How it surfs
Wooly TV's review of the reset Black Baron picks it as the standout in JS's small-wave line, calling out how much better it turns off the tail than the outline suggests. Luke Egan's own summer-prep review video echoes the verdict — this is the JS to reach for when the forecast is disappointing.
Noel Salas rated the twin-fin variant (Black Baron Twin) at the top of his groveler shortlist. The thruster/quad Baron 3 sits in the same tier for aggregate impressions across independent reviewers.
Volume & sizing chart
Use the chart below as a starting point. Add half a litre if you are less experienced, subtract half a litre for a looser feel.
| Size | Volume | Rider weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'4" | 26.5 L | 60–70 kg | Intermediate |
| 5'6" | 28.2 L | 65–75 kg | Intermediate |
| 5'8" | 30.0 L | 70–80 kg | Improver+ |
| 5'10" | 32.0 L | 75–85 kg | Improver+ |
| 6'0" | 34.1 L | 85+ kg | Improver+ |
How it compares
| Board | Best at | Wave range | Aggregate score |
|---|---|---|---|
| JS Black Baron 3 | Fast small-wave hybrid | Ankle to shoulder | 8.6 |
| Firewire Seaside | Twin fin small-wave weapon | Ankle to shoulder | 8.9 |
| Lost Puddle Jumper HP | High-performance groveler | Ankle to shoulder | 8.6 |
| Channel Islands Neck Beard 3 | Everyday groveler | Knee to head-high | 8.7 |
Recommended fin setups
- FCS II Mick Fanning Tri (Medium) — The default thruster setup — snappy and predictable.
- Futures John Pyzel Quad — For down-the-line speed in point-break conditions.
Verdict
Across four independent retailer and editorial sources the Black Baron 3 averages solidly in the top tier of small-wave hybrids. It is the JS Industries board most commonly recommended when the forecast is ankle-to-shoulder and you don't want to give up shortboard feel.