Channel Islands x Torq X-Lite M23 Surfboard Review

Available here: https://www.boardshop.co.uk/brands/to...

The brand new colab between Torq and Channel Islands in the excellent X-Lite epoxy construction has landed. The first model in this colab is the Torq X Channel Islands M23 surfboard. The M23 has been one of CI's most popular boards so its great to be able to offer it in this excellent construction. The M23 model is truly a performance hybrid model that really appeals to and fits a multitude of surfers in size and ability. Shaped by Britt Merrick, the M23 comes with a tidy pulled in nose outline, which runs with medium to full rails, giving a margin for error when riding the board. The round tail provides control and hold while giving performance with the harder, sharper rail edge in the final third of the board. You'll find the M23 holds foam central to the board, creating a fast paddling board to hoover up waves from 2ft to 6ft with effortless style.

Testament to the shape of the M23 is how versatile this board is. Suited to waves from beach breaks, reefs, points and even wave pools. Anyone on an M23 will rival the wave count of people on out and out mid lengths while having performance to match shortboards. Channel Island's have kept the board simple with fin plug options too, this is a thruster set up and suited to this. Use the AM template fins are the perfect pairing with this board.

The entry rocker is relaxed which helps with general paddling and wave catching. The exit rocker is on the fairly standard, not agressive but there is enough there to get the board turning. The fuller outline provides lots of surface area which equals glide and speed. The rails are fuller but somewhat angular with a lower apex providing lift and control. This style of board is great for sloping waves where there's not a lot of power of shape and it holds its own in better stuff too. It will work for someone coming off a bigger board looking to progress or for a better surfer looking to up their wave count or have a more relaxed surf.

The X-Lite tech is a Torq Epoxy technology developed specifically for performance boards. This is lighter, stronger and more Eco than a traditional PU/Polyester board, now with a 50% thinner Shield Skin for weight reduction. This innovative technology is used exclusively on the X-Lite Channel Islands models; the best selling Pod Mod and all new M23. X-Lite technology now features an additional wood layer sandwich between the two deck biaxial layers. This wood composite is incredibly ding resistant but without adding stiffness usually associated with strength. We're super stoked to be adding this surfboardto our range, it reprsent proper performance and great value. This unique combination of advanced materials and high-tech construction produces a board that performs at the very highest level, offering lightweight shapes with a responsive flex (missing on some cheaper Epoxy boards) but also makes for a really durable and strong surfboard. We love the lightweight, tough construction and most importantly how it surfs. We feared it would be too stiff in this type of epoxy build but thats not the case at all, its got really even flex so it deals with chop etc really well.

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