Do you dream of knowing everything about the construction of our boards? Then you've come to the right place! In this article, we reveal all the secrets about Zeus boards .
At Zeus , we are passionate about the quality and performance of our boards. That is why we have developed different constructions to suit everyone's needs. Whether you are a beginner surfer looking for stability or an expert looking for speed and control , we have the board for you at Zeus.
Dive into our Zeus Build Guide and discover what makes our boards premier surf machines.
The recap:
At Zeus, we offer 5 board constructions to meet the needs of every rider, whatever their level, budget or expectations:
- 100% Soft: an affordable 100% Soft construction for beginners, with a lightweight and durable EPS foam core. Ideal for first-time skiers. Price: €200-300 .
- Epoxy EVA: a hybrid construction that has proven itself with our Crocksin coating, offering excellent grip without wax. The number 1 choice of surf schools and surf camps . Price: 300-400€ .
- Epoxy IXPE: a hybrid construction identical to our EVA version with an IXPE foam deck for even more comfort. Perfect for beginner to intermediate surfers. Price: €300-400 .
- Sport+: a lightweight hybrid construction for intermediate riders looking for more performance. Reduced weight and increased resistance to attack the waves. Price : €350-450 .
- Cabianca : our lightest and most performing construction for demanding riders. Built with the best materials for an optimal surfing experience. Price: 400-500€.
Understanding the different materials
At Zeus, we carefully select the materials that make up our boards, in order to offer you the best possible surfing experience . But do you know exactly what is hidden under your feet?
- Fiberglass: It’s a bit like the body of your car. It protects the board from shocks and impacts, while giving it its shape and rigidity. At Zeus, we use different types of glass fabrics to optimize the strength and lightness of our boards.
- EPS foam block: EPS is like an ultra-light and resistant polystyrene block. It is often used in high-end constructions to gain in performance and responsiveness, like the latest generation of running shoes.
- Stringer: the stringer is a bit like the backbone of your board. This wooden reinforcement placed in the center of the foam provides rigidity and nervousness , like a sailboat mast that holds the sails.
- Slick HDPE: Under your feet, the board's non-slip coating is often made of HDPE, an abrasion- and UV-resistant plastic. It's a bit like the lug sole on your hiking boots, which keeps you from slipping on rough terrain.
Epoxy resin: the secret of Zeus boards
At Zeus , we use epoxy resin to build our boards . But what exactly is epoxy, and why is it so important to your surfing experience ?
Imagine you are building a house. The walls, the roof, the windows, all of that is essential, but what really keeps your house standing and strong is the cement you use. Well, epoxy resin is like the cement on our surfboards!
Epoxy is a thermosetting resin, meaning it hardens and solidifies when heated. It is an incredibly strong and durable material, used in many fields such as aeronautics and automobiles . Do you see airplanes and racing cars on the circuits? Their parts are often made of epoxy resin to combine lightness and strength .
In the world of surfing, epoxy has revolutionized the manufacturing of boards. More resistant than traditional polyester resins , it allows the construction of lighter and stronger boards, capable of withstanding repeated shocks and impacts from waves.
At Zeus, we chose epoxy to give you high-performance, durable boards. It’s like putting on a pair of Gore-Tex hiking boots: you know you can confidently set out on your adventure with dry feet, without worrying about premature wear or damage from the elements.
With a Zeus epoxy board under your feet, you can focus on what matters: having fun in the waves, progressing in your practice and exploring new spots, knowing that your board is designed to last and accompany you in all your sessions.
As you will have understood, each material has its role to play in the design of a surfboard, like a football team where each player brings their own qualities.
Accessories: details that make the difference
We pay particular attention to the accessories of our boards . Far from being anecdotal, these elements play an essential role in your surfing experience and the durability of your equipment .
- Carrying handles: our ergonomic carrying handles allow you to easily carry your board, even over long distances. No more hassle of putting the leash around your board and carrying it under your arm!
- Bumpers : these reinforcements strategically placed on the nose and tail of your board protect it from shocks and impacts. Because your board is your best ally on the water, we make sure it is well protected.
- Fin Boxes: Our fin boxes are designed to be as strong as they are hydrodynamic. They hold your fins firmly in place for maximum control, while minimizing drag for more speed.
- Leash plug : it's a small detail that matters a lot. We use sturdy and reliable plugs, so you can attach your leash with confidence and not worry about anything except the waves to surf.
With a Zeus board you are guaranteed to ride on a board that has been well thought out down to the smallest detail.
Zeus Board Coverings
The decks of our boards are covered with a thin layer of EVA foam. This type of foam is also used for yoga mats and pads. The advantage of EVA foam is that it is both light and hydrophobic , which allows for a uniform , resistant and safe surface.
IXPE and 100% Soft constructions feature a tough, scratch-resistant deck coating, ensuring better durability of the board. However, you must apply wax to this coating to get the best grip.
You will find the IXPE coating on the ranges: Progress , Classic, Burger
The EVA construction provides a deck coating that provides excellent natural grip and additional comfort under the surfer's feet, without the need for wax. This feature is particularly appreciated by more experienced surfers looking for optimal performance.
You will find the EVA coating on the Classic, Dolce, Sport, Bold, Burger ranges
Sustainability
Durability is at the heart of our philosophy. We design high-performance and durable boards, capable of withstanding the shocks and wear associated with regular and intensive use .
Unlike cheap boards that wear out quickly and end up costing you more in the long run, investing in a Zeus board means choosing quality and durability.
With Zeus, you are guaranteed reliable equipment, which retains its value better on the second-hand market , and which will accompany you session after session, season after season.
For beginners and novices
If you are new to surfing and looking for your first board then these builds will interest you.
100% Soft construction
The Zeus Soft range is specially designed for beginners who are looking for a board that is easy to handle, stable and durable . These boards are made entirely of foam , thus offering great safety and optimal comfort for the first waves.
The advantages of the Soft range:
- Highly resistant to shocks and impacts
- Stable and easy to handle, ideal for beginners
- Lightweight and comfortable to carry and use
The disadvantages of the Soft range:
- Limited performance compared to hybrid or advanced constructions
- Less responsive in hollower or more powerful waves
- Generally shorter lifespan than other constructions
- Requires application of wax to deck for optimum adhesion
Price range:
The Soft Zeus range of boards are offered at affordable prices, ranging from €200 to €300, making them a great option for beginner surfers looking to get their first board without breaking the bank.
The IXPE range
The Zeus IXPE range is a hybrid construction that combines the strength and stability of a foam board with the performance of a fibreglass board. The IXPE foam deck provides extra comfort and grip, while the fibreglass bottom provides responsiveness and responsiveness.
The advantages of the IXPE range:
- Hybrid construction combining strength and performance
- Comfortable and grippy IXPE foam deck
- Fiberglass bottom for greater responsiveness and nervousness
- Ideal for beginner to intermediate surfers
The disadvantages of the IXPE range:
- Requires application of wax to deck for optimum adhesion
- Slightly heavier than advanced builds
Price range:
The IXPE Zeus range of boards are priced from €300 to €400, representing excellent value for beginner to intermediate surfers looking for a versatile and durable board.
The EVA range
Zeus' EVA range is a hybrid construction similar to the IXPE range, but with an EVA foam deck that provides natural grip without the need for waxing. This feature is particularly appreciated by surfers looking for a board that is easy to maintain and always ready to go.
The advantages of the EVA range:
- Hybrid construction combining strength and performance
- EVA foam deck providing natural grip without wax
- Fiberglass bottom for greater responsiveness and nervousness
- Easy to maintain and always ready to use
- Ideal for beginner to intermediate surfers
The disadvantages of the EVA range:
- Slightly heavier than advanced builds
- May perform less well in more demanding wave conditions
Price range:
The EVA Zeus range of boards are priced from €300 to €400, offering excellent value for money for surfers looking for a versatile, durable and easy to maintain board.
For intermediaries
The Sport + range
The Zeus Sport + construction is a lightweight hybrid construction designed for intermediate surfers looking for performance. It combines the strength of an EVA foam deck with the responsiveness of a fiberglass bottom. The carbon fiber stringer brings responsiveness and rigidity to the whole, allowing for better responsiveness in turns and maneuvers.
The advantages of the Sport + range:
- Lightweight, high-performance hybrid construction
- EVA foam deck providing natural grip without wax
- Fiberglass bottom and stringer for greater responsiveness and nervousness
- Ideal for intermediate surfers looking to progress
- Featured on Zeus Bold and Sport ranges
The disadvantages of the Sport + range:
- More expensive than EVA and IXPE constructions
- Less resistant to impacts and shocks than EVA and IXPE versions
Price range:
The boards in the Sport + Zeus range are priced from €400 to €500 , which represents a good investment for intermediate surfers looking to upgrade to a higher performance board.
For the most demanding: Cabianca
The Zeus Cabianca construction represents our most advanced construction, designed for experienced surfers looking for a feel close to traditional fiberglass boards, while maintaining the benefits of a foam construction .
This lightweight construction combines an EVA foam deck with a premium fiberglass bottom and a unique wood stringer . The combination provides exceptional responsiveness and nervousness, as well as a more natural flex that is closer to the sensations provided by fiberglass boards.
The advantages of the Cabianca range:
- Lightweight, high-performance construction
- EVA foam deck providing natural grip without wax
- Premium fiberglass bottom for optimal responsiveness
- Unique wooden stringer providing a natural flex and sensations close to traditional boards
- Exceptional handling for the most challenging maneuvers
- Ideal for experienced surfers looking for authentic sensations
The disadvantages of the Cabianca range:
- Higher price than other Zeus builds
- Less resistant to shock and impact than hybrid or foam constructions
- Requires regular and careful maintenance to maintain its performance
Price range:
The Cabianca range of boards are priced from €500 to €600, making them Zeus’s most premium option. This investment is aimed at experienced surfers looking for the feel of traditional fibreglass boards, while still enjoying the benefits of a foam construction, particularly in terms of buoyancy and safety.
Care tips for our boards
Whether you're a budding or experienced surfer, here are Zeus' 7 commandments to pamper your board and extend its lifespan, so you never run out of waves and fun! 🌊
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and extreme temperatures which can degrade the foam
- Rinse your board with fresh water after each use to remove salt and sand
- Dry your board properly in the shade and in a ventilated place to avoid mold and bad odors.
- Use a protective cover to prevent scratches, shocks and facilitate transport
- Store your board in a dry place, away from humidity and temperature variations.
- Avoid violent shocks and rough surfaces during handling and transport.
- Repair any damage, even minor, promptly to prevent it from getting worse.
By following these simple tips, you can preserve your foam board for longer and fully enjoy your surfing sessions.
The complete and detailed guide here
FAQ:
Why choose a foam surfboard?
A foam board is more durable than a shortboard and also requires less maintenance. In addition, foam remains a durable material that does not break, thus providing increased longevity for your surfing equipment. Foam boards are also more stable and easier to handle for beginners.
