Torq X-Channel Islands M23 - Torq X-Lite - Futures - 3 Fin M23

The M23 comes from the legendary M13 Series, a favourite hybrid board Al Merrick made for himself and surfed variants of for decades from fun Rincon to maxing Sunset. A true high-performance hybrid suited to the widest possible type and size of surfer—and the widest range of wave conditions.

Not to be confused with the CI Mid: the M23 has more foam, a fuller rail, and a sleeker nose outline. It paddles easily, but still rides more like a shortboard.

Construction – X-Lite Technology

X-Lite is our TET molded process with a performance tweak for our Channel Islands Colab models.

X-Lite starts with a model-blown blank – EPS blown to finished size and shape for perfect shape reproduction, with no shaping, waste, or inaccuracy. The fin box cut-outs are already incorporated in your process.

The Blank is wrapped in biaxial fiberglass cloth, Impact Mesh for ding resistance, Carbon strips on the base for responsiveness, and a Shield Skin for scratch resistance.

A second compression mold – accurately CNC cut from a single block of aluminium – is used to cure the resin, heated for perfect resin distribution.

What are the benefits?

Accuracy – there's no shaping, sanding, and guesswork. The entire process is controlled; foam density, resin content, fin inserts.

Low waste – no shaping means no shaping waste. Cloth is laid dry so scraps can be recycled. Resin is measured by weight and applied with no waste dripping on the floor.

Durability – Biaxial cloth is stronger than plain weave and we can use a lot due to the efficient lay-up. Our blanks use high-density EPS, and epoxy resin is stronger than polyester.

Sustainable – A low-waste process and long-lasting build = less impact. Manufacturing is solar powered. All materials are locally sourced. Shipping is in slim-fit, bleach-free boxes with plastic-free packaging. We make the fin boxes from GRS and UL certified recycled plastic.

How do the boards surf?

Surf fast and built to last.

The feel is similar to PU, with less lightweight directness than a vacuum-bagged EPS/Epoxy. They have good dampening, but don’t feel flat – the carbon keeps stiffness for response.

Overall, they’re fast and take very little time to get used to if you’re crossing over from another type of surfboard.