Thunderbolt construction - anyone have feedback

JTS

Legend (inyourownmind)
Sep 22, 2004
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Coming to the font of surfboard knowledge - I happened to see some longboards constructed in "Thunderbolt" technology at a shop. Seemed really light, did a bit of googling and it seems like a few different shapers are having boards constructed in this tech

The company has a pretty polished video of the construction - stringer less EPS blank, some reinforcements to control flex, different lamination levels (ill find a link to video)


Was wondering if anyone has ridden one, broken one or have any feedback on them?

Thanks
Jim
 
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everysurfer

Phil Edwards status
Sep 9, 2013
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There is nothing proprietary. Every tech in surfboards had been done 10 time better in the aircraft and boating industries.

That being said, anything is better than 4 oz e cloth.
 
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claw87

Legend (inyourownmind)
Jan 30, 2017
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Any ride reports by now? Or experiences with CJ Nelson's shapes in general, particularly sprout or neo classic?

Haven't owned a log in ages, looking for a durable, user-friendly noserider.
 

kool-aid

Michael Peterson status
Aug 28, 2003
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Still waiting for a ride report as well. Would love to try a Guerro in this construction.

Longboard season is soon approaching.
 

MrSteve

Gerry Lopez status
Oct 1, 2015
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Recently sold to Firewire... but I havent gotten to the bottom as to whether FW is now making them, or they're simply distribution and still made in Japan.

Jamboards has a recent thread or two on the subject.
 
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ULUSURFER

Gerry Lopez status
Jan 2, 2007
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Still waiting for a ride report as well. Would love to try a Guerro in this construction.

Longboard season is soon approaching.
I have one, the construction is very very heavy, feels like a traditional log and is very durable. I suck at longboarding so i cant surf it very well. hard to catch waves for me but thats more a factor of the design than the construction.

I believe thunderbolt is designed in japan, made in china
 

Bullnutts

Gerry Lopez status
Nov 14, 2004
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Two friends have the Harley Ingleby longboards - one the red and the other the black. Both catch plenty waves :mad:, and they have plenty fun on them. Too light for my liking.
 
Dec 18, 2014
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Recently sold to Firewire... but I havent gotten to the bottom as to whether FW is now making them, or they're simply distribution and still made in Japan.

Jamboards has a recent thread or two on the subject.
Seems more like they have a distribution deal with FW. Factory (owned/run by Japanese guy) is in China. Same place that made Tropical Blend and Flight SUPs.
 

kool-aid

Michael Peterson status
Aug 28, 2003
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I have one, the construction is very very heavy, feels like a traditional log and is very durable. I suck at longboarding so i cant surf it very well. hard to catch waves for me but thats more a factor of the design than the construction.

I believe thunderbolt is designed in japan, made in china
Wow really?? I thought the value add was that they were lighter and cheaper? Maybe it's just that they're cheaper??
 

claw87

Legend (inyourownmind)
Jan 30, 2017
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I have one, the construction is very very heavy, feels like a traditional log and is very durable. I suck at longboarding so i cant surf it very well. hard to catch waves for me but thats more a factor of the design than the construction.

I believe thunderbolt is designed in japan, made in china
You happen to know if that's in the silver construction?
 

claw87

Legend (inyourownmind)
Jan 30, 2017
374
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Wow really?? I thought the value add was that they were lighter and cheaper? Maybe it's just that they're cheaper??
Definitely not cheaper, they are about 1.5k here in Europe, similar to a tinted christenson
 

Maz

Michael Peterson status
May 18, 2004
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That Ingleby Mid6 looks good. Goes much better than a CI Mid, from the videos I've seen.

That CJ Nelson Outlier surprised me too. Looks very free and fast and smooth. Anyone ever ride one?
 

oneula

Miki Dora status
Jun 3, 2004
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they are very popular here among the longboard crowd.
pushed hard here by Hawaiian Southshore
a bunch of other designers are using the tech now
Light, strong with flex
It's a carbon warp so it's expensive as sht even used unlike a surftech or firewire

The mid-6 looks like a good one board quiver for traveling