Billabong Boardshorts are the first on our list of Performance Boardshorts. Billabong's top 2 boardshorts are the Platinum X1 (PX1 for short) and the PX Dominator. Both boardshorts feature Billabong's Zero Gravity Stretch and Plaitnum X Quad Stretch technology, and both are great for surfing. Lets break these two high quality boardshorts from Billabong down.
A Closer look at Boardshorts Features from Billabong
Zero Gravity Stretch: the Zero Gravity Stretch material is extremely lightweight. Although, it doesn't feel like you're walking on the moon when you throw on boardshorts with ZG Stretch, it does feel like the boardshorts are floating on you. ZG Stretch feels free and flexible in the water, which always helps when attempting Taj like aerials.
Plaitnum X Quad Stretch: like how Zero Gravity Stretch is light, the Platinum X Quad Stretch is strettttchy. Quad Stretch means the boardshorts material stretches 4 ways, so anyway you tug or pull offers the same amount of flex. The Quad Stretch offers more than enough stretch for surfing needs. If somehow your knee were to get caught up in your board shorts on a Parko like hack, Quad Stretch would allow plenty of flexibility to pull your maneuver. A non-stretch material would surely lead to a fall.
PX Infinite Seam Technology: the PX Infinite Seam Technology is only featured on the PX1 Boardshorts. Infinite seam means there are pretty much NO seams. Although there are some seams on the waistband, the critical part (the leg area) has only glued seams. What this means is boardshorts with this feature offer a lot more flex as well as comfort. If you have a problem with boardshort rash, this feature is for you.
H2 Repel: This is perhaps the most impressive feature and only available on the PX1 boardshorts! Drop some water on these boardshorts and watch it just bead up and slip right off. If you dont like walking around in wet boardies the h2 Repel feature is a must have. Boardshorts with H2 Repel dry in about 5 minutes, which is pretty pretty fast.
Here is a little video from Billabong...
Breaking down the Boardshorts
PX1 Boardshorts: These are the TOP-OF-THE-LINE boardshorts from Billabong. The PX1's are extremely flexible and lightweight and feel great in the water. The PX1's are sleek, all black, and have only sealed slimline pocket on the right leg. The PX1's have a zipper-less fly with 2 velcro squares for closure. They are extremely comfortable and composed of 80% nylon and 20% spandex. The H2 repel feature may not improve your surfing, but its a neat feature you can impress you ladies and bros with. One suggestion would be to axe the wax comb that comes with these boardshorts (you dont want that thing twirling around and weighing down your right side).
Here's a video on the PX1's
So to sum it up, if you are looking for the highest quality trunks and looking to improve your surfing comfort and flexibility, then you cant go wrong with the Billabong PX1 Boardshorts.
Billabong PX Dominator Boardshorts: Although the Dominator boardshorts do not have all the bells and whistles that the PX1's do, the Dominator Boardshorts are still an excellent choice for Performance Surf Trunks. The significant difference from the PX1's is that the Dominator's do not have an infinite welded seam. Instead the Dominators have 2 panels, but still come equipped with Quad Stretch (4 way stretch) which provides for plenty of flex, even for the most advanced surfers. The fly and waist on the Dominators is practically identical to the PX1's. One nice feature of the Dominators is that they are made with ECO CIRCLE FIBERS, which is pretty much just a recycled polyester. Creating polyester is pretty bad for the environment, so its good to see that Billabong is aware and trying be as ECO friendly as possible.
Here's a gladiator like video featuring Parko...
These Billabong Boardshorts are great for surfing. If you need a high performance boardshort to boost your surfing confidence and skills then you cant go wrong with either of these from Billabong.
