So, you’ve mastered the art of surfing. You know how to paddle out and time the perfect wave, you’ve learned how to pop up seamlessly, and even know the proper surf etiquette of your local beaches.
Maybe you’ve been thinking of purchasing a new surfboard to match your level or add to your quiver. If you’ve decided that now is the time to invest in a new board but are unsure about which board is the best for you, you’re at the right place, as we’ll compare two high-performing, daily driver surfboards — the Pyzel Pyzalien 2 and the Phantom.
Depending on your goals as a surfer, both the Pyzalien 2 and Phantom can be excellent boards. According to Pyzel’s website, the creator of the surfboards, both boards are good daily driver surfboards, meaning they are user-friendly, versatile, and meant for use with the most extensive range of wave heights, from waist high to overhead range (source
).
Therefore, your daily driver will be the most crucial board you own.
The Pyzel surfboards brand is one of the leading surfboard companies in the world today. Founded by Jon Pyzel, the family-owned Oahu-based company has built high-performing boards since 1995. It has grown into an international company and has produced some world-renowned surfers’ favorite surfboards (7).
Before we jump into the comparison of the boards, let’s do a little background of them.
Surfing is said to be the most difficult and complex sport in the world. It is not hard to learn, but if you are looking to develop more skills to catch waves from the peak and ride their unbroken faces down the line, it can be very challenging. If you are determined to learn how to surf, here are 10 things you need to know before you start your surfing lessons.
The Pyzalien 2
Experienced surfers may have good memories of the original Pyzalien. The Pyzalien has been an all-time favorite for years, so it was exciting when the company released the next-generation model in 2020. The Pyzalien 2 offers excellent versatility and high performance in several wave conditions. In addition, its attractive design makes it simple to use with a high-performing rocker.
The Pyzalien 2 is a shortboard with a broader nose than most. According to Pyzel’s website, its design allows you to ride shorter and broader than typical boards (source).
This surfboard offers excellent turning and carving capabilities thanks to the single concave starting in the nose and running under the front foot. It then blends into a double concave and then VEE in the last 6 inches of the tail, adding release, thus helping for easing into turns.
The board boasts excellent responsiveness and control and is also fast!
What makes it stand out from the original model is its more domed deck with more refined rails. It is ideal for 2-to-8-foot waves and can accommodate every surfer, from novice to professionals. It also comes standard with a clean swallowtail.
The Phantom
The Phantom board belongs to the Ghost family of surfboards made by Pyzel. The Phantom’s design makes it the go-to board for everyday conditions, according to Pyzel’s website (5).
Based on customer feedback, the Ghost board performs best in waves shoulder-high and up. So, the company set out to create a similar board, which is ideal for head-high and under days that are more common in the world of surfing.
The Phantom has the same rocker as the Ghost, but the company added a single concave to flatten it out through the center, providing speed and flow. In addition, the tail and nose are wider, helping the board pick up speed in slower sections and tighter turns (5). As a result, the Phantom is the ideal board for 2-to-7-foot-high waves.
Surfing is a physically demanding activity and there is always a chance of you getting injured while enjoying the sport. But, don’t let this deter you from riding the waves and enjoying the ocean. Here are the 10 common injuries you can suffer while surfing and how to prevent them from happening.
What the Experts Say
As previously mentioned, both boards are considered daily drivers and are among surfers’ favorites. However, expert surfers agree that these boards surf entirely differently and that each serves a different purpose.
Experienced surfers hail the Pyzalean 2 for its diversity. The Pyzalean 2 is less chunky and more refined than its predecessor. It has a more domed deck with more foam down the middle. It can still feel full or fat to the average surfer, but don’t let that fool you; it rides very smoothly.
According to expert surfer Noel Salas, the Pyzalean 2 suits different foot orientations due to the foam distribution of the board. So, regardless of how you ride, you should be in good shape with this one (6).
Besides, the Pyzalean 2 carves well, pivots even better, and offers a lot of speed. You’ll feel in control with excellent traction going rail to rail. Pyzel’s website mentions that this board is ideal for all levels, but most experts recommend it for intermediate to pro-level riders.
According to some experts, the Phantom is user-friendly, although not as much as the Pyzalean 2. It is considered more of a high-performance board. The Phantom also provides considerable foam up front and a wide-point front from the center, making it excellent at drawing out turns and carving. In addition, it has a more relaxed rocker, like the Ghost. One key difference between the Ghost and the Phantom is that the Phantom has much more surface, which helps gain speed.
The Phantom is also more recommended for intermediate to pro-level surfers.
Conclusion
Both boards offer some great features and attributes, including:
- full rails
- speed
- high-performance rocker
- easy flow
- user-friendliness
Because of its diversity and how well it surfs in various conditions and wave heights, the Pyzalean 2 is the #1 choice for a daily driver or if you choose to own one board.
Sometimes, no matter how careful we are, one bad surfing session or even a bumpy ride to the beach can cause damage to our surfboards. A small ding or crack can allow water to seep into the board and cause it further damage. To prevent this from happening, here’s a guide on what to do when your surfboard is waterlogged.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best Pyzel surfboard for beginners?
The Pyzel Log is a great and convenient option for beginner surfers. Longboards are the best type of board to learn on, and the Log is Pyzel’s modern version. It features a low rocker, full rails, and a single fin outline. It also has excellent maneuverability, great control, and makes surfing small waves fun (source). Be sure to choose a Log model that is 9′ or longer.
Should I buy a new or used board?
You may be asking yourself if it makes sense to splurge on a new surfboard or if you should opt for a used one. The answer is really up to the individual. First, wonder whether acquiring a new board is essential to you and what your budget is. Luckily, if a new board is out of your range, there are plenty of excellent quality, used boards available at a reasonable price.
It does help to do your research before purchasing. For example, research the cost of a new board and figure out how much you’re willing to spend. There are several places where to find a good quality used surfboard, including:
- Craigslist
- Other online selling sites, such as OfferUp, LetGo, or Facebook Marketplace
- Garage sales
- Reputable surf shops that sell use boards
Craigslist, online marketplaces, and garage sales are all good places where to find used boards, but if you are worried about quality or possibly getting ripped off, you may want to check out reputable surf shops that sell used boards in your area instead.
Make sure to inspect the board for cracks or dings. If there has been damage, make sure it’s patched well and that the board remains water-tight. If you don’t repair cracks and damages before riding the board, it could mean it has taken on water and is beyond repair (9).
How do I choose the right size of surfboard?
The size of the board you choose largely depends on your level and body weight, but there are many other factors to consider to choose the right size for you. For instance, beginners will want to look for a longboard with a lot of flotation and volume, as these will help you stand up faster.
In general, the higher your body weight, the longer your board will be. Talk to an expert at your local surf shop to get fitted for the best board for you. Some factors to take into consideration include:
- Your accurate weight and height
- Your level
- The types of waves you’ll be riding
