New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 3 vs On Cloudsurfer Max
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
The consensus read
Each paragraph is a synthesis across every reviewer in our database for that shoe — what they collectively concluded after wear-testing. Not a quote. Not one person's take. The shape of the room.
On Cloudsurfer Max
A rocker-driven daily trainer that delivers smooth transitions and adequate cushioning for long runs, though it runs firmer than max-cushion marketing suggests and feels better suited to steady paces than easy miles or speed work.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 3 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
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A versatile trainer with a new midsole setup, great grip, and an excellent colorway — early testing has been positive.
In their words: "versatile, new midsole setup" · "great grip" · "colorway is an absolute winner"
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A comparable tall-stack daily trainer to the Hyperion Max 4 using PEBA-blend FuelCell and a full carbon plate; feels a bit dense and sluggish to Kofuzi but is popular with heavier runners seeking marathon support, and offers slightly more flexibility than the Max 4.
In their words: "a little bit denser than it needs to be"
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A more stable, stiffer, less-bouncy super trainer than v2 — better suited for uptempo training and marathon racing for average runners than for easy days, with great durability and improved guidance, but a finicky tapered toebox.
Ride:Carbon plate sits very high/close to the foot, making the ride feel oddly firm on landing with late-stage bounce. Took 20-30 miles to break in. Best for uptempo runs and uptempo long runs, not easy days.
Fit:Toebox tapers quickly and feels short — Matt strongly recommends going half a size up; midfoot has classic New Balance extra volume; heel counter is fairly stiff but well-rounded.
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A fantastic long-run cruiser that loses some of v2's pop in exchange for stability — recommended at the US $180 price, but the UK £230 pricing makes it nearly impossible for Ben to recommend over a Vaporfly 3 or Endorphin Pro at the same number.
Ride:Less pop than v2 but a lot more stability. Excellent dependable cruiser at easy through marathon paces; not responsive enough for 5K/10K paces.
Fit:True to size — Ben mistakenly went half size down (UK 11.5) and regretted it; Phantom Fit upper is breathable, gusseted tongue, generous heel padding.
On Cloudsurfer Max — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , firm_responsive feel , neutral stability .
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The Cloudsurfer Max successfully straddles high cushion and performance feel, making it a better long-run option than the Cloudmonster for runners who want to push pace rather than just log easy miles. The reviewer was pleasantly surprised by the fit, smoothness, and quieter ride compared to older On models.
Ride:Soft and cushioned with a performancy feel; smoother and quieter than older On models; not overly marshmallowy — retains enough firmness to push pace on long runs
Fit:Runs wider than expected; reviewer needed to go up a half size in length, though width was adequate even in original size
In their words: "had to go up a half size" · "fits nice and wide" · "Not overly marshmallowy cushy"
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The Cloudsurfer Max is a firmer, larger version of the Cloud Eclipse that brings more brand consistency to On's lineup but loses the dynamic softness that made the Eclipse special; Kofuzi prefers the Cloud Eclipse and recommends finding old stock at a discount.
Ride:Firmer than expected for a max-cushion shoe; peps up at faster paces thanks to medial geometry but lacks the dynamism and softness of its predecessor the Cloud Eclipse
Fit:Comfortable engineered mesh upper with knit tongue and padded heel collar
In their words: "It's just a lot more firm" · "A bit firm, a bit tall" · "max cushion shoe in the lineup"
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A good but hefty rocker daily trainer that fails to deliver the max cushioning its marketing promises; hard to recommend given the high price and more versatile, softer, cheaper competition.
Ride:Firmer than marketed; not a soft max-cushion shoe; smooth rocker transitions work best at in-between/marathon paces, not great for easy runs or speed work
Fit:Roomy but snug; stitched lace eyelet detail hit toe knuckle and could be a pressure point; consider half size up for very long runs
In their words: "soft but not spongy" · "It's quite a snug fit" · "a bit too heavy for real speed work"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 3 if
- Versatile long runs and racing for runners who want softness, plate, and durability over a fragile super-shoe. — EDDBUD
- Long-distance training and marathon running for masses-of-runners who want plate stability with a soft, wide platform — middle ground for runners who can't get on with very narrow racers like the Vaporfly. — EDDBUD
- Long easy runs, progression long runs, and long runs with marathon-pace miles for runners who want a stable, plated trainer. — Kofuzi
- Plated high-cushion trainer for daily training and long marathon training runs at steady cruising paces — best value in the $170-$190 plated trainer category for Steve. — Run Moore
- Uptempo runs, marathon-pace long runs, and a forgiving, durable marathon racer for runners who find the SC Elite v4 too aggressive. — Doctors of Running
- Runners who want a stable, plated long-run/uptempo trainer with smooth rocker rather than a flexible, bouncier max-cushion cruiser. — Doctors of Running
Consider the On Cloudsurfer Max if
- Saturday long runs for runners who like On's brand feel and prefer a firmer, taller daily trainer — Kofuzi
- Runners who want a high-cushion long-run shoe that still feels runnable and allows some pace pushing mid-run — Run Moore
- Runners who want a rocker daily trainer for marathon-pace and steady runs, not those seeking plush max cushioning — The Run Testers
- Easy and long-distance running for neutral runners who prefer a smooth, non-pillowy ride — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 3 and the On Cloudsurfer Max?
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 3 is a long run and the On Cloudsurfer Max is a long run. By the numbers, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 3 weighs 278g, has a 41mm heel stack and a 6mm drop, while the On Cloudsurfer Max weighs 292g, has a 37mm heel stack and a 6mm drop. The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 3 has a Forked carbon fiber plate with Energy Arc system; the On Cloudsurfer Max has none. MSRP is $180 for the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 3 and $180 for the On Cloudsurfer Max.
Should I buy the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 3 or the On Cloudsurfer Max?
EDDBUD on the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 3: Versatile long runs and racing for runners who want softness, plate, and durability over a fragile super-shoe. Kofuzi on the On Cloudsurfer Max: Saturday long runs for runners who like On's brand feel and prefer a firmer, taller daily trainer.
Per EDDBUD, Kofuzi.
Which is lighter, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 3 or the On Cloudsurfer Max?
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 3 is lighter, at 278g versus 292g (men's 9) — about 14g less.
Which is more cushioned, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 3 or the On Cloudsurfer Max?
Measured by stack height, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 3 has more underfoot foam — 41mm at the heel versus 37mm.