Surf Soon • Review of the CJ Nelson 7'0" Outlier in Thunderbolt Red Technology

[@akronaut6367]

Great review! I've have 3 very different sessions on it so far that I thought to share with anyone who is interested in buying one. My first session was 2-3, mushy beach break conditions. The board felt awesome and extended my rides, connecting sections I didn't think were possible. Its super fast, locks into the face, and turns great, almost like you don't even have to try while surfing it because it does all the work. I think I went like 20 for 25 waves paddled into which was insane. My second session was at a firing San Onofre this past weekend, 5-6ft at 20 seconds. On the smaller sets (4-8ft) it locked in, felt good on turns, generated insane amount of speed and had great flow. BUT on the bigger head high + sets, the board would explode with so much speed that it got real chattery and wanted to buck me off during drops. I think since the board is so light (thunderbolt construction) and the tail is so fat, it tended to slide out on top turns or kick the fins out of the water from chatter when you generate that much speed. Also, I definitely got pounded on the inside because you cant duck dive this thing at 60* liters. After some beat downs I switched to the 10' log. Third session - low tide going up at a local rocky jetty where the take off is super flat and mellow before it kicks up for an awesome left point break. This thing would just chug through the mellow drop, I could stand up so early and cruise into the step section. It got in to waves that I likely couldn't get into on my fish. Like you mentioned you can surf it on a steeper section and my backside turns honestly felt great. The only time it felt out of control was when the wave kicked up and the drop was super steep (probably could have angled the drop better). Overall its super fun board and different than anything I have. I would say it is great for mellow days / crappy conditions in the 2'-4' range / on point breaks when you still want maneuverability that your log wont provide. Super flowy board and definitely a wave count booster. Definitely taking this out on days that I would normally try to ride my fish.

[@brian2973]

Solid review @akronaut Just scooped one of these up and will be taking it out later this week. What fins are you rocking?

[@akronaut6367]

@@brian2973 Nice! I have the FCS connect II 8" center fin with FCS 2+1 side bites in it and it goes insane. Was considering the 9" Christensen center fin but think the 8" keeps its looser. I have mine moved up forward from center and it seems to go great.

[@nickd6322]

Great review...I'm looking at 7'2" Ingleby Moe, and this one....cannot decide.

[@Ironlung330]

@@nickd6322 The Moe likely has more range than the Outlier from what I have seen but both are rad boards. Perfect boards for summer IMO

[@dismol9707]

​@@akronaut6367 how did you think of it on the backside ? i saw several times its hard to surf backside, which is kind of deal breaker for me...

[@darren_ross]

I own one, and surfed it in all conditions, from ankle mush junk to over head, as a single and 2+1. It's definitely a small beach break machine, 2+1 recommended on those conditions, surfed it as single in over head and it gave a scary ride, so no more over waist size surf for me on that one. But i do recommend it for anyone surfing a beach break and wants to sit next to the longboards in the lineup.. 🤙

[@petewebb5149]

Two thumbs up for a very comprehensive review that explored the essence of the board.

[@surfcraftunion]

Pete thank you so much.

[@whoaitsjape]

Don't know how you don't have at least 5k subs on this channel yet, let alone 1k. I appreciate the quality content and production!

[@surfcraftunion]

I appreciate that. please share if you could!

[@thestow35]

I appreciate REAL reviews of surfboards, from regular surfers. I have the 7'6 and love it in average+ conditions, waist high and above. The 7'0 seems to be quite a different board, and it would be interesting to try out

[@surfcraftunion]

That’s what it’s all about.

[@jennmoramarco9610]

Speaking of REAL reviews (as in REAL Watersports) of this board... I put zero stock in a review that has zero footage (Real's 7'0" Outlier review). This review is miles ahead.

[@surfcraftunion]

@@jennmoramarco9610 Thank you Jenn I do appreciate that. REAL does an amazing job on keeping amazing boards in stock and making sure they get to their destination. So I think they are the real heroes haha

[@johndempsey7658]

Great review.. just got one of these bad boys.. Very fun board, very different. Really struggled to duck dive it.. 7”0 I have. Realise it has a lot of volume but was told can still duck dive it.. Unless anyone has some tips?!? More then happy to take advice. 🤙🏼

[@surfcraftunion]

use your foot instead of your knee when duck diving high volume craft

[@eprohoda]

Surf.enjoyed. total amazing uploading,all the best~ 🖖

[@surfcraftunion]

Thank you!

[@2SurfAsia]

Had an 8 foot outlier in thunder bolt. This review nailed it. Seems to float on top of water, reducing feel and hold. Could not make sense of it. Probably great as non thunderbolt..

[@glennsak]

CJ was definitely influenced by Marc Andreini's Vaquero. CJ has been riding Andreini's hulls and sought out Marc's knowledge on the subject. Definitely evident in the 8.0 version, And yeah, that tail is super wide on the 7.0.

[@surfcraftunion]

Absolutely the longer versions are very similar. This one obviously more of a stubby almost M3P but wider outline. The parallax is also super influenced by this genre. If you look back into CJ’s past he is seen riding longer vaqueros and super smoothies then having Ryan make them work for him. Which is adding edge and taking away heavy bottom contours

[@Bimp_Lizkit]

Great review but now...a question; QUICK! - You are taking a road trip and you have to put one board in your car. Which one do ya take? This or a 7'0" Machado Sunday ?

[@dismol9707]

would love to know as well

[@SanookDap]

great review man, thanks! just one little thing, I think the music is too loud and gets tiring a bit. Just my own opinion, can't wait to see more episodes, cheers

[@hooverbaglegs]

@SurfCraftUnion Wow - what an absolutely superb channel you have. I love the way you film and review the boards - really informative and useful. You gave the outlier 7.5 for paddling - does this also mean it doesn't catch waves very well?

[@hooverbaglegs]

sorry - 7.25!🙃

[@surfcraftunion]

Hull bottom boards just don’t paddle or catch waves that well but once that board starts to connect with a wave it’s pretty fast.

[@6to6surf4]

Awesome review! Please review twin fins as well. Cheers!

[@surfcraftunion]

I got some twin fins on the way. Long and short!

[@6to6surf4]

@@surfcraftunion Can't wait! one of the best surfboard review channel

[@dismol9707]

How would you compare it to the Machado Sunday ? Trying to find a 7'0 max board to complement my mid 6 for travelling for when the waves are longboard-y

[@davidregister1286]

Great review. Like your systematic approach a lot. 2 questions: What is that color called? Tan or Sun. And do you know bigger guys who have surfed this board - bigger as in 6'2, 220. Would you bump up in size? Or stay with the 7.0. I love that 2+1 set up. Thanks, David

[@surfcraftunion]

Hey thanks for the kind words. So the color is tan. As far as a bigger person bumping up it’s actually around the same volume as the 8 foot version only it’s a stubby outline. The 8 foot version is longer but slightly narrower and and not as wide. Honestly it’s really just what your looking to surf them on. I have been told the 7’0 is more grovel and the 7’6 or 8 foot is more of a “good wave” board. I have also been told that the 9 foot version is a great longboard alternative if that’s kinda more what your looking for too.

[@davidregister1286]

@@surfcraftunion Thanks so much for quick reply. I think this board is going to rip for me... I def have a cruiser style and I like to surf in the middle of board for speed. And I surf in a lot crappier waves in New England. But I like what you said about it being good in bigger stuff too. So this seems like a real good choice for me. Thanks again.

[@hooverbaglegs]

Did you get one? I'm the same size/weight as you and am curious about that question myself?

[@fport115]

Can you do a review for the 8' 3" Parallax?

[@surfcraftunion]

Absolutely I have one and am working on getting content for it. I have a few more in front of it. But it’s a really good board.

[@fport115]

Can’t wait! I just got one, and it’s now my favorite everyday board. Also curious about fin setups for this board.

[@surfcraftunion]

@@fport115 for the outlier I never used anything but the setup I talked about. The parallax I have been running a 9.5 parallax fin in the 8’3. I really like it but something a bit more stiffer would prob help in the turn department.

[@Thurston.Howell.the.3rd]

Why cant I find one under 3&1/8 thick?

[@ccoovvii]

Small suggestion: Would be really great to have some comparisons with related boards - like Outlier in different lengths and other "friendly" hulls (Vaqueros?).

[@surfcraftunion]

I love suggestions and appreciate any feedback. I do actually have a show called Same Same But Different which is two similar boards compared and contrasted. The Outlier is unlike any other hull I have personally had. Mostly because of the technology from Thunderbolt. I would love to compare different size outliers for sure. I am planning on trying to track down a 7’6 outlier. In that case I would just have to reference this episode. Unfortunately most likely I would not have both boards at the same time. I will be doing a Same Same But Different with a V bowls, Furrow Labyrinth, and possibly a Liddle baby v.

[@ccoovvii]

@@surfcraftunion Awesome! Very much looking forward to that video!!

[@charleshawk6668]

Was close to buying one of those, but they’re WAY too bulky for my height and weight

[@surfcraftunion]

Totally. And if coarse it really depends on what you want to use it for.

[@LukeRogers-yu2yc]

I thought the same, brought it anyway and haven’t regretted it ever. I’m small and this board is my favourite board I’ve ever had, go buy one you won’t regret it !

[@jasonjohnson2921]

What color would you say it is? It doesn't look gloss like the originals..

[@surfcraftunion]

Off white matte

[@hawaiiansouthshore]

🤙🤙

[@surfcraftunion]

thank you from Jersey!

[@hawaiiansouthshore]

@@surfcraftunion Awesome Reviews!! Aloha from Hawaii 🤙