Lost California Twin Vs Libtech X Lost RNF '96

Returning to the most rigorous surfboard battleground of all time, we have another Battle Of The Boards for you. Contending for the crown this time, we have two boards steeped in heritage and prestige. 

Once again, we have run both boards through there paces and scoring them on our findings and opinions on how we got on. As before, the judging will be on:

Boardshop’s team have been trying to find any wave in this summer flat spell, but trips to the Wave Pool along with overseas travel have helped us put there through our paces.

So, crack on and look at the boards and then the scoring.

The California Twin

Under the microscope first, a mash up of shaping greats, THE Mark Richards, the 4 time world champ, who is infamously the twin fin king, worked along with Matt Biolos to create a modern take on a twin fin for the masses.

Designed to be an extremely fun and versatile board, the California Twin has been designed to accommodate a twin fin or a twin plus trailer set up, giving you a burst of speed on take off along with the glide and cruise which is synonymous with the old style twin fin shapes.

MR and MB have given life to an incredible board. This surprise package of a surf board paddles like a dream, allows you to manoeuvre the board with ease and has a wave range from thigh high to just overhead. well played guys, this is a great board.

The RNF '96

Being faced off against the Cali Twin, we have the another Matt Biolos create, this time all by himself. The Lost X Libtech Round Nose Fish 96 (RNF 96) is contender number 2.

This new board that is an ode to a classic. Taking a lot from the original RNF tested by Andy Irons and his radical crew, the RNF 96 is a board that works in waves from thigh to overhead. You get a board with the ability to turn hard and go fast!

The Libtech construction is undeniably the strongest and most durable on the market and it surfs pretty much like a PU board would under foot.

Use this as a twin, twin plus trailer (our suggestion) or a thruster for more performance and you find yourself with no only one of the most fun boards you could ever ride, but also a highly versatile craft too.

A tried and tested classic given a modern freshen up and made in world leading tech.

Now to dive into scoring:

Paddle Speed

To start with, paddling is a strength of both boards. The RNF 96 is a touch more puddle in and narrow, giving the Cali Twin the advantage here.

Scores are 5/5 from the Cali Twin, and 4/5 for the RNF 96.

Wave Catching Ability

Similar to paddle speed, the wide point on the Cali Twin is forward of centre and the distribution of foam helps paddle speed which in turn helps wave catching. Again both are very, very good but the scores break down to, 5 out of 5 again for the California Twin. 4/5 for the RNF 96.

Speed

To clarify, this is speed when up and riding, and both of the boards go like a rocket when you are up and riding, right from the fist second! Nothing beats flying down the line and going fast makes you feel like you are surfing better! Both are quick, the RNF 96 has a touch more control and the Cali Twin is a quicker model. 5 again for the Cali Twin and 4 for the Round Nose Fish.

Manoeuvrability

Whether we went twin fin only or twin plus trailer, it was almost impossible to pick a board that released and manoeuvred better. The Cali Twin is loose and fast, the RNF similar and has precision in they way you can throw the board around. A solid split of 4.5 point each on this.

Fun Factor

Under this category, there was no splitting the score. The Cali Twin may have the speed upper hand, btu the fun you can have on the RNF 96 was immense. You feel like you can whip this board around with ease and you will never not be smiling! The Cali Twin is close behind but the Cali Twin take a 4/5 here and the RNF 96 gets a 4.5.

Construction

Only one winner. PU boards are amazing, loved by many, but there is no construction other than Libtech that gives you that classic PU feel when you are surfing but takes all the worries away for dings. 5/5 for the Libtech model, the Cali Twin takes a 4. 

Result

Firstly, we have two new favourites of the shop here. Very hard to split overall but taking the win is the Lost X MR California Twin.

Watch The Battle Of The Boards Video!

Check out the full range of Lost X MR California Twin's and Libtech X Lost RNF 96’s in store right now by clicking on the images and decide for yourself!