The INT 8′ Classic Softboard has a premium feel to it and well suited to beginners and intermediate surfers
INT Soft Top Surfboards Review:
8′ INT Classic
Reviewed by: Mick
Dimensions: 8′ x 23″ 3 3/8″ (80L volume)
Fins:
Slick Bottom – INT Polyurethane Fins with option to upgrade to Futures Fin Boxes.
Hybrid Epoxy Bottom– Standard Futures Fin Boxes with a resin swirl bottom that matches the deck color.
What we like: INT Classic softboard is specially hand-crafted. Pre-order is 6-8 weeks. The surfboard has a slick bottom with soft rails and soft top. The stainless steel hardware provides durability under extreme use.
What we don’t: Not much!
Rating: 8/10
What does INT Surfboards say about the 8′ Classic:
“The 8′ INT Classic is a one board quiver that comes from learning in the white water to cheater fives and high lines. The Classic is the perfect log for just about everyone.”
What does Mick Say?
“More stable and beginner oriented than any performance foam surfboards. Great for learning and guilt-free cruising in the summer. In shoulder to waist high waves, this is perfect!”
Key Features of INT Classic Softboard
- Foam used in the core and on the top deck is excellent.
- Stands out and looks great in green or yellow, but cuts easily.
- Sparse on features outside of durable plastic fins.
- Rocker is low, rails are boat like and the plastic will chip on you either from abuse, sun exposure or age.
- Older INT boards has a thicker glossy and durable plastic bottom that survived a lot better, but the durability is questionable in newer cheaper boards.
What do you like about the INT Classic?
Love that its made locally in Southern California and looks great. In the water, its good for beginners as well as people looking to cruse on the waves when they should be fishing. Massive volume and stability make learning and trimming on waves a breeze.
What don’t you like about it?
Durability of the slick bottom, stock fins and lack of maneuverability in imperfect waves. In shoulder to waist high waves, this is perfect, but elsewhere, beginners could struggle. Spotty reliability, as I had older boards that lost their stiffness and performance.
Experience in the Surf
Surfed in only smaller summer waves as well as some light November swells that gave large shoulders to take off on and glide across the wave.
What kind of waves is the board suited to?
Mushy, relaxed and high tide rollers are perfect for this. The volume and shape is perfect for maintaining speed and glide (for a foamie) in conditions that are slow and relaxed.
What kind of surfer is this board best for?
Beginner or intermediate looking for a forgiving log due to the limiting factor of the size at 80L and thickness that will limit what a growing surfer will be able to do.
Does it compare to any other boards (Odysea, WaveStorm, South Bay) that you have ridden?
Compared to a Wavestorm or South Bay Board Co 8′ Verve, this has a premium feel to it with plush, firm and durable foam on top that is gorgeous to look at. As far as performance, while the rails are thick and the board is heavy for its size. I was still able to pump on softer waves and get it to slide up and down the face. More stable and beginner oriented than Catch Surf Odysea Log or any performance foam surfboards. Great for learning and guilt-free cruising in the summer.
Wrapping it up….
For 8′ INT Classic Softboard, I would give this an 8 out of 10!
Needs a more durable HDPE plastic (Epoxy glass version is recommended), as well as futures finboxes standard. At minimum, spend the extra $10 on futures fin boxes. To end the review, I would say buyer beware.
The hybrid epoxy version is excellent, but pricey at $5-600. If you have a board from INT, good on you for supporting foamies made in the USA. But make sure you treat them well, as they do not take abuse well.
What are others saying about the 8′ INT Classic Softboard
“Bought the INT 8′ red and it stands out in the lineup. Love it.”
“Style master!”
“Epic!”
“Rides just like my 8′ Walden MegaMagic. Same float and similar response. But at a 3rd of the cost, and I can throw it around and not care!”
We hope you got some value from Mick’s INT Soft Top Surfboards Review. If you’ve got an 8′ INT Classic or any other INT board yourself and have any comments to add we’d love you to hear your feedback below!
Check our our overview of Best Soft Top Longboards Buyers Guide here.
