# Carbonology Zest X LV (formerly Vault X)

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

## Specifications
- Length: 6.1 m
- Beam: 46 cm
- Deck height: 32 cm
- Layup weights: Glass Vacuum 14.5 kg, Hybrid 12.5 kg, Carbon 11.5 kg, Full Honeycomb 9 kg
- Usually paddled by: Paddlers in chop

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability band 6–8 out of 10 (dimension estimate, low confidence).
- Speed rated 7 out of 10.

Modelled from published beam, length and deck height. Low 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 estimated from published dimensions. Qualitative context includes 2 paddler reports and 4 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Carbonology rates this hull for paddlers from 40 kg to 85 kg.

## Suits
Downwind, ocean chop and racing for non-elite paddlers up to ~80-90kg; a stable stepping-stone into performance skis.

## Hull
Short (6.1m) 46cm advanced-intermediate hull with a deep low seat, snug bucket and low knee-hump; good primary stability for its width and a well-behaved wash-riding hull. Catches small and large waves easily thanks to the short waterline.

## What works
- Very stable for a 46cm ski, dry ride
- Short length = light and easy to accelerate onto runs
- Excellent bailer (drains ~7-8km/h)
- Great confidence bridge from beginner skis

## Trade-offs
- Deep cockpit makes remount harder
- Twitchy secondary stability when leaned over
- Superseded/renamed (Vault badge no longer sold new)

## Generations
- 2010-2013: Original Vault, 5.95 m x 47 cm; imported to Australia by Viva Paddlesports. A short intermediate/advanced ski that made its name placing 5th in the 2010 Port Elizabeth to East London Shamaal.
- 2013-2022: Vault X: lengthened to 6.1 m and narrowed to 46 cm over two revisions (6.12 m x 46.5 cm, then 6.10 m x 46 cm).
- 2022-: Renamed Zest X LV to end the confusion with the Zest range. Same hull: 6.1 m x 46 cm, 40-85 kg, snug seat and low hump for leg drive.

## What paddlers say
- Brett McDonald (surfski.info): bought the Vault over an Epic V10L for extra stability to focus on stroke; wash hangs well but needs constant rudder work to stay in the sweet spot
- surfski.info tester (85kg): good primary stability from low seat, bit twitchy when leaned, bailer drained at only 7-8km/h; chose it as a serious contender vs Think Evo II

## Sources
- https://surfski.info/forum/19-boats/5830-carbonology-sport-vault-a-midpackers-review.html
- https://www.carbonologysport.com/zest-x-lv-surfski/
- https://carbonology.se/models.html
- https://surfski.info/forum/2-announcements/18425-new-version-carbonology-vault.html

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