Science Bodyboards – Are they worth it?

Smiling friends carrying bodyboards having fun on beach

Science Bodyboards is a company created by Mike Stewart, a nine-time world bodyboard champion. The bodyboards assist both beginners and the elite in honing their bodyboarding skills.

These bodyboards come in different types, sizes, and materials, many of which are perfectly suited for beginners and professionals. Science Bodyboards also has a Flex Factor scale of F1-F10 that indicates the performance of different boards in different water temperatures and how they can affect your surfing.

Read on for more information about these bodyboards.

Smiling friends carrying bodyboards having fun on beach

Science Bodyboards Are Expensive – But Are They Worth It?

Science bodyboards will suit you if you’re looking to switch from a customer-specific and rarely available board company to a more widely available brand. Nevertheless, this brand of bodyboard does not come cheap.

Mike Stewart liaised with researchers to develop these products. In addition, the study ensured they made bodyboards suitable for various water temperatures. Although Science Bodyboards are expensive, they are worth every penny. These boards are made of high-quality materials such as polypropylene which makes them withstand harsh waves. They also provide excellent control and are fast whether you ride small or big waves. 

However, you should research the type of bodyboard that will suit your body size and skill level, as this can impact your bodyboarding experience.

Here are two of the best Science Bodyboards, their specifications, features, and why we recommend them.

Mike Stewart Science Thunder XL Bodyboard Review

Science Bodyboards - Are they worth it?

If you are looking for a board designed for heavy riders in warm waters, then this board is perfect for you. However, before we get into the details, here are some of the features of this incredible board.

Specifications and Overview

Specifications

Size: 44”, 45”, 46”
Color: Aqua, deep-sea green, red, tangerine, royal blue
Core material: Polypropylene
Channels: Dual channels
Stringer: Triple stringer
Slick: HDPE
Deck: Wave cushion Air 8 pounds PE deck
Tail: Crescent 
Rail Ratio: 55/45 
Flex Factor: F1 

Features

The board’s slick is made of high-density polyethylene material, whereas the deck is manufactured from wave cushion air 8 lb polyethylene. It has an F1 flex factor that makes it ideal for riding in warm temperatures and supports heavy riders. 

The dual channels also make your bodyboarding experience one of a kind. This is because the dual channels provide additional grip for the surfer to ride out the toughest waves.

The board comes in 44″, 45″, and 46″ sizes, making it suitable for larger and heavier surfers.

A bodyboard’s tail is essential for balance and comfort. The most recommended chine to rail ratio for beginners is 60/40. This is because these boards are easier to control and they do not go too fast. This bodyboard has a rail ratio of 55/45, ensuring the surfer can navigate the harsh currents easily without worrying about falling off their board.

Edges on a bodyboard create different experiences for the rider. Depending on what type of chine to rail ratio you choose, your riding experience will be different. It is suggested that if you are a beginner, you should use a board with a 60/40 ratio because the board won’t go as fast and it will be easier to control.

If you are more advanced or want a challenge, it is suggested that you try the 50/50 rail to chine ratio because it will help you go faster and be able to maneuver the water better.

Whichever you choose, make sure you have fun!

However, for those who may want something more challenging, try looking for a bodyboard with a 50/50 rail ratio. These boards offer more maneuverability and move faster through the water. Whichever you choose, make sure you have fun!

For professional surfers, having stringers on your bodyboard is essential. This is because the stringers provide durability and improve bodyboarding performance. The good news is that this bodyboard is equipped with triple stringers, which means your bodyboard has prolonged durability and will hone your bodyboarding skills.

Why We Would Recommend It

Mike Stewart is a renowned bodyboarder who has competed in different competitions. This made him develop different bodyboards which would help surfers improve their bodyboarding skills. This board is excellent for bigger, heavier surfers as its size makes floatation and navigation easier.

What’s more, It has a PP core and the product comes in different colors. You can choose from royal blue, red, tangerine, and deep-sea green. This high-quality board is made of a polypropylene core and has triple stringers that make it extremely durable. 

Therefore, if you’re an intermediate rider looking to take your skills to the next level, this bodyboard by Mike Stewart will suit you. It has a PP core and a triple stringer system that stiffens it making it an excellent choice for heavier, larger riders who mostly surf in warm waters. 

Overview of Mike Stewart Science Thunder XL Bodyboard

This bodyboard’s polypropylene core which is slightly thicker than the average bodyboard provides the rider with a surface to hold on to for better bodyboarding through the current.

Moreover, its triple stringer provides the bodyboarder with incomparable balance while ensuring the board is stiffer and more durable.

Given its shape and dimensions, the bodyboard is ideal for unisex adults who weigh more than 200 pounds and surf mostly in warm waters. Additionally, the product is available in various colors, allowing you to distinguish yourself from the crowd.

Summary of Pros and Cons

Pros

+ It comes in different sizes
+ Features triple stringers for durability
+ It is constructed from long-lasting polypropylene material
+ Dual channels for additional grip

Cons

– Not suited for smaller riders

Mike Stewart Science Bodyboard Tanner

Science Bodyboards - Are they worth it?

Here are the most important features you should know before buying this product.

Specifications and Overview

Specifications

Size: 41”
Color: Metallic gray, black, aqua,
Core material: Kinetic PP (Polypro)
Channels: Quad
Stringers: Single stringer
Slick: Surlyn
Deck: PE Deck Wave cushion Air 8lb
Tail: Crescent 
Rail Ratio: 55/45 
Flex Factor: F4

Features

The Mike Steward Science bodyboard Tanner is made from a polypyrene core, which can withstand the most brutal current for years.

The quad vent channels assist the rider in directing water flow up, enabling the board to hold a higher line on the wave face, creating faster water momentum. In short, the quad vent channels are great for maneuverability, control, and speed.

Its 41” size makes it suitable for riders who weigh less than 200 pounds.

The tail’s crescent design and the 55/45 rail ratio are convenient for comfort and provide a great balance between maneuverability and speed through any surf. In addition, its surlyn bottom makes it resilient on water and less susceptible to creasing than other cheaper materials.

Why We Would Recommend It

First, this product will suit any surfer who weighs less than 200 pounds and has advanced to intermediate bodyboarding skills. Also, its highly durable thanks to its PP core. The stringer system gives it a moderately stiff build making it great for lightweight riders. 

This slightly curved bodyboard is suitable for surfers who desire bodyboarding over currents with more incredible speeds. Although you will be moving at great speeds, its quad channels provide an anchoring surface, so you’re safe from falling off when you try out different maneuvers.

Overview of Mike Stewart Science Bodyboard Tanner

This high-flying signature model by Mike Stewart is great for riders looking for a bodyboard to help improve their maneuvering skills and want to have a great bodyboard that works over a large spectrum of conditions. Thanks to its slightly curved shape and quad channels, you can confidently surf as well in small as in bigger waves and start to learn some cool tricks.

Moreover, its single stringer strengthens the board therefore you do not need to worry about damaging the board when riding significant waves. 

Surfers with smaller body sizes and weights under 200 pounds can use this 41″ bodyboard in more or less all conditions. Its crescent hooks on the quad channels also help you take sharper maneuvers without falling off the board.

Summary of Pros and Cons

Pros

+ Constructed with a polypyrene core for durability
+ Features channels for better maneuverability, control, and speed
+ Single stringer for additional bodyboard strength
+ Has a unique design thanks to the variety of colors to choose from

Cons

– Not suitable for surfers who weigh more than 200 pounds

Conclusion

Science Bodyboards are great because they help you maintain control, speed, and balance, thus improving your bodyboarding experience.

We highly recommend the two Science Bodyboards by Mike Stewart reviewed in this guide. You can be confident that you will receive a high-quality item constructed of durable materials and parts to help you become a better bodyboarder.