JS Industries Surfboard Constructions Explained
PU vs HyFi 3.0 vs Carbotune:
Browsing a rack of surfboards these dayscan be like looking at a mad scientist’s lab.
EPS, Kevlar, hemp glassing, and what in Poseidon’s name is a Firewire actually made from? Dolphin skin? It’s a fever dream of foam, resin, and wizardry, each board screaming it’ll make you surf like Italo on Red Bull. This is the first in a series where we’ll look to break down each major surfboard brand’s tech. Some you’ll be familiar with, like good old PU, but others you’re probably wondering, what does this really do?
To start, we’re diving into JS Industries. JS’s shapes were hot chops recently at the WSL event in Burleigh, with many a pro experimenting with designs birthed on the Gold Coast. So, what main materials does JS use, and what’s the difference? Here’s a basic rundown.
Polyurethane + Polyester Resinor PU as it's known as
Overview
This is basically the traditional way surfboards have been built for decades. This construction has been the backbone of high-performance surfing since the shortboard revolution in the ’70s. Why? Because it strikes a good balance between weight, flex, and strength, and most importantly, it just feels right underfoot for a lot of surfers. The core itself has a softer flex than EPS, and the resin adds a bit of dampening to how the board responds. That combo means PU boards absorb chatter and chop better than most high-tech builds, and that’s why you still see pros on tour choosing PU in most waves.
What it Feels Like
PU boards feel smooth and solid. They’ve got a little bit of heft compared to cutting-edge options, so tend to plow through surface texture and feel really planted, especially when drawing lines through turns. That extra weight also gives them better flow—less bounce on rail, better glide through flat spots. Nerd-wise, it’s about the flex pattern: PU flexes with your surfing, giving you feedback that’s slow and controlled. Think of it like the difference between driving a classic muscle car versus a twitchy Lambo.
How it Surfs
PU construction shines in clean, punchy waves where control and flow matter most. The ride feels more dampened and less twitchy than modern tech, making it easier to stay connected through rail-to-rail transitions. It’s smooth and predictable, which is why so many pros still lean on it. That said, it’s slightly less durable over time—prone to pressure dings and the occasional snap if pushed too hard.
Positives
- Smooth, classic feel
- Better hold in size and chop
- Often cheaper
Negatives
- Heavier
- Prone to pressure dings and snap
- Less buoyant/paddling power than EPS
HyFi 3.0(Epoxy + Carbon Matrix)
Overview
HyFi 3.0 is JS Industries’ in-house, third-generation construction that blends expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam with epoxy resin and a strategic carbon/mesh matrix. It’s their answer to the performance gap between traditional PU and the stiffness of full-carbon builds. HyFi boards are made by sandwiching the lightweight EPS core between layers of high-density foam and epoxy, reinforced with carbon stringers for engineered flex and pop. The 3.0 update specifically improves torsional strength and rail consistency, which makes a huge difference in rail-to-rail control—something earlier versions lacked a bit.
What it Feels Like
HyFi boards are noticeably lighter, which you’ll feel the second you pick one up. But the real kicker is how it responds underfoot. The EPS core gives the board more buoyancy. The epoxy resin and carbon stringers then lock in the energy, so when you load up your bottom turn, it snaps back faster than PU. This isn’t a mushy feel—it’s like jumping on a trampoline versus standing on a mattress. The rail stiffness means turns feel crisp and you’ll get that electric zap off the top. It can be a little overcaffeinated in junky surf, but in waves with shape, it’s a weapon.
How it Surfs
HyFi construction is super fast off the mark, with more pop and drive off the bottom thanks to its lightweight EPS core and responsive carbon layout. It performs best in average-to-good surf, where that extra liveliness turns waves into playgrounds. You’ll feel it snap back with energy through turns. In heavier water though, it can lack the hold and control of PU, sometimes feeling a bit too reactive when things get serious.
Positives
- Light and lively
- Fast and responsive
- More durable than PU
Negatives
- Can feel twitchy in bigger surf
- Less traditional feel
- Price point is higher
Carbotune(Full Carbon Wrap)
Overview
Carbotune is JS’s high-performance flex experiment gone full mad scientist. This build takes an EPS core and wraps it entirely in carbon fibre, layered with precision to control flex and rebound at a molecular level. You’ve probably seen this tech pop up in everything from F1 cars to high-end tennis rackets—the idea is the same: maximise strength-to-weight ratio and engineer how the object moves. With Carbotune, JS tunes both longitudinal and torsional flex, meaning the board doesn’t just flex nose-to-tail, but in the twist of the rails too. The result? A hyper-tuned machine made for going fast and holding a line under serious speed.
What it Feels Like
Carbotune is built to feel like a rocket ship under your feet. It’s rigid, sharp, and instant. When you push into a bottom turn, it pushes back and then some. That stiffness also means you’re not losing energy to flex; it all gets redirected into speed. In glassy, powerful conditions, it feels surgical—every input translates directly. But here’s the catch: if the waves are soft or messy, that same lack of give can feel unforgiving. There’s no cushion. It’s an elite tool for people who surf with intent.
How it Surfs
Carbotune surfs like a precision weapon—explosive speed, instant projection, and built for critical, high-performance surfing. It shines in clean, punchy waves where you can really lay into turns and push hard without the board flinching. But in smaller or softer conditions, that same stiffness can work against you. It doesn’t bend, it bites—so unless the waves have shape, it can feel a bit too stiff and unforgiving.
Positives
- Incredible speed and responsiveness
- Ultra strong and durable
- High-end performance
Negatives
- Expensive
- Can be too stiff
- Less forgiving feel
Coming Soon: Same Model, Three Builds
We’re currently putting all three constructions through their paces on the Xero Fusion, one of JS’s most versatile all-rounders. Same dimensions. Same fins. Same waves. It should give us a real-world comparison of how PU, HyFi 3.0, and Carbotune actually stack up in performance—not just theory. Stay tuned for the full breakdown.
