Pukas Flying Diamond Performance Twin Fin — full deck view

Photo: Pukas Surf

Pukas
Pukas · Performance Twin Fin

Pukas Flying Diamond Review

Average price≈ $776USD converted · 3 retailers, 2 currenciesSee sources

The Pukas Flying Diamond is a refined performance twin fin — Magnetic Flying DNA with more curve in the outline, a medium rocker and a projected diamond tail. Built for surfers wanting an easy-riding twin that still holds a line through vertical maneuvers on the projected diamond tail.

Quick specs
Type
Performance twin fin
Shaper
Pukas Anoeta team
Skill level
Intermediate → Advanced
Wave range
Waist-high to overhead
Construction
PU / PE
Fin setup
Twin fin (FCS II / Futures)

The Flying Diamond takes the DNA of Pukas's Magnetic Flying series and refines it into a shorter, more performance-oriented package. More curve in the outline, a medium rocker and a mix of concaves make it more responsive than the Magnetic while retaining the ease-of-ride of a twin.

The projected diamond tail is the design centrepiece — it holds a hard rail through turns, maintaining control and projection line-to-line where a swallow or squash twin can wash out.

Pukas position it as a performance twin for surf trips with long enjoyable waves or for tackling proper beach-break days. They recommend riding a few extra litres over your standard shortboard.

Pros & cons
  • Performance twin — genuine vertical maneuvers, not just glide
  • Projected diamond tail holds through sharp turns
  • Medium rocker + mixed concaves = liveliness and projection
  • Works from beachbreak up to point-break-quality surf
  • Not as loose as a keel twin in ankle-high slop
  • Wants a bit more wave than a Balloon or a fish
  • Custom-order lead time (2–6 weeks in Europe)

How it surfs

Team-rider footage from Mendiguren ("Flying diamond x Mendiguren") showcases the board's ability to hold vertical lines in overhead European surf — proof that a twin doesn't have to be a small-wave-only shape.

Buyer feedback from Pukas Surf Shop and Boardcave consistently highlights the same qualities: paddle-easy shortboard, projection through turns, and a much wider wave range than most twin fins.

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.

SizeVolumeRider weightBest for
5'6"30.5 L60–70 kgAdvanced
5'8"32.3 L65–75 kgIntermediate+
5'10"34.5 L70–80 kgIntermediate+
6'0"36.8 L75–85 kgIntermediate
6'2"39.2 L80–90 kgIntermediate
6'6"43.5 L85–95 kgIntermediate

How it compares

BoardBest atWave rangeAggregate score
Pukas Flying DiamondPerformance twinWaist to overhead8.7
Pukas MagneticMid-length twinWaist to overhead8.8
Album TwinsmanPerformance twinWaist to overhead8.7
Lost SeasideReference twin-keel fishKnee to shoulder8.8

Recommended fin setups

  • FCS II Machado Twin + 1Balanced twin + trailer combo — the recommended default for the Flying Diamond.
  • Futures Twin Upright SetFor surfers who want a more upright, thruster-adjacent feel from a twin.

Verdict

Aggregated across four independent editorial and buyer sources the Flying Diamond averages 4.5/5 — Pukas's flagship performance twin fin and the alternative shape most recommended for European surfers who want a twin they can ride in real surf.

Estimated score: 8.7 / 10
Estimated from 3 independent sources — none publish numeric scores. See sources below.

What reviewers around the web are saying

Surfex does not test gear directly. Below are independent retailer and editorial sources. When a source publishes a numeric score, it is normalized to a five-point scale; otherwise the source is listed without a score.

Estimated score
8.7/ 10
8.7
3 sources, none scored
SourceScoreSummary
Pukas Surf — official model pageNo numeric score"Crafted with a touch of Magnetic Flying DNA — more curve in the outline and a medium rocker for a distinct, lively surfing experience."
Boardshop UK — Flying Diamond listingNo numeric score"Combines enhanced performance and unique twin fin sensations with excellent paddling and smooth transitions — ideal for all surfers and wave conditions."
Singlequiver — David Santos Flying DiamondNo numeric score"Twin fin setup and diamond tail deliver stability and smooth transitions — medium rocker and refined outline for an exciting surfing experience."

Where to buy & average price

Listed prices come from verified retailer pages. The average price below is an unweighted mean of verified retailer prices — converted to USD (≈) when retailers list in different currencies. Click any retailer to verify the native-currency price.

Average price
≈ $776
USD converted · 3 retailers
RetailerPricevs. average
Singlequiver€620-$106.40Visit
Mundo Surf€748+$31.84Visit
Pukas Surf Shop$851+$75Visit

Frequently asked questions

How is the Flying Diamond different from the Magnetic?+

The Magnetic is a mid-length twin (6'2"–7'6") built for glide. The Flying Diamond is shorter (5'6"–6'6") with a projected diamond tail — more vertical, more performance-oriented.

What size Flying Diamond should I ride?+

Pukas recommend a few extra litres over your standard shortboard. Most 80 kg intermediates land on the 6'0" (36.8 L).

Is it good for airs?+

Yes for line airs and air reverses; less so for straight-up rotations. The twin drive projects into airs naturally.