JS Xero Fusion HyFi 3.0 Board Review

Store owner Tim Dickson breaks down the JS Xero Fusion in HyFi 3.0 construction.

Demo Surfboards Available

5'11 32.1L, 6'0 33.8L, 6'1 35.5L & 6'2 37.3L

Tim's Dims: 5'6 x 19 x 2 3/16 - 24.6L (70kg/5'11")

Mick's Dims: 6'0 x 20 1/4 x 2 9/16 - 33.8L (75kg/5'6")

I've previously written a review on the Xero Fusion in PU construction, which is all still relevant so I've copy and pasted at the bottom. But below is an overview of why I'm so excited by HyFi 3.0.

HyFi 3.0

HyFi 3.0 revolves around a full carbon bottom and rails for even better strength & performance. The deck stringer has also been re-engineered to achieve a new level of flex giving you more spring-loading through turns and easier speed generation. HyFi 3.0's are designed to weigh the same as an equivalent team PU board (4/4oz) but due to all futuristic tech, they are much stronger (if you've ever tried a single 4oz glassed board, you'll know how great they go and how quickly they break)

Components:

• EPS Core (fun fact: the cell density/size is different to the blanks used in Carbotune, both are engineered to maximise performance for that tech)
• Multi layered epoxy and hybrid fibres
• Engineered carbon stringers (these are scaled specifically for each board size/the weight of its intended rider for the best possible flex pattern)
• Full carbon bottom & rails
• Innegra deck reinforcement (white fibres that criss-cross over the deck)

Note: JS have designed both the HyFi 3.0 and Carbotune constructions to be ridden in the same volume as a PU. This is mainly done by lowering the rails just the right amount to get the same feel. Keep it simple and stick to your usual volume.

How it Surfs

Put simply, my Fusion HyFi 3.0 goes much faster and with a quicker response than a conventional PU board. The real magic is the way it buries a rail; most epoxy constructions are more buoyant so sit higher in the water which makes doing a proper carve difficult - particularly in choppy conditions. Its probably due to the PU-Esque weight, but I find that my Fusion HyFi feels just as reliable on rail as a PU, even in bigger/bumpier days. That feel combined with all the speed, response and strength of the construction is pure magic. It's the best surfboard construction I've ever ridden.

Just after we filmed the review I went on a trip to PNG and mostly rode my Fusion, didn't get much footage but here are a few photos to prove it goes in the ocean!

The Xero Fusion

Overview

The JS Xero is the medium size wave tackling, high performance all-rounder in their range and is the kind of board you can keep in the car and ride 95% of the time in Newcastle. As a fairly high-performance shape its designed for intermediate surfers up to get the most out of the board. On the scheme of modern boards, the Xero doesn’t have a wide nose so you’ll need to be a reasonable paddler or make use of the Easy Rider dimensions to cram in a few extra litres. It’s available in PU or HyFi 3.0 or Carbotune construction.

The review part – I really like my Xero, it's extremely easy to ride due to it's speed, predictability and responsiveness. I'm a bit stumped for what else to say, it just goes great and is a classic all-rounder.

Recommended Conditions

2 – 5ft (2 – 10ft faces)

That’s the range it will do its best work I, but a good surfer will have no trouble getting it going in 1ft waves, especially with a more upright fin selection. If your surfing level is more intermediate then a chunkier, specialty groveller is your best bet in those conditions for some extra speed-generating help.

Features

• An overall low to flat rocker to create speed and drive in smaller to medium waves
• Medium to full performance-based rails developed from the Monsta Box. These allow for responsiveness and precision when a good section comes your way, but have enough volume to carry you through dead sections and avoid getting caught in chop
• Single to double concave using the JS ‘reverse concave’ shape which is deeper under the front foot and shallower at each end of the board which they have found to be the fastest set-up creating the maximum water flow

Fin Set-Up

I’m using Medium FCSII H4’s in my Xero which are my favourite fin and the go-to in any all-round shortboards. The Xero has a fairly typical tail width so start off with your favourite set of thrusters and adjust from there if needed. And if you haven’t experimented with fins, don’t have a go-to set, and are more confused than Rich Kelly writing website code - just get a set of FCS Performers or Futures F4/F6/F8’s – they’re the middle of the road, balanced set in each range and you can’t go wrong.

Like all fin set-ups there is no right and wrong and personal preference matters. We all surf differently and put weight in different places so why should we all like the same fins? If in doubt come grab some of our demo sets and see what works best for you!

Written By: Tim Dickson