BOARDSHORTS GUIDE [24.02.2011] Category: Boardshorts

Surf Boardshorts, Product Review

2011 TECHNICAL BOARDSHORTS GUIDE
Supported by surfstich.com

Welcome to mesurf's 2011 technical boardshorts guide. Following over 120 hours of research, testing, shooting and experimenting, we've put together a comprehensive guide on some of the industry's best technical boardshorts on offer. Before you head into the comprehensive guide, here are a few key out-takes we've learnt from everything we've tried...

BENEFITS OF A TECHNICAL BOARDSHORT:

We're all under the false impression that technical boardshorts are designed to make us surf better. Well the truth is we didn't find any evidence of surfing enhancement, BUT, we certainly did find a new level of comfort within not only surfing, but other activities you'll be into over summer - skateboarding, riding a pushy, running and general exercise. We looked for the technical boardshorts we believe are an 'all round' and ideal boardshort to be donned in just about any scenario.

BOARDSHORT STRETCH:

Stretch is key for comfort. We found that almost all the tech boardshorts have stretch, with some offering a lot more than others. Stretch isn't the be all and end all of a top-line technical boardshort, but having a fabric that stretches is great for skating, surfing, riding the pushie and training.

BOARDSHORT POCKETS:

Some brands get it, others don't. You might think a pocket's a pocket. You're wrong. Today's top-line tech boardshorts offer a well closed and tight pocket that will keep the boardies looking streamlined as well as stop your wallet, phone etc swaying around when on the skateboard or bike. We've gone into great detail on pocket design for all boardshorts in the guide and it's worth paying attention to what you're getting. You'll thank us for it later.

BOARDSHORT CONSTRUCTION:

Each year more and more brands start to work out how to create the seamless seal. We've seen it used in wetsuits for a long time, and now we're noticing it in the boardshorts scene. Still there are only a handful that have gone down the 100% seamless route, and while it might not make you a better surfer, a seamless pair of boardshorts will look and feel a lot better. They offer more stretch and a more streamline look. Plus, of course, you don’t have to worry about your seams coming loose.

BOARDSHORT DESIGN:

Ok, we know that the technical board shorts market isn't going to make any noise in the design and fashion world. We get that. However, there are a few brands that seem to have lost sight of what a good-looking boardshort is all about. We'll admit, they're getting better, and this year there are a few brands that have managed to pull off a good-looking and technical boardshort, which is great. If you're after fashion over function then this guide won't help you. Come back next year though as we're sure the landscape will be a little different...

CONCLUSION:

A technical boardshort won’t necessarily make you a better surfer. However a technical boardshort will give you a greater level of comfort – which should allow you to focus solely on your own performance in the water. They'll be your best friend in and out of the ocean, but you might want something else for the fashion side of life.

Overall, you get what you pay for. If you fork out over $100 for a pair, you're getting something that'll give you years of wear and offer a level of comfort you’d expect for such a price. You only need one pair people. Once you've gone tech, you'll always be hooked.

We hope you get something out of this guide. We're not going to tell you which pair to buy, but we have given you enough information that you don't need a retailer to tell you how to select the right pair. Now it’s just up to you to go out and treat yourself to some new technical boardshorts for the summer. With the help of this guide, you won’t be left disappointed.

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ALPINESTARS QUANTUM BOARDSHORTS:

RRP:$99.95

Alpine stars, better known for their functionality on the moto track, have released their 'technical' boardshorts range called the Quantum. Their little hidden cargo pocket is stylish (if you don't want to ever carry anything larger than a credit card) but doesn't hold an iphone or wallet.
> Read review

BILLABONG PX1 BOARDSHORTS:

RRP:$139.95

Billabong know the boardshorts game well. Their PX1 technical boardshorts have all the technical features you can think of (and a price to match). Their biggest draw card is the super stretch material matched with seamless technology. Working together they've created a set of technical boardshorts that might be hard to point fault at.
> Read review

BILLABONG PX DOMINATOR BOARDSHORTS:

RRP:$139.95

The Billabong PX Dominator boardshorts are similar to their bigger and better brother - The Billabong PX1 boardshorts. However, these guys use a recycled fiber, are not 100% seamless and have a different panel cut. They feel great on and offer loads of stretch. They've got all the features you'd come to expect from a highly tuned technical pair of boardshorts.
> Read review

HURLEY PHANTOM 60 GEO BOARDSHORTS:

RRP:$99.99

Hurley, the crew who brought together the words 'technical' and 'boardshorts', sent in their Hurley Phantom 60 GEO's to be part of the mesurf boardshorts guide. While these are an awesome pair of boardshorts, they're not Hurley's top notch offering. The Hurley Phantom 60 boardshorts have amazing stretch (60% patented Hurley stretch) and a flashy pattern showcasing their 'technicolour dream suit' design.
> Read review

O'NEILL HYPERFREAK BOARDSHORTS:

RRP:$109.95

The O'Neill Hyperfreak boardshorts are what you'd expect, nothing short of amazing. While they might not have every single bell and whistle, it's their super stretch and lightweight material that make them one of the top pairs in the mesurf boardshorts guide. Unlike some of the other boardshorts that use different materials throughout the boardshort, the O'neill Hyperfreaks use the one hyperstretch fabric.
> Read more

QUIKSILVER CYPHER MASSIVE SIGNATURE BOARDSHORTS:

RRP:$119.95

Quiksilver have had the Diamond Dobby DLX ™ fabric exclusively for a number of years now, with no other brand trekking down this path. While the material is super comfortable to wear, dries very quickly and is very light, it doesn't have the same stretch characteristics as a lot of the competition. The design of the boardshorts are great and they're up there with the best for technical features.
> Read review

RIP CURL MIRAGE 4 STRETCH BOARDSHORTS:

RRP:$119.95

The Rip Curl Mirage 4 boardshorts bring together all the technical features you could possibly think of in a boardshort. They're a well planned out boardshort that look great on and perform well in and out of the water. While the stretch isn't as high as some of the others, they do offer a good range of flexibility and are likely to keep their overall shape for a long period of time.
> Read more

RUSTY HIGHBREED STRETCH BOARDSHORTS:

RRP:$89.95

If you want to stand out in the lineup then the Rusty Highbreed Stretch's psychedelic pattern boardshorts (Jay Davies signature model) will make sure of that. These puppies fall under the $90 mark making them a little less damaging on the wallet, however they don't really offer (other than stretch) the extensive features seen beyond a standard set of boardshorts.
> Read review

VOLCOM 3D MOD BOARDSHORTS:

RRP:$89.95

First up we we're stoked that the Volcom 3D Mod boardshorts come in under $90. In comparison to the competition in this price range Volcom has it nailed. While the 3D Mod boardshorts don't boast ultimate flex and stretch properties, they offer enough give to make sure you get the most out of each session. We really liked the lightweight and super fast drying properties of the material, and wearing them skateboarding was sweet as demonstrated really good lightweight and breathable properties.
> Read review

WEST REVOLUTIONS STRETCH BOARDSHORTS:

RRP:$84.95

The West Revolution Stretch are one of the only brands offering a stretch boardshort for under $90. While the price is a key point, these boardshorts are missing the same attention to detail the elite group offer.
> Read more

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