Epoxy vs. Fiberglass Surfboard
If you are looking at purchasing your first surfboard, or you are looking to replace or upgrade your board, a big decision is whether you want to purchase an epoxy or fiberglass surfboard.
In the past, fiberglass surfboards were the industry-standard for beginners. These boards were also significantly lighter than epoxy surfboards, which is still the case today.
While fiberglass surfboards have improved a lot since the early 2000s, epoxy surfboards have dramatically improved in the past 5 years, making them much more durable and versatile.
The best part of the epoxy technology is that it is a more versatile material compared to fiberglass. This means that epoxy surfboards can be made in a variety of shapes, sizes and thicknesses while fiberglass surfboards cannot be made into all shapes and sizes.
So which one is right for you?
To help you decide, here are some of the differences between fiberglass and epoxy surfboards.
Fiberglass Surfboards:
- Made from a woven fiberglass material
- Less expensive
- Lighter in weight
- Thinner in design
- Less Durable
- Lacks versatility
What is a Fiberglass Surfboard?
Fiberglass is a blend of synthetic resin and glass fibers which are commonly combined with wood pulp and pigmented plastics for use in lightweight construction, for durable, light hulls for boats, and for fiber reinforced plastic (FRP). Fiberglass is also used in the aviation, sports equipment, and maritime industries, among others.
From a surfing perspective, fiberglass surfboards are used widely for most all-around level surfing. Fiberglass boards are usually for intermediate or beginner level surfers.
They are designed to be easily ridden and are generally durable and affordable.
Some of the most well-known brands using fiberglass are Zimpler, Shane, Fiberglass McTavish, and Pamplona.
Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Surfboards
Fiberglass surfboards can be manufa