FANATIC STYLEMASTER TEST REVIEW
FANATIC STYLEMASTER TEST REVIEW
Verdict:
A very refreshing board with powers to attract more prone surfers into stand up and also deserves to become the ‘go to’ board for plenty of existing sup surfers. A dream to surf, the Stylemaster has versatile performance in weak dribblers to good down-the-line surf. This board will remind you why you started sup surfing in the first place.
Overview:
The standalone longboard in Fanatic’s stable, the Stylemaster is brimming with design features that don’t show in the photos. Pick it up, and the first thing you notice is the wonderfully thinned out downturned rails. It feels thinner than it is, but the thickness tops out at 4.2” in the centre of the domed deck.
Underneath, a classic single scoop runs into a V at the back before exiting at the 2+1 honeycomb fin set up. Three-quarter length deck pad, comfy carry handle, twin leash plugs, and
mast-foot insert round out the fittings.
Brand Claim:
This board is more influenced by longboard surfing than any other board in our range. A low entry scoop-rocker line, harmonic surfing curve, lightly domed deck and zero compromise surfboard rails are the ingredients for the Stylemaster’s flow. The wide nose leaves room for creative riding, while underneath the single into double concave / V supports incredible wave catching potential.
Performance:
The Stylemaster is designed from the ground up around a recognisable longboard template and that’s what it feels like to surf – a performance longboard and it brings all the benefits of such a board.
At 10’, you’ve got some clear and instant tracking and glide advantages. The Stylemaster holds a very straight line on the paddle out and in between sets; we felt it opened up a bigger surfing area to us than we had grown used to on shorter boards of similar volume. This increased mobility will remind many of why they wanted to take a sup into the surf in the first place however the Stylemaster won’t do all the work for you: the domed deck is essential for thinning the rails out but you do lose out in primary stability. You soon adapt to it, but for a few sessions expect to fall in more than with a board with boxier rails. Next, the Stylemaster is able to pick up waves from further out thanks to the low rocker and straight tracking. This is a win for multiple reasons: it makes bigger surf less intimidating, it gives the rider more time to set up a good bottom turn, and it allows entry into suckier waves. When you’re surfing, the Stylemaster willingly climbs and drops and runs great and lets the rider generate and determine the speed. Just watch that shallow nose entry on exiting ambitious floaters and close out re-entries. Conversely, if your beach is the sort that receives a constant supply of underwhelming mush, this board will become your constant friend. It easily glides through boggy sections allowing you to join the dots with drop knee turns and cross-step trimming. There really wasn’t a lot we didn’t love about the Stylemaster; if your idea of progression is graceful trimming and smooth linked turns, you’ll likely agree.