Nice thorough review. I had the HIHP and ultimately sold it because I had to surf it like a shortboard - which is cool - but it lacked all the trim & glide that I love about longboarding. Hi4 wasn't out yet then, but if it was, I probably would have got that instead and liked it a lot more. Ended up getting a 9'3 custom Pearson Arrow w/ similar characteristics & I couldn't be more stoked, but I do really like that Thunderbolt durability!
How does the HI4 compare to the HI Diamond Drive? Interested to know how each fit in Harley's design quiver (noserider vs. all-around vs. performance) Advantages and trade-offs of HI4 vs HI Diamond Drive?
I've tried a ton of different fin setups. My favorite at this point is with a power twin and trailer. Twice as fast and can get it on rail so quick and easy.
I’ve been thinking about trying it as a twin plus trailer. Did you find a trailer for the long box or did you get an adapter? I’m currently using and enjoying 6 inch connect and medium performer quad rears up front.
The Black HI4 is excellent for 2m to 2m50 waves. Late drops no problem, trims awesome, super responsive. The Red excels in 0.25m to 1.50m if you like your ride laid back and butter smooth (a lot of flex). The black excels in 0.75m to 2m50 if you like your ride sporty and responsive (stiffer but not stiff).
@@dav5629 I haven't surfed the Moe (only HIHP Black, HI4 Red and HI4 Black) but heard good things from a friend who has the 7'4. He surfs it under 1m50 though. My Red HI4 flexes too much for my liking on bigger waves, making it harder to late drop clean on steeper shoulders. And the Moe comes in Red only.. though a little thicker than 9'1 HI4, which could reduce the flex a little... Moe may be fine on big waves that aren't too hollow. What I'm sure about is the HI4 Black is the most versatile in shifty beach breaks I go to. It has the best wage range, better trimmer than HIHP, still super responsive. Always have fun and catches a lot with it. Cheers!
Craig, we haven't yet, but most any board will eventually no matter how strong. So far we have been really impressed, these boards can take a solid beating
@@berniehughes4422 to be honest, availability of 9'1" in NZ was severely limited at time of purchase. In saying that I am around 95kgs so the extra volume and length suits me better. My brother who is 83kgs felt it had a little too much float for him though.
@@berniehughes4422 I just bought the 9'3 also mostly because I could not get the 9'1. I am a shortboarder adding this to the quiver for those small days I don't feel like struggling on my shortboards. For this reason I think it works because once it gets chest high I am swapping it out for a much smaller board. Found it turned well and allowed me to get on the nose pretty easily with good lift. Would love to hop on a 9'1 at some time and see what the difference is. I had a Takayama DT-2 in Surftech and this is much more playful in my opinion.
Nice thorough review. I had the HIHP and ultimately sold it because I had to surf it like a shortboard - which is cool - but it lacked all the trim & glide that I love about longboarding. Hi4 wasn't out yet then, but if it was, I probably would have got that instead and liked it a lot more. Ended up getting a 9'3 custom Pearson Arrow w/ similar characteristics & I couldn't be more stoked, but I do really like that Thunderbolt durability!
Thanks for the tip on the HI/performer compatibility. Much easier for me to get my hands on
How does the HI4 compare to the HI Diamond Drive? Interested to know how each fit in Harley's design quiver (noserider vs. all-around vs. performance) Advantages and trade-offs of HI4 vs HI Diamond Drive?
I've tried a ton of different fin setups. My favorite at this point is with a power twin and trailer. Twice as fast and can get it on rail so quick and easy.
I’ve been thinking about trying it as a twin plus trailer. Did you find a trailer for the long box or did you get an adapter? I’m currently using and enjoying 6 inch connect and medium performer quad rears up front.
As intermediate surfer, mostly beach breaks with less than idle conditions, 1-6 foot waves, which should i pick: hi4 9.1 or the hihp 9.1, black/red? 🙏
So keen to get on one of these. Unfortunately sold out where I live.
I’d love to know why you prefer the 9’3” over the 9’1”?
Is it good for bigger waves? 2m 2m50 not hollow. Thanks
The Black HI4 is excellent for 2m to 2m50 waves. Late drops no problem, trims awesome, super responsive.
The Red excels in 0.25m to 1.50m if you like your ride laid back and butter smooth (a lot of flex).
The black excels in 0.75m to 2m50 if you like your ride sporty and responsive (stiffer but not stiff).
@@dekismokton2407 thanks man
@@dekismokton2407 ok thanks and do you know the mid lenght model moe ? Seems to be good also and good waves too but shorter
@@dav5629 I haven't surfed the Moe (only HIHP Black, HI4 Red and HI4 Black) but heard good things from a friend who has the 7'4. He surfs it under 1m50 though.
My Red HI4 flexes too much for my liking on bigger waves, making it harder to late drop clean on steeper shoulders.
And the Moe comes in Red only.. though a little thicker than 9'1 HI4, which could reduce the flex a little... Moe may be fine on big waves that aren't too hollow.
What I'm sure about is the HI4 Black is the most versatile in shifty beach breaks I go to. It has the best wage range, better trimmer than HIHP, still super responsive. Always have fun and catches a lot with it.
Cheers!
@@dekismokton2407 Hello,
Could you tell me what fins and size you use in the HI4 black?
Thank you!
Will you get heel compressions on thunderbolt red?
Craig, we haven't yet, but most any board will eventually no matter how strong. So far we have been really impressed, these boards can take a solid beating
Yes :)
Thanks for the review. I purchased the 9'3" and running quad setup. Best longboard I have ever had (and i've had a few).
Interested in knowing why you preferred the 9’3” over the 9’1”?
@@berniehughes4422 to be honest, availability of 9'1" in NZ was severely limited at time of purchase. In saying that I am around 95kgs so the extra volume and length suits me better. My brother who is 83kgs felt it had a little too much float for him though.
@@berniehughes4422 I just bought the 9'3 also mostly because I could not get the 9'1. I am a shortboarder adding this to the quiver for those small days I don't feel like struggling on my shortboards. For this reason I think it works because once it gets chest high I am swapping it out for a much smaller board. Found it turned well and allowed me to get on the nose pretty easily with good lift. Would love to hop on a 9'1 at some time and see what the difference is. I had a Takayama DT-2 in Surftech and this is much more playful in my opinion.