Length (cm) 253
Width (cm) 69
Vol (L) 130
Weight (Kg) 9.70
Fin Mistral Freecarve 42cm (Power)
Sail Range 6.0-9.0m
Price £849.00
The Screamer is Mistral’s designated freecarve series,
said to offer speed, early planing and easy gybing
capabilities. This 130 is the largest in a four-board
range and has a similar distinctive volume distribution
to that of its smaller siblings, the 115 and 105 tested
earlier in the year. With a thin nose and wide, flat deck
right up to the front straps, the board then sees a
surge of volume concentrated in the tail, making it
particularly domed on the edges. The underside of
the board is even more unique, with double concaves
in the nose, overlapping with vee that becomes
increasingly pronounced in the tail. But that is not all –
the most distinguishing feature is the excessively
large bevels that start from in front of the shoulders
and finish between the straps, complimented by a
great deal of tuck in the rails. Well presented, it has
good straightforward training strap options and
comes supplied with excellent cushioned deckpads,
easily adjustable straps, a mini-screwdriver and an
already attached fin bolt screw.
Ride and Handling
On the water, the Screamer 130 was undoubtedly the
best model of the range we have tried this year,
fulfilling its role excellently whilst offering a smooth
and easy ride. Rising up onto the plane with little
persuasion, it has incredible directional stability,
sailing itself in a straight-line whilst the sailor can
concentrate on shifting their weight further down the
board. The straps proved effortless to locate and
provide a secure connection with the board, the
deckpads absorbing the impact of chop whilst the
dome of the deck is very comfortable underfoot. Once
you are in the back strap, the extra volume
underneath your foot is noticeable, making your
stance raise up relative to the rig, so be prepared to
sail with your boom a couple of inches higher than
you would usually have it. As such, its unique volume
distribution does help the 130 get through lulls
effectively, helping it to maintain its steady speed and
continue gliding, despite the loss of drive from the rig.
With an easy stance in the water, it is an effortless
board to sail well, masking over any inaccuracies and
allowing the sailor to take up a relaxed leisurely
posture. When the wind increases, the 130 can also
be loaded with an efficient sail to extend its
performance, releasing it a little more onto the fin to
improve its speed … although it soon becomes
obvious that the board isn’t intended for this style of
sailing. With its raised tail the sailor experiences a
great deal of burn through the back leg, making it
hard to sail assertively for any length of time.
Manoeuvres
In the gybe, the 130 is a very easy board with which
to get through the turn consistently, preferring a
smooth drawn out arc rather than being forced into
the turn aggressively. Initiating the carve instinctively,
it soon scrubs off any excess momentum to return to
its steady slow planing speed, maintaining it through
the rest of the transition, the wide flat deck in front of
the straps a stable landing pad as you step forward
upon exit. In choppy conditions, the thin shoulders
actually hold the board into the turn well and help to
soften the path through the confused water. Similarly
in the tack, the flat deck around the track, provides
time and stability to get round the mast without
issue.
For: Easy, steady tutor for the intermediate sailor
with a very forgiving nature.
Against: Uncomfortable being loaded, the rider
experiencing back leg burn.
