If you are tired of buying super over volumed sponges in the water, but are still looking for a hybrid epoxy soft top surfboard that you whip around with fewer consequences. Then this soft top surfboard by Softech surfboards, the Middie, might be right up your alley.
Sizing & Construction
This hybrid epoxy soft top surfboard, the Middie that I’m reviewing is 5’10” x 20″ x 2 1/4″ x 28.5L in volume. but it does come in other sizes such as:
6’4″ x 21″ x 2 1/2″x 37.5L
6’10” x 21″ 2 3/4″ x 45.5L
First impressions as I grab it, I was surprised for it to be a hybrid epoxy soft top surfboard, BUT still feel soft on the deck and the bottom of the board.
top side-foam is super soft, and chafing wasn’t a problem on the inside of the legs if you’re a warm water surfer who doesn’t need a wetsuit. If you’re familiar with the Bomber by Softech, the foam on top is very similar in texture, soft and smooth. Definitely needs some wax on this bad boy!
However I still wouldn’t rough this hybrid epoxy soft top surfboard around too much, if you tap on the board as if you’re knocking on a door. You can definitely feel the hard shell within the board. If you drop it you could still shatter the epoxy which may compromise the foam and lead to some gnarly water logging.
How it Felt to Ride: Softech The Middie
NOTE: I review surfboards on certain categories on a 10 point scale, which you’ll notice after certain words.
- Tons of foam in the front made paddling and wave entry super easy. The ample rocker in the boards nose and tail made me a little concerned about how it would paddle, but exceeded my expectations and the wide outline allows for a lot of planing for the wave entry (Paddling /Wave Entry 9).
- Given the super rounded and wide outline, I was actually surprised with how the board performed. I was expecting a fair amount of bogging in the rails, but the continuous rocker was a good choice in this board. If you are an intermediate or advance surfer you could probably whack some waves pretty good with this board 😎(Maneuverability 8.5).
- I tend to surf softer smaller waves, but the board still feel like it had great projection and was surprised with the speed I got out of this sick hybrid epoxy soft top surfboard. (Speed & Drive 8.5).
- For the most part the way this board trims in the wave is good, but it’s also one of the boards lowest points at the same time too. The board has moments while in trim, where you can feel the board almost do like micro skips. It’s super subtle and more prominent if you’re surfing slightly bigger waves, wind slop, or waves with more power (Trim 7.75).
- When I bought this board, right after I took it out of the plastic, it already some scuffs on the tail. And after the first few weeks of riding I did notice some impressions and lines in the foam near the back of the board, which makes me wonder how long this board will last for in the long run (Durability 6.5).
- But ultimately, this hybrid epoxy soft top surfboard is not a super bulky block of foam like most soft tops. The rails are so close to perfection in being smooth for a soft top, and it even has concaves. This is the benchmark for what hybrid epoxy soft top surfboard should be (Duck diving / Foam Distribution 9).
Overall Scores
- Paddling & Wave Entry 9
- Maneuverability 8.5
- Speed & Drive 8.5
- Trim 7.75
- Durability 6.5
- Duck diving /Volume Distribution 9
- OVERALL FUN FACTOR & Value 9.25
Whose this Hybrid Epoxy Soft Top Surfboard For?
Would say this board is a fantastic softboard for a beginner, its got great volume distribution and rails to feel the closest to an actual real board that I’ve tried to this date. If you’re more towards the beginner side I would get the larger sizes, I think this is also a good board for intermediate surfers who want to try whip this hybrid epoxy soft top surfboard around too, while having the courage to do it without a great fear of *cue the whacking of the face*.
Wave Range
Even if this board has a pretty good amount of rocker in it to keep you out of trouble catching on the wave face with it’s wide outline, I’d still recommend it probably in the 1-4 feet wave range. (See the note above when I talked the board’s rating for trim).
Recommended Fins/Accessories:
Although this board does come with free super soft flexible fins, I just tried one fin set up on this,
which is similar to the MR Twin + trailer, and this was the fin set up which felt like it did no wrong, fast, drivey, had speed and maneuverability, so didn’t feel the need to change it yet. I would probably change it to a thruster if anything for bigger, beefy nugget waves though.
My go to tangle-free Leash (FCS Helix) & FCS Sharkbanz pod for protection & peace of mind from any sharks while out in the water, to pair with this hybrid epoxy soft top surfboard.
Conclusion/Summary
This hybrid epoxy soft top surfboard offers a unique blend of features, providing a soft and smooth deck with a durable, hard shell underneath. Its ample foam distribution, especially in the front, makes paddling and wave entry easy, and the continuous rocker enhances maneuverability, exceeding expectations. The board performs well in speed and drive, especially in smaller waves, although its trim could be improved, as subtle skips are noticeable in bigger or choppier conditions. While the board shows some wear over time, it’s an excellent choice for beginners and intermediates alike, offering a balance of performance and durability. The hybrid epoxy soft top surfboard is versatile and forgiving, particularly in waves up to 4 feet, making it a solid option for those looking to progress in their surfing journey.
Video Review
You can also check out my video review on this sick little hybrid epoxy soft top surfboard here.
Other Alternatives
If you’re in the market for something other than a hybrid epoxy soft top surfboard, and you still want something that has soft top level of float, but are ready to take the next level, you should check out this review I did on CJ Nelson’s Milo Fish, it might be one of the fastest and smoothest riding boards I’ve tried to this date.