Taj Burrow’s Home Turf Test for …Lost’s Black Sheep

Enter here to win 1 of 3 Black Sheep Built models.

Taj Burrow once tested 13 unmarked carbon surfboards over the space of three weeks, tore them to bits (and never snapped one), but still couldn’t tell us who shaped a single one of them.

Thankfully, the carbon Black Sheep Built models in this edit – the Rad Ripper, 3.0 Stub Thumb, and RNF96 – are well branded, so there’s no mistaking that Lost/Mayhem’s behind all of them.

The verdict? These carbon-fiber-infused sleds have zest, zeal and zip in everyday conditions.

For the tech bros/gals, you can read the construction breakdown below. 

If you’re already sold, then simply plug in your details here to go in the running to win a fresh Black Sheep Built model.

• Week 1-2: RNF96
• Week 3-4: 3.0 Stub Thumb
• Week 5-6: Rad Ripper

Shop the Black Sheep collection here.

Tech Specs

BlackSheepBuilt boards use lightweight 1.5lb virgin EPS and advanced “Triax-NCF” (Non-Crimp Fabric) high-quality carbon fiber on the deck to create a strong, fast and lively surfboard. Basically they feel electric underfoot, allow you to load up pressure like a spring, leverage all the magical properties of carbon but with a retail-friendly price tag.

Here’s how it works

• Space age “Triax” carbon is laminated only on the deck and kept short on the bottom rail which keeps them from becoming rigid. Essentially they are engineered for responding rapidly and maintaining a forgiving flex pattern underfoot.
• The combination of both Triax Carbon and fiberglass helps BlackSheepBuilt boards feel light, pliable and forgiving, but familiar at the same time.

The unique performance of BlackSheepBuilt boards comes from the Triax Carbon, which combines a triple-axis +30/-30°/0 layup. It is an “un-crimped” (flatter, straighter), multi-directional carbon, which enhances and controls torsional (twisting) force from rail to rail.

• The 0° nose to tail fibers provides a lively “stringer” increasing flex rebound speed and the feeling of a quick response, when loaded up under pressure.
• The +30/-30° fibers control and speed up the return of twisting force through the length of the board.

Why is that a good thing?

• Multi-axial carbon fiber is a great alternative to traditional woven carbon fibers because it is made up of alternately aligned layers of unidirectional carbon reinforcement. Because it’s not woven, the fibers do not “crimp” under and over perpendicular fibers, in the way that traditional woven fabrics do. The fibers lay flatter, retain less resin, remain smoother, straighter and stronger, with a more natural flex. 
• Unlike traditional woven fabrics, there is also no 90 (degree) rail to rail carbon, which creates weak points and easy fissures for deck buckles, cracks and breaks.
• The +30/-30° fabric orientation, the torsion force and pressure from the surfer’s feet radiates outward to more of the rail line, creating greater drive, connection and control with the edges and perimeter of the board. Strength and stability underfoot and along the rail line, work together as one.

A quick word of caution

WARNING: Carbon Fiber surfboards can easily get hot! They’re dark…and like all things dark, they soak sun and heat up. The BlackSheepBuilt boards are made with lightweight EPS foam and a Carbon Fiber shell. They are a high end surfboard construction and should be treated accordingly. i.e. do not leave them in direct sunlight, while bronzing on the beach. They will get hot and it is possible for them to overheat and bubble up.

Lost recommends keeping these boards safe in a heat reflective day bag if you plan on hanging out in the sun, before or after surfing. If the boards do get dinged, let them dry out and fix them properly. With proper care and a little love, these boards will take the day to day bumps and bruises very well, remain light and extremely lively on the waves and provide hundreds of days of surfing enjoyment.

Enter here to win 1 of 3 Black Sheep Built models.