THE BOARD
MODOM said :
Modom calls this a “performance soft board”, so basically, it’s something you shred on that happens to be made using soft top tech. There’s also “nose to tail Modom deck grip” on it, meaning there’s no need to wax the thing because of the Croc-Top technology.
It’s single, double concave to vee slick bottom. Modom also lists on their site that it’s hand shaped. At first, I was like, WTF? It’s a soft top! Modom co-founder Pauly Garrard explained this a little further in an email.
“Deadly Mondos are made the same as a normal fibreglass board. Firstly, the blanks are roughly cut out of an EPS block, stringers are then added, then this blank is cut using the AKU shaping machine. The machine shaped blanks are then finished off by hand before being laminated, then foam wrapped.”
We said :
Soft tops have been ruling the market of late with Catch Surf, Mick Fanning Softies, and more becoming ultra popular as shore break bashers and fun day craft. But full-on performance? Maybe if you’re Chippa Wilson
This Modom version does look deadly though. And softly safe. The colours and croc top deck give off a great vibe, while the performance shape with hips make it definitely feel like it’s going to go well. Of course, it is a soft top so I’m not expecting it’s going to go like a regular hotdog board.
I tested the Modom Deadly Mondo over a week and a half, mostly in 1-3ft sloppy surf because that’s all that was on offer during that window. The model I rode was the 5’5’’ x 2- 1/4’’ x 2 1/2 version which is 33.5 litres in volume. I used proper fibreglass Futures Fins in the thruster set up to make sure I was squeezing as much performance out of the thing as I could.
SHAPE
The shape of the Modom Deadly Mondo is similar to the outline of a fun fish type board you might ride in smaller waves. Kind of like a Pod Mod or Hi-Five by Chanel Islands, or a Pelagic by Lost…
The difference with the Deadly Mondo is that it has an accentuated hip at the back, really pulling in the tail from the wider outline at the front that has a fuller nose with a lot of the volume under the chest. This normally means good paddle power up front and potently some more whip and release in the tail end. Because this is a soft top it also has plenty of buoyancy. The materials, combined with the full rails mean you’re sitting up pretty high in the water when you paddle and sit.
WAVE TYPE
I was admittedly a little hamstrung in testing because of a terrible run of surf while I was riding this for the review. Seriously, it was like Huey sharted some dribble out and decided that he was done with his bowel movements for the month. The largest surf I got was pushing three feet, maybe. That’s probably fine, considering you’d be using this in smaller waves anyway. However, if you were super keen you could probably push it up into 4-6ft waves, especially if you opted for a quad set up for a bit of extra fin base to hold you in.
Still, the sweet spot for the Modom Deadly Mondo would sit around the 2-4ft mark. It should perform okay in hollow waves, but because of the thick rails, you’re going to find it hard to fully knife into pipes. The shape and buoyant materials are really better for gliding over flat sections, before being able to hit fluffy lips or edge into a savage top down turns.
PERFORMANCE
The best way to view the Modom Deadly Mondo is a middle ground between a proper performance board and a beginner softly. It’s like if Crocs came out with formal shoes. You’ve got one foot in both worlds and it’s oddly comfortable but not as sleekly sexy as you’d ultimately like. To give a more accurate, but not as humorous analogy, you ain’t going to be riding it in a CT event, but you’ll still get plenty of enjoyment out of it if you’re a good surfer wanting to do good turns.
If you’re surfing thumping shore breaks and want something that’s softer to land on if you get smashed, but will still give you a chance at nailing sections and sliding into the odd pit, then this is your go to. It’s also a great option if you have a grommet that you’re teaching to surf, and want to be able to ride something after without lugging a full quiver down the beach.
VERDICT
The Modom Deadly Mondo went surprisingly well. I had a ball riding it in average waves, where it motored over sections and still let me whip up the odd turn or two. Speed wise, it takes a bit to kick in, like a turbo lag on a diesel car. Once it’s up and running, though, it flies. The thick rails and shorter length do mean you have to properly guide your turns in. You need to turn your head and shoulders and really commit to things. It’s like going on a first date with someone and you have to be your best self at all times if you want to get the most out of it. If I got into a long-term relationship with the Modom Deadly Mondo, I’m sure things would slacken off, but for the test, I wasn’t allowed to be a slob. For me, the best thing about this board is that it would be perfect to trade out with the groms.
I have a 5-yr old who is learning to surf and I reckon this would be an ideal board for him to start on that would still let him jam a few bunny turns once he got the hang of things. I’d also be able to go for a spin on the thing and not be daydreaming of having my regular shortboard with me. That’s the real attraction of the board. A great transition craft that lets people of all abilities have a good time. I definitely recommend the Modom Deadly Mondo if you’re looking for a pleasure machine. If you’re looking for pure performance, however, stick with the fibreglass models out there.
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The Modom Deadly Mondo is widely available globally, anywhere that stocks DHD boards or Modom products are, most likely, going to have one of these to run your hands over.
Alternatively, you can get all Web 2.0 and buy one online direct from Modom. Do that, and chase down a pair of the JJF Medium Futures sets as well.
Price wise you’re looking at around $540 AUD, which ain’t too bad considering this is a board that’s got fun written all over it and will be in your quiver for a while. Great little alternative craft to have, especially if your US where black ball is a thing.
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume |
| 5’2 | 19 1/2 | 2 1/4 | 28.5 |
| 5’5 | 20 1/4 | 2 1/2 | 33.5 |
| 5’8 | 21 | 2 5/8 | 38 |
If you enjoyed this review you can visit our Product Reviews page for more, including a recent run of Springsuits and Boardcovers. We’ll have more Surfboard reviews coming soon
Again, if you’re interested in buying the Modom Deadly Mondo, you can buy it from Modom’s Online Store for around $540 AUD. And if you need any further convincing about the Modom Deadly Mondo, Stab have a solid review you can read/watch over here.
