Channel Islands "Twin Pin" Surfboard Review Ep 118

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In this episode I review the new "Twin Pin" by CI Surfboards.
Board DIMS:
5'6" x 18 1/2 x 2 3/8 (26.4L)
5'5" x 18 1/2 x 2 3/8 (25.8L)
My Height 5'9"
Weight: 165 lb or 74.84 kg

[@SkipperSurfReview]

I've ordered mine a few days ago. Can't wait to put it on rail 🙈 Great review, Noel🤘🏼

[@Philip_Hatchet]

Great review, I was already thinking it seemed more like a big wave twin than a groveler. Cool to see that this is actually what you felt riding. Would be interested to see you on the machado sunday. These boards are visually pretty similar but the 5'6 sunday seems like a really nice groveler and with a similar outline, a completely different board.

[@terenceingram7786]

Thanks Noel. Great review. When I saw footage of Mikey in JBay and Indo, I immediately thought it would be better in bigger more powerful waves. Thanks for confirming. Might opt for the Fishbeard.

[@ODL957]

Great review, love listening to the design ideas behing the board from the shaper

[@magnummartinez851]

Great review brother! Surfing solid and love the comparisons on the different designs and bottom contours that change the way the board ride and the waves you want to ride them on, ideally! It looks like you can push this board toward the 8ft plus... wondering about 10 -12 ft plus for a twinny!

[@AT-eq7dy]

Had this board a few months and only just watched this review and I have to say I understand its limitations a bit better now...I had the impression of it as an all rounder, one board to do it all, going in small mushy stuff thanks to the volume (I ordered 3l above my SB) but also due to the tail, being decent in better days. However I found it pretty frustrating in fat and/or small days. I think it has to be looked at as a mini step up / good wave board - after listening to what your explanation I get why now!

[@izandevainmyheart1129]

Revisiting this review. I really like how this turns. Looks like a thruster but silky smooth with effortless speed. I love my rocket wide but this looks even better

[@timetraveler63]

That fin drift on those front and backside snaps with those Britt Merrick fins just looks so sick.

[@nexfel3855]

As Ussual.. Honest and Detailed review !! Thanks a Lot Noel !

[@ifanemyr4975]

A great review! It looked very nice with the hp twins

[@texsurfer]

My favorite twin is my 1986 Timpone 6’0 pin tail with double bump. Had it a LONG time!

[@tundahking]

Thanks noel for the review.one of the boards on my radar but I ended up getting a album twinsman in the dark arts.and omg it likes bigger surf to.

[@mattcotton1800]

epic review as always🤙. surfing in south san diego im glad i waited on pulling the trigger on this and went with a custom rocket wide instead.how do you think the merrick fins would go in the fishbeard?

[@keving5105]

Nice review, good info. Thanks

[@taradead]

Contrary to what Britt said, looks closer to medium nose rocker...which makes better sense than low rocker for bigger surf.

[@suppaduppa5]

2nd clip looked like a wave out of the Transworld surf game haha 🔥

[@martipoch2571]

Great video !! I love it !!

[@versace3]

Hey Noel, long time listener, first time caller... love your show! was wondering what you thought of upsizing this model to use it as a long twin, rather than a performance twin, I'm 6 foot and was looking at the 6'9"

[@ibwardo9497]

Noel another awesome review, I’m always watching you’re channel. I’m curious what your thoughts are comparing the CI twin pin vs the JS Black Baron. Which would you say paddles better and would be a better all around board.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

The Twin Pin is more of a daily driver/ hood wave board. The BB is a Groveler best 1-3’ surf

[@damadafknrio]

Ben Aipa made some twin-pins back in the day. But I think they were actually made for kneeboarding.

[@wolfgangvonbushgangster5458]

The one I had was not squatty kneeboardish. I honestly think it was the best board I ever rode. 1980/81

[@MrRobinski]

Nice, mabey if you went 19 wide and bit thicker on the 5.5 would have been better in smaller waves?

[@izandevainmyheart1129]

Looks like a good one for a decent Black's swell. All that speed. Where does it come from? The V makes the turns so nice especially if your committed to figure 8 turns like you demonstrate. Super round full carves. This is for sure on my list.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

The speed is coming from the Twin Set up and the waves.

[@Stomperproductions]

Got a Rocket Wide thanks to your advice and looooooooove it so much! Currently I am looking for a good wave board and was wondering what you think of the Twin Pin vs the CI Pro? Cheers!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Twin Pin is really fun in good waves. My favorite HPSB from CI is the Fever. I haven’t tried the Pro yet

[@ethantrewartha]

Hey Noel, huge fan of all of your videos! I was just wondering what you describe a: - upper end beginner - lower end intermediate - intermediate - upper end intermediate ?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Upper end beginner can paddle into waves easily, pop up quickly and gain some speed and do little cutbacks mostly frontside. Lower end intermediate has more control over their board compared to Upper end beginner, duck dives decently , some wave knowledge on wave placement, better cutbacks, and occasional top turns… better on their front side with occasional backstage turns. Intermediate surfs both directions decent, doing cutbacks, small floaters, and top turns with occasional snaps. Upper end intermediate pushing harder in cutbacks, understands better on where to initiate turns on the wave. Surfs a little faster and does Floaters, Cutbacks, Top Turns, and occasional snaps frontside and backside.

[@ctpolska]

​@@surfnshowreviews7777 wow... this is a cool topic / answer! Personally I've been seemingly guilty of stepping onto high performance shapes too early in my progression. How much would you say the variability in board design matters for each of these levels? Or, maybe an easier question to answer... at which level would the nuances around a particular board design become something I take into consideration for my progression? It feels like so many folks these days are getting onto the higher performance models while still being stuck in the upper-end-beginner stage

[@TheMichaelJorgensen]

Very Nice , really interesting board and seem it might have some similarities to the Stacey Bullet ! Tks for the review !

[@terenceingram7786]

I think the Stacey Bullet is more of a grovel board. Not saying it can't be ridden in bigger waves. But if you watch the footage of normal surfers on it, they all happily ride it in small junk waves.

[@jopemafi]

@@terenceingram7786 there's footage floating around of someone surfing the Bullet Twin in solid barrels at Lakey Peak

[@likastar69]

I have the Stock 5'7 in the same yellow resin tint color. I love the board so much but it is a better wave board for sure, it doesn't have much speed on small waves.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Cheers for posting your experience.

[@79pejeperro]

5'7 and v bottom... not a small or mushy wave board. How wide is your 5'7?

[@likastar69]

@@79pejeperro 18 7/8

[@79pejeperro]

@@likastar69 As HP as can be. I wouldn't catch a wave on that thing unless it was a very good wave 😅

[@jonahhex9620]

In my top 10 interview for your channel

[@JohnSmith-rt1gr]

Great content & review

[@jamescairns8006]

Would love to hear a comparison on the CI twin pin vs the CI fishbeard…. Im so stuck on my choice between the two. Only ride retro twin fins and looking for something a little more performance based - would love to hear what you guys think?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I am dropping a Twin Pin vs Fishbeard board comparison episode this Monday. Hopefully it will help you make a decision.

[@79pejeperro]

Get a FB for summer and the TP for winter.

[@ccozzarelli]

Hi Noel, hope you are doing great. I’m on and off deciding to get the twin pin as my “step up twin”. I have a Gremlin and a Chilli Sugar for the small days and a Ghost for the big and better days . All these boards are very fast and extremely user friendly … and i was thinking to get the 5,11 twin pin (I’m 5,9) but based on your review and knowing how you rate the boards, it didn’t become your favorite because it wasn’t fast and easy to Ride (user friendly) as the Pyzel models I just mentioned ??? Is that it ? Like a mentioned earlier my idea was to get this as my “ghost alternative” twin fin (early entry and fast down the line). Thanks In advance !!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

The Twin Pin is excellent as a good wave Twin Fin. It goes best in head high to over head waves.. not much of a Groveler… I prefer the Fishbeard for the smaller waves. The Twin Pin is very user friendly… it likes to be on rail and never feels like it’s going to slide out. You will be stoked on it

[@Johnburkex78]

Hi- thanks for the review. I was looking at one recently. I have the CI-Mid in 6’10 and am 5’9 and 160lbs. I am low intermediate level - surf a lot but don’t do enough turns. Was wondering about the size for this board - it looks like a lot of fun. You have gone for a very short board in this review on great waves and surf very well and it feels like the size is closer to what you might ride if you were on a thruster. I am thinking i would need a bit more volume - just wanted to get your thoughts

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

You can definitely ride the Twin Pin longer with more volume and have a great time

[@Johnburkex78]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks mate

[@hunterdavis3003]

Lol my comment is very similar to this one, thanks Noel I’m gonna delete mine!

[@bonsummers2657]

I prefer how this rides in style over standard wing twin fins.

[@paultarbotton4051]

I guess what needs to be done now is shape 3 twin pins. One v bottom, one single concave and one single to double concave and see what feels the best.

[@marknixon4966]

I have seen you surf alot of boards almost all you have ridden on your show.This might be the best board I have seen you surf and 100% better than any 2+1 or twin fin on your show. And if I could critique anything on your surfing you could make look a little better is your backside roundhouse rebound of the section.Would like to see you dirty those up a little more snap off that section.You get a little flat out of that turn and it's because you are hitting the section 3/4, up the face.Snap it hard off the lip of that section and watch how much more projection you get out of that turn.Good job

[@79pejeperro]

I ordered one as soon as I knew it has v bottom and how thick it is considering it is relatively narrow. And the low rails, of course. 5'10, 84 kg, I have a 5'10 fish so I ordered a stock dims 6'1. I have great expectations

[@lucasandjordantravels]

thoughts on it after riding it?

[@79pejeperro]

@@lucasandjordantravels I'm still waiting 😒

[@TheJDenz]

Hey how is the board?

[@frankruiz1834]

Hey Noel, as always, great review. I ordered my twin pin a couple months ago and decided to go with the FCS 2 fin boxes. Which FCS 2 fins would you recommend for this board in order to find that happy medium of drive, speed, hold and maneuverability without being too loose or too sticky?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

My HP Twins…. We make them in two Tab so you can put them in FCSII boxes. The Power Twins might go good too

[@frankruiz1834]

Thanks! Where can I find your fins? How much do they cost?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@frankruiz1834 You can find our fins here. www.shopsurfnshow.com/collections/fins

[@brian2973]

Hey Noel! What are your thoughts on the Twin Pin vs the El Tomo Fish? In both reviews you mentioned that you felt each board was better suited to better and bigger waves? Im looking for a good wave board/mini step up for an upcoming trip to nicaragua.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Twin Pin is better as a Step Up. Better hold and rail engagement

[@EternalJourneys]

Buying one of these as soon as I get to Bali 🙌🏼

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

It will go insane there…

[@shortyyys]

CI twin pin vs the Lane splitter by Christenson ?

[@DCInc-wh9kl]

Hey Noel a question on customizing a twin pin. When I order my CI FB i took ur advice and stretched the board at my volume by 2” - brilliant love the board, so glad ilistened on that one. I’m Looking at a twin pin as semi-step up/travel board - could I do the same with losing any of the feel - stretch out by 2”. And - would thee be any thing gained by adding a trailer to one of these to use a twin + in some conditions; or is the deep V and pintail enough. (50yr old; lifetime comp surfer) Love your work and 🙏 on the continued recovery.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Yes you can stretch the Twin Pin 2” and no need for the center box. Plenary of hold in the board. I highly recommend my HP Twins with that board too. Cheers

[@DCInc-wh9kl]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 appreciated. Will grab a set of HPs for this one 👍

[@joelwalton7013]

Is this a shortboard twin fin? Or a twin fin shortboard?

[@petercee4185]

I love the riff

[@chevalfou101]

Hey Noel. Sorry for the stupid question but everyone sort of judges wave heights differently around the world. When you say 4 to 8 foot do you mean wave face or overhead to almost triple overhead. Thanks. Love your reviews very informative.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I would say 8’ is double overhead… I talk wave face.

[@chevalfou101]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 thank you so much for taking the time to reply.

[@ocean1141]

I keep hearing that on a few twin fin models you should add a few liters to your normal volume like on CI Twin Pin, Slater Flat Earth, Album Twinsman while on others like Fishbeard, Rusty Twin not. Can you please tell us why this is the case and what factors are crucial for a twin to be more volume friendly. Thanks!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Twin Fins are fast and loose… you can go up roughly 1L in volume on most. On wide nose Twins (or Fish style Twins) I don’t like extra volume as they catch in the nose area on tighter arcing turns. Most Twins have a tapered rail with a lower apex for more traction on rail. For example the Flat Earth’s rail are very refined (tapered) so you can go up in volume a bit. I guess it’s a feel thing…. Get the board under your arm and feel it out a bit. The Rusty Twin and Fishbeard have rails that feel like a typical daily driver on the rails.

[@vrj2529]

Great review Noel. About the volume, I saw Mikey February using more than 30L on his videos in Indo, and he is just 158 pounds. Do you think this board needs that much volume on bigger surf?

[@sv8]

@vrj you are spot on: February is 160 and one of the most skilled surfers in the world and rides this board in two versions ( 5-8 and 6-0) both @ ~32L (!!!!!!) If his sizing is correct - being the person that conceived the board- 90% of people are undersizing it buying it their usual short board volume

[@mickyb803]

looked really fun and flowy hey what are your high performance dims noel? im 5'10 x 18 3/4 x 2 5/16 , im a bit taller but a bit lighter than you and was just wondering for a comparison cheers

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

My HPSB dims are 5’7” x 18 7/8 x 2 5/16

[@martipoch2571]

Hello Noel, I know this is a bit late to ask a question but, is this board good in epoxy with spine-tek ? My everyday surfspot is a Tahiti reef break that is very hollow and powerfull where the waves are between 3 to 8 ft.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I recommend PU/Poly for that kind of surf. Maybe get it glasses a little heavier so it’s more durable

[@ccozzarelli]

Hello Noel! Hope you are doing great ! I have a kind of technical question. I was reading about the flat bottom boards (like the Twin Pin) and the article said that they are great for beginners, can get through flat sections and give you more speed. Why do you think it doesn’t seem to be that way on the twin pin?? You said that doesn’t go great as a groveler, is not fast (compare to fishbeard or other twins) and doesn’t have that get up an go speed that you like ? Do you think is mostly because of the narrower tail ? Or maybe because you should’ve order it wider or with a little more volume ?? (I’ve seen reviews that said you should order it with a little more volume than your shotboard. Long question lol Thank you !!!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

The Twin Pin has a narrower tail so it offers excellent performance surfing as a Daily and good wave board. I think the Vee bottom and narrower tail give the board solid traction but those two attributes also hinder its speed compared to Fishbeard. I think Concave bottom boards carry more speed in general compared to Vee bottom boards.

[@Drjoeychiro]

I’m after a board that generates speed easily. Is this the wrong board for me then?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@Drjoeychiro The Twin Pin is the wrong board for quick get up n go speed. The Fishbeard is faster

[@ccozzarelli]

Hello Noel ! Hope you are your family are safe and healthy. I have kind of a stupid question. I can tell the outline of the twin pin somehow reminds me to a Pyzel ghost. I’m guessing the bottom contours and concaves make the difference for this board to be a twin fin, but I was wondering Would be crazy to try a ghost as twin fin ?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Totally different board designs but I say try it for fun and use it to learn how things feel under foot. The side fins are set further up for a Thruster so it might be loose and hard to control… maybe even slide out a bit depending on the Twin Fins you put in the Ghost. I would try it in 2-3’ Surf so you don’t get hurt.

[@raphaelbrun7904]

Hi there, Which twin do you prefer between the Rusty twin fin and the CI twin pin? I really like the Rusty twin fin up to head high waves. When it’s over head it’s more difficult to hold the carve all the way down. Is the twin pin better in bigger waves than de Rusty twin fin? Thanks!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Yes, the Twin Pin is better in bigger waves… more hold for sure. I prefer the Rusty Twin by a mile though as a daily and in smaller surf. What Twin Fins are you using with your Rusty Twin Fin in bigger waves?

[@raphaelbrun7904]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks for your answer mate! I’m using the upright twins from Gary Mcneil. Maybe I should try the BMT. Really like the Rusty twin fin! It’s like you get more speed than a truster with nearly the same control.

[@Soapsurfboards]

Hey Noel! Not sure if you’re going to see this but if so, what would your thoughts be on a twin pin in spine-tek for SD?!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Twin Pin is better in 4-8’ surf. I’m not a fan of EPS in 4-8’ surf…. I say Fishbeard for daily driver in Spinetek for SD waves 1-4’ and Twin Pin in PU for 4-8’ surf

[@Soapsurfboards]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Perfect. Thanks coach!! 🤙🏼

[@shannonyoung3465]

Hey Noel… Any chance you’ll review the CI Free Scrubber Tom Curren twin? Trying to find legitimate reviews on KZbin & they’re aren’t any. There was in Spanish & the rest are of Tom Curren ripping on it, but not really any content about sizing, fin’s or what conditions it performs good in. CI has dimensions, etc. on their site, but I was hoping for a review by someone who’s actually ridden it, besides Tom Curren.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

No plans to review at this time. I want to review it but not sure the guys at CI are sending me boards.

[@shannonyoung3465]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 gotcha! Thanks for hitting me back.

[@surfbum8166]

Would you go higher volume on this board that what you normally ride? Sounds like you preferred about 2 liters beyond what you typically ride?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I would go up 1-2 liters compared to my HPSB volume

[@MarveenValdent]

Hey ! Someone knows a little more about the fin placement ?

[@Sean-lz1zz]

Brand new Board already has a huge pressure ding in it, great shape, weak glass job.

[@geofffelsing1283]

made not to last! make money money.

[@gwoodsy6872]

You can choose heavier glassing, it probably has an ultra light one for pro performance.

[@ryanmoore2779]

Pay to play. Quit whining. Order a custom ya broke joke or take better care of your investment kook

[@Dinoago]

Im about to buy a 6'1'' Twin Pin. Im 6'2 185Lb. the only things is the Fin boxes are FCS 2. Soo I cant get the Britt Merrick Twin fins. What would be an equivalent to those in FCS-2 . ??

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Nothing really…. The only fins that might work in FCSII is the Power Twins.

[@maxwellcollett6782]

Hey Noel, Just got mine, figuring out where to place the tail pad.. see that yours is right the way back. any help?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Get it back as far as possible without cutting pad. Pin tails are narrow so it’s hard to get them all they way back without going over on the sides.

[@maxwellcollett6782]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 thank you!

[@tutderobby2354]

Yellow board so ripping 🤙

[@Drjoeychiro]

Hey Noel, I’m 6”0, 79kg and want to surf this as a step up. What size would you recommend as a custom order? (29.4 L is my regular short board) Thanks a million

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Absolutely… depending on the length of your HPSB and the bigger waves you want to charge on the Twin Pin will determine the length and volume.

[@Drjoeychiro]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Will be surfing it in 4-8 ft waves. My regular short board is the OG Flyer at 5”10 29.4L. What would you recommend? Thanks a million

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@Drjoeychiro Order the Twin Pin roughly your same height for that size surf.

[@diegoalessandronavarro]

can you review the free scrubber

[@matthewwalravens2428]

sold me!

[@donnielipsey3474]

Just copped a twin pin. Can’t decide if I want to throw a pad on it or not. What do you guys think?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I surf every board with a pad…. I would destroy the tail in 3 sessions without one.

[@donnielipsey3474]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 the only reason I’m hesitant is because Mikey doesn’t surf with one

[@adolfoarias2025]

where can I buy it

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

shop.cisurfboards.com/products/twin-pin-2

[@julyasa8095]

Opening music name please

[@damanizyo]

shit.. this thing is all over the place. of course with great skills driving it 😉

[@79pejeperro]

I ordered mine with extra MF skill. You will see me at CT soon

[@mattbeer9094]

I’ve still not put mine in the water!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Get it in the water...

[@mattbeer9094]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 😂 usual scenario, get a new board and someone switches the wave machine off.

[@sebastienedon1844]

What’s difference with the FW Flat Earth ?

[@karljakobsson2687]

want to know the same

[@jonathankerson2275]

He answered this on insta, basically flat earth seemed faster and looser and this can hold bigger size better

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@jonathankerson2275 Cheers for the help.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

The FE offers more speed and pivots in the pocket quickly. The FE draws high performance lines and the Twin Pin likes to carve on waves with a little more power.

[@sebastienedon1844]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks

[@jeffhartwig5283]

Pro surfers can shred on a guitar case...

[@paulhetherington3854]

You doubled French? chanel-- and, used-- Vietnam? Plus- island? You are, well documented.

[@OUTDOORSWITHDOMINGO]

Rad

[@ronhfree]

Noah should ride boards 4" longer!!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

That sounds miserable

[@jksinorbit]

Pretty much everything is becoming a hypto krypto...

[@William-Bill-Munny]

hahahaha that's so very true - great insight. That board still blows my mind

[@mrmr314]

It looks too tight. Other boards you ride are looser. Strange for a twin.

[@chrissharpe1320]

Nice board... But... Surfs like any short hi performance board. Manoevers the same. Lines drawn.. The same. If u want something really different.. try single fin. Otherwise, same old Manoevers, same old lines, same old approach. I suppose this is where surfing is now... A sterile cloning ground. Where's the art, the soul???

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Sorry man… I’m not much of a soul surfer. However I do appreciate soul surfing….