The Hungarian custom manufacturer Mojo Boards builds boards for a wide range of applications (HERE is an interview with Mojo man Bertalan Csik). The Tidal Max model should be of interest to a particularly large target group, as it is designed as a crossover board for bump & jump, manoeuvres and moderate surf. Generally speaking, the shape can be ordered 1:1 as tested, but you can have the board customised to your own requirements on request - for example in terms of strap spacing, fin boxes, design and, last but not least, the construction. We tested the board in the "Rock SG" construction - this includes high-quality S-Glass and localised carbon reinforcements.
On land
The Tidal Max 100 weighs 6.9 kilos in the tested version, and the build quality makes a very good impression at first glance. The board is supplied with good foot straps, which are not only double but also fixed in place with solid threaded screws. The pads are comparatively firm and the board should be particularly stable where the heels maltreat the board during hard landings. In the production process, cylindrical holes are milled into the base area after the foam core has been milled, which extend from the deck to the underside. A rigid foam is inserted into these holes, which is then bonded to the sandwich material at the top and bottom. This is intended to create a stable framework and prevent the core from giving way in the standing area and the board becoming soft. The outline of the board looks wave-orientated and the nose is slim. We were recommended the board with thruster fins from Maui Ultra Fins in lengths of 25 and 10 centimetres - but these are not included with the board.
On the water
With its flat deck, the Tidal Max is nice and stable in the water when bobbing. As soon as the first gust hits the sail, the board pulls away passably. Planing and acceleration are moderate, the board accelerates more like a limousine than a racy sports car. Even when powered up, the focus of this board is fully on control and riding comfort, rather than maximum sporty and direct directional stability. However, the characteristics are a pleasure to ride, especially in rough conditions, as the Tidal Max quickly gets the better of choppy waves with its rail-like water position and excellent smoothness.
The comfort feeling also continues seamlessly in manoeuvres and when riding waves: the mojo shape is stable on the edge and carves smoothly through wide and medium radii. Cleanly carved power jibes, duck jibes and carving 360s can be performed flawlessly with this board. Even when fully powered up, the board provides the best smoothness for classic planing manoeuvres or long bottom turns. The board can also be pressed into cutbacks with a moderate radius; as soon as surf waves are on the menu, you should only give the board a slightly smaller centre fin (21-23 centimetres). The Tidal Max is not made for a really light-footed waveboard feeling, but Mojo has other models up its sleeve for this.
Mojo Tidal Max 100 - the conclusion:
As a classic crossover board, the Mojo Tidal Max covers a wide range of uses. Above all, as a controllable, easy-to-surf board for strong winds, it scores points with its smooth running and control. At the lowest wind limit, a little more liveliness would be nice, but the board is ideal for heating, jumping and manoeuvre surfing with wave or freemoving sails.
Video test of the Mojo Tidal Max
Mojo Tidal Max 100 - technical data
- Sizes: 87/94/100/104/109 litres
- Lengths: 225/226/226/226/227 cm
- Widths: 59.5/61.5/64/64/65 cm
- Price2090 Euro
More info at mojoboards.hu
