When something works, you don’t toss it—you tune it. That was the mindset behind NeckBeard 3, the latest refinement of Dane Reynolds’ widely loved high-performance groveler. Born from the success of the original NeckBeard and shaped with subtle but meaningful updates by Britt Merrick, this third iteration delivers a more refined, responsive, and versatile ride—without compromising the edgy DNA that made it famous.
One of the most significant changes came early, when Dane asked Britt to remove the vee from the tail of the original, opting instead for a single concave throughout. This adjustment didn’t just flatten the bottom; it subtly shifted the rocker profile, leading to improved wave entry, enhanced down-the-line speed, and added control through turns. The tail block was widened by ½ inch and paired with a slight hip to create a more responsive and maneuverable board—especially when surfed off the back foot.
In the 3.0 update, CI rounded off the board’s signature square tail. The result is a smoother, more connected feel through turns and transitions, with better hold in the barrel and more confidence under pressure. The NeckBeard 3 still has that skatey, fast-paced energy, but now feels more dialed-in and forgiving in steeper or more critical waves.
It’s built to be ridden primarily as a thruster, but the five-fin setup gives you the option to run it as a quad for extra speed and looseness. Available in both PU/PE and EPS Spine-Tek, it suits a range of rider preferences and conditions.
Pros:
Explosive Yet Smooth: Widened tail and rounded outline create high performance with better flow.
Single Concave Speed: Enhanced rocker and bottom contours boost control and wave entry.
Versatile Tail Redesign: More hold and smoother transitions than previous models.
Twin Identity: Performs as a thruster or quad for added tuning options.
Modern Classic: Tested and proven by Dane Reynolds in "The Electric Acid Surfboard Test."
Cons:
Still Skewed for Performance: While more forgiving than before, it’s built for progressive surfing—not a beginner’s board.
Requires Wave Shape: Flat spells or very mushy surf won’t let it shine like a true groveler would.
Final Verdict:
The NeckBeard 3 is a fine-tuned modern shortboard that delivers explosive performance in everyday conditions while smoothing out some of the quirks from earlier versions. Thanks to Dane and Britt’s thoughtful evolution of the design, it now offers more versatility, better hold, and more polish—all without losing its edge. Whether you’re launching airs, threading tubes, or just looking for a high-performance board that rips in head-high and under, the NeckBeard 3 is a confident, proven choice for advanced surfers who want a little flair in every turn.
