On the hunt for a high performance longboard that is at home in big surf as it is trimming on the nose in the smaller stuff?

Well the Skindog Peacemaker Thunderbolt longboard might be exactly what you’re looking for – so here’s my full, hands on review of one of Skindogs best selling longboard models…

REVIEW: Skindog Peacemaker Thunderbolt Longboard

Who’s It Aimed At?

Like many great longboards, the Peacemaker is surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re a high-end beginner, a progressing intermediate, or an advanced longboarder, this board offers something for everyone.

At the beginner to intermediate level, its generous volume, forgiving rocker, and paddle power help with easy wave entry and stability. Meanwhile, advanced riders will appreciate its responsiveness and performance potential—especially when pushing it in bigger, punchier surf.

Don’t be fooled by the “performance longboard” label; it’s user-friendly across a wide spectrum of surf abilities.

 

 

Board Breakdown & Dimensions

Currently the Skindog Peacemaker comes in 2 sizes, the 9’1 (3 fin setup) and the 9’6 (single fin only):

• 9’1″ x 22.5″ x 2.75″ (62.5L)
• 9’6” x 23 1/2” x 3” (74.5L)

You can also order a custom PU Peacemaker direct from the Skindog factory in Newquay, Cornwall, which then opens up a bigger run of sizing and fin configurations.

The outline is inspired by some of Herbie Fletcher classic designs. The board’s features show huge characteristics from both ends of the longboarding spectrum. A big concave through the nose running down into the back third of the board, flowing into a V inside a double concave, contributing massively to the lift whilst on the nose and flow from nose to tail surfing.

The rails are key to this designs ability to surf this board anyway you like, with a lifted Apex in the rail through the nose gradually blending into a low apex of the rail through the tail, giving you great response off the tail when you want it and the feel you expect from a classic traditional design.

The combination of a wider nose, magic rocker and a rounded pin tail gives this model incredible lift, glide and stability on the nose, with the ability to flow through sections from anywhere you stand.

 

 

 

 

Thunderbolt Construction

The Skindog Peacemaker comes in two different constructions. The 9’1 option is available in Thudnerbolt Red, whilst the 9’6 is also available in Thunderbolt Black.

Personally I’m a huge fan of the Thunderbolt tech – lightweight and really durable. I’ve been surfing quite a few Thunderbolts recently (including the HI4, Ova and Mid 6) and love the feel underfoot.

Fin Setup

Depending on which size you go for, there are 2 fin setup options available with the Peacemaker.

The 9’6 is a dedicated single fin model, whilst the 9’1 also comes with sidebite boxes available, exclusively in FCS2.

As my go to fin setup for performance longboarding I’ve been using the Harley Ingleby tri-fin setup in my Peacemaker and it goes great – plenty of hold for nose time, but whippy enough to get some really nice turns in.
 

 

Ideal Wave Conditions

One of the biggest strengths of the Peacemaker is how well it performs across different conditions. From thigh-high mushy rollers to head-high point breaks, this board handles it all.

On smaller days, the Peacemaker glides smoothly and lets you showcase graceful footwork. On bigger, more powerful waves, it holds its line with confidence and allows for sharp turns and fast rail transitions. Whether you’re surfing beach breaks, points, or reef setups, this is the kind of board you can throw in the car and count on.

 

 

 

 

HI4 Comparison

On paper the Skindog Peacemaker should be more on par with the HIHP, so I was expecting it to be far more performance orientated than my Harley Ingleby HI4 – which has quickly become my go to longboard.

However I was super surprised how much more “loggy” it felt compared to the HI4, which I wasn’t expecting at all, although in hindsight if you compare the surfing style of Ben Skinner to Harley Ingleby you can see why this has come about.

Overall for me, the Hi4 is certainly the lighter and nippier of the two boards, and the HI4 flicks around much easier. But, the Peacemaker is much better on the nose, and feels much more locked in up front.

It did take a few surfs to get used to the feel of the Peacemaker in bigger conditions, but it can handle it, you just have to adjust your surfing a bit and steeper drops certainly take a bit more concentration!

Bottom line here is – if you want to be able to swicth easily between turns and nose riding, in up to head high surf, the Peacemaker wins out for me, with the HI4 having the edge in bigger and steeper conditions, or if you’re looking for tighter turns in the pocket.

It’s all going to come down to the style of your longboarding and the waves you’ll be surfing….

 

 

What’s It Like To Surf & Final Verdict

I’ll be honest—my first session on the Peacemaker was a little confusing. Coming off the Harley Ingleby HI4, which is ultra-responsive and quick, the Peacemaker felt a bit more “loggy” at first.

But after a couple of sessions, I really started to gel with it. It turns out, the Peacemaker offers a beautiful blend of performance and traditional longboarding.

It’s less “whippy” than the HI4 but has more stability on the nose and a smoother, more flowing rail game. It encourages full use of the board—from nose to tail—and rewards surfers who like to walk the board and move around and certainly suits my style of surfing and the waves I’m riding really well.

Whether you want to trim, noseride, or carve powerful turns, the Peacemaker delivers in all aspects.

The Skindog Peacemaker has become my go-to longboard. It’s incredibly adaptable, and it gets more fun the better you get.

If you’re looking for a board that:

Offers performance without sacrificing flow

Handles a wide range of wave types

Works for various skill levels

Has options for different fin configurations

…then the Peacemaker is definitely worth adding to your quiver.

From thigh-high peelers at The Pass to punchier conditions at your local beachie this board has consistently impressed. It’s easy to see why Ben Skinner chose this as his weapon of choice on the World Longboard Tour for a long time!

 

Have you ridden the Skindog Peacemaker?

What’s your feedback on it?