At a Glance
The 142 is the second largest in Hifly’s Free series,
designed around providing speed and efficiency in
light to medium winds. Generously supplying each
model with two fins, the range has been completely
reworked to take advantage of the new performance
range the improved fins offer. Like its’ smaller sibling
the 111, the 142 has a very complex bottom shape,
largely incorporating double concaves which overlap
with the progression of vee in the tail. In addition it
includes bevels, which radiate from the back straps
to the shoulders, and incredibly tucked rails all the
way from the nose to the front straps. Constructed
using carbon Kevlar sandwich technology, it is the
largest board in this group going by its quoted
volume, and looks as such with a length of 263cm.
Ride and Handling
Using its larger fin, the 142 glides up onto the plane
smoothly, immediately feeling lively and responsive
underfoot; the more advanced sailor can even coax
it to get going earlier, the board reacting well to
pumping. Such is its level of response to foot
pressure that you have to be relatively precise and
light on your feet as you move down the rear of the
board – clumsy on your feet and you’ll find the
board pointing head to wind in no time. Once you
have found the straps the board trims itself
instinctively, the shoulders keeping high and dry
from any danger as it reaches a steady yet easy
cruising speed. Compared to others in the group,
the 142 does feel its length, although it has none of
the control issues associated with such an
elongated nose, cutting a very efficient path through
any water state, the shoulders clear whilst the rider’s
ankles remain completely dry. Slot the smaller fin
into place and try to load the 142 in powered
conditions and it responds willingly, accelerating
with interest in a gust, especially off the wind.
Pointing well as it flies on its fin, the board really
does do most things without being asked, requiring
little input from the rider so allowing them to relax
and enjoy the ride. The one grumble we have is with
its front strap arrangement, dictating a narrow
stance to the rider if they place the straps in their
outboard settings. Loading the board using this
arrangement, you do feel uncomfortably cramped on
the tail of the board, just waiting for the fin to
misbehave and make the board rail-up, for which
you would have no answer. But it doesn’t come! The
fin never poses the question and the board retains
its instinctive trim, even in the most violent gusts.
Manoeuvres
Cutting a smooth predictable arc through the turn,
the 142 is very versatile in the gybe, capable of
adapting to any style. Engaging easily, you can
really feel the rails grip the water, encouraging the
rider to force more energy into the turn. Exiting the
gybe, the board’s width presents enough stability to
accommodate any clumsy footwork, helping it to
maintain its speed. We do feel however that the
142’s performance could have been improved
further by a wider rider stance, offering better control
through the turn, especially in heavy seas.
For: Top end speed coupled with ease, versatility
and fun.
Against: Poor front footstrap options leading to
narrow stance.
Hifly Free 142
Length (cm) 263
Width (cm) 69.5
Vol (L) 142
Weight (Kg) 9.0
Fin Freeride 43cm and 37cm (Power)
Sail Range 6.0-8.5m
Importer Total Option Tel: 01543 411333
Price £899.00
