Black Baron 2.1

Some boards seem to absorb the power of the wave, makes them more stable - seems like good short boards do this and people can surf shorter boards in heavier conditions. But…what happens if a board magnifies wave power and can still handle? That is the Black Baron 2.1, in a nut shell. Paddles like a mid length. I’ve surfed it in weak socal conditions (like I can’t believe I caught that little wave) and it still cracks turns then gets up to speed SO quickly. I use it as a thruster in small small stuff. I’ve surfed it 5’ Hawaiian wind on crazy choppy (why am I out here) days and it cracks turns and drops late and doesn’t poke nose. It’s like a fish that likes to get slammed into the lip and surf vertically. Bigger days I surf it as a twin plus one. I know “they” say otherwise - I’ve got a lot of days on these things: small waves= large thrusters - then twin plus one when it’s firing. Really wants you to hit the tail pad though. No finesse. Can pull back foot forward and surf it like a fish too. Fun on shouldery moments. I just surfed my monsta 10 short board today and The main difference I see is the acceleration on the wave face after the drop or a hard turn: The 2.1 is finding speed as where the monsta 10 makes you look for speed. The 2.1 is NOT as stable. Get ready for a wild ride if it’s looking critical out there. The 2.1 is my new daily driver. I reach for it almost every day. (sorry monstabox). It makes me feel like I surf good - nothing else matters, does it?…

I’ve been riding my black Baron 2.1 for the past six months and it is by far the most fun, best board I’ve ever owned. The first day I rode it in knee-high, clean, hollow, but pretty weak waves, and it was so fast, loose and powerful. By contrast, just this past weekend, I rode it in 5 to 7 foot heavy, hollow beach break (and actually put in a slightly bigger trailer fin than the T1 Futures for a little more hold) and again it was just so fast and smooth, and turned so well tight in the pocket. There’s plenty of foam in the center of the board for paddling and catching waves, but the tail and rails are thin and knifey to really be able to push hard into your turns.