Tkb Review: 2022 CORE 720

Sizes Available: 4’11” x 17 ¾” x 2” – 19.3L, 5’1” x 18 3/16” x 2” – 20.6L, 5’3”x 18 3/8 x2 1/8 – 22.1L
Sizes Tested: 5’3”x 18 3/8 x2 1/8, 22.1L

Core Says:

Do you prefer strapless surfing? Do you get inspired by the idea of sticking a clean 720? Do you often ride your surfboard when others are riding their twintips? And does your spot deliver less than stellar wind or wave conditions more often than not? If you answered yes to these, the 720 is a fantastic choice. You may think this tiny board needs more wind for your kite spot but its wide, flat rocker and parallel rails get the Gen2 720 on a plane faster than our Ripper 4.

The all new 720 features a channeled, quad concave hull and stringer-less EPS composite construction which gives the 2nd generation next-level handling and durability. The completely new construction starts with a high-density EPS foam blank that’s topped with 4mm PET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) honeycomb and sandwiched within E-Glass and Epoxy resin. Think explosive aerials. Chop busting comfort. Heel dent-resistant landings. And gravity-defying stick-to-your-feet rotations. That’s what you’ll get in the new 720.

Visit for more info: www.corekites.com/us/kite/boards/surfboards/720-2

TKB Says:

This year the 720 received a complete redesign that changed everything from its compact shape, hull design and dimensions as well as a new light weight construction that improves durability and performance. When we first unpacked the new 720 its impressive reduction in weight was immediately noted with a significant difference that you will recognize when holding the board in your hand. By switching from polyester to a EPS composite construction, Core has brought the 720 into a new class of high performance strapless boards that stay glued to your feet during big airs and is extremely flickable to help you master every low or high altitude trick on your bag.

Design and Features
The 720 keeps its parallel cutoff shape but changes the dims to a slightly narrower template with a quad concave that runs the length of the board with a significant rounded spine down the center. The EPS sandwich employs a PET honeycomb for added durability where your feet stomp on the board and carbon reinforcements down the center as well as around the tail. The rails are noticeably thinner and the flat nose gets a subtle point with slight re-shaping in the tail. The 720 comes as a dedicated strapless freestyle board and saves weight by not including strap inserts. The thruster/three fin configuration in the tail features the extremely versatile FCS II fin system for popping fins in and out without hassle. The new 720 is a complete departure from the first generation and is a much lighter and performance-oriented freestyle weapon for flat water, small waves and bump & jump conditions.

Impressions
One of the first things we noticed about the new 720 was the straighter rocker that yielded incredibly efficient upwind riding. The 720 was very easy to get on plane and accelerated easily into higher speeds for really fast but controlled upwind riding. The rails work with the fins to yield superb edging control which helped slice through choppy conditions and encouraged us to launch into jumps with higher speeds. While the 720’s bottom shape feels extra fast, the tail rocker is shaped to aid load and pop airs with an easy release when you stomp on the tail and direct the board into the air.

We really liked the tail kick pad with its center bump that fit under the arch of our foot and the ample tail kick in the back that keeps your foot glued to the board during even the most aggressive maneuvers. Our board came with an optional front deck pad, for those who prefer a front pad to wax, which, with its thin material usage and cutouts, was minimal, lightweight and wide enough to provide ample coverage and give us a little extra grip close to the rail edge on our board grabs.

When it comes to launching airs, the 720 felt glued to our feet; its shorter compact shape assisted us in completing rotations and the significant reduction in weight helped the wind keep the board plastered to our feet on larger jumps. With the impressive rail control and increased acceleration, we found ourselves carrying more speed into our takeoffs and going for bigger airs with the 720 staying glued through the final moments of our longer jumps. The aggressive bottom shape helps with landing the loftier airs and contributes to the 720’s solid tracking and confident edge at all times.

When it came to slashing waves, we found the 720 geared to strapless freestyle first and foremost, yet we still had fun in mushy onshore slop doing off the lip aerials and floaters. Compared to the Ripper, the 720 wanted a little more input to carve tighter turns, but its rail to rail transitions felt smooth which had us thinking about riding this board in bigger waves and at higher speeds. Core indicates that the 720 has the flattest rocker of its surfboard lineup and because of that we found the 720 to have tons of range and early planing in lighter conditions. If strapless freestyle and general surfboard freeride is your primary riding style, the 720 with its light but sturdy build and super-efficient planing hull is a top of the line choice.