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
Specifications
- Length
- 6.1 m
- Beam
- 46 cm
- Deck height
- 32 cm
- Category
- Surfski
- Skill level
- intermediate
- 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.
Suits: Downwind, ocean chop and racing for non-elite paddlers up to ~80-90kg; a stable stepping-stone into performance skis.
Paddler weight
This hull is built around a paddler of about 87 kg. It stays workable from 76 kg to 92 kg, and sits at its best between 81 kg and 89 kg.
Derived from published hull dimensions and calibrated against manufacturer paddler limits, not taken from a marketing range. The method, in full.
Generations
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.
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).
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 works, and what it costs you
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- Superseded/renamed (Vault badge no longer sold new)
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
Gallery
Where to buy
Dealers in the markets we have mapped:
Historic A$3,500 hybrid (Viva Paddlesports, 2011). Current as Zest X LV A$3,300-6,000 (APS 2024).
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