BEST SOFT TOP Mini Simmons EVER!!! - HELM Weekender Surfboard Review

Use code thomye20 for 20% off.
"Best soft top that I have ever surfed". Truth guys, I'm not saying it is the best soft top out there but with my exposure, this has been the best one I have ever surfed. Definitely better than any foamy, hands down. I have surfed the Pyzel JJF Soft Top, Boardworks Froth in 3 sizes (5'0, 5'6, 7'0),
Surfer: 5'8" 145lbs 53 Years Old
Surfboard: 5'2" x 21" x 2 13/16" @ 37 L
Fins: Controller (split keels) not sure of brand though
Traction: None required
Leash: FCS 6' Helix
Wetsuit: Volcom 4/3 Modulator
#surfer #surf #surfing #surfboard #surfboards #surfboardreview #surfboardreviews #firewire #harelyingleby #firewiremoe #moe #surfermag #stab #surflesson #surflessons #asiansurfer #beginnersurflessons #beginnersurfer #learningtosurf #wavestorm #firewiresurfboards #softtop #foamy
‪@helmsuppliesofficial‬

[@wavydays6611]

Making the small waves look fun!!💯

[@ThomyeSurfs]

the board definitely made it fun. :)

[@thestow35]

love your reviews, Thomye. great analysis, heaps of footage, honest assessments

[@cnghiem67]

I really like your reviews Thom. Glad I was able to surf with you and found your channel

[@EarslimeRecords619]

Sick surfing and sick review! Mini Simmons style looks great dude !

[@wesleyapple]

This thing looks sick!! Been wanting a user friendly mini Simmons and this thing is looking legit. Price point legit too.

[@rctrix9063]

You really got my interest in this one. Great review ❤

[@ThomyeSurfs]

the hardest thing the past few weeks is that the surf has been small and I gave the weekender back to my buddy. :( each time I have been out, wishing I had it to just fart around. I'm trying out another HELM board called the Performance Fish, it's good too but not as fun as the mini simmons.

[@tillthenextlife1983]

I don’t understand how this company doesn’t have more of a following ? 323 followers on Instagram ? And 50% off boards for Black Friday? I’m buying one seems like a great deal !

[@ThomyeSurfs]

I know right. such fun boards too. I am wondering too if they will release a new line of boards. my only suggestion to them would be to put a kick on the tail. haha not something that is necessary but nice to have. at least on their shorter boards. :)

[@tillthenextlife1983]

@@ThomyeSurfs which boards from them do you have ? About to order and use in south Florida. We just got some epic swell

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@tillthenextlife1983 I've tried the Weekender mini simmons and the performance fish. both work great, i think the soft top construction just helps these boards work well.

[@dannya.4325]

Those Lost controller quads are amazing! I can bet those fins helped with how that board felt. They have so my drive and pivot.

[@anthonyxtime]

Awesome review!! Looks fun! 🤙🏽🌊🤙🏽🌊

[@dannya.4325]

Great surfing btw🤙

[@JasonTuno]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the JS soft tops. I have the Flame Fish & the Big Baron and absolutely love both. Similar construction to this Helm.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

I will need to take a look at them. I noticed them to me thinner and the volume to length closer to a normal hardboard. I tried the Pyzel jjf and that went well too but didn't have enough footage or time on it to do a proper review.

[@ajdizzle4shizzle]

Thanks for answering my questions, and of course, the great content!

[@ThomyeSurfs]

Thanks, really appreciate that.

[@Robert-or8ct]

great review! I bought a 5.2 during the sale. Really fun board. Catches waves really easy.

[@josesnowsneves5132]

ahah nice smile on your face :) maybe I get one for my kid...and for me...

[@gilliamm.5732]

Let’s go!

[@surfininmy40s]

Good idea to practice airs on a soft top . Maybe next summer for me

[@jasonfreestone9944]

Great surfing. Except at 8:27 where you kinda burnt that learner. I know surfing to the letter of surfing lore it was probably your wave? Good karma lets them have those waves and you can get some separation and still enjoy most of them. Hope these boards do come down under too like someone else said.

[@andreveiga9598]

Where would this fit in a quiver? Was thinking of getting a normal mini Simmons but you got me stoked on this!

[@ThomyeSurfs]

depends on your height/weight and the size you decide on. For me, at 5'8/145 and the board being 5'2 37L, this is my small wave grovel board up to chest high super soft. I really loved the Bobby Quad but since I already own a Mashup which is similar and can handle the knee to head high, I feel like I would be fully covered from ankle high to head high with just those two boards. Having said that, I am rather spoiled now like having not only the volume option but also the style option. I like having a mid-length and other options for small wave. I actually wanted an Mini Simmons as well, an EC, to be specific. But, I noticed that EC likes those weird glassed on fins which I can't surf. I like this quad option mini simmons. Anyways, hard for me to say how it would fit in your quiver without knowing more but I can say this with all honesty, that board is super fun and has made me rethink my style for surfing. :22 seconds of video, I liked the way this board made me get low. I used to get low by squatting more but this board forced me to hunch over more rather than squat. this allowed me to keep my power in my legs.

[@reubenbacon9156]

That’s the best I’ve ever seen you surf. 🙌You should definitely be adding that board to the quiver

[@MarkFeng]

Sick airs man! If I already got the sweet potato do I need this also?

[@ThomyeSurfs]

How big a sweet potato did you get?

[@MarkFeng]

@@ThomyeSurfs 5’4

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@MarkFeng yeah, that's 34L. the Weekender will have 3 more liters. but they also have a 5'6 version which is 41L. you can go with either but I remember you being tall, taller than me for sure. Also, if you do actually get it, I would recommend getting the Gray or Pink (although they will get dirty) you don't need wax. The Cammo is cool but the older ones require wax. Maybe the newer ones don't, not sure. if you don't mind putting light wax, the cammo is pretty cool too.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@MarkFeng BTW, I think it is a great blackies board. There would be a little overlap with the SP though and the 5'2 Weekender cuz the SP is Helium and likely floats almost as good as the 37L Weekender. Just depends on the ride you are looking for. the Weekender was a great change up for me. Made me rethink my stance. rather than squatting low, I am now trying to hunch more. Lower center of gravity but without compromising leg strength. if that makes sense.

[@Brian2124]

I love your videos and have binge watched most of them. Keep up the great work. It's so good to see reviews surfed on "normal" waves instead of perfect conditions every time. Quick question: I'm a beginner/intermediate surfer who can only get to waves 4-5 times a year in Florida (waves often very small, weak, mush). Would you recommend the Helm Weekender or the Lost Hydra? I don't surfer enough to justify a full quiver and need a board which can maximize waves, but also leaves some room for progression and slightly more aggressive riding. Thanks for the time and, again, thank you for the quality content.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

depends on liters. so the Helm Weekender comes in 2 sizes: 5'2 and 5'6. I just checked their site and they are out of the 5'2. The 5'6 is 41L and 21.5" wide. so, if you wanted a Hyrda that floated and catches waves as easily, you would look at the 6'0. So there are pro's to both: HELM: Pros: shorter (easier to transport if you compare by volume), soft top comfort and convenience, fun, less expensive. Cons: not as performance oriented Hyrda: Pros: longer and wider means slightly better at catching waves and paddling in general, more performance oriented. Cons: bigger at the same liters so it requires more space, also more expensive. Your weight will factor in the size of the board. if you aren't a big person, then the 5'2 Helm is better and at that volume 37L, it would be equal to a 5'9 Hydra. Same pros and cons. Anyways, somewhere I placed a code for a discount. I'll have to look for it.

[@Brian2124]

@@ThomyeSurfs Thank you for such a detailed response. I love your channel, but I'm really blown away by the effort and time you put into your incredibly helpful answer. Thanks man. If you have an affiliate link or if that discount code helps support your channel in anyway, please send along. Thanks again.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@Brian2124 appreciate the kind words. It's just a discount code: THOMYE20. It will get you 20% off. I don't benefit directly in any way other they recognition. The Helm guys are super cool to let me borrow boards which is all I really want from any shaper to be honest. I'd rather borrow a board than get one discounted. Spending money is hard when one is hard up, LOL. anyways, if you are serious about getting a HELM board, hit me up on IG. Cheer brotha. no guarantees but I can try and get you a better deal.

[@Brian2124]

@@ThomyeSurfs You’re the man Thomye. Got a lifetime fan. Thanks again.

[@brendenpoblete]

Asking Yuichi for a sample asap!

[@roofiz2357]

I would love to see you on the Vernor Mini Simmons !!!

[@ThomyeSurfs]

Yeah, I saw one for sale at Real Watersports but then with shipping, made the board too expensive. I'll reach out to him and see if he is willing to let me borrow a board.

[@roofiz2357]

@@ThomyeSurfs If you were buying one which size will you choose 5'2 or 5'0?

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@roofiz2357 likely a 5'2. 5'0 seems really short. I had a 5'0 fart knocker and had a difficult time catching waves. Fun for surfing, but missed a lot of waves. it all depends on your height I guess. Lot of other factors probably go into it though. like volume. My FK was not only short but didn't have a whole lot of volume.

[@brian2973]

Thoyme how would you compare this to the sweet potatoe "2"? I almost think you surfed this one better.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

The soft top was 38 L and I believe the sweet potato 2 that I tested was 31. Overall I think the sweet potato performs better but to be honest in certain places the soft top worked a little better. to get me in early and down the line quicker. Also the soft top was a little bit more fun because it was different. I would probably pick this helm soft top over the sweet potato 2 for myself but having said that I would definitely pick my old baked potato over the helm.

[@nathanf1934]

Hi Thomye. Did you prefer this over the Sweet Potato 2??

[@ThomyeSurfs]

They are different. From a cost perspective I would say I do prefer the helm. It was a lot cheaper and it's actually 7 L more. So it was a better graveler. The sweet potato will surf a little better but due to its bulking is not by much.

[@rctrix9063]

I thought that wave was 4 inches, for sure.😅

[@ThomyeSurfs]

LOL, you may be right. I had my Bolsa stoke meter on high

[@SurferKroky]

Looks epic in gutless stuff !

[@ThomyeSurfs]

definitely is. for my weight the 37L is perfect for small waves. They have a taller version for bigger guys too.

[@SurferKroky]

@@ThomyeSurfs yeah I’m only 5”3 and lighter than you but I might order one anyway , 75% of my surfs are in absolute mush lol

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@SurferKroky if you decide to get it, get the gray or the pink. The camo texture is a little slick so it requires wax. The gray and the pink one do not require any wax.

[@SurferKroky]

@@ThomyeSurfs sweet thank you !

[@Matt_olypenlifer]

Have you surfed a Solid Bento Box yet? Would be curious how you think it stacks up against this board… I’m currently on a 5’3 and liking it so far.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

I have not surfed it. I checked it out and it looks pretty sick. Is it a soft top? I saw hardboard versions but wasn't sure if there was a soft top. If it's a hard board then definitely it will surf better than a soft top. It's just a matter of how much better.

[@Quickrex]

I have a mini Simmons soft top and it’s my favorite, super fun sketchy just like a skateboard feel. But finds it a bitch to paddle when it’s windy and choppy. So my question is how does the Helm perform in paddle performance compared to a performance board in the mentioned conditions. Okay mine is a 5.4 46L and floats like a bloody super carrier. I could imagine that the Weekend has better fin performance due to the hard mounted fin boxes and that should make a huge difference. Soft top flexes to much. Nice review and got me interested. Mini Simmons are in my opinion overlooked and the usual look and then question what the fuck is this thing your are flying on 😂 I love the way it kinds of helps your surf with style, no pumping, just glides until there is no energy left.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

I had it out on one bumpy day (morning sickness) but didn't really try it on a full on choppy day. I'd imagine it would paddle no different. In terms of paddling in chop for me, I don't think it would be much different only because this board had decent rails. I find that foamys are the worst at paddling in chop because of the rails. I have a a couple of foamys that have down rails at the front of the board which makes it catch water when i hit chop, it just sinks the nose. the HELM boards have normal hardboard rails up front so I didn't have that issue. Also, it has a decent rocker with a tiny bit of flip in the nose. I love this shape and HELM contacted me and told me that they might we working on a hard board line in the exact same shape as the Weekender. That would be pretty cool.

[@tillthenextlife1983]

Have you tried Crime boards ? Would like your review of those !

[@ThomyeSurfs]

I have not. i'll look them up and see if I can get a demo.

[@tillthenextlife1983]

I believe it is the same exact construction. With these having sanded rails. And a much better price point if you can get the 50% off Black Friday deal!

[@cristianmartinez1321]

Hey man super good review I am stocked to try it out but 600$ for a soft top isnt a bit too much IMO ? Thanks for your vid

[@tillthenextlife1983]

They’re 50% off right now for Black Friday

[@brandontaylor2790]

I think I just found my next board :)

[@supe12man]

🎉🎉🎉

[@Carlosferreira1983]

I wish they'd ship them to portugal

[@remicottes6180]

Great review, I'm really considering that board now. Not sure between the 5'2 at 37L or 5'6 at 41L. I'm intermediate and I'm 5'6 / 141 pounds. May I ask you what would be your recommendation? I'm tempted for the extra vol. on the 5'6 to maximize fun on super tiny surf, but I also fear this might compromises the overall performance of the board... 5'2 might be perfect for me but I just don't know... Thank you so much!

[@ThomyeSurfs]

to be honest, you at 141 lbs, is the same as me. Just from a standpoint of duck diving, not sure you need much more. I think you would be fine on the 5'2 and it would be way more fun. the 5'6 would grovel a tad better but not sure it's worth the extra volume and length. we are about the same size so the 5'2

[@remicottes6180]

@@ThomyeSurfs Amazing, thank you so much for your quick reply, appreciate the guidance!!

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@remicottes6180 you are welcome. Look for the 20% off code, can't remember it off the top of my head. might be in the description of that video.

[@remicottes6180]

@@ThomyeSurfs Such code would be amazing :) However I could not find it in the comments or in description. Any chance you could retrieve it?

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@remicottes6180 try "thomye20" also, remember to pick it up vs ship it, it will save your quite a bit.

[@drusmith6463]

impressive POP out of that lil thing!!! kudos!

[@Carlosferreira1983]

Another amazing video, Still waiting for the before/after loosing weight surf performance 😅

[@dannya.4325]

*much

[@fox.709]

It doesn't get much more fun than that in smaller waves! It's a shame it's not available down under, I'll keep an eye out. Thanks for the review.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

yeah, they aren't quite there yet. still too small a company from what I can tell. hopefully they grow a bit and can offer more boards in more places.

[@SkipperSurfReview]

Looks really fun!

[@marmar9032]

Thanks for another great review, picked up a 5'2" to use once my rotator-cuff recovery is done when I am in micro surf.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

hopefully you got that black friday / cyber monday deal. so excited to pick mine up.

[@marmar9032]

Yes!!@@ThomyeSurfs

[@justinbettman1404]

looks so fun, i think i might have to get one. pretty good deal too!

[@paulklinedinstiii7509]

Great reviews. You provide lots of info. Thinking of buying the 5'2". What fins are you recommending? Also do you prefer solid fiberglass fins vs honeycomb in most of your boards. Im also 140-5lbs

[@ThomyeSurfs]

Controllers are what I used in the review (split keels). I like the NVS fins in general for everything. The only board I use a different fin for is my sharpeye FT. Being a performance board I put a very lightweight H4 FCS fins in them.

[@charlesbarnett2724]

I've got a Softech Bomber. Heaps of fun but its a bit of pig to turn, but then I'm a very mediocre weekender.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

yeah, that board looks very bulky, great for small waves. I liked my brothers softech which was the Mason twin. But there is definitely a difference for in in performance between a foamy, a soft top, and a hard bottom soft top. Cost goes up accordingly too.

[@spkay6317]

Did you prefer this or the Bobby Quad for this sort of surf?

[@ThomyeSurfs]

depends on the mood i guess. The bobby surfed better in terms of performance by about 20% or more. but this thing grovels and catches waves way better by easily 40%. It took way less effort to get into the waves. so it would depend on my energy levels. Also how good it depends on how good the waves are that day. The first and 2nd day I took the Weekender out, it was the right choice. The 3rd day, which was the day I tried to get air, I literally had 20 of the best air sections I have ever seen at Bolsa. At that very moment, I was wishing for the Bobby Quad or my FT. Honestly, it just depends.

[@spkay6317]

@@ThomyeSurfsthanks so much for replying! Very interesting!

[@yorkfeor]

I love your reviews Thom!! Can you suggest me the right size for this board? I have the same your height and weight but not same skills of course. I usually ride a mid length 7.4 but i would something shorter to improve maneuverability skills.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

they only have 2 sizes for this particular model. 5'2 and 5'6. 37L and 41L respectively. I would say go with the 5'6 to be save especially coming off a 7'4. you are basically knocking off 2' of board. LOL. if you like the board and later they have another great sale, then pick up the 5'2.

[@macrovigilance]

That was a pleasure to watch!!! (one question... how much do you weigh?) Thanks!

[@ThomyeSurfs]

145. So for me, that board is floaty

[@nicepelt]

Not cheap eh

[@ThomyeSurfs]

no, they are not cheap/inexpensive. the build quality and tech makes them worth it, relative to other soft tops. I saw another company today that's even more expensive than these. They almost appears to be the same build.