DHD MF Lightning Surfboard Review

At first glance, the MF Lightning feels like a mix of eras. It has that modern, refined foil, but the outline is surprisingly pulled in on the nose and tail. It reminds me a bit of the high-performance shapes from the early 2000s. DHD has flattened the deck out, which hides a bit of foam under your chest, but the rails are still low and sensitive.

The big tweak here is the rocker. They’ve straightened it out between the feet to generate that white lightning speed Mick is known for, but kept enough lift in the nose to stop you poking on late drops. The narrower tail offers turn-on-a-dime control, and the rear fin box has been nudged forward 1/8″. It sounds like a tiny adjustment, but in surfboard design, that’s the difference between getting an SUV vs a roadster.

Marketing spiel will tell you this board works from 1ft to 4ft. In my experience, you can scratch the 1ft part. In anything below waist high, I found it a little sluggish to get going. It just didn’t have the planing area to push through the mush easily.

But once it hit shoulder high? Game on. The board comes alive. I tested it thoroughly in everything from knee-high dribblers up to solid 4-5ft days, where it held its edge with total ease. It didn’t feel skittish or out of control when the waves had some juice. It definitely has a ceiling though. If it was double overhead and hollow, I’d be grabbing a step-up. But, for your standard 2ft to 5ft days, it covers 90% of what you’re likely to surf.

Overall Best Conditions:
Clean, punchy shoulder to head-high walls where you can really use the rail.

Stats were:
22 sessions
147 waves
Top Speed of 39km/h (Rabbits)
Longest ride was 80m (Injidup Carpark)

Let’s address the paddling first. Because of that bladey nose and pulled-in tail, it took a little getting used to. It doesn’t have the autopilot stability of a fat groveler; you have to find the sweet spot. But once I dialed that in, the on-wave zap was undeniable.

In shoulder-high waves, this board is super lively. That straightened rocker does exactly what it says on the box—you pump once, and you’re away. It’s fast, reactive, and feels incredibly engaged with the wave face. It offers that rare feeling where the board seems to know what you want to do before you do it.

What Fins To Use?

Normally I’d test a bunch of fins, swapping sets out every few sessions. This time I started with Mick’s FCS II signature fins and they went epic, so I didn’t bother with anything else. That would be like seeing an amazing couch when you go shopping, then decide to spend a week searching around, only to come back to the original. When you have a good thing, don’t waste time. Enjoy the ride.

Your favourite shortboard fin would probably be great. If you need a new set, get the MFs for this board. They’re literally made for it.

The DHD MF Lightning is an incredible all-rounder, provided you are honest about your ability. This isn’t a “weekend warrior” board for the guy who surfs once a month and wants maximum forgiveness. It requires you to be fighting fit(ish) and have a reasonable level of skill to unlock its potential.

However, if you are a competent surfer looking to sharpen your act, this board is a weapon. It’s fast, holds in decent size, and turns on a dime. DHD aren’t getting this demo board back. The funnest performance shortboard I’ve ridden in recent memory.

The Wins:

• Incredible speed and spark in good waves.
• Still holds a rail in the 3-5ft range.
• Easy “set and forget” synergy with MF fins.

The Challenges:

• A bit sluggish in waves under waist high.
• Paddling/balance takes a session or two to dial in.
• Not for beginners or surfers looking for a lazy paddle.

Price wise you’re looking at around $1,095 AUD for the standard PU, or a bit more if you want the signature spray.

Hit the DHD online store to get it from the source, or find your local salty retailer to feel one under your arm.