Carbonology · Surfski
Carbonology Flash X
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.
- Length
- 6.35 m
- Beam
- 42.5 cm
- Deck
- 35 cm
- Lightest
- 11.5 kg
Specifications
- Length
- 6.35 m
- Beam
- 42.5 cm
- Deck height
- 35 cm
- Category
- Surfski
- Skill level
- advanced
- New price
- A$3,300
Layup weights
On-water profile
Both scores are rated at the hull's own design weight. How these are derived.
Speed here also has a traced hull behind it: measured off this boat's own side and plan photographs, the shape alone rates it 9.1, and the published score moves a third of the way toward that. What that means.
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.
Paddler weight
This hull is built around a paddler of about 89 kg. It stays workable from 79 kg to 95 kg, and sits at its best between 83 kg and 91 kg.
Derived from published hull dimensions and calibrated against manufacturer paddler limits, not taken from a marketing range. The method, in full.
Generations
Original Flash; Carbonology's first full-length elite ski, essentially a lengthened Vault (extra 30cm nose, 13cm tail). Hybrid ~13kg
Flash X and Flash X LV current gen; Flash X Double is the elite 'Blast' double
What works, and what it costs you
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
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 twitchyReported experience
Gallery
Where to buy
Dealers in the markets we have mapped:
A$3,300 (glass) to ~A$6,000 (carbon) at APS 2024.
Similar craft
Closest in stability, speed and paddler weight across the whole index.
Nelo
61
Epic
V12
SeaBird