Pyzel "Shadow" Surfboard Review by Noel Salas Ep.76

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In this episode, I review Pyzel’s new HPSB (high-performance short board) called the “Shadow.”
The Shadow is the 4th model in the Ghost family that completes a four-board quiver for waves ranging from 1-10’+. The Shadow fills the gap between the Ghost and Phantom for the surfer looking for precise surfing in more critical sections.
We got great waves for this review ranging from 2-5’, and the Shadow did not disappoint. I noticed the similarities between the Shadow and Phantom, like great down-the-line-speed and good flow between turns.
I got two boards with the exact same dimensions for this review. One board was PU/PE with Futures fin boxes and the other board is EPS/Epoxy with FCSII fin boxes. Both board constructions felt good underfoot, and each of them had their strengths and weaknesses in different conditions.
The Shadow is solid in my book, and I recommend it for intermediate/pro-level surfers for waves ranging from 3-8’.
Board Dimensions
5’7” x 18.75 x 2.31 Liters 25.5
My Height: 5’9”
Weight: 160 lbs or 72.57 kg

[@seanlove5602]

I noticed in the description you have a place where people can donate to keep the videos comin. I feel like most viewers wouldn't mind a 5 second ad before the videos if it means we keep getting these solid reviews.

[@ChadAtkinson]

Bought a 6’1 PU Shadow last week and took it out for first session yesterday Surprised by how well it planes and keeps speed down the line - blurring the line between a true HPSB and daily driver 4-6ft waves with some steep drops - the board handled no problems and loved it. Didn’t get much chance to go on rail yet. Board also duck dived so easily I think this will be a board that I can grow a lot with - bigger, hollower waves and getting more vertical up and down the face

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Chad Atkinson Yewww..

[@MrB1019]

How's your feedback on the shadow now?

[@jasoncurtis4416]

Great review! Detailed, but also well summarized. Thanks!

[@geoffkoop]

Great review Noel! Look like epic boards.

[@PIEDOODLEZ]

Dude your surfing on the EPS looked insane 👀

[@IkoPB]

Best surfboard reviews ever!

[@nimrodiny]

Awesome review as always, Noel! 🔥👌 Am I the only one jealous of Noel having 4 (maybe even 5) different wetsuits to juggle? Haha

[@mccauleybaker8622]

Who else comes here partially for the epic tunes Noel has playing over his footage? Matches perfectly with your ripping Noel 🤘🏾

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

McCauley Baker Yewww!! The “Musicians” are amazing.... so stoked on the music too. This is Ron Artis II from HI. Cheers

[@GeniusUnleashed]

The EPS looks great. The PU just seemed like you're working really hard to do what you want, which might be nice in heavier surf.

[@kseshapoopy]

Going up to used surf today, to pick up a pyzel shortcut. Hope we got some decent surf eventually so I can get some use out of it.

[@CarlosRamos-zj2ut]

Noel, you nailed this review. That’s my experience with a PU shadow. It works great on bigger, steeper waves. I’m able to flow and link turns, but it struggles in flat sections. I surf a lot chop/bump in FL, and it disengages for me as well. Why do you think it disengages on chop being PU? Also, what board would you recommend for bigger choppy days that has good flow? Many thanks. Very much appreciate your feedback and expertise.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Boards that go good in choppy surf have a more pulled in tail, (round tail) boards with less concave, boards with a little more weight to them with a lower apex rail.

[@jaysonwebsther2698]

Sir Noel, watching your reviews on varieties of pyzel boards i learn alot of insigths.. a sir since you mention you prefer eps what would be the edge if its contruct with the electrolite technology?

[@todmarcus1954]

Aloha Noel - we really appreciate you and I love to watch you surf. I'm “53 years old, Oahu, surf 6 days/week. Dedicated, but not particularly gifted.” I like to go vertical and hit the lip as hard as I can, but like so many others when I see myself on camera, it’s not really vertical. I ride a Rocket Wide when it's small, and a Paddelack when it's big. All set with those. But here in Oahu I often find myself in shoulder high to 1.5x overhead and powerful conditions. I tried the Ghost, but it felt tight and rode more like a gun than a short board for me. Couldn’t snap it. I tried the Happy, but I find it hard to ride and control (not good enough to ride it most likely). What’s my go to board for here? Shadow? Phantom? Other? Thank you so much!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Phantom

[@todmarcus1954]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks buddy. It's so cool that you rip but you answer questions from the average joe. Stoked!

[@jul1us_tv]

great as always!

[@vladimirsheydorov3776]

Hi Noel, hope you are doing great! I am 16 years old, weigh 63 kg and am an intermediate, just started doing great roundhouse cutbacks and floaters and thinking of doing more top turns now as well as catching more waves especially hollow ones for the tubes. My current board is eps from local shaper here in Portugal - 5.8 length and 27.8 liters and feels super fast and responsive and I love it in small to medium waves, but in bigger waves it feels uncontrollable which is why I want get a new one. I'm thinking of buying a new board for more powerful and those really good medium big waves now that the winter is coming. Now thinking of getting a shadow or ghost of somewhere 26-27 liters and most likely in PU builds for more control. Which one do you think will fit me better as I want to still have good paddling but still perform well in bigger conditions. If the board performs well in decent conditions it would be a nice bonus but not a necessary one. Thanks a lot!!!

[@ElevatorCreator]

Another great review. Stand out surfing. I have the pyzel phantom and after watching this i want a shadow to add to my quiver. Also noticed your shadows came with the pyzel traction pad, one of the best choices nowadays. Good traction, doesnt peel easily and holds up to continued use.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

hell0curry The pars are great... not to rough or to soft on grip feel either.?i like the decent size arch bar too.

[@jensenh4832]

Would be great for a video to compare the Pyzel electralite board vs the EPS stringer board... I guess that might be a little to "niche" for the site though, lol!

[@Nayda44]

Hi Noel thanks for all the amazing and very infomative reviews! Thanks to your videos many shaping aspects of surfboards became very clear to me! However what I can see is that you often change fins depending on the surf, and that where I still need more explainations! So could you make a special review about fins shape/setup and how they change the performance of surfing? I always surf with the same ones because I would not know which one i should pick up when the surf is hollow/flat/bumpy etc. thanks man, and keep the stoke!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Nayda44 Ok we will do more fin vlogs to help with these types of questions. Cheers

[@Nayda44]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 sweet thanks mate! cheers!

[@ericlawson2101]

Ive got one in p/u and prefer it in bigger more powerful surf. I agree it goes well in choppy waves, which we get a lot of in North Florida. Noel surfs it better than I do, haha!

[@quinnallard6117]

Noel the Rippahh!!, Hope all is well, another awesome review. I have a NB2 spinetek right now and i'm looking to make a two board quiver. From Santa Cruz so all different types of waves. Im digging the shadow and would think it would be and great fit as a two board quiver to handle 1-8 ft year round, but I think you showed a bit more flow on the phantom as well. stuck between the shadow and phantom though, you think the NB2 and phantom would have too much overlap to make a 2 board quiver for 1-8 ft surf? or would the NB2 and shadow make more sense? mostly surf beaches breaks and point breaks. Thanks in advance, I got the NB2 spinetek because of you can absolutely love it!

[@toubutey]

I’m in a very similar situation, would love to hear you thoughts Noel. I bought my nb2 spinetek after seeing your review and am loving it!

[@slackstringlvr]

Great review, do you think the XL version will surf the same as the regular board?

[@bodhitree33]

That boards a winner. Nice surfing.

[@andrecruz8380]

Hi Noel! First of all thanks for your amazing work and reviews...You're definitely helping a lot of surfers to buy the "right" board, specially in these days were the prices keep rising. I'm planning to buy my next Hpsb... need to replace my old superbrand craft 2, 5'11 with 30,5 liters ( I'm 40 years old, 5'10 and 171 pounds in good shape and i consider myself an intermediate + surfer) I usually surf in a beach break with some hollow waves and when it gets bigger it has some strong currents, so paddle power is a plus and in those days i've feeling some fatigue on the paddling. I've been doubting between the ghost and the shadow for a range of waves between 3 -8/9 ft. So my questions are, which one will be better for a daily board? I'm thinking about buying one of those but in the XL version because they're closer to my dims. Do you think I can add 1-1.5 litter enlarging the width of the stock dims without loosing the main characteristics of the board? The shadow XL is a 5'11 x 19 3/8 x 2 9/16 - 30.6 lt and the Ghost XL is 5'11 x 19 3/8 2 5/8 30.1 Sorry for such a long comment but i always struggle myself when planning to buy the right custom board :) Thanks for your reviews! Cheers

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I suggest the Shadow and not pushing the width more than 1/8” wider compared to stock XL Dims. Going wider will tighten up the board and create to much lift and make it hard to engage the rail in bigger waves. I say stay as close to stock dims on XL dims… especially in width and thickness. It’s easier to go longer bye 1-2” and still have excellent performance in bigger waves.

[@andrecruz8380]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Once again...thank you Noel! Your always spot on! Love to see your dedication and availability to help us choosing the right magic board. Big hug from Portugal!

[@soulsurfer3102]

my friend have the shadow xl.and he said It's completely different from the regular shadow..

[@thomasvinsen1410]

Hey Noel. I ride my pu shadow in the large fc s performer. They feel quite stiff. Would you recommend a medium fun instead?

[@adamivancic7650]

Just bought my Shadow XL in 6'0 and am absolutely wrapped. Going from a 6'0 Phantom I was worried the Shadow was gonna feel too hardcore and foreign, but I could not be happier. The board is super loose and carries a ton of speed. My first bottom turn, I was amazed how hard I can push it without feeling unstable, an unreal option. Both at my home break and in the wave pool this thing is so much fun. The feeling definitely carries a few similarities from the Phantom with its own alterations that make it surprisingly user friendly for a high performance board. Could not of made a better choice. Can't wait to work and test this thing more throughout winter down here in AUS!! Cheers for the review Noel!!!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

🔥🔥🔥 thanks for posting

[@stephenwouw8624]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 hi mate, I’ve got the whole Pyzel family boards, ghosts, shadow and phantom. My observations were that the phantom was ‘unturnable’ with the JJF large. Yet on the shadow it goes great with the large fins. So I had to put a medium rear JJF on the phantom to make it more manageable. And when I went to medium JJF altogether, on the phantom it makes much more sense. It’s a epoxy Electralite construction. The shadow however is a PU. I used to surf the shadow exclusively on large JJF fins, but since I put on the mediums, my turns got way sharper and I’m able to surf it much more aggressively. Are the large simply too large for me? Or is there a relationship between the size of the fins in relation to the width of the tail? And perhaps the amount of tail rocker as well?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@stephenwouw8624 The Large fins will make a board tighter for sure. They have more surface area, wider base, and what makes the deeper the fin will make it tighter and harder to turn sharp and quickly. What you are feeling is the exact reason why I designed my own fins. My signature fins have a large base for extra drive through turns and only go as deep as a medium fin to keep the board loose so your turns are sharp and quick. Check them out here… nothing out there like my fins… I have a Raked, Neutral, and Pivot templates. surfnshow.com/products/surf-n-show-neutral-thruster-set

[@michaelshort5115]

Did you get the epoxy or pu

[@adamivancic7650]

@@michaelshort5115 PU stock dims, straight off the rack :)

[@rickrunner2219]

Noel, I don't know what you ate those days, bet it's really spicy. is the board ? or the great surfer you are. wonder.. Great review Noel, you are a master. you get me to go straight to surf shop and buy one of those Pyzel shadow board. this board look much better , friendly daily HPSB for every one. Cheers man, you are the best !

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Blade Runner Sick... thanks for the kind words and faithfully commenting. This Shadow is very user friendly for a HPSB. Let me know if you get one and how it goes for you. Cheers

[@traceybaker343]

you should go on tour on that board .great review

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Tracey Baker Cheers!!! The guys on tour blow my mind.

[@ccozzarelli]

Hey Noel! Hope you and your family are safe and healthy. I’ve been watching your reviews over and over to see what is the best alternative for what I want in my surfing. I was wondering what is it about the shadow that didn’t end up being your favorite as the ghost, phantom and gremlin are .. being from the same “family”. Thanks !!!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

The Shadow has more rocker and it needs a steeper wave.... Even the Ghost needs a wave with more power but it’s super easy to surf that’s why it made my favorite list. The Shadow goes good but I want a bit more speed from a HPSB for where I surf.

[@ccozzarelli]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks!! The shadow even have more rocker and the wide point a little back than the pyzalien 2 right ??

[@waterdog4191]

Noel, My apologies in advance for the long winded post/question. I'm a 55 yrs old (5'11" 170lbs) have been surfing short boards 40 years and surf punchy beach breaks. At my geriatric age, and reduced time in the water, I have found it critical to get into waves earlier and the board be more stable. However, with boards with low rocker and stable, like the Black & White and Phantom, feel too stiff and not flowy. Boards like CI's MBM and "New Flyer" suit my style... guessing back footed. I've tried plus volume in higher rockered boards but they actually feel corky and hang up in the lip vs getting in earlier. I know I'm going to have give up some performance to compensate for loss of skills. But , for waist/chest to 3' overhead punchy beach break and all the issues mentioned above, what board would you recommend; Fever, Happy, Shadow, Pyzalien 2, Ghost, other...? Again, sorry for the long post. Thanks

[@MrB1019]

I liked the new flyer too.. Have you tried the og flyer? They good.. The sampler is good for getting in early and can still turn but gets skaty at 6 foot

[@kingsofmayhem]

Another great review Noel. Question, I noticed that you've been riding the AM medium fins more...is this because you need less fin in bigger surf or because you weigh less now? Are you still riding the AM Tech 1 large fins anymore? Just curious, cheers!!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Christian69James I just want to loosen up the board a bit more.

[@lucabertossi664]

Hi Noel, thanks for the reviews. They're incredibly helpful given the price of the apparatus these days. I'm stuck between a fever and a shadow. I have a CI rocket wide which I really enjoy in small surf but it certainly maxes out at 4ft for me. Which board paddles in better ? And what would perform well in hollow beachies as well as down the line point breaks like Jbay ? Need that drivey feel.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Luca Bertossi Fever is faster Shadow offers better paddling and a bit more hold due to more tail rocker. I would go Fever for JBay out of the two boards.

[@lucabertossi664]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks Noel

[@ggn2446]

hey Noel. Thank you for being the best surfboard review as always. I have an OG Flyer as a daily driver and have a rookie 15 when it's pumping. But thinking that the R15 drawn to much long arcs and bit slower. I'm looking for a mew HPSB, and between shadow, monsta 8 and fever. would like your thougths to overhead and plus pumping and sometimes mushy beach breaks. thank you

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

GGN Fever or Phantom

[@marcbinns5636]

Hey Noel! Loving the reviews. How does this compare to the Pyzel Radius?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Marc Binns Sorry... I have not ridden the Radius.

[@jakeingamells9516]

Great review would be cool to see one on the board Deane lsd model in the future

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Jake Ingamells Do you have a model in mind?

[@dr.watkinsroomfreshener5250]

should i get this or the pyzel phantom for south oc/north sd breaks as a daily driver?

[@ElevatorCreator]

Bro it would be sick if you did a review on the pyzel radius. Same one jordy smith choose for a stab in the dark winner. Debating on that board or the pyzel shadow. Peace

[@HTR92]

Love this board. Works great with a bit of power and or steepness. 4ft and up. Not very fun under that. Paddles awesome.

[@trevorhocking9840]

Hey Noel. Thanks for the review and the education you have given us. Looking to add to my “Surf n Show Quiver” again and seeing you live in a great point break area what board would you say is a great point break board for someone your age n dims but just intermediate level? Already have a fever, cymatic and Wilko f13 and love em all. Looking for something to paddle easy & carry speed as my points are quite fat waves. Cheers mate

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Trevor Hocking Epic quiver you got going there.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Trevor Hocking Sounds like the Phantom by Pyzel is a good fit. Very easy to surf and performance surfing in 3-7’ surf. Epic in point breaks.

[@michaelshort5115]

The white board you were riding, is that a stringered eps or is that electrolight

[@mikael3536]

hello noel, great review as always:) Im moving to bali september till end of mai. Would you recommend a shadow or inferno 72?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Shadow for good Bali Waves. Inferno 72 for the smaller waves over there

[@matthewnicholas4499]

Hey Noel. I already own a 5'8 gremlin that I love. I mainly surf around San Clemente and was wondering whether you would recommend a phantom or shadow if I were to have a two board quiver for around home. It seems like you liked the phantom a little better, but I was curious if you thought there was a lot of overlap with the phantom and gremlin and it would be better to get a more high performance board for when the waves turn on. I guess it comes down to whether you think that the phantom could pretty much handle any day in Orange County, or if the shadow would be better for a lot of the good days. Thanks for making these reviews!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Matthew Nicholas Phantom... I would ride the Gremlin in 1-3’ and the Phantom in 4-8’ around town. The Shadow only if your surfing a lot Hollow punchy surf.

[@matthewnicholas4499]

Surf n Show Reviews thanks!

[@mitchell_w]

Thanks for the review!! I live in North County San Diego and surf a lot of 2 ft - 6 ft beach breaks. I see in a lot of comments you say you prefer the Phantom over the Shadow for these kinds of conditions. What about the Phantom vs the Pyzalien 2? Trying to decide between those two/the squash vs swallow tail. Thx

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Mitchell Wilkinson For Beachies I recommend the P2... it will pivot faster and have better hold in the pocket.

[@mitchell_w]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Okay thanks! I was leaning towards that anyways. Does the P2 have more speed than the Phantom and Shadow?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Mitchell Wilkinson More than the Shadow, Phantom might be a little faster compared to the P2 but the P2 has better pivot and handles bigger waves better

[@Felix-mr1vs]

Awesome review, board looks great!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Felix Lux Cheers!! I really liked the performance of the EPS in 2-5’ surf.

[@pcostello1717]

Hey Noel, been a longtime fan and have learned a lot from the vids over the years. I was gifted a shadow for Christmas and the shop has a 6’ and a 6’1, I normally ride 30L in my daily hpsb but custom in a 5’11. I weigh 183, surfing punchy beachies & reefs from avg to solid conditions. Wondering which you’d pick? 6’1 sounds a little long but not sure if the 29.4 will be enough in the 6’? Thanks and happy holidays

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

For your weight riding 30L is what I recommend for Pro/Expert level surfers. Going 29.4L is a bit on the low side and 6’1” seems a bit long to me too… depending on how tall you are? Maybe consider a different Pyzel model that will give you similar performance in shorter stock dimensions. Maybe Mini Ghost, or Pyzalien 2?

[@pcostello1717]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 appreciate the quick response and feedback. I’ve been interested in the pyzalian but for better or worse sounds like the extent the shop is willing to work w me is choosing between the two shadows. And I’m just under 6’, weighed in at 180 this morning

[@Will-oe2sb]

Hey Noel, love all the reviews. Looking at board's for a ments trip and realistically will surf up to around 6ft. Tossing up between Ghost, Shadow, Happy and Fever. What you think best suited for the waves over there?? Cheers mate.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

will All of those boards will go good. For 6’ surf I would choose the Fever... if you want easy paddle in and excellent hold then go Ghost

[@shortyyys]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 What about if you toss the Black&White in the equation? pretty torn between b&w and shadow for 4-7 feet (paddling in waves, speed, hold...)

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Mosbys Shadow

[@toubutey]

Hey Noel, great review. Long time fan and patreon subscriber here. I have just ordered myself a shadow and was thinking of getting a new set of fins (futures) I could use between it and my spinetek nb2. I currently only have a medium jjf with the old graphics. I was thinking of getting a large template fin like am2s hc of a large jjf to generate more speed on lesser waves but you seem to have preferred medium templates with both these surfboard models. I weigh 167 pounds. What do you think? Cheers!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Go AM2 in honeycomb for max drive. The JJF fins are a bit stiff in smaller waves

[@toubutey]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks!

[@CownterfeitCow]

Hey Noel what fins would you recommend for this board? Got a 6'0 with stock dims coming.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Cownterfeit Cow Pyzel 5 fin set up or JJF. My Momentum Series Raked template will go mental if you want a Raked Fin. You can find those fins here www.shopsurfnshow.com/collections/fins/products/surf-n-show-thruster-rakes

[@ccozzarelli]

Hi Noel!! I hope everyone in your family is safe and healthy. I was wondering If you can help me with something. Thanks to your reviews I have a 5'9 Pyzalien 2 (32 lts) and have become my favorite board of all times and I know it is a DD with a bit of performance. But lately waves have been a litlle bigger where I surf and vey hollow steep waves and sometimes I think 5'9 is a little short for those kind of waves (I'm 5´9, 182 pounds, 43 years old, surfing for 25 years) so I was thinkin something a little bigger as a step up that help me get a little earlier in those kinds of waves... Maybe a 5'11/6´0 Shadow or Ghost??? what do you think?? Thanks again!!!! as always!!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I like the Ghost better but only in 5-10’ surf.

[@matr4724]

How do you compare Spinetek , Carbon wrap with the EPS of Pyzel in 2 to 4 foot surf. I m keen to get an epoxy (after recently purchasing the wrong board for me...), I love the pop that epoxy boards have in smaller surf, makes it so much more agile. I tried a firewire stubby bastard today, sick ! but so light that a bit of offshore wind can make things difficult, however great pop ! My alternative if i were to go with the stubby bastard would be EPS (electralite fell a bit too light in store)

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Mat R I have not tried Electralite yet... the Spinetek is a bit stiffer compared to CW or normal EPS with wood stringer. With that said Spinetek offers more consistency and pop when you push through turns. A EPS with wood stringer feels most like PU/Poly with a little extra pop. CW Diamond Series feels good too... a little easier to flex compared to Spinetek but stiffer compared to Original CW.

[@PHISH8]

Where are you testing the boards. ? Looks like my break down the street (Lowers)?

[@wesleyturner1979]

Phantom Vs. Shadow...Better board for performance surfing on California points to slightly overhead and beachbreaks from 3ft to 5ft?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Wesley Turner I like the a Phantom better. In really hollow surf the Shadow will perform better

[@Rafaelathia]

Hi Noel, trying to decide to add a new board to my quiver for a trip to Maldives. I'm currently using the CI RW for 1-3' surf and an lost uber driver for 3-5+, mostly surfing beach breaks. I thought that the shadow would be a good option for the trip, so would take the RW for small days and shadow for 3-8' surf on reef breaks. Would you think that is a good option? I've been looking all your reviews and thought about FRK as well, but think that shadow would be better for my surf style. Thanks for all the reviews, by far the best in the web. See you in the water!!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Rafael Athia Shadow forsure

[@Rafaelathia]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks Noel!

[@rollopost]

Hi Noel so many good options. Shadow vs Happy vs DX1 for 3-4ft beachie?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Ben Post Sorry... I say Pyzalien 2, Driver 2.0, or Fever. Your other options didn’t make my Favorites list.

[@Johnny.Bodendorfer]

Hey Noel, What dims would you recommend for me I am 90-92kg and advanced/intermediate surfer. I usually go about 34-35 liters on boards should I go with a stock 6’3 at 33.8 or 6’4 at 35.5?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Johnny B I suggest 34-35 liters for you. If your on the upper end of Advanced intermediate then go 6’3”. If you wear a lot of rubber and your not surfing as much as you would like then go 6’4” at 35.5

[@drumbull7]

Another great review Dr. Noel. Any reason why you went with a lower volume and shorter length with this board? I'd have thought Pyzel may have put you on a 5'9" x 18 5/8" x 2 5/16" with a volume closer to 26Ltrs...

[@drumbull7]

I can see the advantage of comparing the Phantom 5"7" x 19" x 2.31" 26.1L with the Shadow 5’7” x 18.75" x 2.31" 25.5L but with quite a short length for a High Performance Shortboard, do you think it may have made your rail turns a bit shorter and less 'drivey' than if you were on a 5' 9"?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

drumbull I went shorter with less volume cause I have been riding a ton of really short boards (5’2’) and jumping on a 5’9” feels too long and slow to turn. The 5’7” felt great and seemed appropriate for the wave height we got for this review too.

[@drumbull7]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 the Shadow at 5'7" looked really good under your feet and didn't look to be lacking any drive. Just interested because I am 5'9 1/2" & (74kg) 163lbs. I have also been riding more boards around the 5'7" to 5'8" mark that are a 'daily driver' but as my go to HPSB. I'm always a bit wary at that head high wave range and above, that I am limiting my projection and therefore the possibilities of different lines on the wave face. As always, great stuff Noel. I appreciate you taking the time to reply. As others have mentioned before, I also wouldn't mind seeing advertising on your channel, as I think it is a valuable resource for the industry. Please keep up the great work. Cheers!

[@jensenh4832]

When you say EPS in your videos like this one (for the Pyzel boards specifically) do you mean that you're riding the Electralite Pyzel proprietary formula or are you using the regular Epoxy board? This question comes in the sense of if you were to order this from Pyzel's website. Thanks!!

[@colewilkins3083]

He means epoxy

[@sean8081a]

Hey Noel, did you try the electralite construction? Is it durable, do you have a 1 -10 rating? Thanks!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

craig takafuji Sorry.... I have NOT tried the Electralite construction yet.

[@michaelcampbell4135]

G'day Noel. Love these reviews. You are ripping as usual! Would you choose the Lost Driver or Pyzel Shadow in fast punchy waves? cheers mate!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Michael Campbell Driver

[@michaelcampbell4135]

Cheers mate!

[@inigosebastiangaray1498]

Hi Noel. I just bought this board in a 6’0 and I surf in the Basque Country in Spain. Mostly home beach break but once a week I might go to bells beach-like point breaks. What fins would you recommend in the future system? Thank you so much.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Al Merrick fin template at point breaks

[@sebastiantu6212]

Hey Noel I'm struggling to differentiate the Gamma, OG Flyer, and this Shadow. How can I choose between them??

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Sebastian Tu The OG is most user friendly out of these three boards. The Gamma and Shadow are legitimate HPSB’s and they do best in waves with some power. I like the OG best then the Gamma, then the Shadow.

[@freddynystroem3669]

How much of a difference is there between the XTR and the Electralite construction of the board? Or is sticking to the normal EPS construction the best solution? Thank you

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I find the XTR tech to be a bit more durable and it’s closed cell tech will not suck water in like normal EPS. I have not tried Electralite but I like XTR better than regular Stringered EPS foam.

[@kallegbg81]

Hey Noel! How does the Shadow compare to Black n White and even the Happy in terms of user friendly HPSB? Im on the hunt for new board for Bali waves, mostly the beachbreaks 3-8f. Had Phantom, but looking for more performance in steeper ,punchier waves. Have looked at Ghost but not really in to pintail and seems to have alot of volume push forward. Im on a OG flyer right now. Thanks / Karl

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

kallegbg81 Shadow and Happy have more rocker compared to Black and White. The Shadow paddles good but it does have some foam forward. If I were going to Bali I would pack a Fever

[@kallegbg81]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks Noel! Will take a look at Fever also. Keep up with your avesome reviews :)

[@hambaghini]

Hey Noel, looking into transitioning into my first performance shortboard and was looking at the Uber Driver/Sub Driver from Lost. Have been riding a 6ft shortboard with a ton of foam in it but was wanting to drop to low volume while riding beach breaks(2-6ft). Any thoughts on this?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Hamish M Sub Driver sounds like a good one.

[@StephenDrawbridge]

Hey Noel, hoping for some advice. Looking to buy a shadow to compliment my P2 but I can’t decide which dims to get go, stuck between 5’10x 18.88 (or 18.75) 2.44 (approx. 28.6ltrs) and 5’10x19x 2’3/8 (28ltrs). My P2 is 5’9x19.25x2.44 (29ltrs). I’d say I’m experienced, weigh 77kg, 176cm tall. Will ride the shadow when it’s bigger and for when I can travel again. The P2 paddles really well for me day to day, but still getting used to the extra foam when up and riding so thinking maybe I should go thinner on the shadow but don’t know if the shadow’s rail/ outline will offset the extra thickness. For a shorter surfer, is it better to go thinner and wider, or thicker and narrower? Any advice would be so helpful!!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I would go 28.6L and for bigger waves it’s better add volume in length, thickness not width.

[@StephenDrawbridge]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 thank you so much!!!! Legend.

[@baileyvanderstruyf4945]

Hi Noel, I am after some advice for choosing between the 6’0 and 6’1 shadow. I’m 19 and 6’0 and around 79kgs. I’m surfing average beach breaks up to solid 6-8ft reef breaks and feel like the Shadow is the perfect all rounder. Should I go the same length as my height or go for the 6’1? Think the 6’0 is 29.5 and the 6’1 is 30.9 L. Thanks

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I answered this via email already. Cheers

[@karljakobsson2687]

Hey Noel, how would this compare to the CI fever. Dims and outline look fairly similar, how does the rocker compare?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Karl Jakobsson I think the Fever has more belly rocker and less foam under the chest.

[@karljakobsson2687]

Surf n Show Reviews thanks!

[@skippywinters]

Hi Noel curious as to why this board didn’t make it into one of your personal favorites (as opposed to the other 3 of the ghost family). Cheers

[@skippywinters]

Ok found this down in the comment section. Answered thanks. The Shadow has more rocker and it needs a steeper wave.... Even the Ghost needs a wave with more power but it’s super easy to surf that’s why it made my favorite list. The Shadow goes good but I want a bit more speed from a HPSB for where I surf.

[@colbycrawford7586]

Hey Noel currently I’m riding the pyzel phantom as my everyday driver. However, I’m looking into getting either a Lost Uber driver or the pyzel shadow as my next board. I’m usually surfing San Diego beach breaks and could use some help deciding which of these boards would perform better for those types of conditions. Thanks in advanced!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Colby Crawford The Shadow is a HPSB and goes best in 3-8’ surf. The UD is more of a Small Wave performance board for 1-5’ Maybe 6’ max.

[@joshuaoconnor3290]

Hey Noel have have you riden the dhd dx1 would like to know which board you would prefer for waves ranging from 2-6 beach breaks would you go a pyzel shadow or the dx1 thanks

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Joshua O Connor I have not... I would go Phantom unless it super hollow then I would go Shadow

[@joshuaoconnor3290]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 thankyou for your reply think I'll try the shadow

[@miguellima7987]

Hi Noel. How does the Shadow compares against Lost Pocket Rocket? I have a Pocket Rocket that I don't seem to connect very well and would like to replace it with an hpsb for good waves with some power and size around 4-6 feet.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Miguel Lima Never tried the PR sorry. I love the Driver 2.0.... best HPSB yet

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Miguel Lima The Shadow is good and it will go excellent in 4-8’ surf

[@Zadams22]

Which did you Ike better under your feet the Shadow or ghost? Got a trip to indo coming up and considering adding the ghost to the quiver.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

zach adams I would take the Ghost to Indo out of these two boards. The Ghost can handle more size

[@Zadams22]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 thank you! appreciate the videos

[@mosyd8973]

Hey mate how’d you find the boards in indo?? Got a ments trip coming up and tossing up buying phantom, shadow, ghost (as step up) or probably two of them :) Cheers!!

[@danielpavey9811]

Dr salas! Please help settle a dilemma. Shadow vs ci fever as an all rounder daily 2-5ft ? Thanks!!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Daniel Pavey Fever has less rocker so it carries more speed and still shreds in the pocket. The Shadow carries a little more foam under the chest more stability under the front foot. If your surfing a lot of hollow beaches then the Shadow is epic. The Fever is extremely versatile and with the right DIMS I would ride it in 2-3’ surf all the way to 6-8’ surf. Shadow is 4-8’ surf for me.

[@danielpavey9811]

You’re the man. Thanks brother

[@alexlerner7964]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 what do hollow beaches mean? I live on oahu what would you recommend 3-10 ft fever or shadow. I surf all over the island thats why the range is so big.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@alexlerner7964 Shadow

[@chrisbarboni2455]

Looking for semi step up, for maxed out Florida with a lot of water moving and 2nd board while traveling. My driver is 5.10, my HPSB is 6.1, I was thinking shadow around 6.4? Any other boards I should look at for overhead plus range? By travel it’s Central America. Over head to double. That’s about it. Or is the Gost a better option? Thanks

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I say Ghost for Double overhead hollow waves

[@chrisbarboni2455]

I have been watching a ton of your vids, great work. Thanks for the speedy response. I am not chasing double overhead however my 5.10 stretch gets me to head high little over super fun board. It’s seems you lean towards the ghost over the shadow? Not sure hollow waves usually steep and lots of water moving, need paddle power and speed down the line. I was thinking a 6.4 Ghost or shadow, but after seeing your video on the pyzelalien I could redline that board. Hahah either way I am getting a pyzelalien. Looking for That 2 board travel quiver.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@chrisbarboni2455 Pyzalien sounds like a good call if it not hollow or the Shadow. I prefer the P2

[@aTribeCalledCasey]

Have you tried the shadow in dark arts? Curious how carbon feels compared to eps or pu

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I’m riding the Dark Arts Carbon layup now on a SharpEye and it feels good. A bit more explosive coking out of turns and a bit more durable compared to most EPS and way more durable compared to PU/Poly. I did notice that since it has EPS core it’s still pretty on top of the water so it struggles in bumpy choppy 3-6’ surf to keep the rail engaged.

[@ddavisart]

Have you been on Pyzel's Stubby Bastard? If so, curious how it compares with the Shadow. Thanks man

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

ddavisart No sorry I have not tried the SB yet. No opinion at this time

[@saltybarber149]

One board and only one, what board would you ride for most waves? As an average surfer who surfs every day, I need an all around board. You rip and rock, cheers from New Zealand!

[@nimrodiny]

Haydenshapes Holy Grail, such a sick board for pretty much every type of wave you can think of

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Salty Barber I recommend the Phantom or CI Neck Beard 2 for a 1 board quiver. Cheers

[@sean8081a]

How's the durability of the Holy Grail, does it have less pressures?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

onespeed Yes, it leaves pressure dents. It’s really about the Future Flex Technology. The rebound is is really fast cause of the carbon on the rails. Excellent tech...

[@erics4127]

Noel, which paddles better, Shadow or Driver 2.0? Thanks!!! Surf in Socal. San diego

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Driver 2.0

[@filipevicente774]

Hi Noel. Do you already tried the JW large sides w/ jw medium centre in other boards? I'm looking a fins similar to my favorite MF large neocarbon but with a little more release and pivot... What you think about the mix of JW fins? It's a good solution? Thanks.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Filipe Vicente The JW have a lot of rake.... for them to loosen up abut I suggest a smaller center fin. I suggest the Kolohe Andino fins. They are my favorite FCSII fins for what your looking for.

[@filipevicente774]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 I tried the KA and they have a lot of speed and nice release but I had very difficulty in my turns (carving, cutback)... With this fins I need to put a extra power on my back foot to turn the board in comparison to MF. I think the problem is the longer base 4.67 and the depth 4.70... This make sense?? After watched more reviews and check the fin data on FCS website I`m thinking in the Performer in PCC or GM... As they have a similar base and depth of MF but less rake and area.. What´s your feedback? They are very stiffer for ride in 2 to 5ft waves? I tried also the Performer in NeoGlass and I liked the release and pivot but they have too much flex....so I lost drive! Thanks again.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Filipe Vicente Just go Performers in PC. The GM fins a really stiff but they are more upright.

[@jameschao121]

Have you had any experience with the Dark Arts carbon fiber wrapped shawdows?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

james chao No sorry

[@reefslug]

I can only have one new board this year and Im torn between a shadow, and a CI Fever. Which one in which construction? I'm living on Maui (windy, waves have some push) and plan to use in chest to head and a half. Which is more user friendly/easier to ride or are they about the same. Thank you in advance for being awesome. You've helped me out with my last 2 board purchases and I couldn't be more stoked

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I would go Fever in PU

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Brandon Lane If your looking for a user friendly HPSB that’s very user friendly and still shreds I would go Phantom for 3-8’ surf.

[@reefslug]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thank you so much Noel. Can I ask why you like the fever over the shadow specifically? They seem so incredibly similar

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Brandon Lane The Fever carries more speed in smaller surf.

[@reefslug]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Rodger that. As far as performance and ease of use they're about the same, yeah? Thanks again for answering all my questions. You're seriously surf-legend status in my book brother man.

[@808638]

That board works good.

[@omittch7279]

Hi Noel, I’ve been looking at a few options, I currently have a HS Untitled, mainly use it for smaller waves. Looking for a step up HPSB looking at the shadow or a JS air 17 x what would you recommend cheers

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

oMittch The Shadow is a better choice. It has a bit more rocker so you will have better traction in the bigger surf. The Shadow paddles well and it’s pretty user friendly too. Good choice.

[@omittch7279]

Surf n Show Reviews thankyou, would you go eps or Pu

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

oMittch For waves 4-8’+ PU.

[@omittch7279]

Surf n Show Reviews how does the shadow compare to a js air 17

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

oMittch The Shadow can handle more size... it’s got more rocker. The Air17X is a small wave performance board

[@maxhudepohl8605]

Thanks for the show Noel, will you do a review on the Neck Beard 2 ?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Max Hudepohl I did that board already!! Where you been bro? I also did a interview with Britt Merrick on it too.

[@xabierxabi2199]

Midas review we need it

[@nathanshanks7351]

I reckon if it was a heat, out of the shadow, phantom and ghost you would of easily won on the phantom. Looked like it had better flow. Really nice carves with bigger spray. Did it feel that way for you Noel??

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Nathan Shanks Absolutely... the Phantom suits the point breaks I surf better compared to the Ghost and Shadow. The Ghost and Shadow will go better in bigger hollow waves.

[@ccozzarelli]

​@@surfnshowreviews7777 Hi Noel! If I already have the Pyzalien2, it not will not be a good idea to get either the shadow or the ghost if im mostly surfing 3-7 Points and beach breaks right? The P2 have enough performance?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Cellini Cozzarelli I don’t think you need a Shadow or Ghost if you have the P2 for that wave range. The P2 will shred those waves really well.

[@koheimatsuda9223]

You had more flow and speed on phantom for those type of waves.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Kohei Matsuda I agree...

[@marcelocorreia1484]

Hey Noel, which is better for a beachbreaks 2~5 ft, 3DV from DHD or Phantom from Pyzel?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

3DV will get in the lip quicker. I like the Pyzalien 2 way better in the beach breaks compared to 3DV. Just saying.

[@marcelocorreia1484]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks so much for the advice! I am 5'10 72kg, what the size and volume do u recommed for me? So the pyzalien 2 is better than Phantom? Until what size the waves is it work?

[@marcelocorreia1484]

intermediate surf

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@marcelocorreia1484 Your liter range is 30-32L. The P2 is better for peaky Beachies compared to the Phatom.

[@marcelocorreia1484]

​@@surfnshowreviews7777 i appreciate so much your advice Noel, thanks! Cheers

[@marpasarisa]

They have an option for round tail shadow. You think its a board that is worth trying round tail or it would be too similar to kind of like a small ghost. I imagine it would hold better in barrel conditions and bigger waves, but the squash seems part of the design for this board since it has that bump in the tail a bit. Maybe trying to give it best of both worlds kind of thing? Im usually a round tail guy but maybe I should try something different

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Mariana Pasarisa I would not go round tail. To much hold not enough pivot compared to squash tail and swallow

[@casabanana1377]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 THanks! i almost went round... Phew! Saved by NOel. IM the above user on another account.

[@ccozzarelli]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 hi Noel! What about the Phantom “round tail” same opinion ? Too much hold? Even if used in hollow, fast beacbreaks ?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@ccozzarelli That sounds good in hollow surf.

[@Undergroundffn]

Hey noel if you had to have one board for everything would you rather the shadow or the pyzalian 2 cheers man 🤙

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

P2 for sure out of those 2 boards

[@Undergroundffn]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 awesome thanks man im stoked on getting one on the next purchase p2 here we come 🤙🤙

[@dadthelad]

I've finally gotten to the point where I don't talk about wave size in feet anymore, as I've found it's completely pointless, as everyone has a different idea of what, say, 4' means, even if they grew up in the same town. Now I just say waist/chest/head/twice-my-height faces. Noel, I love how you put the full board dimensions and your height and weight, but can you also describe what exactly 3-8' means to you, as I'm pretty sure your 8' is very different to what 8' in my home town means! From looking at the waves you've ridden, which you've said is in the 2-5' range, I'm guessing 8' means wave faces twice-my-height??? And yeah, before anyone says, but 8' is more about the wave power than the wave face, you can also add fat/hollow/super-hollow/etc to the twice-my-height. Then everyone knows exactly what you mean, instead of wondering what the hell 8' is in your book.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Keith Yes.... I am always talking wave face. I will just say overhead from now on. So Cal waves are pretty week compared to HI, or West OZ for example. A 8’ wave for me is roughly 1.5 to double overhead.

[@dadthelad]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Awesome, thanks for the reply! But wait, you're 5'7, so 1.5x your height is 8', and 2x your height is 11', that's quite a difference, so are you saying that 8' to you is 1.5x your height if it's hollow, and 2' your height if it's fat? PS - can you please do a Pyzel Radius review, I can't find a single one on youtube or the net anywhere! Or does it simply not suit the waves you get there? Even if you wait for a biggish day there? Nothing wrong with trying it in mush as well, even if you end up just saying it rips in the bigger stuff, but struggles in the weaker stuff!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Keith I’m 5’9” and this is to getting funny.... when the waves are roughly 2’ overhead then it’s double over head on the wave face.

[@dadthelad]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Whaaaat... "2’ overhead then it’s double over head"... now you're just taking the piss???

[@alasouammou9419]

Hey Noel! You shred man! I just got a stock 5’10 pu shadow as a gift. I’m 155 lbs and i usually surf beach breaks and pointbreaks. I m going to surf this board when waves are pumping and 5ft+. What fcs fins do you recomend? Keep the reviews/vlogs coming we learn a lot! Big fan from morocco

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Alas Ouammou Point breaks I recommend the KA fins and Beachies I like something a little more upright like the Performers Or Reactors

[@alasouammou9419]

Surf n Show Reviews Alright!! Thank you so much for taking the time, really appreciated 🤙

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Alas Ouammou Maybe just stay Medium.. you can go large on the Reactors though.

[@LSLS1]

Is this a short board or a fiber

[@jakeingamells9516]

It’s called the boa Deane model

[@kahelekoki6215]

Bro you gotta get on a Wade Tokoro lemonade model you can do turns on knee high waves

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Kahele Koki I will check it out

[@thomasvinsen1410]

Hey Noel. I see you are reviewing this in eps. A lot of them are being made in pu. What do you think about the pu shadow? Thanks in advance

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Thomas Vinsen PU is perfect on the Shadow for waves 4-8’.

[@thomasvinsen1410]

Surf n Show Reviews thanks heaps man

[@user-io8yr6cl4i]

please do another review about the fever Spine-Tek this is the winner in stab in the dark

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

כפיר ברדה Sounds like a fun review to me. Not sure our community would like to see another review on a board and technology we have already. Done.

[@chicoxiba]

the video real time narration was nice

[@mw7178]

Noel, any plans to review the Pyzel High Line?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Absolutely

[@danielquill1247]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 have you seen or ridden the highline yet Noel? I have been riding 50/50 the phantom (thanks to your review) and Js Monsta 6 lately as the waves have been good. Usually I ride phantom 90% time. The Monsta 6 is a round tail so I was thinking either the shadow or highline would be a good option to make the tail a little looser? I would buy the monsta 2020 squash tail but no boards are in supply for ages. I am trying to ride HPSB as often as the waves allow rather than riding the phantom 90% of the time. I really notice the benefits of HPSB compared to the phantom/ JS black box 3 type boards in critical sections. Other option is getting a Lost driver 2.0. Thanks for your reviews.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@danielquill1247 I like the Driver 2.0 better. Highline has too much rocker for my likings. Feels a bit slow

[@mikuo7258]

Biggest difference between phantom and shadow?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Phantom has less rocker... so the Phantom has more glide and it paddles better.