Summary:
The Fader is Chilli’s fresh take on the versatile 5-fin round tail board, perfectly balancing speed, drive, and control for a wide range of conditions. Featuring a thumb tail that’s neither too wide nor too pin-like, it offers a responsive feel suitable for both bigger surf and smaller, punchier waves. A new rocker design shifts the sweet spot, helping surfers get up quickly on tricky takeoffs and stay dialed in down the line. With a single concave in the midsection for hold and a flat bottom behind the back fin for easy rail-to-rail transitions, the Fader excels in the pocket while providing smooth, controlled carving.
Pros:
Balanced Thumb Tail: Not too wide for control in bigger waves, yet not too narrow for speed in smaller surf.
Refined Rocker: Enables quick paddling into waves and precision positioning for critical sections.
Versatile Bottom Contours: Single concave midsection for hold through turns, transitioning to a flat tail for smooth rail transitions.
Five-Fin Setup: Adaptable to all conditions with multiple fin template options for different riding styles and fins systems (FCS II and Futures).
All-Round Performer: Great in the pocket with plenty of drive down the line.
Cons:
Moderate Specialized Use: While versatile, surfers looking for extremely radical step-ups or ultra-small wave quivers might prefer different tail or rocker profiles.
Requires Fin Experimentation: Optimal performance depends on fin selection and setup, which might take some tuning.
Final Verdict:
The Fader offers an excellent blend of speed, control, and adaptability in a modern 5-fin round tail design. It’s ideal for surfers wanting a board that can confidently handle everything from tight pocket surfing to down-the-line carving in a variety of wave sizes. With its refined rocker and balanced tail, the Fader fits seamlessly into any quiver as a fast, drivey, and responsive all-rounder.