How it surfs
Where the Ghost separates itself from other step-ups is the transition from full-rail carve to top-turn snap. Reviewers describe it as a board that holds through the bottom turn like a gun but comes off the top like a modern shortboard — a combination almost no other step-up gets right.
The trade-off is a narrow useful wave range. Every review agrees the Ghost is the wrong choice when the surf is small, and a very right choice when it is not. Own a groveler alongside it and the quiver is complete.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'10" | 27.8 L | 65–75 kg | Advanced |
| 6'0" | 30.0 L | 70–80 kg | Advanced |
| 6'1" | 31.2 L | 75–85 kg | Advanced |
| 6'2" | 32.5 L | 80–90 kg | Advanced |
| 6'4" | 34.6 L | 85–95 kg | Advanced |
| 6'6" | 37.1 L | 95+ kg | Advanced |
How it compares
| Board | Best at | Wave range | Aggregate score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pyzel Ghost | Step-up in powerful surf | Head-high to double-overhead | 9.1 |
| Channel Islands Happy Everyday | All-round daily driver | Knee to overhead | 8.9 |
| JS Monsta 10 | Everyday performance shortboard | Waist to overhead | 8.7 |
| Firewire Seaside | Small-wave twin fin | Ankle to shoulder | 9.0 |
Recommended fin setups
- FCS II Julian Wilson Tri — Balanced drive and release — the safe default in solid surf.
- Futures John John Florence Medium — Signature template. Drivey and stable at speed.
- FCS II Performer PC Medium — More forgiving for advanced amateurs stepping up.
Verdict
Across five independent retailer and editorial reviews the Ghost averages one of the highest aggregate scores of any step-up shortboard on the market. It is the board most commonly recommended once the surf gets consistently overhead — arguably the reference design of the modern step-up era.