# Carbonology Flash X

> Surfski by Carbonology. Canonical page: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/carbonology-flash/
> Cite as: Carbonology Flash X, Surfski Index, https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/carbonology-flash/ (checked 2026-10-15). Terms: https://surfskiindex.com/using-our-data/

## Specifications
- Length: 6.35 m
- Beam: 42.5 cm
- Deck height: 35 cm
- Layup weights: Glass Vacuum 14.5 kg, Hybrid 13 kg, Carbon 11.5 kg
- Usually paddled by: Confident ocean paddlers

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability rated 5 out of 10 (traced hull, medium confidence).
- Speed rated 9 out of 10.

Modelled from this hull's traced beam and depth at its design weight. Medium confidence. Speed is our rating. Both are given at the hull's own design weight.

These ratings are Surfski Index estimates, worked out from published dimensions, traced hull shapes where we have them, and reviews. They are not supplied by the maker or timed on the water. How a ski feels depends on your weight, skill, set-up and the conditions, so use them to shortlist skis and paddle one before you buy. Method: https://surfskiindex.com/how-it-works/#limits

Evidence note: This band is based on a trace of this hull’s geometry. Qualitative context includes 1 paddler report and 4 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Carbonology rates this hull for paddlers from 75 kg to 120 kg.

## Suits
Ocean racing, upwind and downwind for competent-to-elite paddlers who want elite speed without extreme twitchiness; low-volume nose resists cross-wind push.

## Hull
6.35m x 42.5cm elite hull with a very fine 31.5cm catch, low-volume nose and lowered knee-hump. Long waterline tracks straight, holds runs and stays dry upwind; noticeably more stable and better-tracking than most elite skis at similar speed.

## What works
- Elite speed with unusually manageable stability
- Excellent straight-line tracking and wash-riding
- Dry, low-volume nose unaffected by cross winds
- Doesn't get less stable as you fatigue

## Trade-offs
- Snug narrow bucket; harder remount than intermediate skis
- Still an advanced ski, not for beginners
- Low volume not ideal for heavy paddlers wanting nose buoyancy

## Generations
- 2012-2022: Original Flash; Carbonology's first full-length elite ski, essentially a lengthened Vault (extra 30cm nose, 13cm tail). Hybrid ~13kg
- 2022-: Flash X and Flash X LV current gen; Flash X Double is the elite 'Blast' double

## What paddlers say
- Brett McDonald (surfski.info, 90kg): after 35km felt he'd 'all but forgotten I was paddling an elite level ski'; ~0.3km/h faster than his Vault on flat, tracks better, holds chop without wallowing; recommends it for those stepping up from intermediate skis or finding other elite skis too twitchy

## Sources
- https://surfski.info/latest-news/story/1433/surfski-review-carbonology-sport-flash.html
- https://www.carbonologysport.com/flash-surfskis/
- https://carbonology.se/models.html
- https://australianpaddlesports.com.au/skis/

## Prices
Current new prices and dealers: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/carbonology-flash/#buy