Out of all the recent surfboards I tried the Moe Mini Surfboard was definitely the one that surprised me the most, with really only one small downside, and one thing that caught me off guard while riding it.
Sizing & Construction
The Moe Mini Surfboard comes in sizes under 7 feet including:
6’6″ x 21.5″ x 2.625″ | 41L
6’10” x 21.5″ x 2.75″ | 45L
While the regular Moe surfboards come in the following:
7’2” x 22” x 2.81” | 49.4L
7’4” x 22.5” x 2.87” | 52.9L
8’0″ x 22.67” x 3.06” | 61.2L
They also come in different thunderbolt technologies including:
Thunderbolt Red
Thunderbolt Black
I chose to ride the Moe Mini Surfboard in 6’6″ x 21.5″ x 2.625″ at 41L and in Thunderbolt Red. Which I’m finding for myself personally at 5’9″ and around 155lbs to be the sweet spot for what I like to ride in my mid length surfboards to maintain paddle power and maneuverability.
How it Felt to Ride: Moe Mini Surfboard
NOTE: I review surfboards on certain categories on a 10 point scale, which you’ll notice after certain words.
The wide shaped Moe Mini Surfboard paddles and enters waves solidly. I would say it paddles and enters wave a little better than the Outlier X and a bit below the Milo (Paddling & Wave Entry 9). For Speed and drive I gave it to 9.25, On a small out of season day with ankle to knee high soft surf, my expectations were super low, but was surprised how well this thing could generate speed, and of course in surf bigger than that this board will go too. It also surprisingly maintains speed in flatter sections too. (Speed & Drive 9.25)
What differentiates this board from the rest:
First let me ask you a question:
When you’re surfing, do you want to feel like you’re riding a board, or feel like you’re riding lower in the water, more in synergy with the wave? With the thunderbolt red technology, when you pump for speed or put the board on rail to turn on this board, it definitely feels like the latter. The thinned out rails keep the board very agile and responsive. Making it the most performance oriented mid length I’ve tried to this date, with flex like no other EPS/epoxy board on the market either (Flex & Maneuverability 9.5).
BUT, not all Thunderbolt Red surfboards are the same. If you wanna see what I mean I’ve got a link here.
One thing getting used for the Moe Mini Surfboard
One thing that took a little getting used to ties in with the drive, maneuverability, and flex and mostly applied to my backside cutbacks.
As an example, while most boards when you cutback, the board will rebound back to the white water more predictably. The Mini Moe almost felt like it had a different timing.
The best way I can explain it is like a sling shot that you’re pulling far back. So as you’re initiating the turn, and cutting back it almost felt like that sling shot is still getting pulled. Like it’s still charging up. But once it did release and you engaged that inside rail and swung your trailing arm to go back, it felt like it propelled you to the white water with an even higher burst of speed than I’m used to.
Overall Scores for the Moe Mini Surfboard
- Paddling /Wave Entry 9
- Speed 9
- Drive 9.25
- Maneuverability & Flex 9.5
- Duck diving / Volume Distribution 9.5
- Durability 8.25
- OVERALL FUN FACTOR 9.5
Whose it For?
This particular 6’6″ Moe Mini Surfboard and thinned out rails may make this board a little more tricky for beginners at this size. If you’re in the beginner range, but looking for a smaller sized mid length I’d recommend the CJ Nelson Milo Fish Surfboard.
I would recommend this particular 6’6″ Moe Mini surfboard to upper beginners – advanced level surfers to enjoy, while the larger size moe’s in the 7ft -8ft could be used by all skill levels.
Wave Range
This board works best in the waist to head high wave range, although it can still work in slightly smaller or larger surf.
In surf higher higher than head high the Outlier X/Mid 6 would be better options.
But overall this board will keep you covered in mostly all wave conditions and is a fantastic and beautiful daily driver.
Recommended Fins/Accessories:
Even if this isn’t the recommended Large quads that Harley suggest. I did use this fin set up for most of the review and it worked really great. If you want more information you can also check out my vid review here.
Power Twins + Trailer
My go to tangle-free Leash (FCS Helix) & FCS Sharkbanz pod for protection & peace of mind from any sharks while out in the water.
Video Review
You can also check out my video review on the Moe Mini Surfboard here.
Other Alternatives
Check out my review on the CJ Nelson Outlier X here! Probably the most similarly size and dimensioned mid length surfboard I’ve tried to the Moe Mini Surfboard.