Torq Chopper ACT - FCS II - 2 + 1 Fin - Mid-Length

The Chopper is a versatile shape – a cruisey ride when conditions demand it, but give it a large open face and it will be firing on all cylinders. Torq has updated the shape with more volume forward for a smoother, forward trim from the front half of the board, but with a bit more flip in the tail rocker for tighter turns and more aggressive surfing. This is a very user-friendly board that works well on small days as well as pumping days.

Thanks to the 2+1 fin set-up, you can ride it as a glidey single fin, as a 2+1, or as a thruster.

Fin(s) included: None.

Construction - ACT

Torq's ACT surfboards are the world's first EPS/Epoxy pre-preg surfboards. Pre-preg is the highest performing composite process, offering the best strength-to-weight ratio and the best reflex (springiness) of any fiberglass lay-up.

That's a pretty big claim, so here's a bit more:

“Pre-preg fabrics virtually eliminate all process variation found in traditional layups or vacuum infusion. As a result, pre-pregs have completely revolutionized composite manufacturing.”

They have “maximum strength properties” and ensure “less mess and less waste. All the excess of hand laminate – resin cups, sticky rollers, drips – is no longer an issue.”

“Without the pitfalls of hand lamination, there are no resin-rich areas and no dry spots.” “Pre-pregs are considered the most advanced system for composite manufacturing.”

These are quotes from industry sources, websites, and manuals. Search Google for ‘pre-preg composites’ and you'll find pages full of this kind of information. It is universally considered the most advanced composite process.

What is it?

Pre-preg is short for pre-impregnated. Resin and hardener are applied to the fiberglass fabric by machine, creating a fiber-resin matrix.

This matrix has a perfect ratio of resin to hardener and a perfect resin content and distribution.

The matrix is cut by machine (Torq has cutting files for every model and size, ensuring that exactly the right fiber and resin weight is used on every board) and then placed on the surfboard blank and cured under high heat and pressure in an oven.

What are the benefits?

Reflex or springiness:

Hand laminates, even with a vacuum bag, retain a significant amount of excess resin. This adds weight, makes the whole thing more brittle, and limits the properties of the fiber because it's trapped in a thick shell.

Pre-pregs are impregnated by machine with exactly the right resin density. Whatever fiber is used – glass, carbon, or basalt – the pre-preg process allows the fiber to perform without the limitation of excess resin.

In surfboards, this translates into a lively, responsive feel. Any flex you push into it in a turn comes back immediately as reflex instead of being dampened by the resin. They return all the energy you put into them. Because the board can flex naturally, they also absorb much more vibration than you'd expect from light epoxy boards.

Strength-to-weight ratio:

The other benefit of not having unnecessarily extra weight from excess resin is the additional amount of fiber that can be used at the same total board weight. ACTs have a sturdy fiber lay-up, making them significantly stronger than a surfboard of comparable weight in any other construction.

These boards contain 2 to 3 times more fiber than a light PU of the same weight. They are not Torq's strongest boards, but they do have a much better strength-to-weight ratio.

How do they surf?

They feel lively from the very first wave.

The feel is between a light PU and epoxy, with an extra springiness not found in either technology. They feel familiar in both, so you won't need much time to get used to them. But once you do, every other board will feel flat.

About Torq

Torq is known for epoxy surfboards that combine low weight and high strength, from accessible all-rounders to high-performance shapes developed with renowned shapers. Each construction – TET, TEC, or ACT – has its own character, but they are all built to last. This makes Torq boards a good fit for Hart Beach: boards that can withstand daily use in the North Sea and work for every skill level.