Softech Mason Ho Twin
Reviewed by: Sean (90kg experienced surfer)
Dimensions: 5’10” x 21 x 2 ¾”(39L)
Fins: Twin (included FCS soft fins)
What we like: Kids love it, It’s small and easily fits in car, so can be hid from wife
What we don’t: FCS soft fins are too flexy, I couldn’t get the hang of surfing it
Rating: 6/10
What does Softech Say?:
The Softech Mason Ho Signature Twin will open your imagination, and inject you with a dose of stoke on every wave.
When it comes to the board’s performance, think fast, loose and free spirited.
“This board is opening up new boundaries and opportunities with my surfing. Like before, it was fun surfing close to rocks, now it’s way more fun, I can pretty much glide right over them!” – Mason Ho
Key Features:
- Available sizes: 5’2″ / 5’6″ / 5’10” (We rode 5’10”)
- Core: 100% Waterproof X-Density EPS Foam Core
- Stringers: Double Stringer
- Fin Setup: Twin (x2 FCS II Fin Setup) with FCS softflex fins included with the board
- Retro shape
- Medium rocker
What do you like about the Softech Mason Ho Twin?
My young kids love it, and its nice to have a board which you can muck around with them, which isn’t going to so easily hurt them or get damaged.
What don’t you like about it?
I think its got a bit too much rocker for a retro fish shape. I know it is supposed to be a high performance board, but I felt it was tough to get into smaller waves because of that.
The flexy soft fins that come with board are no good in my opinion, limited hold and the board is loose already. I haven’t surfed it with a better set of fins at this stage so can’t comment as to how that would change things up (I am guessing it would!)
Experience in the Surf
Surfboards are pretty subjective. I personally just couldn’t get the hang of this thing, it felt spongy, sluggish but also skatey and too loose. It’s also super light.
It may be my preference for heavier flat boards without much in the way of rocker, which influenced. When I was trying to surf it I felt I would rather just surf a fibreglass board.
What kind of waves is the Softech Mason Ho Twin suited to?
Waist to shoulder + size waves, I don’t this is a great wave for mushy small waves. It needs a bit of form to get going.
What kind of surfer is this board best for?
Smaller kids as a transitional board, or experienced shortboarder looking for something alternative to ride in summer surf or for a bit of something different. Someone who rips on a small regular board will get more out of this than an intermediate or beginner surfer ever could.
Does it compare to any other boards (soft tops or regular) that you have ridden?
Sub standard compared to regular fibreglass fish boards or any of my regular boards!
Final Thoughts and Rating
My opinion is not too high with Softech Mason Ho Twin – but I do admit, maybe its just not for me and the next guy could find it goes really well for them. Someone like Mason Ho can ride it very very well obviously (ref below picture)!
For me, I rate the Mason Ho Twin 6/10.
What are others saying about the Softech Mason Ho Twin?
Not everyone agrees with Sean’s sentiments:
“As a life long surfer with 2 girls, 8 & 10 years old, who are just getting into it we are collectively stoked with the 5’10 Mason Twin! It was purchased for the 8 year old as a birthday present who has already improved massively riding it. The 10 year old has been riding a 6’0 catch surf which has been good but offers nothing like the progression of this board. From the minute we get to the beach she is constantly hassling her sister to ride Mason Twin. I’ve had few quick sessions on it and was stoked with how it went. Can’t wait to get some stiff fins in it and give it a proper go! In my opinion these soft boards are great choice if you’re looking for something your kids can progress on and make the transition to a fibreglass board more seamless. Also great for the 40plus year old groms”
“I love it’s shape, lightness and looks. “
- Sharp turns, slidey and very fast for a softboard
- Quiver killer for summer waves
- Makes small shoreys super fun
- Eye catching board design and colour
- Very grippy with only a small amount of wax
If you’ve got a Softech Mason Ho Twin yourself, share your thoughts below? Maybe you love it, maybe you’re not such a fan like Sean – we’d love to know either way.
Make sure you check out our other softboard reviews while you are here, or if you are so inclined submit your own soft top review HERE!
Happy surfing 🙂
