Summary:
The Hot Knife is a refined fusion of two fan-favorites—the Peri Peri and Stepdown 2—designed to be a full-figured, all-round shortboard that’s both forgiving and performance-driven. Tested extensively by Chilli team rider Jay Davies, this board excels at providing effortless speed, smooth rail-to-rail transitions, and a stable, predictable ride in a wide range of conditions. If you want a fast, responsive board that feels comfortable underfoot without sacrificing control, the Hot Knife is a compelling choice.Pros:
Drive and Speed: The hip at the side fins combined with a straighter rail and wider rounded square tail delivers powerful acceleration and controlled turns.
Balanced Rocker: Medium-fast entry rocker with a smooth, flatter exit ensures speed generation while maintaining smooth, controlled adjustments on the wave face.
Effective Contours: Single to double concave blending into vee out the tail creates a fast take-off, forgiving transitions, and enhanced control through turns.
User-Friendly Performance: The design is forgiving enough for everyday surfing but sharp enough to handle more critical sections with confidence.
Cons:
Fuller Outline: May feel less nimble for surfers used to narrower, more aggressively tapered boards.
Not a Specialized Step-Up: While versatile, it doesn’t replace a dedicated high-performance step-up board for heavy or very steep surf.
Final Verdict:
The Hot Knife combines speed, drive, and predictability in a well-rounded shortboard that fits a wide range of surfers and conditions. Its thoughtful design makes it easy to paddle, fast to accelerate, and smooth to turn, making daily sessions more enjoyable and less taxing. If you want a reliable, fast, and forgiving board that performs with confidence in everyday surf, the Hot Knife should be near the top of your shortlist.
