Channel Islands M23 Performance Hybrid + Futures Fins AM1 Review - The Surfboard Guide

Welcome to our full review of the Channel Islands M23 Midlength Performance Hybrid. I have been riding a stock 6'6 x 20 1/2 x 2 11/16 @ 39.4L.
I have been lucky enough to be surfing this for the last few months in a variety of conditions form 1ft dribble, through to pretty good over head surf and it really held it's own across all these conditions.
From cisurfboards.c...
The M23 comes from the storied M13 bloodlines, a favorite hybrid board Al Merrick made for himself and rode variants of for decades from fun Rincon to maxing Sunset.
A true high performance hybrid that caters to the widest possible type and size of surfer - and for the widest range of wave conditions.
Not to be confused with the CI Mid, the M23 carries more foam, boasting a fuller rail and sleeker nose outline. It paddles like a champ while still riding more like a shortboard.

[@jonnyref3475]

Super helpful, especially riding it as a twin. Great to know that worked. Thanks buddy.

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

✌️

[@asdqwerification]

When is that Chili Mid Strength comparison coming?! I’m deciding between the two at the moment.

[@craigduplooy6249]

Great review, I just got one and it goes good as a twin plus 1!

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Yeah, I really didn’t see it being a 2+1 but here I am eating my words… 😂

[@terenceingram7786]

I think the Chilli Middy would compliment this board. Have a 6'6/8 M23 and then ride a 6'2/6'4 Middy. I "think" the Middy has a wider nose ... Absolutely love mine. Other option ... Smaller M23 say 6'6 and then a Chilli Mid Strength for small days say 6'8/6'10 ... I think at 7'0 it might be a challenge to duck duck dive. My 6'8 Mid Strength is a boss .... I like these boards for us older dad bod types who still dream of during turns like Margo.

[@calmmarketing]

I feel seen! I have a mid-strength 7'2" that I love. I was thinking about getting the M23 in 6'6, hoping it'll be more manoeuvrable. Still dreaming about a Margo's Vesper.

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

I feel this sits very similarly to the Middy… the pairing ideally would be with something a little longer, hence the Mid Strength!

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

@@calmmarketingif you get a Vesper - let me know how you go ✌️

[@calmmarketing]

Thanks Craig! So would you say an M23 6’6 and my current mid-strength 7’2 are complementary?

[@bob33932]

Can you do the m23 mid strength comparison please Craig

[@MrAndrecation]

Craig, thanks for all the reviews. I‘m looking to get a mid length and would like to get your advice. I have the chilli popper for mushy/small waves. My Shortboard days almost came to an end. 37 yrs old German (80kg) who only gets to surf 1 month a year… but been surfing for 15 years and also enjoy surfing bigger stuff. Just always struggle to get in the waves early, that’s how I came up with the idea of a mid length. Do you think the M32 is better suited to keep more of the shortboard performance compare to the mid strength? Appreciate your help.

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Hey! Go the mid strength I think… ✌️

[@charleshawk6668]

Where is the full review?

[@bob33932]

Hi Craig, how is this different to mid strength? Similar outline and rocker, rails? M23 looks slightly more refined, thanks

[@christianmaine8421]

How does it compare to the panda shiitake you tried?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

They aren’t really comparable, they’re so different…

[@Petepato3]

Hi Craig, were you satisfied with the 6'6 or did you wish for having a slghlty longer or shorter stock dims version? Thanks!

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

This was good! Don’t think id want it longer, but a smaller one as a quad would be super fun!

[@jump171]

1st comment yay i am winner

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

You’ve won! 🎉🎉🎉

[@robscanlan]

Looks like a Pyzel ghost to me.

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

It looks nothing like a Ghost… 😂

[@jump171]

you blind?

[@robscanlan]

@@TheSurfboardGuideagree on second thought

[@ThePokersurfer]

I find channel Islands. It's more of a corporate commercial driven company, meaning that they always try to rebrand themselves with new models All the time with slight variations. Hence this particular model looks like. Somewhat of a flawed concept, but whatever It's new. It's like the flavor of the month. There's always going to be somebody that wants it. That's just my take. I'm not taking anything away from your surfing. I'm just saying that this board doesn't really look ike It can't go vertical.

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

I have to disagree. Yes, they are one of the largest board manufacturers, but they are far from a faceless organisation with Britt clearly at the helm, and open to chat through anything in relation to his boards. Then if you go to any C.I manufacturers across the world they have some of the best ghost shapers, and dedicated teams that will talk through everything. There’s other labels that are more commercial, corporate, made offshore by non-surfers, that I’m not bothered in naming. Regarding models, I think it’s great to revisit older models, tweak them, and then yes, market them to create some FOMO with the average surfer! 🎉

[@ThePokersurfer]

@TheSurfboardGuide don't get me wrong I was first introduced to Curren in 1983 via Follow The Sun ending segment and went to Santa Barbara in 84' and bought a board from their one and only surf shop for $375 ....... I'm just saying their marketing reminds me of major golf brands promoting their latest have to have drivers and clubs ....... nothing wrong with that and I'm all for the USA pride thing and over the moon that the Merrick's and close investors got to repurchase back the family heritage from Burton and a dirt cheap valuation IMHO.

[@propwash6880]

You need to try a CI waterhog. It is an old shape but I think you will be surprised at its rip ability. Might be more performancy than this board. At least I think but I would like someone to compare them as I dont have access to an m23 at the moment.

[@thestow35]

Thanks Craig. Your reviews are always informative - because you actually surf the boards!

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Thanks - I hope that’s the point of difference!

[@bob33932]

Hi Craig, have you ridden the lost crowd killer? Looks similar but more refined

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Hey! Nah, I don’t really ride Lost boards… looks fun though!

[@rogerpye1865]

THanks Craig. Do you reckon it would be a good travel board?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Yeah for sure - for waves 2-8ft it’d be great. Dunno about sucky heavier waves, I never really got to try it out…

[@wozza77able]

You actually surf half decent on that thing

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Thanks. I guess.

[@dr.spengler1863]

Great review, thanks for this one

[@charleshawk6668]

Thanks for the video