My first impression of this board - garnered by simply placing it under my arm - is one of unusual foam distribution.

Unusual, yes, but it's the way things are done in this age of diversity isn't it? Somewhere between the high-performance shorty and the high-volume fish is the outline of a well-balanced board. But when you tamper with planshape then you must also alter thickness. Finding the right mix of outline and thickness is the key to striking that balance.

The equation the makers of the 7S Fuze have gone for is standard length with a fuller planshape and the thickness reduced across the deck and rails. Like smearing hot butter the foam is spread thinner but over a larger area. However I'd better pull up on that analogy before I get a call from Terry Fitzgerald...

Taking it from under my arm and viewing it in profile the Fuze displays minimal rocker, especially from the mid-point forward. While under the hull things return toward orthodox with a shortboard-style single concave running through the back third. Low rocker, healthy concave: it's got the required attributes for a speed machine. Combine that with the aforementioned fuller planshape, more suited to the average (as opposed to expert) surfer, and you can guess what the makers are trying to do.

In the water the plan becomes clear.

The width provides a lot of stability and provides a very wide sweet spot. For those who find that their front foot doesn't always land bang on - a common trait to those who ride slightly larger boards - the Fuze will keep you in the groove. Just keep it moving and the concave will do the rest.

The lack of rocker keeps it inclined toward the horizontal - think floaters rather than lip hits - and it thrives on projection out of turns and time between them. It loves a bit of glide. Not to the extent of a modern fish - there is still a concave under the bonnet remember, and it needs to be driven. Yet a tendency toward extended turns and a slightly reduced operating speed betray the Fuze's modern fish bloodline.

The unusual foam distribution I mentioned at the beginning of this review is worth commenting on here. A result of the 'fuller but thinner' design of the Fuze is relatively thin rails, and the corresponding outcome is a relatively unforgiving capacity for committed turns. The sweet spot across the deck may be broad but the turning circle isn't. Get the weight distribution wrong and you'll feel it.

To counter this I'd suggest a willingness to test ride other models in the Fuze series. There are four ranging from 6'0" to 6'9" and catering to different height/weight ranges. My advice would be to test ride one first but be prepared to step up if it's not working for you in the way described above.

If it all sounds a bit 'hybridy' then that is exactly the point. Like many boards the Fuze borrows from a few designs without giving in to the extremes of any. It falls neatly within the realm of allrounder. An aquatic jack of all trades for the competent, but not exceptional, surfer. Perhaps one who wants to cover a few bases without a rack full of sticks?

The 7S Fuze was ridden twice in waves ranging from two to four feet. Visit GSI's website for more information about the design.

Disclaimer: Although Swellnet received no payment for this review, GSI advertise with Swellnet. So, although I've been honest, some people may see this review as a blatant plug. Consider this a test to see how cynical you are.