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The Pyzel MLC (Mid-Length Crisis) is Jon Pyzel’s refined take on the ever-popular mid-length category—a clean, elegant board built with versatility and approachability in mind. Originally created for the Japanese market and a few close friends, the design has earned such positive feedback that it’s now available to all, offering a well-balanced blend of glide, flow, and performance.
The MLC features a beautifully foiled shape, with volume concentrated under the chest for paddling power and tapered rails that maintain sensitivity and grip through turns. A moderate continuous rocker ensures smooth speed generation and seamless, drawn-out carves. It avoids abrupt curves or flip, which makes the board feel predictable and smooth across a range of conditions.
Its Spiral Vee bottom contour (a mild vee with double concave) plays a key role in making the MLC feel lively rail-to-rail, especially impressive for a longer board. This contour encourages smooth transitions and intuitive maneuvering whether you're trimming down the line or setting a rail in a roundhouse cutback.
The 2+1 fin setup allows customization based on your style—ride it as a single for cruisey lines, or add side-bites for enhanced drive and hold. With 4oz bottom and 6+4oz deck glassing, the MLC carries a bit of extra weight, lending it both durability and that classic, gliding momentum mid-length fans appreciate.
Pros:
Elegant foil and thinned rails offer great balance of paddle power and responsiveness.
Smooth rocker and Spiral Vee bottom make it easy for all skill levels to flow through turns.
2+1 fin setup increases versatility between classic and performance-based feels.
Glassed for durability and momentum, making it ideal for consistent, stylish surfing in a wide range of conditions.
Cons:
Not a shortboard replacement—while responsive for a mid-length, it still favors a more drawn-out, flow-based approach.
Heavier glassing adds durability but may feel sluggish to surfers used to ultralight boards.
Summary:
The Pyzel MLC is a beautifully executed mid-length that captures the essence of effortless speed, smooth transitions, and stylish surfing. With a Spiral Vee bottom, moderate rocker, and a versatile 2+1 fin setup, it blends classic trim with enough bite and control for progressive maneuvers. Whether you're an experienced surfer looking to reconnect with flow or a newer rider stepping down from a longboard, the MLC is a reliable, ride-anywhere design that celebrates simplicity and glide.
