IT
cerca

SURF

Bradley Killer Surfboard

Your Ideal Companion for Every Type of Wave

When it comes to finding the perfect board for your days in the water, the Bradley Killer Surfboard stands out as an unbeatable choice. This marvel of craftsmanship and quality, entirely produced in France, combines high-end performance with a design aimed at intermediate to advanced surfers seeking a board for waves over head height. We used the Killer in the size 5'9'' x 19'' 1/2 x 2 1/2''. After testing it for several months and comparing it with the Channel Island Rocket Wide 5'8'', here are our thoughts.

Christiaan Bradley: From Tasmanian Origins to Shaping Excellence

Originating from the wild landscapes of Tasmania, Christiaan Bradley began his journey in the surfboard industry on the Gold Coast of Australia, focusing on board sanding and fin shaping. His pivotal moment came during a surfing trip to Europe, where he met Stephen Bell and secured the prestigious role of ghost shaper for Channel Islands/Al Merrick at Euroglass. This role not only connected him with the CI team but also with the greatest surfer of all time, Kelly Slater. The experience of working closely with these surfing legends elevated Bradley's shaping skills to new heights, quickly moving him beyond the realm of ghost shaping.

In 2011, Christiaan Bradley launched his own brand, which immediately gained significant success among both professionals and surf enthusiasts. Today, World Tour surfers constantly request new Bradley boards to add to their quivers, a testament to the exceptional quality and performance that define each of his creations. With a focus on high performance and driven by a deep creative spirit, Christiaan has established himself over the past decades as one of the most renowned high-performance surfboard shapers in the world.

A special mention goes to the relationship between Christiaan Bradley and Leonardo Fioravanti, one of the most talented surfers on the international circuit. Bradley is not only the shaper behind some of the world’s most high-performance boards but also the artist who has expertly interpreted Fioravanti's technical needs and unique style, crafting custom boards that have supported the Italian surfer in his exploits at top global spots. This collaboration perfectly demonstrates how Bradley's talent for shaping materials harmoniously combines with the ambitions and performance of elite athletes, creating not just boards, but true masterpieces of surfing.

Bradley Killer

The Bradley Killer is designed to be versatile, ready to follow you on every marine adventure. With a medium rocker exit that facilitates paddling and a flat belly to give you that extra speed on less steep waves, this board is a true technical gem. The increased tail flip allows you to perform tight and precise maneuvers, making each turn a small masterpiece.

The design features a wider board, ideal for riding shorter, ensuring maneuverability and stability. The wide point towards the nose and the relatively straight rails that end in a broad swallow tail provide the extra drive and speed you’re looking for in a board.

Speed, Reactivity, and Control

What makes the Bradley Killer unique is its incredible ability to transition smoothly and quickly from rail to rail. Thanks to its concave configuration, which starts as a single concave and splits into a double towards the fins, this board offers a perfect balance between speed and control, allowing you to tackle waves with a new level of confidence and fun.

Quad or Thruster?

The thruster configuration, with three fins, provides a balanced combination of stability, control, and maneuverability. This setup allows the Bradley Killer to excel in terms of reactivity and precision in turns. The center fin adds an extra level of directional control, making this setup ideal for waves that require sharp cuts and precise maneuvers.

With four fins, the Bradley Killer enhances performance in terms of speed, allowing you to fully utilize the wave’s drive. The quad configuration is particularly effective in large wave conditions or when looking to maximize speed on flat sections of the wave.

Personally, I haven’t found significant differences between the two setups and primarily used the Killer with the thruster configuration, although I completed some of the best maneuvers with the quad setup.

Bradley Killer vs. Channel Island Rocket Wide

Bradley Killer Surfboard

I had the Bradley Killer made for me during our vacation in France as a replacement for the Rocket Wide. Having had both the Bradley Killer Surfboard and the Channel Island Rocket Wide, I can say that both represent the pinnacle of innovation and design in the surfing world, but with distinctive characteristics that cater to different surfer needs.

Design and Performance

The Channel Island Rocket Wide is known for its generous and user-friendly design, offering great stability and volume, which makes paddling and catching waves easier. Its width, combined with a single concave that transitions into a double towards the tail, makes it an extremely versatile board suitable for a wide range of wave conditions, from flat water to small and medium swells.

On the other hand, the Bradley Killer stands out for its aggressive approach to small and medium waves. With a design that prioritizes maneuverability and speed, this board features a medium rocker exit for easy paddling, evolving into a flat belly to maximize speed on less steep waves. The tail configuration and concave transitions are designed to provide reactivity and control in turns, making it ideal for those looking for high performance in any type of wave.

Killer vs. Rocket Wide

The choice between a Bradley Killer and a Channel Island Rocket Wide largely depends on surfing style and individual preferences. The Rocket Wide is perfect for those seeking an all-around board that delivers solid performance in both choppy conditions and more modest wave days. The Bradley Killer, however, is the ideal choice for surfers who want to push their performance limits on small to medium waves, with a board that responds promptly to every command.

Conclusions

The Bradley Killer Surfboard represents the perfect balance between build quality, performance, and versatility. With a keen eye for detail and a focus on performance, this board is ready to elevate your surfing experience to new levels. Whether you're looking for speed, maneuverability, or simply a reliable board for any sea condition, the Bradley Killer is a choice that won't disappoint. Get ready to make your next session on the water an unforgettable adventure.

Pubblicato il 27 marzo 2024 | Blog: SURF

ADV
SHOP