Dark Arts Surfboard Review
Board and Dims:
Pyzel Phantom - ROUND 5'11" | 19 1/8" | 2 7/16" | 29.1L / 3 Fin | Futures
Ok, by now you've probably heard of Dark Arts but what you're really wondering is "are they worth the money?"
If you didn't already see the rating, the short answer is a resounding 'hell yes.'
At nearly 30% to 80% the cost of most surfboards, I'll assure you that the juice is worth the squeeze. I'll give my first hand review below but we should probably start with some background info for the uninitiated. Dark Arts boards have some interesting characteristics worth exploring, so I'll go into these a bit more below.
Pros
- The fastest surfboard you will ever ride
- Generates speed out of turns like an F1 car
- The construction seems to be ageless
- Doesn't pressure ding
- Super lightweight
Cons
- Expensive AF (relative to a poly)
- The weight takes time to get used to
- The EPS core and epoxy construction don't lend well to wind chop waves
Dark Arts Surfboards Review
Note that for this review, I am providing a review of the Dark Arts construction as a whole, not a specific board or model.
That is important to note because of these key takeaways:
- Dark Arts collaborates with other brands who use their technology. Currently: Pyzel, Album, T. Patterson, Tomo, AJW
- Dark Arts' founder also has a brand, JT
Dark Arts Construction
Dark Arts boards consist of an EPS core wrapped in fiberglass, layered with carbon fiber, glassed with epoxy resin (hot coat), and an additional epoxy resin (clear coat). They are vacuum-sealed for strength.
The carbon fiber explains a lot about the price point and their liveliness and spring. Carbon is known for being super strong while being lightweight and flexible—making it an excellent choice for surfboard construction.
My Firsthand Dark Arts Review
Initial Takeaway
Admittedly, the construction took me a while to get used to. My friends who tried it (and surf a lot better than me) instantly surfed...