Harley Ingleby Talks About Thunderbolt Technology
Why Harley and Billy Tolhurst build with Thunderbolt, and how the flex is tuned for each board.
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Quick answer: Harley Ingleby builds his boards with Thunderbolt because the flex can be tuned for each model, and the boards are lighter and livelier than traditional builds. He and shaper Billy Tolhurst worked with Thunderbolt for a couple of years before releasing the range.
For you, the choice is mostly between Thunderbolt Red and Thunderbolt Black. Thunderbolt Red has carbon fiber flex parts inside and a medium spring back. Thunderbolt Black adds a carbon fiber outer skin and has the quickest spring back.
In This Guide
Why Did Harley Choose Thunderbolt?
Harley and Billy Tolhurst have always pushed blanks and laminations, not just shapes. Harley had ridden other sandwich builds before, but Thunderbolt let them take the flex further.
In his video below, Harley explains that his Red build was meant to copy the feel of his best ever contest board.
How Is the Flex Tuned for Each Board?
Each model gets its own internal layout. A small wave cruiser and a performance board are built for different waves, so the carbon inside is set up differently.
That means you are not stuck with one flex pattern from board to board. The board is tuned for the job it was designed to do.
Should I Choose Thunderbolt Red or Black?
Red and Black are construction names, not colors.
Thunderbolt Red. Thunderbolt Red has carbon fiber flex parts inside and a medium spring back. In his video, Harley explains that Red is his most flexible and lightest build. It is a great all-round choice for most intermediate surfers.
Thunderbolt Black. Thunderbolt Black adds a carbon fiber outer skin and has the quickest spring back. Harley built a stiffer, full carbon wrap version for bigger, hollow waves.
More on the builds is in our Thunderbolt questions post.
Which Harley Ingleby Boards Come in Thunderbolt?
- Moe: an easy, stable mid-length.
- MID 6: a channeled performance mid-length.
- HIBT 3+3: a high volume shortboard with swappable fins.
- HI4: a performance longboard that walks and noserides.
- HIHP Speed: a narrow performance longboard.
Read more about Harley in Who Is Harley Ingleby? and his shaper in An Introduction to Billy Tolhurst.
Not Sure Which Build to Pick?
Send us your height, weight, current board and home break, and we will help you choose a model and a construction. Come by the shop to feel the difference.
Hawaiian South Shore
320 Ward Ave, Suite #111, Honolulu, HI 96814
Call or text (808) 597-9055
sales@hawaiiansouthshore.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Harley Ingleby use Thunderbolt?
Because the flex can be tuned for each model and the boards are lighter and livelier than traditional builds.
What is the difference between Thunderbolt Red and Black?
Red has carbon fiber flex parts inside and a medium spring back. Black adds a carbon fiber outer skin and has the quickest spring back.
Which Thunderbolt construction is best for an intermediate surfer?
Thunderbolt Red is a great all-round choice for most intermediate surfers. Black suits surfers who want a stiffer, quicker feel in bigger waves.
Are Thunderbolt Red and Black colors?
No. They are construction names. Color is a separate choice.