will out perform the Hydra in the pocket. The UJ will get in the pocket and surf Beachies 1-4’ really well
Surf n Show Reviews so would you recommend the UJ better for beginner ( i surf in Malibu CA) I really don’t know what surfboard to get im 6’2 weight 160
Roi Rabinek I like the Ave Joe best for beginner
Surf n Show Reviews what about puddle jumper or pj hp ?
Roi Rabinek We can do this all day..... watch the review I did on the PJHP and pull the trigger.
Hi Noel, I am looking at getting a Hydra for smaller mushy days here. I'm 5'9 155 lbs intermediate +. I stay around the 30.5-31 L range because I'm older and like the extra foam...easier to catch more waves. I tried my friends 5'6" PU Hydra and it was fun, super fast. I'm looking at either a 5'5" in light speed or a 5'4" in C4. The 5'5" would be in my liter range but should I consider the 5'4"? Would I have to work harder on the 5'4"? My thought is that I would have to work harder to maintain the speed I want, especially out of bottom turns and top turns...I like user friendly boards, don't even have a HPSB. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
BTW Noel, both of the above boards are about 3/4 of a liter lower than stock dims for whatever reason...
I dont know what to say..this fat board look so good.
Cheers... agreed! It felt so good in the small waves too. Fast and responsive!
do the sub driver!
xNumeralx I hope to do the Sub Driver Swallow this Summer
would you recommend this with twin fins?
It might go good as a Twin… you will need a bigger twin fin template for it to have hold. I recommend my HP Keels in this board in 1-2’ surf. In bigger surf the Hydra struggles due to low rocker…. It’s a true Groveler.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 are those fins available at any shops in SD county?
@@humidddddd2247 No shops carry our fins. You can order them directly from us here.
www.shopsurfnshow.com/collections/all/products/surf-n-show-hp-keels-twin-fins
What about the Libtech version of this and the RNF 96 or the Carbon rnf…
The Libtech seems to be very durable but a bit heavier. Not sure on the performance of the Libtech… I have never tried one before.
I say go carbon on your small wave boards… light, more pop, and a bit more durable compared to Lightspeed and carbon wrap
How does the hydra compare to the seaside? I've been stumped ...hard to choose.
I dig the hydra but am concerned about when the beach breaks start pumping fast and or choppy if it wont keep up. Will the seaside handle punchier..taller..more hollow waves than the hydra?
I like your honesty on your reviews..keep them up yo
Joseph Hatami The Hydra is a excellent Grovelers and it’s best in 1-2’ surf. The Seaside has a better wave range 1-6’ surf. The Seaside can handle hollow surf as it has more rocker. Both boards are lighting quick...
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Bam. Information I was dying to be able hear and understand. Last Q:(if u dont answer I understand your super busy with Qs.lol)
I'm thinking about going kinda high on volume on either boards for the sake of wave catching n paddling. I'm 155, 5'7".I'm a heavy front foot surfer and slow to learn how to step on the tail for hard turns...so how my opnion on many of my boards have been skewed till recently learning to step on the tail etc. I have been enjoying my boards thick at 38 liters at 5'10" weirdo ripper...skill level went up last winter and have been able to shred a little on a 36 liter 5'10 Puddle jumper RP taking over head steep fast drops beach breaks..even tried a 34 liter weirdo and was able to carve a little sharper, feel the pocket, and get some little boost airs. I cant Rip the lip yet or do cut backs:( though. If I get the hydra or seaside high volume 38/40 liter for wave catching fun...or when its mushy..will that take away from me experiencing what those boards were design to do when the waves pick up..make it feel like I'm a little kid riding his dads short board...cumbersome and awkward..the sweet spot for the feet be too far apart on the board etc? I'd hate to regret the size/volume i get :/
Joseph Hatami It should be turn pretty god due to them being short.
Joseph Hatami if can helps, I found a Seaside demo at one of my fav shop, bought it little high in volume (I’m 5’9, 156lb). The board is a stock 5’8, I could go shorter like 5’6-5’7 but the extra bit of volume is a great add when it comes to mushy short period swells like we surf usually in Europe/Italy/Mediterranean sea. I have to say that it could be too fast and floaty if you go on steeper and faster waves like reefs for example but it’s not my standard so better to have more room at home than abroad. Seaside it’s my one quiver option at the moment, Helium construction is insanely light even thought not high quality, it’s getting yellowed too quickly. Hope that this helps your choice.
@@simonedameliobonelli6759 bro..funny you say that. I just rented a Seaside for a whole week..i have it with me now. I had such an aweful day at an open point break mushy wave spot with my regular short board volume..I rented a 5'10" seaside w 41.9 volume!!! I've been having the best of time with it..so easy to padlle... catching fat big rolling waves all day..catching them early too. The board still is maneuverable with its sharp thin tail. It is a little plump in the nose on the steeper hollow waves..but..I'll just use my other boards for those days. I'm going to buy the 5'10" because I just end up having way more fun with it. It seems tougher than I thought..really solid and light. I'm trying to get my hands on a the factory tinted blue or teal at a good price or used for the white that yellows. Thnx!
Mr Salas my name is Jody Blackwell we have communicated in the past i am getting ready to go back to Costa Rica for about 3 months i just got a new board much much shorter than i usually ride it is shaped by Mr Jay Smith of New Smyrna beach Florida his he owns and shapes Clever Surfboards the board i had him shape for me is 6 ft 2 in long x 22 wide x 3 in thick the tail shape is a wide double bat tail design it has a 5 fin set up by FCS 2 i am 70 years old been surfing for 60 years this the first multi fin surfboard i have had in over 30 years . what say you did i make a mistake or did i do ok?
by the way i am 6-1 and 175 lbs
Did you ride the board yet? If the board goes good then you scored... if the board goes OK... then I suggest playing with fins a bit until it goes good. I suggest a Quad set up... loose and fast and Quads seem to go good with Double Bat Tails. If you looking for a good Quad set in FCSII then I suggest the Reactors size Large side fins and Medium Reactor Quad rears. You can also shred the Performer Large side fins with Medium Performer Quad rears.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 no i have not waiting until i get to Costa rica to ride it ill check out the fins you suggest and if not to expensive ill get them.
Looks like such a fun board, amazed how short you can ride it as well. Great review as always. Question time, im your age about 5'8" 150lbs surfing 30 years, currently riding 5'9" scifi 29.2L, long story short I have a bone disease which has required bilateral hip replacements and bilateral shoulder replacements and I have very very little paddle power anymore so my scifi is a bad fit now big time. Im thinking of bumping volume up a lot and would appreciate any suggestions you may have. I would like to keep board length around 5'9 to 5'11" and thin as possible, I have to find something that will get me in early and once im up Im fine, its a unique situation since I really need beginner paddle power with intermediate\advanced type of shortboard and also I can no longer surf anything overhead really because its almost a safety issue so for now its small surf only. Sorry so long, any thought\suggestions?
Sorry to hear about your health issues... stoked to hear your still shredding though!!! I suggest a board with a little more float up front and more stability under the front foot. Check out the Phantom. Easy to shred and has the performance you need, another board I like a lot if you want to keep the high performance outline but shreds 1-5' surf... check out the Uber Driver XL. If you are into hybrid boards that paddle better and you want a little performance then I like the Puddle Jumper HP, Astro Pop, Ultra Joe. All of these board shred small waves along with the Hydra. Cheers
What about the Cymatic or Evo. Light. Small board but you can go slightly higher volume but keep length short so you can still surf it well.
Also the Seaside could be magic too.
@@terenceingram7786 Thanks so much for the headsup.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks Noel, really appreciate it, Im going to have to find some demo days to get the volume right.
So skip 50sec into every video now got it. Also can you Review the Tuna Bunny (Route One Surfboards) Monterey Ca.
Yo what are ya doing with all the boards from your Videos you maybe selling some of them
We keep some in the quiver, and sell the rest. DM me on Instagram if you are interested in grabbing one sometime
510 hydra for 90-100kg+?
I suggest 40-42L
Thanks!
@@surfnshowreviews7777 weighing up 5’11 to 6’1…should we move towards more volume or less if you have to make a choice?
a hip on the outline is called a pivoting point.. that such a misnomer and used frequently... yuk
IN MY LITER RANGE please define that.. From, To
How bouyant it is/how well the board floats him (like how much of his body is submerged when he sits on it). Too much bouyancy rides "corky" and too little feel like its sinking.
Hey Noel, Puddle Jumper HP in C4 better for beach breaks?
More durable for sure... I think that’s a sick combo
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks brother!