Skin Dog Thunderbolt Blender 9'1" Review

 

I've been searching for a newer longboard and stumbled across the Skin Dog Thunderbolt Blender 9'1". The dimensions are 9'1" x22 1/4"x2 7/8" and thats pretty close to how I used to get my custom longboards built to. The technology that goes into building a surfboard has drastically changed over the last 20 plus years, and I wanted to get the feel of what's new. One of the top technologies out there are the Thunderbolt board series. Check out how the Thunderbolts are made, it's really amazing.

Surfboards by Thunderbolt Technologies: Future-State High Performance Surfcraft

Thunderbolt Technologies Surf

The pinnacle of longboard performance, built in eleven stages... Invented by Yu Sumitomo, a second generation surfboard builder from Japan, Thunderbolt Technologies enables the creation of a 'sweet spot' in every Thunderbolt longboard, engineered to the standards of competitive long boarders like Harley Ingleby, and Ben Skinner, as well as style-master and Duct Tape Invitational winner C.J. Nelson, along with regional legends like Kai Salas of Oahu, Hi. Thunderbolt Technologies Surfboards can be found at surf shops everywhere, from Australia to Europe, and the U.S.A.

I really wanted to test drive the SkinDog Blender to feel the difference compared to the 2004 Randy French High Performance Epoxy 9'0. There are a few little differences Like the SkinDog is slightly wider, has a fuller nose and a rounded tail. The SkinDog also feels lighter, and paddles faster. Now it could've just been me getting to test drive the board on a rare good day with solid head high plus waves and offshore wind that lasted well into the afternoon. Needless to say I was stoked on the conditions and the board.

It was just one of those rare days with hardly anyone out. That gave me plenty of time to focus on trying out the board. The Blender is fast and trust worthy. It feels strong and can turn on a dime. Front side, backside, floaters, head dips, whatever I wanted the Blender followed my lead. Wave after wave, it was adding to my stoked.

I surfed for three and half hours straight. Got in 8 miles of surfing, rode 47 waves with a top speed of 13.6 MPG (that 2 MPH faster than my fastest wave in my last 8 surf sessions). The longest wave was 91 yards. As I was running back to the peak a guy that was getting ready to paddle out said, "Man that was the longest waves I've ever seen anyone ride here!" 

The board just connects so well to the wave that its easy to make the section. It worked well with the laybacks, nose rides and heavy cutbacks. It's a board that feels easy to ride. Now that could just be me and the Blender is just a good match for my longboard style. 

I'm loving the versatility of the Blender and now I'm curious if there is anything better out there. What do you think? Is there a better high performance longboard out there? And if there is what is it called, and where is it sold?