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Carbonology · Surfski

Carbonology Zest X LV (formerly Vault X)

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.

Length
6.1 m
Beam
46 cm
Deck
32 cm
Lightest
9 kg
Source image flipped
 
Carbonology Zest X LV (formerly Vault X), studio side profile (as Zest X LV)
studio side profile (as Zest X LV) · carbonologysport.com

Specifications

Length
6.1 m
Beam
46 cm
Deck height
32 cm
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
Paddlers in chop
New price
A$3,300

Layup weights

Glass Vacuum14.5 kg
Hybrid12.5 kg
Carbon11.5 kg
Full Honeycomb9 kg

On-water profile

Stability
6–8
Dimension estimateLow confidence
Speed
7

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. How we rate.

Stability here means how steady the ski feels sitting still on flat water. Where two craft have overlapping ranges, we can't say which is more stable. Downwind handling is a separate thing, covered in the evidence note below.

Evidence note

This band is estimated from published dimensions. Qualitative context includes 2 paddler reports and 4 linked sources.

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

Paddler weight

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

The maker’s published range. How this is worked out.

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.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • 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

Cons

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  • Superseded/renamed (Vault badge no longer sold new)

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 spotReported experience
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 IIReported experience

Where to buy

Carbonology Sport ↗

Dealers:

Ocean Paddler · AU ↗Australian Paddle Sports · AU ↗Ocean Paddlesports · AU ↗PaddleZone · AU ↗

Historic A$3,500 hybrid (Viva Paddlesports, 2011). Current as Zest X LV A$3,300-6,000 (APS 2024).

Sources

BetaRatings are estimatesRatings are estimates. How we get the numbers. Prices checked October 2026, may be out of date.