Channel Islands Neckbeard 3 + New FCS H4 Quad Review - The Surfboard Guide

Welcome to the review of the Neckbeard 3 by Channel Islands Surfboards!

We also check out the new FCS H4 Fins - if you would like to buy a set, please use our link to let FCS know that independent surfboard reviews help support your decision making - https://bit.ly/3eEOvP2

I have been riding the stock 5'9 x 19 5/8 x 2 1/2 - 30.7L Neckbeard 3

Having been a huge fan of the Dumpster Diver, Neckbeard, and pretty much anything that Dane Reynolds is involved with, I was keen to check this thing out!

From https://cisurfboards.com/products/nec...

When something isn’t broke, there’s no need to fix it. That said, Britt Merrick and Dane Reynolds still felt a few slight refinements would make an already epic board that much better. And it did: The merits of our original NeckBeard’s update (aka NeckBeard 2) were seen in Dane’s surf film “The Electric Acid Surfboard Test.”

A big fan of single concave, Dane asked Britt to take out the vee from the original NeckBeard, creating single throughout. This changed the rocker landscape some, but in a very positive way—enhancing its wave entry, down-the-line speed, and overall control. They also widened the tail block 1/2” and added a slight hip, resulting in increased responsiveness and maneuverability.

In our 3.0 tweak to this great design, we updated only the tail by rounding out its signature square block. While the NeckBeard 3 is the exact same shape in every other way, its new tail design makes this skatey, angular turning air board more versatile by providing smoother transitions in the pocket and buttery carves out on the face—not to mention better hold and more confidence in the barrel.

The NeckBeard 3 is built with the tri-fin set up in mind but also works very well as a quad via a five-fin setup, allowing you to get the best of both worlds. Available in both PU/PE and EPS Spine-Tek.

In the Neckbeard 3 I checked out a variety of fins, but really enjoyed the H4 quads by FCS!

From https://www.surffcs.com.au/products/f...

Overview

This set comes equipped with 2 x Quad Rear Fins, designed to work with both medium & large H4 sets.

UNIQUE TEMPLATE

While the science behind the template, materials & the foils are highly complex. Every component of this fin has been engineered to create a simple synergy between the fin & the surfboard, the rider & the wave.

REAR FIN SYNERGY: The H4 quad rear combines the power + control of the H4 thruster, with the added speed & drive of a quad.

QUAD REAR PROFILE: A similar hybrid outline on the front and rear fins helps minimise turbulence + provides a smooth and predictable feel.

ENHANCED FOILS: Revolutionary new foil designed to grip longer through turns and promotes perfect rail to rail transitions.

Ideal Conditions

A wide range of conditions, particularly good in critical overhead waves.

Board Types

Designed to fit the FCS II Fin System.
Recommended for performance shortboards with moderate-to-low rocker.

Fin Family

Accelerator: Find Control. Speed, flow and response with added control.

Thanks for checking out our review of the Channel Islands Neckbeard 3 - this board was a whole lot of fun to surf, and hopefully you get a chance to check one out!

Thanks to @byronetmedia and @tonypalmer.photos for the surf footage!