These boards are all Thunderbolt Red Surfboards that I’ve tried (Outlier Plus, Special T, Seaside and Beyond, Milo, Outlier X, and Mini Moe. ), but they ride super different considering their construction. So much so, that I believe that this one technology could split further off and be considered two different technologies on their own.
Thunderbolt Red Surfboards: What prompted the Idea
This realization came after riding the Seaside and Beyond I thought that the flex on that surfboard was the best I’ve ever experienced on an EPS board. Epoxy durability, but the flex similar to a PU board. I was in actual disbelief and thought that they nailed this combo.
So I had thought okay, because Firewire and Thunderbolt surfboards were splitting, they sprinkled some voodoo magic in this limited edition and final collab between both brands.
And that thought was confirmed as I rode the first few boards in 2024. Comparing the boards I reviewed like the Milo and Outlier X, and comparing them to the Seaside and Beyond. Something was different. I’m talking about ignoring the rocker, rails, outline, concaves and focusing on the construction of the board and the way it flexes, the way it pumps, and turns. The flex of these boards were different.
Something had changed….
And then it hit me, after trying the Mini Moe and comparing it to Outlier X.
- both have similar outlines and dimensions
- Outlier X 6’6″ x 21.5″ x 2.75″ | 42.82L
- Mini Moe 6’6″ x 21.5″ x 2.625″ | 41L
But the way they both flex are super different, the Mini Moe has flex and response that’s a lot closer to the Seaside & Beyond.
But the way they both flex are super different, the Mini Moe has flex and response that’s a lot closer to the Seaside & Beyond.
And some people may find this crazy, but starting to believe that even if they’re all thunderbolt red, that the glossier boards and the matte boards could be two different thunderbolt technologies by themselves
The glossier boards feel a little tippy while they paddle, but have fantastic flex. While the more matte colored Thunderbolt Red Surfboards flex better in a slightly stronger wave, and are possibly even more durable.
Other Opinions About the Thunderbolt Red Surfboards
One commenter from my youtube channel Ross had an interesting comment pasted below:
“I’ve reached out to almost all of them on IG (CJ, Harley, etc) asking similar questions and all of them get to choose the flex profile and amount of glassing for each model of theirs. I’ve had almost every Thunderbolt Surfboard that has come out up until the new 2024 models and my favorite board is the Parallax. I have my 1st gen 9’6 and I rode my friends 2nd gen 9’6, both Thunderbolt Red Surfboard, and they felt totally different in the water and when holding each one on land. I was told it’s because of the glassing as CJ wanted the 2nd gens to be a little heavier glass than the 1st gens. So, I think it boils down to the glassing preference of each person and I was told that they can also tell the owner of TBolt to adjust the flex to what they want with the carbon strips they put on the board.
Another viewer thought that the CJ Nelson Thunderbolt Red Surfboards are stronger/a bit stiffer due to being glassed in Volan.
Video Review/Thoughts
If you prefer to watch through a video form, you can check the video here.
Other Alternatives
If you’re in the market for a very fun Thunderbolt Red Surfboard, I’d recommend CJ Nelson’s Milo Fish, it might be one of the fastest and smoothest riding boards I’ve tried to this date.