Softech Surfboards were one of the earlier companies to establish themselves in the soft board market and their boards and range on offer has come a long way over time. In Softech’s words, “inspired by the latest fiberglass surfboard designs, the Performance Series blurs the lines between serious ripping and having fun”.
With several models to choose from in the Softech Surfboards Performance Series, we thought we’d dig into a review of what they are all about (in no particular order)…
1. Mason Twin
This is Mason Ho’s signature model, a fishy shape with a twin fin setup which has proven to be very popular and some would say the funnest board within the series. It is designed for speed and a loose style of surfing. You can ride them in a shore break or less than ideal conditions without fear of damaging them (Check out video below of the man surfing over exposed rocks). The Mason Twin has a double channel in the tail which gives a bit more squirt and drive. In terms of waves, the Twin is said to work in anything from knee to head high surf and the range of sizes available will suit more experienced surfers of weight up to approx 85 kg.
User FEEDBACK:
- Paddles well, tail is wide enough for speed; and pivot; fun to head high. 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
- Quite small and skatey – better for more experienced surfers
Available in 3 sizes with FCS II Twin fin setup:
5’2″ x 19 2/3″ x 2 5/8″ (31L)
5’6″ x 21″ x 2 5/8″ (35L)
5’10” x 21 x 2 ¾”(39L)
Check out our review of the Softech Mason Twin here.
Check MASON TWIN Price & Availability in your region (U.S.A, Canada, UK, Europe, Japan):
AUSTRALIA:
2. Eric Geiselman Flash
The Flash is a great all-rounder high performance board with a fuller nose and lots of volume through the middle and a pretty flat rocker. That means it is both an easy paddler and wave catcher and maintains speed through slower sections of the wave. Like all of Softech’s Performance Series, this board has real definition in the rails and a double stringer providing stiffness and responsiveness in turning.
The board has a Polyethylene (PU) deck and bottom so waxing on top is basically like a regular board and you can add a traction pad too which you can’t really do on most soft tops.
User FEEDBACK:
- 5’7 noted to be easy to duck dive
- Good quality construction and durable
- Perfect for traveling as it is light and you don’t have to worry as much about dinging it
- Easy to paddle and to get into waves due to volume
- Works in waves up to 4-5 foot and can do all – barrels, airs and layback snaps
- Several reviews gave very positive feedback when they changed the included softflex fins to Reactor/ Accelerator FCS II.
- Great for beginners and more advanced.
- A great board for Florida surf and also a lot of fun.
- “I’m 6ft, 70kg and got the 5’7″. Gets on waves easy, feels nice and skatey and just a lot of fun”
With 4 sizes on offer, the EG Flash will suit a large range of surfers from beginners to advanced and weights up to 95kg (on the 6’6″):
5’0″ x 20″ x 2 3/5″ (34L)
5’7″ x 20 1/2″ x 2 2/3″ (37L)
6’0″ x 21 1/4″ x 2 2/3″ (39L)
6’6″ x 21 2/3″ x 2 2/3″ (44L)”
Check EG FLASH Price & Availability in your region (U.S.A, Canada, UK, Europe, Japan):
AUSTRALIA:
3. Bomber
Check out our hands on in-depth review of the Bomber HERE!
The Bomber is one of the most popular foamies from Softech Surfboards. With a pulled in almost pintail shape with a wide longboard nose, a pronounced domed deck (super buoyant at 60L). With all that foam it is very forgiving and stable. In terms of rocker it is fairly flat throughout with a little lift in both the tail and nose, with a double stringer for strength.
It paddles into anything and picks up speed really quickly, trims like a longboard but is very easy to move it around exactly as intended with a bit of pressure on the back foot.
This board is suited to a wide range of surfers from beginners looking for a shorter but stable board, and intermediate to advanced riders after a board which has best of both worlds between performance and cruiser. All sizes have very high volume so the 6’4″ & 6’10” can cater for weights up to approx 90 – 100 kg.
User FEEDBACK:
- “Nice looking board. Easy paddling and balance. Responsive with performance fcs2 hard fins and not stock soft fins. Best of both worlds between a short and long board. Rode in 2-5 ft with a variety of waves. Comfortable on the body. Will make this my everyday go to board over my hard top short board.”
- Paddles like a dream and surfs like a mini-mal and a shortboard at the same time
- Great board if you are transitioning from long to short
- Really easy to paddle and glide into even the smallest waves
Check BOMBER Price & Availability in your region (U.S.A, Canada, UK, Europe, Japan):
Australia:
4. Kyuss King Fish
The Kyuss King Fish signature model is a wide little board packed with volume, built for speed in less than ideal conditions and perfect waves alike. With a flattish rocker it serves as a great groveller that can be pushed around. This board has a double stringer making it a bit more rigid and strong than the standard Rocket Fish (outlined below) and the Mason Twin.
Another difference with the Rocket Fish (Twin Fin), the Kyuss King Fish has a center stabilising fin which gives it a bit more control and less of a skatey loose feel.
- This board could really suit anyone looking for a fun, fast and loose board. There’s plenty of volume and will suit intermediate to advanced surfers anywhere in weight up to approx 75- 80 kg (or kids/lighter learners) on the 4’8″ and surfers up to approx 85 kg on the 5’8″
User FEEDBACK:
- Super fast and loose
- A great groveller as it catches anything
- Popular with kids (4’8) as well as adults
Available in 2 sizes with FCS II thruster (tri) fin setup:
4’8″ x 21″ x 2 1/8″ (29L)
5’8″ x 21 1/2″ x 2 2/3″ (36L)
Check KYUSS KING FISH Price & Availability in your region (U.S.A, Canada, UK, Europe, Japan):
AUSTRALIA:
5. Filipe Toledo Wildfire
The Filipe Toledo Wildfire is the most refined and performance orientated board in the lineup, suited to the intermediate to advanced surfer to make the most of slightly weaker waves. With a sealed epoxy core, it is lightweight and durable and has double composite stringers to keep it stiff. The rails are defined much like standard high performance surfboard, with a diamond tail, flat rocker profile and volume in the front end which all combine to ensure the board is going to easily catch weaker waves but provide a high level of performance.
Check out our in-depth review of the Softech Filipe Toledo Wildfire HERE.
User FEEDBACK:
“My 11 year old is loving the look and feel of his 5’3, great quality product!”
“I’m 6’0 intermediate level surfer. Usually surf a 32.1L Air 17x. Bought the 5’11” Filipe board to grovel and for small mushy days. This board is an absolute blast. I’ve been surfing it almost exclusively since I bought it.”
“This board is super bright! It’s an absolute blast if you’re ok with standing out hah. Most of the time I’m surfing smaller mushy waves, this catches them and rides with speed and fun! My new favorite board for sure!”
“Rode it in 3-4 foot surf, super fun and easy to maneuver. It’s perfect for me as I’m still learning to ride shorter boards.”
“This board surfs with great performance. The rail edges fade back to the tail and sharpen way up. There is a wide groove on the bottom between the side fins toward the back of the tail which is an amazing feature of this board I thought; that is not in any review or description of the product, that made me love the board more than I expected.”
“Beat the crowds and get more waves. I can’t recommend this board enough for bashing around and still ripping around your local on those family beach days… My son loves it too!”
Available in 2 sizes with FCS II thruster (tri) fin setup:
5’3 x 19 x 2 5/8 x 32L
5’11 x 20 5/8 x 2 3/4 x 37L
Check TODELO WILDFIRE Price & Availability (U.S.A):
AUSTRALIA:
6. The Middie (New Softech Epoxy Series 2021)
Softech’s newest additions feature an epoxy core (as opposed to an EPS foam core), which is vaccum glassed in 6OZ cloth and with otherwise the same PE Foam deck and slick bottom as their other boards.
“The Middie” is described as a well rounded board suited to small/mushy conditions or for beginners looking for an easier way to catch waves.
Featuring a drawn in tail with ample rocker out the back lets you whip this board around with ease.
Plenty of rocker in the nose to hook into a turn or keep you from pearling, this board was designed with all skill levels in mind.
This looks to be a fun board in a variety of lengths which could suit beginners, or experienced surfers alike.
User FEEDBACK:
- No feedback at this stage!
Available in three sizes and with FCS II Tri fin thruster setup:
5’10” x 20″ x 2 ¼” (28.5L)
6’4″ x 21″ x 2 ½” (37.5L)
6’10” x 21″ x 2 ¾” (45.5L)
AUSTRALIA:
7. The Triplet (New Softech Epoxy Series 2021)
Softech’s newest additions feature an epoxy core (as opposed to an EPS foam core), which is vaccum glassed in 6OZ cloth and with otherwise the same PE Foam deck and slick bottom as their other boards.
“The Triplet” is described as A combo of fresh and old school. Drawing off performance shortboard bottom contours and rails with some old-school rocker and outline. This is the perfect board for fast and steezy surfing.
Plenty of volume under the chest to chip into some weak ones, but a drawn-in winged swallow tail to really hook into a turn. Run as a twin to really get zipping or throw a stabiliser in to get a little control.
User FEEDBACK:
- No feedback at this stage!
Available in two sizes and with FCS II Tri fin thruster setup:
5’8″ x 20 1/2” x 2 7/16” (29.5L)
6’0″ x 21 1/8” x 2 3/8” (35L)
AUSTRALIA:
Plenty of options to choose from in the Softech Surfboards Performance Series!
If you have any of these boards yourself and can offer any further feedback please drop a comment!
Would love to know your thoughts on the Softech Bomber vs the MF Beastie
I’m 30, 72kg and probably somewhere between beginner and intermediate. Looking to get more waves to keep improving
Cheers
Hi Sam, thanks for the comment.
Personally I think it depends what type of surfing style you are looking to improve, both will catch waves fairly easy – the MF Beastie is the more traditional shortboard shape, with less volume. It will help you progress in more high performance surfing.The Bomber is a read hybrid between longboard and shortboard. Will probably catch waves easier of the two. All the best!
Would love to know your thoughts on best board for a young kid who currently has low end 5’5″ foam board but wants hard board. thinking Geiselman 5’0 vs. Felipe 5’3 to get closest to the hard board feel. Kid is pretty good for age. Suggestions? Thank you
Hi Ben,
I think the Geiselman is probably a better all rounder and easier to surf but if they are really excelling and wanting to get on a performance board the wildfire might suit them. Probably couldn’t go too wrong with either!
Hi,
I was wondering if I could get your thoughts on whether the 5″8 Rocket Fish would be a good board for me, I’m around 63-65kgs and I’d say beginner/intermediate.
Thanks in advance.
Hey Jon!
Are you talking about the Kyuss King Fish which comes in 5’8″? It will work for your weight for sure – definitely enough volume. Overall they’re still quite short for a beginner, but depends on your experience/comfort with shorter boards. They’ll have quite a bit of float to them but the difficulty may be in popping up and maintaining control for a beginner Have fun with whatever board you get – let us know you’re feedback!
Hi!!I´m from Spain, thanks for your website, it´s very helpful. I want to know wich surfboard should buy. I have two surfboards. One of 8 feets of Decathlon for small waves and a Spitfire fst of 33.5 l. I surf at the mediterranean sea and I want to have something in the middle of this two surfboards. I take the wall of the wave and I want to learn to make turns and tricks but I think that is not enough my 33.5 l surfboard.
I´m 75 kg and 1,82 m. I think on Eric Gieselman Flash 6,0 39 L but also Filipe Toledo 5,11 but i think it´s like my 33.5 L. I don´t Know.
Thanks and sorry for my english
Hola Alejandro!
I think the EG Flash fits in the middle of the 2 boards you have. I think you’ll find it a bit easier to surf compared to your Spitfire and help you progress. The Filipe model is more similar to your shortboard.
Thanks again!! I’m was searching and I found that this surfboards in few months shows bubbles and wrinkles 🙁 is it true?? I saw that people said that they keep the surfboard protect of sun but I want to know your opinion if you have one. Thanks
Mine hasn’t but I haven’t used it a great deal and keep it inside and don’t leave it in sun etc.
Hi guys! Im a beginner/intermediate surfer. I weight about 200 pounds and Im 5’9. I was wondering if I could ride the Eric Geiselman Flash 6’0 and if it will be able to float me? Or if I would need the 6’6?
Hey Nick!
the 6’0″ will still float you, but if you’re more on the beginner end I’d suggest you might find the 6’6″ will work better for you and help you improve your surfing. Let us know how you go whatever you choose! cheers
Hiya I’m looking to buy either Madson 5’6
Eric 5’7 or
Kyuss king 5’8
I would say I’m beginner- intermediate and 65kg
Which board would be the easiest to get on with I’m stuck with space for transporting so I can’t go any bigger many thanks Tim
Hi Tim, I suggest the Eric Geiselman Flash will be the most all round user friendly option of the 3 for your level of surfing. Kyuss King a close second. I’d urge you away from the Mason Fish. Good luck!
Many thanks will try the geiselman flash to be fair I don’t think I will be able to get an kyuss anyway they are all out of stock everywhere
Hi , I m 190-200 pounds ,6’2 tall, 43 years old, I m no more a beginner , and I hope an intermediate and I want something which turn easy , to improve bottom turn and help me work in the wave the best way , Is a flash 6 or 6’6 à good choice for me ? I m used to roller softech 8’ of surf school and I find slow to turn . Thanks a lot , Cedric
Hey Cedric,
Coming off the 8 foot board – and based on your height/weight I think the 6’6″ will be a good choice and helpful for work on turns and working the wave more. Best of luck with it!
Hi,
Great post, awesome job searching online for the feedbacks.
I searched a lot whether its easy to duck dive the Flash and you are the first I found to mention it.
I am 5’7 tall (170cm), weight 75kg and surfing for 6 months (a lot!). Currently, I have a soft board which is 52L 6’6 and I struggling to duck dive it (and lose a lot of power getting into the water).
I am struggling to decide which Flash board size to get.
On one hand, I don’t want to rush downsizing, on the other I want to progress faster.
My question (finally:)), Is it easy to duck dive with 6’0 or to get the 5’7?
Hey Mitch – so sorry just saw your message.
I’d probably go for the 6″. If will be an easier step down – you will be able to duck dive.
Hi,
I am a 165 cm girl and weigh about 60 pounds. I’m surfing on a soft 7’0 surfboard and would like to start improving my performance. Which surfboard would you recommend me to buy and in what size?
(I tried to surf on fiberglass shorts but found it very difficult for me to pedal with it. In addition I live in Israel so most of the time the waves are not very high and the sea is messy).
Thank you! (:
Hi Ofir, thanks for the comment!
If you’re looking at softech boards in particular – and I’m not sure what boards you can easily get a hold of in Israel – the Eric Geiselman Flash is going to be the best board for you to work on improving your performance whilst still having good float and easier to paddle. I think 6’6″ would be a good size to start with, or if you’re more confident a 6’0 could be ok too.
With the small messy waves that you are surfing I think it still helps to have a bit more in length.
Let me know if we can help any further!
Hi
I am hoping you could advise me. I’m a beginner surfer (49 yrs young female and 66kg;)) . I currently surf an alder 7 ft ssr foamie ( think it’s about 70lt). i can catch green waves and go in both directions but find it hard to turn when i’m on the wave – i don’t want to be able to perform cutbacks but would like a bit more manoeuvrability 🙂 Would you advise me to go with 7ft softech flash? Thanks for your help.
Hi Mae,
Thanks for getting touch! Yes I think the Softech Flash 7ft will definitely give you more maneuverability and it’s still long enough and with good volume. Alternatively the Softech Bomber (6’4″) could be a good option. It’s got heaps of volume and a more similar shape to what you’ve been riding but it is a bit more refined and with a pulled in tail it is easier to turn. Good luck with your surfing!
Thank you so much for your reply. Due to supply issues I may have also look at the catch surf 7 ft log…are these very different boards? Maybe the flash would offer more challenge.. my kids think it’s time to move on from my raft😉
Not a worry – The Catch Surf Log is quite thick so they’re really buoyant – much like the Bomber. The Flash would be a slightly different style of board you are right so it might mix up your surfing a bit. Hey there’s nothing wrong with rafts 😉 Good luck with whatever you end up getting I’m sure it will fun. If you want to leave a review of the board on the site we’d really appreciate it!