The Black Baron 2.1 takes everything that made the original Black Baron a twin-fin favorite and injects it with more performance and versatility. Think of it as a fighter jet with a wider cruising range—one that still offers the retro speed and flow of a traditional twin, but can now push harder, go faster, and handle steeper waves with ease. It’s still fun-first, but now more capable in conditions that would’ve been a stretch for its predecessor.
The most notable design shift lies in the elongated outline. It’s ridden approximately two inches longer than the original Black Baron, with a more pulled-in tail and a sleeker, more performance-forward nose. This gives the board better hold and drive in steeper, more powerful surf, while retaining that skatey twin-fin charm in smaller stuff.
Under the hood, JS incorporates a “reverse concave”—a deeper single concave under the chest that shallows out toward the nose and tail, paired with a subtle double concave through the fins. This configuration provides maximum lift and drive, making it easier to maintain speed through flat spots and link turns with precision, especially at high velocity.
The low rocker keeps the board fast and responsive in average surf, but now with increased control as the wave size picks up. The addition of a rear stabiliser fin further enhances that control, giving you the confidence to push harder off the bottom or fit turns into more critical parts of the wave. And thanks to its Schooner-style foil and low rails, you can ride it 1/8" thicker without losing maneuverability—just more paddle power and easier wave entry.
When the surf is small (2–3ft), ride it as a pure twin for maximum looseness and flair. As things pick up (up to 5–6ft), drop in the stabiliser and enjoy a twin fin that thrives in quality surf with genuine performance capabilities.
Pros
Twin Fin Versatility: Handles a broader range of conditions (2–6ft) with style and confidence.
Increased Control: Rear stabiliser and pulled-in outline make it sharper and more precise in bigger surf.
Enhanced Drive: Reverse concave keeps it fast down the line, even at higher speeds.
Extra Paddle Power: Thick center and low rails boost wave-catching and performance flow.
Fun + Function: Maintains that twin-fin feel while letting you push harder and carve deeper.
Cons
Less Classic Twin Feel: The stabiliser fin and performance tweaks sacrifice a bit of that retro looseness.
Not a One-Board Quiver: Still twin-inspired and best as a specialty board—not a full shortboard replacement.
Foam Distribution May Feel Unusual: The added thickness and low rail combo takes a session or two to dial in for some surfers.
Final Verdict
The Black Baron 2.1 is the twin fin for performance-minded surfers who want retro speed without the usual limitations. It keeps all the glide and flair of the original but stretches into more serious surf territory with confidence and control. Whether you’re racing down the line in punchy chest-high waves or drawing long carves in overhead walls, this board delivers a fun-forward ride that lets you loosen up—or lean in. It’s not just a twin. It’s your new high-performance alternative twin.
