Dark Arts Inferno 72 VS Inferno 72 PU | Sharpeye Surfboards Review

[@danielgardner6588]

I have a pu 72 in black and used a deck grip to help with the wax melting. When this one is done I am considering buying a 72 in EPs but not dark arts. 6/4oz glass deck. That way it last longer than pu but not $2k. Btw I ordered my 72 after your board comparison and I let sharpeye know that I ordered after seeing your vids.

[@Akoni_boy]

I was able to get a second hand dark arts inferno, the board is pretty amazing but I noticed it feels every bump if you surf in raw ocean conditions so it only works in clean conditions. Also I ride medium fins but noticed that large fins worked better because I think the board floats on the water more than a PU. Great video man!

[@tobias9138]

Yep. Large fins completely changed it for me - so much faster. All of a sudden the board was amazing:)

[@scheggia5071]

same here, as soon as I put in bigger and stiffer fins the board became so good....

[@nocomment2035]

That's good to know I need to do that with an EPS board.

[@puidemare2337]

I think the reality of the matter is that most people will not even know the differences, as most people aren't in the Kelly Slater league. Most people surf for pure pleasure. You can have fun on any board, with the right conditions. It's about dialing in on the board you're riding. I think most people are so use to something so specific that they don't know how to be in tune with different styles of boards. Most of my shortboarder mates can't even properly ride midlengths or fishes.

[@Dannyt7873]

Disagree, its easier to surf faster and more vertical with lighter and better boards regardless of level. I don't understand when people talk about not needing performance if they aren't pro surfers - if anything we need more performance help than them from our equipment!

[@DarknessYT2010]

you get to a stage in your surfing where equipment is everything ...thats if you dedicate yourself to achive high level surfing

[@colebaumann9850]

if you’re on a shortboard i guarantee you can ride a fish or mid length. also boards do matter a lot. why buy a fish over a hp shortboard? different board or materials matter.

[@everythingsick]

Yeah I’m pretty sure your wrong

[@cynide89]

I bought my Inferno72 PU because of your videos. I love it

[@alhriclacle5486]

Same here!

[@EnriqueGarcia-yn8vz]

The Dark Arts constitution makes a big difference on the performance of any model. I had 1 Inferno 72 Pu and so far on my 3rd Inf 72 Dark Arts (changing sizes), by far the Dark arts construction makes the board fell so much lively, light, springier and faster. They are expensive no doubt about it, but also the Dark Arts will last twice or even 3 times as long as a Pu.

[@stephenwouw8624]

Mate, would you recommend to turn the dimensions down a bit? So for example a 2 3/8 thickness and a 18 3/4 width to turn it down to a 2 5/16 and 18 5/16? To calculate in the floatation aspects of PU? Or would you just order it in the same dims as your regulars? Cheers in advance 🙏🏾

[@Luv2Boogie]

I have an eps Inferno 72 and it’s nearly the same as my Darkarts Pyzalien 2, both 31.5L. Slightly more spring with the DA but you need to put it in extreme flex to reap that. The eps has more paddle power oddly, the inferno to me turns like butter vs the Pyzalien. The Pyzalien covers more conditions just get large or even extra large exterior fins like a 2+1 or Danes fins etc. The Darkarts feels slightly more organic than the eps but you gotta be really picky. I buckled my Darkarts twice hitting sand bottom, different waves, the nose a foot back and just before the tail pad, bottom didn’t crease. If you can afford the DarkArts it’s great to have just don’t let it hit bottom in heavy conditions doh! A few feet overhead wave size and wind + chop I used a Pancho XL fin or JJF’s Large eventually became my standard for nearly all conditions on my Darkarts (I’m 190-195lbs, 88.5-89kg). I let about 10 guys ride it and everyone loved it (on AM2’s), especially in Cali. For small conditions it’s a killer option, for bigger just get big stiff fins. DA could nearly be a 1 board quiver just take care of it. Catching more waves means you improve faster so it’s good for that. Do you need a Ferrari, no, but would you drive one if you could? 🤷‍♂️🤙 just take the time to get used to it, fin partnership is the key.

[@Dill_doh]

For larger waves and/or windy conditions using dark arts with XL or L fins will let you control your speed?

[@dontreply8346]

It’s luv2boogie! Yo!

[@Luv2Boogie]

@@Dill_doh it does. In bad conditions I ran with a Pancho center fin with Blackstix ea’s on the outside for shits and giggles and they worked very well (lots of lift and like a longboard center fin sort of control). I’d hit chop and not skip out. But JJF’s larges were more than enough. You’re managing skipping across the surface like a stone at max speed. Fun to experiment.

[@Luv2Boogie]

@@dontreply8346 yeah buddy 🤙

[@scottturner8176]

Interesting to hear your thoughts here - I've had a similar experience with EPS and the rail disengaging when the surf goes overhead as well. I've personally just decided to accept the pressure dents and shorter lifespan for the sake of performance for the foreseeable future. Also, I love that you called out the fin change because I think a lot of surfers (myself included) are quick to blame the board when the problem is really the combination of the board and fins (and the waves). Changing fins has turned boards that were dogs into magic sticks for me.

[@NonConformistable]

I think the black looks absolutely insane. One of the best looking boards around imo.

[@caseymccormack2000]

The Dark Arts does look better but not over $1000.00 dollars better. If it last a lot longer than it can definitely be worth it. Like you said... The Dark Arts looks just a bit more lively and a bit quicker.. Great surfing as always.

[@boarderz8275]

Amen, surfboard prices are so ridiculously stupid for how fragile they are, and the cost price of the materials. It is frustrating seeing guys bring out these new techs and slapping even more outrageous price tags on them.

[@nocomment2035]

For that amount of carbon strips there's no cost reason a board like this cost as much as it does. Sounds like what I'm seeing in Haydenshapes future flex tech where it wants to ride higher up on the wave and I get more top speed with PU boards whereas i never feel like I go fast enough on epoxy

[@tyronecardwell5132]

Kale more shortboard reviews would be great. Always enjoy your vids.

[@KalesBroccoli]

Very busy human right now 🙇🏼‍♂️💻

[@tyronecardwell5132]

That's good and Not. Stay balanced and happy the sun's out and the surf is pumping.

[@KrakenXE]

Has anyone else watched Stab’s Drive Thru and debate how strong the Dark Arts actually is now after seeing Parker Coffin buckle it launching an air?

[@Luv2Boogie]

Buckled mine twice. They’re strong but not bullet proof.

[@KalesBroccoli]

Pretty solid stomping haha

[@chrispewkreme]

JJF buckles them quite often. They are very strong and springy. Where most boards snap, these will buckle and crumple. Buttttt I can't justify that cost. John John's busted up Dark Arts sell for a grand.....

[@jesseryan3535]

Any idea on if they're harder to repair then PU? If you do ding it that is ..

[@frankiebanjo3251]

Hey Kale, getting into your channel, all round very inspiring dude. Found one of those carver skateboards at the local tip with the weird 'springer' front trucks a while back and had no idea so thanks for clueing me into that. Lived for a couple of years out of an old converted 1977 F-100 ambulance in the 2000's surfing the eastern seaboard and making money busking on the street with my banjo ... its a sweet life brother :) Cheers Frankie

[@gorilatasurf]

Enjoyed the video Kale. I bought the Pyzel Ghost (arrived in the beginning of September 2021) in DarkArts construction, primarily riding it in Hossegor and Southwest Basque Country. When the waves get overhead and above (also choppier), it starts to feel like I have to nurse it through sections instead of charging. So in my humble opinion, the threshold of this particular construction and shape is somewhere around head high. In overhead and conditions above, the board becomes really chattery and tricky, not completely unmanageable but also not giving you the hold and confidence of a PU construction. Regarding melting of the wax, my top is sprayed green but still and especially in summer, the wax starts to melt really fast and you have to rush from the car to the water and back, or immediately cover the board.

[@IsabellaBurke]

Hi Kale, interested by your comment on needing a "high performance shortboard in some conditions" (me sorta thinking the inferno was a HP shortboard). I used to surf pretty much high performance PU shortboards only, coming back to surfing with a 6-7 year hiatus, I keep trying newer style EPS boards but find the float just really hard to control, I prefer the feeling of being in the water, both manoeuvring, paddling and duck-driving. As soon as there is any wind, I find EPS even less forgiving! So much so, I generally prefer a heavy, grounded board. Should I stick to PU? I cant say I have tried an EPS board at the correct volume, which I guess for me is something like 26 litres to counteract the extra float (the EPS boards I have are 28/29), but its just a feeling/tuning I cant seem to find?! Am I mental? Is it really important to get a low volume EPS if you want more groundedness, or am I just too slow for speedy, lively EPS?... 😂

[@adamwaz5615]

Just get it glasses heavier. 6x4 on top and 6 on bottom. That'll do it for ya! 🤙

[@littlefarn]

Like your video so much, would you consider to compare the album twinsman in PU or EPS and DA?

[@trestlesrocks]

Looking forward to watching this. I purchased an Inferno72 in dark arts last August after you vids convinced that the inferno72 was something special. I’ve loved the board, but curious how the PU would go comparably. Mine has been bulletproof thus far, only thing I’ve contemplated doing is to spray it white or some other light color, especially on the deck because it gets so hot with any sun exposure when out of the water.

[@julianc.5545]

Van Der Waal traction might be a good alternative to wax for black boards. Clear adhesive hexagons that don’t melt in the sun. Sand doesn’t stick to them and they’d probably look bad-ass on a black board. Thought I’d miss the feeling of wax under my front foot but I tried them and really like them. Better for the environment too.

[@spinafex5729]

I have a black board - basalt not carbon and I have to wax it in the shade and keep it in a cheap board sock until I'm metres from the water.

[@stephenwouw8624]

@@spinafex5729 that’s like the Blackbird SR-71 hypersonic plane and it’s mighty and majestic in the air, but on the ground it’s like being on life support. This is why I steer away from black boards even though they do look sick. But I believe DA is offering their models in a deck paint colour.

[@lalaboards]

Few things you are missing is that vac bag flattens the cloth and changes the molecular structure making it snappier and livelier . #2 Get Gryptalyte clear deck traction wax problem solved .Way better than wax #3 My carbons have a vented leash plug which #1 eliminates pressure from heat expansion and #2 allows mine to endure the sun and last way longer . .Venting EPS is key .

[@SirStringBean]

Would love to see you do a comparison of specifically performance orientated knify boards such as the sharpeye and maybe the album infinity etc.

[@dominicadalton6585]

Hi. Curious to know what made the board float on the water? Was it the thickness or volume or a combination of both?

[@tubedus]

Would you recommend the inferno 72 over CI OG Flyer for everyday conditions? 2-6 foots. Could you please describe the differences in feeling? Since they are continuous rocker vs stages.

[@mickleddyfishing4986]

Nice update mate! Just a question. Have you found the sharpeyes, especially the PU inferno 72 volume/litres to be an accurate guide when compared with other brands. Was your infernos volume on PU the same that worked with other brands Thanks legend

[@stonks2159]

For average Australian surf conditions, would you recommend the pu or the eps of the i72?

[@KalesBroccoli]

Either based on waves alone

[@adrianwright1702]

EPS is Expanded Poly Styrene foam not epoxy. Epoxy is the resin used to laminate the cloth to the foam and also for the filler coat. You can use epoxy resin on PU (polyurethane) blanks but you cannot use polyester resin on EPS. The weight saving is in the blank because EPS has large particle foam with lots of air bubbles trapped between the cells compared to the PU foam. For that reason it also feels more buoyant, therefore you can make an EPS board 3mm thinner (less overall volume) and get the same sit-in-the-water feel. The boards also use lighter weight cloth which holds less resin thus less weight but also less strength and less durability hence the carbon reinforcement and the price. Stringers may or may not be used in EPS blanks having an effect on weight and flex, again why carbon tape stringers are often used in place of a wooden stringer. An EPS board is floaty and resists the rail carving into the water so design changes are made to the rails and rail edges too compared to a PU blank. Nice work Kale.

[@LordPhoenix140]

In the US the Dark Arts carbon construction is a $500 add on option. It's $800 for regular PU without any extras or $1,300 for Dark Arts and there are other construction options with costs between those two as well.

[@KalesBroccoli]

Not bad

[@FromTheMosh]

Would love a update on the board after 1 year 🤙

[@mtbboiii6966]

Love the reviews! Will you do a long term review of this board? I mean follow up if it's lasted $2000 worth of surfing hours? (I'm curious how many hours of surfing you think you would get out of a standard board before it's new board day) in mtb we can kinda gauge how long a bike par will last or need servicing after kms or hours of riding 🤘🤘

[@KalesBroccoli]

I’ll try

[@jayclubben1584]

the board arrived 12 months later after you asked for it? or 12 weeks?

[@KalesBroccoli]

It was almost 12 months

[@danielgardner6588]

I waited 13 weeks for a custom Pu (6"3'). Felt like time had slowed down 😂. Worth it. They had boards on the rack locally but only up to 6"1 I think

[@CainanParker]

I can't tell the difference between the Darks Arts board and the PU variant. But, I do know that you surf better when wearing a hat.

[@alexandreverdan1324]

Hey Kale, nice review! What is your height and boards dimensions? Size, volume etc?

[@KalesBroccoli]

5’9 stock dims (more detailed in the board test playlist)

[@kaanjohnson8295]

Hi brock, love your review videos! I just purchased an inferno 72 E2 epoxy (no stringer). Out of curiosity, what fins did you think worked best for most conditions on the inferno? I'de love to get some new fins for my new board and your opinion would be very helpful! the dark arts looks immaculate, after watching bells I'm feeling confident about buying a sharpeye. Keep up the quality content! Wish you the best on the growth of your channel!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Performers 🤙🏽

[@adamwaz5615]

What lay up with fibreglass did you order?

[@TONINmusic]

How do you rate the EPS? I'm torn between this and the PU

[@ryanalvarado7173]

Honest questions. would you suggest a 6'6 55L hybrid board for a brand new beginner?

[@TheBluesmon]

You'd be a lot better on an 8 foot plus board. 55L in a 6'6" isn't going to surf well for anyone unless they weigh 250+ pounds.

[@Maximoootom]

Would you order the same dimensions in both constructions? Any adjustments?

[@aaronmiles8286]

Great review and surfing 🤙

[@adamhutchison7500]

Do you know whether you could easily fix a ding on a dark arts board?

[@KalesBroccoli]

🤷🏼‍♂️

[@adamhutchison7500]

@@KalesBroccoli fair enough😂 think I still stick to PU

[@alexspeetjens2985]

Yeah it would be nice to have a stronger inferno 72, I recently got a PU 72 and i was surfing a small shorebreak and fucked up the nose pretty badly, not just a ding but it was like it shattered but i managed to get it fixed pretty nicely.

[@ETYSURF]

Killing it Kale

[@jeffrjustice]

You can order any Dark Arts board in 11 different color options if you order a custom directly.

[@orelomer]

I have twinsman dark art and it feels amazing..I wonder how dark art will fell and surfboards like ghost in bigger surf Because it’s feels exactly like regular surfboard but just much stronger

[@gilliamm.5732]

Thoughts on libtech boards. Regular price and crazy longevity.

[@KalesBroccoli]

Haven’t tried :)

[@duducavalcante]

Hey Kale! Nice review! BTW, were you using FCS II Performer medium or large fins ?

[@KalesBroccoli]

Mediums - I could potentially go large

[@julianc.5545]

@@KalesBroccoli I feel like historically people always said larger fins are better in larger waves. That was always my understanding. Then there’s Noah Salas over on Surf n Show saying large fins are better in small waves (more surface area = more drive) and he sizes down to medium fins when the waves get bigger (less area = better control). I’d be interested to hear what other people’s experiences are. I’ve never had two sizes of fins so better get some and experiment. Thanks for all the hard work you put into making your vids.

[@tobias9138]

@@KalesBroccoli I think because the dark arts floats so much. Large fins - the boards speed and flow improved significantly. Felt like a new board.

[@simonfooks6962]

thanks Kale I had a pyzel one and just didn't like the feel of it despite loving eps boards.

[@VOLOREAN]

yeahhhh I bought my darks arts, and snapped it first Drop in Zicatela, Mexico. Surfed the board maybe 3 times before my surf trip. In order to get the board to stay "not so hot" I use pink or black wax. I will get another Darks Arts but know if it snaps, it is not fixable and darks arts wont replace or give a discount for another board.

[@trestlesrocks]

Best practice is to get the design dialed in via PU and once you think you’ve got it worked out, immortalize it in Dark Arts tech.

[@adamwaz5615]

He said that already 😏

[@trestlesrocks]

@@adamwaz5615 consider me agreeing with him then

[@adamwaz5615]

@@trestlesrocks 🤣👍

[@awelldressedape3419]

same dimensions on both?

[@surfershaper]

Think for that price it would come with a warranty. 12 months or 1200 waves, whichever came first! Others posting about them creasing/buckling. Will is blow up like a balloon when it gets hot in the sun, or do you carry an umbrella around for it?!!

[@dynodin81]

In my experience-when it’s choppy, epoxy boards suck compared to PU.

[@KalesBroccoli]

I don’t find this is a valid phenomenon

[@TheBluesmon]

My experience as well. I also don't like epoxy if it's above head high. EPS feels too lively and unpredictable in bigger waves.

[@johnkraft7461]

@@TheBluesmon Try eps with a timber stringer only - not loads of carbon tapes all over it and no stringer. The stringer is the key - flex is progressive, and stronger too with less deck glass ! If in doubt, hang a plastic ruler off the edge of a bench and twang it - then compare it to a wooden ruler - you'll notice the speed and resonance of the wooden one leaves plastic for dead ! 😉🙏

[@Trails_trout]

so stoked

[@kobymaymonsurfboards7320]

John John didn’t spray the board red, the hot cote (2 layer of epoxy) has red pigment in it 🤙🏼 i know because I build carbon surfboards 🙌🏽🙌🏽 Love your channel 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thank you for pointing that out

[@kobymaymonsurfboards7320]

@@KalesBroccoli thank you for great information 🤙🏼

[@gregstarr2878]

Get down with your bad self mate. Yew🤙👀hope all's GREAT BROTHA!!!!?

[@timarcher3953]

PU i72 in black is actually $1100

[@danielgardner6588]

Mine was 990 $ AUD

[@rctrix9063]

It's an EPS ( styrofoam) core and not an epoxy core. Epoxy resin must be used on this material because polyester contains styrene which is a solvent to EPS. In the world of organic chemistry, like dissolves like. Obviously styrene and polystyrene are like. Good show. Keep them coming. 👍

[@jump171]

everyone knew what he meant, noone needed a know it all like you to clear that up

[@rctrix9063]

@@jump171 Hi and thanks for your kind comments. Next time I'll try to be more verbose.

[@jump171]

@@rctrix9063 what a douche bag

[@rctrix9063]

@@jump171 Full of nice comments. Do you come here often to spread the love.

[@whydontpeopleknowaboutthis8665]

If u could have one board to surf mostly 3-4 ft waves what would it be?

[@KalesBroccoli]

Covered in recent Q&A

[@gilliamm.5732]

Yay!!

[@rahawk69]

I think i’d rather still pick up an old 2nd hand Custom board for $350. Oh so Retro.

[@TheBluesmon]

Id imagine there's not a huge difference between dark arts and a normal EPS board.

[@nathanogle3192]

melty wax

[@RedRussel]

or you know, get an EPS board and shit'll last you a lifetime...

[@peterhughes8699]

$900 is $200 too much for a short surfboard. And the only people with $2000 boards are sponsored pros

[@jordankeeler7297]

maybe 2 decades ago...

[@peterhughes8699]

@@jordankeeler7297 you're obviously shopping in the wrong places in 2022

[@jordankeeler7297]

@@peterhughes8699 if you say so man. i only buy hand shaped boards, but if you wanna spend 700 on a 4mm glassed pop out chinese board that will last less than a year, go for it. id rather spend a few hundred extra on a board made for me and my waves, by someone who surfs spots like mine. i appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into the boards I buy, and even if they're more expensive, the profit margins are still thin.

[@peterhughes8699]

@@jordankeeler7297 No I'm talking high quality hand shaped boards. You're probly buying in Sydney or Gold Coast too. Much cheaper if you live outside cities.

[@jordankeeler7297]

@@peterhughes8699 Wish I was buying in the Gold Coast…I’m in the US. Cheapest quality handshaped boards I see start at around $800.

[@iraklein1625]

PU for sure