The OR R&D team decided to give Mako a complete physical and try something new. They tested the Mako shape in multiple 4-fin setups and found the board lost its playful nimble feel and became slower. New tail shape profiles were developed and tested, all of which of which gave no new benefit. They even built prototypes with thick profiled tuck-shaped surf rails. No go!

The reality was that all these modifications seemed to have a negative effect when we tested these “new Makos” against the original shape, taking away from the balanced, lively, hard-carving, chop-eating, grin-inducing ride that has made the Mako an industry legend.

However, there was one upgrade that did make a positive difference. Make it lighter. Make the flex more “crisp”. We lowered the board weight by swapping in a new mineral-based composite to replace the classic S-glass. Now lighter, the Mako has found a new flex and liveliness that will be noticed and enjoyed by even the most diehard Mako devotee.