SBC Kiteboard - 2009 Board Reviews

NORTH Jaime Pro

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Freeride/Freestyle Twin
SIZE: 132 x 39.5 cm
FINS: 5 cm G10

On the Water
The performance of this 7th Generation Jaime Pro model reveals how far the snowboard style construction technology has advanced. The Jaime Pro is the softer flexing, narrower tipped and deeper concaved board of North’s extensive Pro line. It has a great combination of concave, flex pattern and shaped outline that provides an extremely smooth riding and comfortable, yet playful board. The Jaime Pro was a top choice for all-around freeriding in the choppy Hatteras sound conditions. It’s one of those boards you forget about when riding and it lets you concentrate on simply having fun and loading up for your next trick. It’s a really easy board to ride and most testers felt instantly comfortable with it. Great through the chop with moderate flex but good reactivity and enough pop for powered up freestyle. This board has plenty of performance in all categories. This board will be appreciated by a wide range of riders and skill levels.

Board Construction
North kiteboards are renowned for their industry leading durability and each model is packed with top quality construction and materials. This year North has introduced 3D wood carbon cap sandwich construction to their core. The 3D molded panels, drop down shaping on the top sheet provide grip for grabbing and give the Jaime an asymmetrical deck flex pattern. Carbon X stringers also stiffen the flex in the tips of the board. ABS sidewalls, and glossy coated top sheet insure longtime durability.

Footbed and Strap System
The new Multi Adjustable Footstraps work together with a redesigned footpad plate. Very easy to mount this system and the lightweight dual-density bed provides good grip and the right balance of cushion versus stiffness. The straps are adjustable in width for narrower feet and soft comfortable feel.

CABRINHA Custom

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Wakestyle Twin
SIZE: 138 x 42 cm
FINS: 4.5 cm Fibreglass

On the Water
The Custom is highly influenced by legendary team rider Andre Phillip, and its wakestyle performance and feel reflect his fluid style and wide, wakestyle stance. This is not the board for freeriders, but someone who likes full wakestyle moves and wants to hit some sliders. The bottom channels provide good grip and this board stays smooth out in choppy conditions surprisingly well. It has great pop with the right combination of flex and energy. The channels in the tips really enable you to stick those off-axis landings. If wakestyle riding with a full binding feel and heightened slider park performance are what your looking for, then Custom is your top choice.

Board Construction
Cabrinha boards are built using their own unique construction that makes the multiple concaves and channeled bottoms possible. The cores are built using Paulownia wood, a rapidly renewable resource that is light and durable in addition to being eco-friendly. ABS sidewalls and Cabrinha’s own resin and fiberglass technology give the 2009 Cabrinha board line a heightened level of performance, flex and durability.

Footbed and Strap System
The Sync Backless Binding has a longer strap and laced cinch adjustment to increase support for the side and top of your foot. It attempts to provide the added support of a binding with the convenience of a strap system. It took testers a while to get used to but once you’re dialed these strap and footbed lock you in better than the widely used, traditionally shaped and predominant strap systems on the market. The Sync system is also impressively light-weight and supportive with the soft durometer EVA footbed.

OCEAN RODEO Mako Freeride

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Freeride
SIZE: 150 x 40 cm and 140 x 40 cm
FINS: 5 cm G10 fins

On the Water
The Mako boards have inspired a cult following in the six years that this model has delivered a unique feel and great freeride performance. The massive, 18 mm of concave slices through any type of chop and provides easy upwind tracking and knife-through-butter like carves. The 150 x 40 cm Mako Wide, offers excellent lightwind performance and the board feels surprisingly small despite its length. This is a board that you could learn on and keep in the quiver for light wind cruising and freeriding in waves or chop. The new 140 x 40 size planes quickly and offers a better throw-around-feel with less swing weight. Cruising fast through any type of condition and loading up for some big air are what the Mako is all about. If you are a cruising freerider that loves to carve and boost lofty airs, don’t overlook the Mako Freeride Series.

Board Construction
The Makos are constructed using a rugged snowboard style construction which features a composite foam core and ABS sidewalls, sandwiched in bi-axial and tri-axial glass to deliver strength, durability and flex. There are reinforced wood heal pads and duraclear base to ensure the Makos can take mass amounts of abuse.

Footbed and Strap System
The new Bliss Foot pad and strap system provides the standard of comfort that is expected by today’s riders. The traditionally shaped strap is adjustable and easy to install. The dual density EVA foot pad has good contours and toe ridge to lock you in.

2009 Kiteboard Tests

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

2009 is an exceptional year to demo some new boards and discover the ever-evolving performance of today’s designs. As the kite performance has increased, board designers have been following it up with equal levels of improved board performance. Replacing your old board, or adding to your board quiver, can expand your riding skills into new disciplines and can maximize your performance in different water and wind conditions.

Twin-Tip Construction Trends

Photos by John Bryja, Dave Marshall, and David Tran
SBC test team: John Bryja, Craig Cunningham, Dave Marshall, Daniel Steiner, Shane Thompson and David Tran

There are a ton of new twin-tip models tested here and many of them show marked improvements over last year. Companies have done a great job at building upon the successful traits of their most popular models and have improved performance at many levels by refining shapes and adopting new technology and materials.
The majority of twin-tip shapes today are built using the ‘snowboard style’ construction, which features the distinctive ABS sidewall and thin rail profile. These boards have foam or wood cores that are laminated between various layers of fiberglass or sometimes carbon. Their construction processes and materials help to regulate the boards flex pattern. This year many of these style boards have changed their cores from EPS foam or PVC to various combinations of vertically laminated wood. Wood is widely used in snowboard construction because of its vibration absorbing characteristics. Wood consists of long fibers that transmit high-frequency vibrations along the board’s length. The use of wood in the core has improved flex patterns, increased dampening in chop, and created more reactive flex while improving longevity.

Bottom Shape, Rails and Flex
Although many manufacturers use broadly similar construction methods, there is still a lot of diversity in outline and bottom shape. While the predominant single concave bottom shape is still more common, many companies are looking outside of the box and have attempted to start new trends in shape, form and flex. There’s an increase in the number of more complicated multiple concave and channeled bottoms this year and board makers are finding new ways to deliver the performance that their test teams are looking for. Flex patterns are better understood after many years of production and prototypes. Some of the smoothest riding production boards have adopted asymmetrical flex patterns, meaning softer flex on the toeside than the heelside. Some models take it even a step further, and offer an altered outline on the toeside. Other trends also include the more custom hand shaping and smoothing of many of the ABS rails. Although some rails remain too thin and razor sharp to bother shaping, many freeride models are seeing rounded out ABS rails and hand shaped as opposed to the sharp squared ABS rails of a few years ago.

Board and Foot Connection
Footbed and strap systems continue to evolve with some companies making small improvements on the traditional shape and function of the footstrap while others forge entirely new paths. New lace-up straps system and lighter weight footbeds are two trends in these systems. Most companies have also reduced the struggle for mounting strap systems. Footbeds also have more contoured shape this year, and most have more aggressive heel cushions, and toe ridges to help lock you in better than before.

TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME BUYER
There are a ton of options to decipher for the first-time buyer and choosing a new board can be confusing. Distinctions in outline, bottom shape, length, width, flex and construction all contribute to the overall performance character of modern twin-tip models. So when you’re deciding to buy a new board it helps to understand how different features translate into overall performance. Longer and narrower boards with more flex are generally easier to keep on edge and can track upwind easier than the short, stiff freestyle models. If you’re a beginner, don’t get a board that’s too short and wide or too stiff and unforgiving. With a board that promotes easy and straight line tracking it will promote good fundamentals. You can get a board that has performance that you can grow into, but don’t choose a board that is too stiff and aggressive. Looking at the bottom shape, you can choose between subtle concave to more pronounced concave on some models or more complicated multiple channeling. Concave will help smooth out chop and can make riding less on edge easier. Rounder outlines versus square parallel rails tend to be more carving and freeride-friendly. Square off tails and very parallel rails are characteristic of more aggressive freestyle shapes that aim to provide explosive pop for unhooked wakestyle manoeuvres.

Average board size chart for twin-tips for moderate wind speed.

Rider Size                   Length (cm)    Width (cm)
60- 100 lbs                  105-128     31 -38
100-150 lbs                 124-132    36-41
150- 180 lbs                130-142    37-42
180+ lbs                      132-150     38-44

SURFBOARDS
The surfboard lines of many brands keep expanding with tons of new options and new levels of directional performance. If you think that pulling out an old directional shape from seven years ago is the equivalent of a modern surf shape, think again: There’s no comparison. Today’s surf shapes are smooth and controlled under power, they give you grip on edge but are loose and snappy on a wave. There are tons of variations of shapes available that cater to different weight riders and most importantly, different wave and wind conditions. This year there has been an explosion new fish models as well as new quad-fin designs and even some fish-quad hybrid designs. Fish boards are great for having fun in the less-than-ideal wave conditions. They are more snappy, manoeuvrable and skatey and can derive more power from smaller waves. Quad-fin designs are all the rage this year following the trend from the surf scene. Today’s quads are awesome for driving upwind and, depending on your foot placement, you can alter the radius of your turn by engaging the power of the side fins.

Liquid Force Recoil Comp

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Freestyle Comp
SIZE: 134 x 40 cm
FINS: 5 cm G10

On the Water
The LF Recoil Comp is aimed at the freestyle rider that wants to push the limits in competitions. The square outline and parallel rails produce extreme amounts of pop and the board’s flex is stiff and reactive. The thinner rails cut through chop better than the Recoils of the past and the overall control and high-end performance has improved. Better release and less face spraying this year. Our young freestyle testers kept sneaking away to the slick on this board for some heavy unhooked sessions. It’s best suited to the freestyle enthusiast that wants competition ready performance.

Board Construction
The Recoil Comp has a milled PVC core and has revamped construction with thinner deck contour for lower swing weight. There are new thinner ABS rails and a matte/top and bottom for increased tensile strength.

Footbed and Strap System
The Comp Strap returns with a unique lace cinch system that provides excellent hold on your foot. Using the technology from their wakeboard line, the strap works in conjunction with cushiony, air-cell induced pads.

North XRide

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Freeride/Wave Twin
SIZE: 135 x 39 cm
FINS: Surf style 5 cm G10 fins

On the Water
The XRide offers a loose carving feel with the roundest outline and most pronounced concave of the North board line. The rounded-out ABS rails and softer flex also make it the most forgiving ride. The surf-style fins provide good grip upwind when on edge but are really easy to release and give the board better surf capability when in the waves. The XRide can be ridden fast and the fins can be powered up for some big air and the landings are smoothed out by the flex tips. In rough, choppy conditions the Xride also provides a smooth and controllable ride which is ideal for progressing riders. If you’re a freerider that likes to carve and have the versatility of control and precision in waves and choppy conditions, the XRide is a great option.

Board Construction
New for 2009 all of the North boards have gone to a 3D wood carbon core construction, which is improving flex patterns and reducing the weight of these boards. The 3D shaping of snowboard style constructed boards provides progressive levels of flex through to the tips. The 3D shaping also gives a nice grab channel on the top sheet at the centre of the board. Durability is also ensured with a foil top sheet and ABS sidewall protection.

Footbed and Strap System
See description for the North Jamie Pro.

NAISH Custom Fish 5’2”

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Surf quad fish
SIZE: 5’2 x 17 1/2’” X 2”
FINS: Quad DFS

On the Water
The Fish 5’2’’ is a fun, snappy little monster that pushes a ton of versatile performance into a compact shape. The lightweight construction feels reactive underfoot and this Fish is capable of fast, tight radius turns or drawn out carves depending on where you weighting is. The slight concave in the deck smooths out chop well and despite its short length this board drives upwind easily on the large side fins. Excellent choice of board for any surf enthusiast that want a compact travel companion to hit the surf with. It rides bigger than size and can handle small to mid-size waves with playful ease.

Board Construction
Naish offers a full range of surf shapes to suit every style and wave condition on the planet. The new construction for the 2009 wave line features full EPS core with a wood stringer, and full PVC wrap sandwich construction. The wood deck provides added durability and an awesome look.

Footbed and Strap System
Each model in the Naish Surf line comes equipped with high quality EVA molded deck pads and two surf footstraps. Multiple footstrap settings let the rider adjust to preferred stance and turning performance. Back foot positioning can change the turning characteristics and stability of the quad-fin boards with access to snappier, tighter radius turns as the back foot is moved aft of the larger side fins.

Cabrinha Caliber

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Freestyle/Freeride
SIZE: 133 x 41 cm
FINS: 4.5 cm Fiberglass

On the Water
The Caliber is a great all-around freeride board that offers a unique feel with its quad concave bottom. It has less rocker than the Custom and tracks easier upwind despite its shorter length. The wider tips are very flexy and this provides great control while highly powered in choppy conditions. Testers found it fun to play around with this board as it reacts quickly edge to edge and has a good combination of grip and slipperiness. For pure freestyle it takes a while to get used to getting the pop out of this board as it’s very flexy in the tips. It’s ideal for freestyle when fully powered up and in high winds and chop. The flat section and the heavier rocker line also makes it ideal for sticking off axis landings. This a fun all-around board that freeriders can enjoy and freesytlers will appreciate in heavy chop and higher winds.

Board Construction
The Paulownia wood core is Eco-friendly and found exclusively in Cabrinha’s twin line up. The Caliber has 3DX shaping on the top sheet and a quadra concave bottom shape. ABS sidewalls and Cabrinha’s own resin and fiberglass technology give the 2009 Cabrinha board line a heightened level of performance, flex and durability.

Footbed and Strap System
The Sync Backless Binding is a new approach to the traditional strap and footbed system. The longer strap provides added support to the sides and top of the foot with the intention of providing a more solid connection to the board. It feels different than the traditional straps and if you haven’t worn bindings before it takes some time to get used to. Good evolution of the traditional strap system that many other brands have been slow to develop.

NAISH Thorn FC

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Freestyle Competition
SIZE: 134 x 41 cm
FINS: 5 cm G10

On the Water
The Thorn has been the go-to board for aggressive freestyle junkies and advanced freeriders for many years now. In the development of the 2009 Thorn, the designer set out to combine the solid power and reliability of the ’07 model, with the playful pop and energy of the ’08. The new Thorn FC definitely lives up to its legend with powerful pop, smooth accessible speed, and more control through chop than previous models. The more aggressive freestyle testers loved this board, especially in flatter water conditions where the energy of this board can be fully utilized. It has reactive flex and the harder you push it the faster and more pop it will deliver. Excellent choice for aspiring freestyle competitors or for the advanced freerider that wants access to huge pop in the ultimate first-time buyer and reactive construction.

Board Construction
The Naish Thorn has a slightly evolved shape and some significant construction changes for 2009. Available in two versions, the Full Carbon Thorn has full carbon top and bottom laminates for the ultimate reflex response and progressive stiffness. All of Naish’s twin-tips feature a full tip-to-tip vertically laminated wood. The Thorn also has vertical I-beams that run the through the core to tie together top and bottom and laminates and provide added stiffness and durability.

Footbed and Strap System
The Grav-D footbed system has also evolved with an increased shaping in the footbed and stiffer materials in the straps. The Footbed has enhanced shaping with a heightened gas pedal angle and a pronounced toe ridge. The new straps lock your foot in tightly and the toe grip gives you added grip to avoid getting pulled out during powered freestyle manoeuvres.

CRAZYFLY RAPTOR PRO

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Freeride/Freestyle
SIZE: 132 x 41 cm
FINS: 5 cm G10 Fins

On the Water
The Crazy Fly is a fun, skatey, sportster that can be aggressively thrown into turns. It’s faster and livelier than last season’s Raptor and has improved upwind performance. There’s ample pop available for the odd freestyle manoeuvres and the flexy tips provide good control for sticking those off-axis landings. Good bounce control and flex in the tips also helps to smooth out the chop. The new tail shape seems to release easier than the previous CrazyFlys we’ve tested and in the flat water you can load and release on demand. The Raptor Pro has performance that adapts to real world conditions and is a great option for the freeriders of the world.

Board Construction
The Raptor is one of the few boards on the market with full Nano Carbon construction and it also features a full wood core. Nano fiber tech is a cross-woven carbon cloth that provides the most responsive reflex response and contributes to this CrazyFly’s dynamic flex pattern.

Footbed and Strap System
The Quick Fix strap system is super lightweight compared to other systems tested. Very easy to mount and adjust this strap system which is a bonus for tightly packing boards for travel or shipment. The aggressively contoured footbed and toe ridge take some time to get used to, but after a while your feet acclimatize and you’re fully locked in.

http://www.crazy-fly.com

F-ONE Signature 5’6’

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Waves, Thruster Fin
SIZE: 168 x 45 cm
FINS: Future Fins Vector II G10

On the Water
With F-One owner Raphael Salles being a top rider in the surf, it comes as no surprise to the SBC test team that the F-One Signature is a top performer. The Signature 5’6” is very smooth and fast on the water. Its concave and Vector fins provide a ton of lift. Despite its heavier weight, the board is very lively and easy to manoeuvre into turns. It has great grip on edge and can be aggressively turned both toeside and heelside. Definitely an excellent choice for strapped riding in some powerful waves. The use of bamboo make this the board of choice for the environmentally conscious too.

Board Construction
The F-One Signature features Bamboo Sandwich Technology. Laminated bamboo top and bottom sheets are specifically engineered to provide unsurpassed durability and rigidity to take the abuse of kiteboarding in the surf. The F-One has the most solid construction of all the surfboard tested, but doesn’t feel heavy underfoot.

Footbed and Strap System
The F-One Signature comes complete with two soft surf footstraps and custom logos and graphics on the deck pads. The straps are symmetrical making them ideal for riding regular or goofy.

f-onekites.us (USA)

kitebroker.ca (Canada)

Nobile NBL

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Progression Freeride
SIZE: 138 x 41 cm
FINS: 5 cm G0

On the Water
The NBL is ideally suited to the beginner rider that’s looking to fast track into more advanced riding. It has qualities a beginner/intermediate needs which include easy tracking, good upwind drive while not pushing on edge. It’s not too sensitive to improper weighting of the foot and helps to promote good board stance. Once your dialed, the NBL still has enough performance to take you into some big jumps and manoeuvres. It has good width to access some pop and its size would be great to keep around for those lighter wind days.

Board Construction
Full wood core and many of the features found on Nobile’s higher-priced models. A 3D molded top sheet gives the board its flex character, and thin ABS sidewalls ensure durability. A UV resistant foil also ensures all Nobile boards retain their good looks over time.

Footbed and Strap System
Nobile Integrated Footbed System is a simple but effective setup with the strap and pad built together. With the built-in system there is no hinge on one side like conventional straps, which helps to fit smaller and larger feet. The screws come already to attach to the board.

Nobile T5

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Freeride Twin
SIZE: 134 x 41 cm
FINS: 5 cm G10 TFC

On the Water
The 555 board range from Nobile has been very popular at beaches around the world because of its broad reaching performance for the majority of freeriders out there. Easy to use, quick planing, control at speed and excellent upwind performance have made this model the workhorse of the Nobile board range. Testers have always loved the way this board handles, especially in the hairy chop on areas of the Hatteras Sound. This year is no exception. If you’re into freeriding and want a board that has plenty of performance to cross into some freestyle, the T5 is a versatile performer that will let you build new skills.

Board Construction
Renowned for their durability and pioneering of the 3D top molded snowboard construction, the Nobile T5 has a new core made of 90 per cent wood core with 10 per cent honeycomb. The 3D molded top sheet enables flex to be adjusted at varying levels throughout the board. New asymmetrical outline also means different outline and flex on toeside and heelside rails.

Footbed and Strap System
See description for the Nobile NBL.

JIMMY LEWIS SUPER MODEL 135

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Freestyle/Freeride
SIZE: 133 x 39 cm
FINS:

On the Water
Jimmy Lewis Super Model 135 is another classic shape from JL. This board has a more powerful squared off tail block, which delivers good pop and excellent control on landings. It’s a great freestyle shape that you can still have fun with in less than ideal unhooked conditions. JL’s legendary “dominatrix” concave bottom shape helps to smooth out chop and provides the ideal combination of grip, control, smooth carving and mad pop. One tester thought all of JL’s shapes were freeride oriented like the legendary Model 3. The Super Model changed his mind in a hurry. If you’re a JL fan, this board is a must-have.

Construction
The Jimmy Lewis boards are built using semi-custom technology that’s admired more for their finely detailed looks and responsive performance than for scratch resistance or bombproof durability. Internally, and on the water, the boards are built tough, but if you kite near rocks you’ll have to deal with more scratches and dings compared to your everyday snowboard tech finish.

Footbed and Strap System
New straps now available.

www.jimmylewis.com

www.jimmylewis.ca

CRAZYFLY BULLDOZER

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Freestyle
SIZE: 135 x 39 cm
FINS: 5 cm G10

On the Water
The Bulldozer is an easy cruising board that goes to edge easily and tracks upwind well. Testers noted that it was one of those boards that lets you ride it and forget about it. Seems to have more flex this year overall, but it’s actually stiffer through the centre section. This board is designed to bridge the performance between the Raptor Pro and the Rocky Chatwell Pro Model. When pushed it can deliver goods for freestyle performance, yet it’s tame enough for intermediates to enjoy. Testers were also impressed by its smooth riding feel and good power generation. The rounder ABS rails and concave also allow for a slightly softer carving feel than the squared rails and flatter concaves of many other designs. The new flex tips and tail shape smooth out the chop and add some control to help slow kite speed when needed. The tips flex off slightly, which helps to stick off-axis landings. It’s an all-around easy cruising board with performance that reaches out to the aspiring new freestyle rider.

Board Construction
The CrazyFly Bulldozer uses high tensile strength uni-directional carbon fibre in their board construction in addition to the tip-to-tip wood core. High-quality materials and workmanship ensure top-notch durability and performance. Durable ABS sidewalls are machine-shaped and hand-finished, which give the Bulldozer a heightened custom feel.

Footbed and Strap System
The first thing noticeable about the CrazyFly Footbed System is how easy the Quick Fix Strap system is to get on the board and/or adjust stance angle or width. The adjustable footstrap is a reliable industry standard and the footbed is heavily contoured. It takes a while to get used to and work in this footbed, but in the end the dual-density pads are comfortable and overall the system locks your foot very well.

http://www.crazy-fly.com

Airush Switch

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Lightwind Twin / SIZE: 156 x 46 cm / FINS: 4 cm G10
This Switch is a large twin-tip that’s good for the progressing rider that wants to ride with less power or for anyone looking for a board to give that extra juice needed to have fun in light winds. For a big board it goes through chop well and the single centered concave does its job. The ample flex in the flatter tip areas also provides a good amount of control without sacrificing upwind performance or too much reduction in pop. Easy tracking board for the beginner and good overall character for light winds, the Switch seems much livelier than last year’s model and better crosses into more advanced riding. It’s an sll-around good freeride board that anyone getting into the sport will enjoy and grow with.

Board Construction
The Biotech technology from Airush features a multizone vertical wood core which is wrapped by a triaxial laminate. The tapered core and rails give this board a dynamic flex pattern. The slight concave in the middle section bleeds into the flat section of the tip and tail. ABS sidewalls and PBT top and bottom sheets ensure excellent durability against scratches and dings.

Footbed and Strap System
Airush Autofit Strap and beds lock the foot in with a custom fittings system using different density of foam in critical areas of the footbed. Cushioned patches in the heel and toe provide good grip and let the bed mold to the foot quicker than other types out there.

AIRUSH FS PRO 132

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Freestyle / SIZE: 132 x 39 cm / FINS: 4 cm G10

On The Water
The Airush FS is the dedicated freestyle performer that is designed to deliver the goods whether in competitions or at your favourite slick. It has a solid stiff flex throughout and a powerful parallel outline which provides explosive pop. The minimal concave bottom shaping is fast and fluid, and this board likes to be ridden on edge through chop. The flat rocker and stiffness allow you to push as hard as you can against the FS and it rewards you with a good combination of control and reaction. Its best suited to the advanced riders that need a board to deliver quick and reactive pop for freestyle manoeuvres. The other twins of the line, the Protoy and the Xpact offer more moderate flex and higher amounts of bottom shaping for freeriders and smoother controlled riding, through choppy conditions. Any advanced freestyle rider will be happy with this board’s aggressive and explosive character.

Board Construction
Each year, Airush has refined their snowboard-style construction. This technology offers the highest in durability and strength to weight ratios. The CNC-machined wood core is tapered to offer the optimum flex pattern. The 4 mm ABS side rail is consistent throughout and the rails are stepped down from the 3D shaped top sheet. Tri-axial laminates provide bombproof durability and carbon X stringers bring the FS explosive pop.

Footbed and Strap System
Airush Autofit Strap and beds lock the foot in with a custom fitting system using different density of foam in critical areas of the footbed. Cushioned patches in the heel and toe provide good grip and let the bed mold to the foot quicker than other types out there. Straps were easy to adjust and have durable rubber moldings on the top, which can help with durability and protection.

Liquid Force RAWSON Quad 5’10’’

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Waves
SIZE: 5’10”
FINS: FCS Glass

On the Water
The Rawson LF Quad design was one of the test favourites for Hatteras downwinders. The aim of the quad-fin setup is to improve carving, edging and upwind ability, while at the same time increase manoeuvring on the wave. Rawson’s shape hits the mark in this respect. This board feels much looser than many normal thruster fin setups. It’s fast and smooth and drives upwind easily on the side fins. On the wave it’s dreamy, it derives good power even from smaller waves and reacts quickly to input, but is stable enough for the less advanced. The lightweight construction and overall feel of the board is equally as groundbreaking.

Board Construction
Liquid Force Rawson surf shapes are available in two types of construction: standard durability of the polyester reinforced or the new EVF technology, pictured here. This new tech takes vacuum bag technology to a new level with specially cut bias fiberglass cloth layer which give the board a hand-laminated feel, super lightweight and reactive flex. The metallic paint finish is dope.

Footbed and Strap System
All LF surf shapes come with deck pads and two surf straps. The board provided for testing is Matt Nuzzo’s personal board and is seen here pimped out with Dakine straps.

Amundson Pro Model 5’9”

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Wave
SIZE: 5’9” x 44 cm
FINS: Futures Glass

On the Water
This pro model has all the performance that you’d expect from the experienced hand and style of John Amundson. Clean flowing lines, a subtle concave bottom shape and thinner rounded rails through the forebody taper into more squared off rails at the round tail. This board was John’s own personal board, and it’s amazing fun and easy to ride and you remain smooth and controlled even at high speeds. Its thinner rails and lower volume make it ideal for higher winds or bigger, more powerful waves. This board will have no limit to its performance in those premier wind and wave destinations. Our testers are keen to add this board to their quivers.

Board Construction
Custom built by John Amundson with the best quality, high density PU cores, these designs are available in both polyester and epoxy construction.

Footbed and Strap System
Comes complete with two custom-designed deck pads and NSI footstraps. The front footstrap on the board we tested arrived preset ducked out for an aggressive and powerful stance. Multiple insert options let you customize the setup anyway you like it. The NSI straps are the softest and most flexible straps in the test.

www.amundsoncustoms.com

Eclipse Ltd edition Dimitri Pro

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Freestyle
SIZE: 135 x 43 cm
FINS: 4 cm G10

On the water
This board represents the style and performance demanded by its namesake, the legendary Dimitri Maramenides. As Maramenides has his own unique, aggressive style so to does his board. This board features a deep groove down the centre of the board. This deep channel enables two effective edges while the boards on edge and enable incredible upwind performance despite the shorter length. Aggressive stiff flex gives the board quick, agile pop for freestyle manoeuvres. The groove also gives the board extra grip for off-axis landings. The flat rocker line makes the board very speedy and stiffer flex gives it a ton of energy to load up for massive jumping. Top marks go to Eclipse for an outside-of-the-box design that delivers high-end performance for aggressive riders.

Board Construction
Snowboard style construction with full vertically laminated wood core, ABS sidewalls and extra reinforcements at the load points. Inside screen printing on the graphics for slider proof shine.

Footbed and Strap System
The Variable Max Comfort Footpads have a fast lock system for easy assembly. Dual-density foam cushioning of the footbeds is moderately stiff for direct board feel. The traditionally shaped footstraps are a good industry standard build.

JIMMY LEWIS CHAMBER 6.0

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Waves
SIZE: 6’0” x 18 ¼”
FINS: Futures G10

On the Water
The Chamber is a modern-day short board with a narrow nose and squash tail. Its riding behaviour will satisfy intermediate to advanced level wave riders that are looking for a responsive stick to take wave riding to the next level. It was a test favourite for ocean downwinders. The Chamber responds instantly to foot pressure and can be driven into the turns with the front foot and snapped back with the back. It has enough flat rocker in the mid-section to drive upwind with confidence. JL’s magic shines in the Chamber with smooth water release and the ultimate precision and control under your feet.

Board Construction
Jimmy Lewis surf directionals not only have a finely detailed custom finish, but are also built tough to handle the perils of wave riding. Multiple insert positions for the centerline footstraps let you dial in the perfect stance.

Footbed and Strap System
All JL’s surf shapes come equipped with two adjustable straps and tail and front EVA foam pads as well as a Futures G10 thruster fin set.

www.jimmylewis.com

www.jimmylewis.ca

ECLIPSE Sabre

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Freeride
SIZE: 135 x 43 cm
FINS: 4 cm G10

On the Water
The Eclipse crew has designed some boards here that should prove popular amongst their many followers. The Saber is the do-it-all freeride board that delivers a butter-smooth ride while maintaining the performance characteristics Eclipse is famous for. The Sabre is a first-time buyer board, one of the lightest in the test, with an easy cruising feel to it. Its ample size allowed for cruising upwind easily and it has good early planning ability. Not recommended for aggressive wakestyle riders with flex and shape geared towards intermediates to advanced freeriders. The combination of flex and concave seem to smooth out the chop nicely and there’s no worry of face splashing or other funky things going on. Good all-around freeride board for the masses.

Board Construction
The Eclipse Sabre is built using the snowboard style construction with rounded-off ABS sidewalls and PVC composite core. The wild Eclipse graphics are screen printed inside the deck making them slider proof. There are reinforcements around the stance load sections that contribute to it’s unique state-of-the-art flex pattern.

Footbed and Strap System
See the review of the Eclipse Ltd edition Dimitri Pro.

Rogue Wave Twin

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

STYLE: Free ride/Freestyle
SIZE: 131 x 39 cm
FINS: 1.75” G10

On the Water
Each year we become more impressed by the custom shapes that come from Rogue Wave. This year’s twin was smoother, faster and more powerful than last year’s, and has overall better grip and control through the chop. Thinner rounded rails near the tail, a lightweight construction, and some good centre channeled concave give the Rogue Waves their distinct feel. If you’re looking to get away from the snowboard style construction, the Rogue Waves are a great answer. You can ask for the characteristics and have a board built to your custom specification, at production prices.

Board Construction
Handcrafted in Canada, all Rogue Wave boards are built to last using the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. The core is shaped from Core-cell A600 and rails are fully wrapped with seven layers of glass on the edges and the tip. You can specify colour and graphic to suit your style. A top secret exclusive technique is used in the glassing for increased vibration dampening and durability.

Footbeds and Straps
Stainless steel insert options make Rogue Wave boards capable of riding with full bindings or the straps and footbeds of your choosing.