All Rounder Round Up: The 6 Best Surfboards for 80% of Your Sessions

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Every surfer wants a one board quiver.

Shapers have responded with a multitude of models designed to get you up to your feet and having a ball in most of the conditions we surf, most of the time.

While there will always be tradeoffs when trying to cover too much ground with one board – an all rounder surfboard is, by definition, a jack of all trades but a master of nothing – here is a short selection of the best surfboards we’ve ridden in the last year for covering 80% of your sessions. These are the standouts but I can’t pick a favourite. Please let me know your pick (even if it’s not on this very short list) in the comments!

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1.) Lost V3 Rocket

I have an unhealthy obsession with the original Lost Rocket and the latest evolution, the Lost V3 Rocket is, in my opinion, is more well rounded and handles a greater wave range versus previous Rockets. It flows effortlessly across smaller, flatter sections, is still fun, fast and lively but also gets down to business in bigger, better waves (I surfed my V3 in hollow overhead conditions and it didn’t flinch).

[Read the full Lost V3 Rocket review here…]

Matt Biolos, Founder/Co-Owner of …Lost Surfboards Talks About his V3Rocket:

2.) Channel Islands #4 by Dane Reynolds

An excellent utility board that is equally capable in stomach high mush and punchy overhead beach breaks! I lost count of the number of people who swore they would never ride “one of those short, fat, wide hybrid boards” but were quickly converted after riding the #4 by Dane Reynolds and Al Merrick. With two dimension sets – ‘Utility’ dims for the lighter, quicker surfer in slightly better surf and ‘Groveler’ dims for larger, more powerful surfers or more average conditions – there is a perfect standard dimension set for most surfers.

[Read the full Channel Islands #4 by Dane Reynolds review here…]

3.) Haydenshapes Hypto Krypto

One of the most popular surfboards in the world for good reason. The front half looks like a modern performance fish, the back half is all business. This ripping little all rounder is fast, capable and versatile. I know many surfers who have taken their HS Hypto Krypto’s to Indo but also surf it as their everyday board in average conditions. It is a magical little board.

[Read the full Haydenshapes Hypto Krypto review here ...]

[Buy the Haydenshapes Hypto Krypto…]

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4.) Gary McNeill Concepts Entity

Gary McNeill Surfboards Entity is the ultimate all-rounder under the guise of a modern performance fish and one of the few boards that truly rips in most conditions. It is truly magical – every one should own one!

[Read the full Gary McNeill Concepts Entity review here ...]

[Buy the Gary McNeill Concepts Entity…]

5.) Perry Surfboards Villain

A perfectly balanced, performance oriented all rounder outline by up-and-coming NSW shaper Brayden Perry. Fast, lively, paddles well – this all rounder ticks all of the boxes!

[Read the full Perry Surfboards Villain review here ...]

[Buy the Perry Surfboards Villain…]

6.) Stacey Surfboards Roach

How could I leave this board off of the list? One of the most surprising rides, I felt instantly connected once up to my feet on the Stacey Roach. It easily handles big (well overhead), grunty swell but also feels at home tearing pieces out of smaller, more average waves.

[Read the full Stacey Surfboards Roach review here ...]

[Buy the Stacey Surfboards Roach…]

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Panda Surfboards Fang Banger, Firewire Surfboards Nano by Tomo

What is your favourite all rounder surfboard? Let’s talk about it in the comments…

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Benny

My name is Benny and I have a surfboard problem. Join us on our journey of riding and reporting on the best boards we can find from the best shapers (both big name and underground) on the planet. Subscribe to the newsletter

Latest posts by Benny (see all)

Christenson Surfboards Fish Surfboard Review - July 30, 2017
JS Industries Flying Pony Surfboard Review - March 8, 2017
Neal Purchase Jnr DUO (Dual Single Fin) Surfboard Review - October 19, 2016

Toby George

Lost rocket or Ci fever best shirt board if you want a drivey board for in the pocket
http://www.geartrade.com/ Gear Trade

If you are learning to surf, or are just getting the hang of it, a great place to start is a soft-top long-board. The soft foam on top of the board is easy on your knees so that you can avoid bruising as you stand up. The length also adds stability to help keep you balanced as you ride the long beach breaks near shore. Stop watching from the beach in envy and get out into the lineup.
Gan Eagla

Lost Quiver Killer, DHD Black Diamond or HS Hypto Krypto??
Glen Goodwin

Looking for a comparison of the Lost Rocket V3 and the JS Blak Box II here, if possible? Would love to hear your thoughts, seeing as you’ve ridden both. I’m looking for the one true all rounder!
Thanks
Bond Summers

Get the Pyzel Amigo to ride/evaluate/review,.. it looks like a fuller hpsb shape without being too wide. It looks and feels absolutely blow up. I’ll trade in for one in about a month.
Bob Van Eck

Hey Benny,

I’m a bit tight on money and looking to buy a one board quiver. Currently I’m living in Spain, but I will soon go on a trip for who knows how long. Heading towards Bali, then Australia, New Zealand, and then probably back to Europe in a couple of years.

I’ve been surfing for couple years (4-5 years) now, but due to the job and location, I don’t manage to get more than a couple of sessions a month in. With the exception of my surfing holidays of course.

Right now I’m really looking to buy one board that will help me progress in my surfing from a somewhat intermediate surfer, to an advanced. I’m 26 years old, 6’4 (194cm) and 190lbs (86kgs). I surf comfortably in 3-6 footers, starting to draw some simple lines. I’m on a 40 litre board right now, but I feel it’s quite hard to turn. What would you recommend, I don’t mind to a bit of a challenge and struggle in the beginning if the board will be great for me in the future. Neither do I have a real preference of brands, I’ve been looking at the Lost v3 rocket and the short round, but I’m sure there’s also many other options out there. As far as volume, I’ve been checking the schemes out there and all of them seem to be recommending something in between 31 – 35 liters.

Looking to hear from you mate!
Kamron Khannakhjavani

Hey guys I surf in Southern California, beach breaks primarily. I used to skim a lot and love how quickly and easily it puts me into action. Looking for something like that to paddle out on that is extremely versatile and convenient. I have 2 kids so I I want something that’s easy to carry around, maneuverable but buoyant, and just fun to catch waves and mess around on. I am 5′ 10″, 200#. Traditionally I had a fish or longboard. Not too into potato chip shorties because I can just skim and catch 50 waves an hour if I want to be that agile. Thanks!

Hey by the way how about some photos next time?! ??good article.
Stan Goodvibes

OK anyone who wants to offer advice? I’m off to Sumatra (Krui) for 3 weeks and I haven’t surfed for a couple of years. I’ve got a 6’9 which has a bit of volume mid-to-front to assist with catching waves and it’s a good bigger wave board but I was thinking I need a couple more.

I was thinking a hypto-crypto and maybe another good kind of shortboard for easy take-offs (a bit older now and those late take-offs are a thing of the past) with good down the line speed in clean top-to-bottom waves.

Suggestions on size and style? I’m 175cm and 78kg.
- Jimo
  
  Stan…I went to Sumatra in May for 2 weeks (e.g. Kandui Resort), and the average surf was in the 4-6 ft range with a few days having bigger sets of 2x to 3x… I am almost the same weight as you (but possibly older at 63 but in good shape), and brought 3 Lost shapes which worked well: 6’6″ minidriver which was my daily go-to board, 6’6″ V2 shortboard (domesticated), and 6’8″ Sub-driver (my stepup board). I actually only rode the 2 6’6″ boards, but the 6’8″ would have been useful on the big days (2-3x) if I had brought them with me on the boat those days (damn!)…boards worked great for me, especially the Minidriver, which is my go-to board in SoCal (e.g. Trestles) as well. Hope this helps in your board selection for Indo, and have fun!
  - Stan Goodvibes
    
    Thanks Jimo. I’m going to look at a couple of boards today – a 5’4 Hypto and a 6’3″ Al Merrick. After your post I’m wondering if I should go more around the 6’5″ – 6’6″ range. I’m in Sydney so I’ll pop out to my favorite board stores and chat to the guys. Thanks for the advice. Great to hear you are still ripping at 62. I was in LA/Vegas recently for EDC and finally had to admit to myself that at 52 I’m a little over it 🙂 Back to getting up before the sun comes up chasing waves instead of getting home after sunup.
    
    Do love Cali so might try for the work visa Aussies can get and do a stint in the US. Hard to leave this lifestyle in Oz lifestyle though.
    - Jimo
      
      Stan: I like the extra length and foam for paddling and getting into the waves earlier…dont remember when your trip is, but highly recommend getting into as good a shape as you can before you go (e.g. Yoga, weights, run/hike/cardio) as the waves can be non-stop in Indo and multi-session days are common…I did a trip to the Gold coast a couple years back and loved it, so I am envious of your being in Sydney… Cali is pretty good too and we do get our waves as well, just have to deal with the crowds, especially in summer.
      - Stan Goodvibes
        
        Hey Jimo scored an almost brand new 6’1 from a friend of a friend who thought it had a bit too much glass for him but perfect for Indo. It’s got a 5 box fin setup for quad or thruster. $300. Stoked. I’m chasing a guy today who has a hypto for $100 (!!!) so hopefully I’ll add that tonight and that’s 3 boards. 5 fin-pack cost over $200 though 🙁
        
        Hear you on the fitness I’ve been running/biking and gyming and stretching but currently suffering the worst Man Flu I’ve had in living history. I’m an IT contractor (hence the break in 2 weeks) so have to turn up at work to get paid, but if I was a permy I’d be taking several days off to stay in bed. Urrrrgh really bad timing.
        
        The guys at Paradise Surf Camp reckon the waves are more mellow and rippy than stand-up barrels by their place and I’m going more for the break and the health aspects than chasing barrels all day every day, and it’s 3 weeks so I’m going to try and get waves every day but do a few other adventures as well (coffee made from beans shat out the back of a cat anyone?). Should be a bit of an adventure.
        
        Cheers for the advice and support – it’s been really helpful!
      - Jimo
        
        Stan: sounds like you scored on the 6’1″ and possibly a Hypto for $100!? Unheardof!! 3 weeks should give you plenty of time to score waves and pace yourself doing it…we had 12 days in the Mentawais, which meant every day counted, and we did surf every day sometimes 2 sessions/day (I had to try and keep up with the younger chargers)…I cant wait to go back and already plan a return trip next May, possibly splitting time between the Mentawais and then up to the Telos Islands…have a great trip and let us know how it went!
      - Stan Goodvibes
        
        Got the Hypto for $100. Beat a load of guys to it. Needs a few little repairs but the dude selling it used it last in Indo and reckons it was great in anything. Been very lucky with the boards. Not so lucky with the man-flu that is denting my get fit program, but should be OK by August.
        
        Will keep you posted on how it goes. Cheers!
Kieran

Hey Benny, would love to see a review of the js air 17 sometime in the future. Really want the board for south florida surfing on the better days and would like to see how you guys feel about the board!
Thanks,
-Kieran
- http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny
  
  Hey Kieran, stay tuned, we have one on order!
http://hspgraphics.com Harry Price

Hello Benny, You look like @ my size – 200lb, 6’1″. Curious what dims, volume your ride in these boards. Maybe the v3 rocket for example. thank you!
- http://www.comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny
  
  Hey Harry, click through to the full review – I list my dimensions for every review under the “Benny Rides” section! Hope this helps you!
Billy Frick

Would be interested to hear your thoughts on the Firewire Dominator which I find is one of the best all around boards and handles a variety of conditions well!!
Jason.S

Hi Benny. Hoping you see this and I can get your opinion before I make a purchase.

I’m your average punter.. and I don’t know what board to choose. I’m going to Playa Colorado, Nicaragua in September. It a punchy / hollow beach break, last year I brought my C.I Neck Beard and it was fun when the waves were waist – head height but I’m planning on bringing a second board this year just in case it gets over head / bigger. I’ll also be in Hawaii end of November but I’ll be steering clear of any heavy swell hitting the north shore. (If it’s double overhead, I most likely won’t go out)

I’m 5’11” 175lbs — Ideal for me seems to be around 33L

Thanks boss!
- Jason.S
  
  Ok.. think i’ve narrowed it down as I need to order the board in the next few days…
  
  -Lost V3 Rocket
  -Lost V3 Round-It
  -Lost Mini Driver
  
  Option?
Chris Dunham

Hi Benny, Please review the DHD “Monster” I think you’ll be stoked on it as an “all rounder”. It works well from 2′-6′
http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

Good Call Thomo, the Entity should be on the list!
http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

The V3 and Rare Bird are great, hey James! I dig the NR, too. It’s a cult classic
http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

I’m keen to try both the DHD Skeleton Key and Black Diamond James!