The S Series II from Exocet comprises of two boards
designed to combine freeride ease and userfriendliness
with a performance range
encompassing slalom and even formula racing. The
S3 is the smaller of the two boards by 20L, we tried
the original back in May last year, and found it to
possess “exceptional racing performance … yet
requiring good technique to unlock its potential”.
Modified for 2006 to extend its appeal, Exocet are
keen to point out the design will remain current for
two years, “rather than launching yearly redecorated
‘fashion’ products”. With a short, wide
and rounded outline, it possesses an interesting hull
shape, including pronounced double concaves in
the shoulders before steadily reducing to become
flat in the tail. The board is provided with a high
performance Select fin, supportive straps, and
excellent heel cushioned deckpads, it feels every bit
the quality product.
Ride and Handling
Taking an 8.5m sail easily, the S3 rises onto the plane
instantly as soon as there is enough wind. Moving
back down the board, the straps are right out on the
rail (the back strap being noticeably hard to locate),
although once you are in them their position is ideal,
providing excellent support and a solid edge to push
against. Driving comfortably through your back foot,
the fin offers a great deal of feedback, allowing you
to release the board right onto its tail. At the same
time, the shock-absorbing deckpads cushion the ride
superbly, making it very comfortable to use for long
periods. In comfortably powered conditions the S3 is
fast on every point of sail, capable of heading very
close to the wind and equally impressively
downwind, giving it that winning edge on a
racecourse. As the wind strengthens and conditions
become more severe however, the S3 does require
the rider to get involved and take more of a
commanding role, requiring good technique and
concentration to keep the board skimming over
heavy chop efficiently. Whilst undoubtedly more
controllable than its predecessor, (never spinning out
or bucking its rider off balance) this new model is
best suited for the expert rider and above, looking for
board that provides the performance but demands
the technical knowledge in challenging conditions to
unlock it. One other point worth noting is the high
performance Select fin provided, which tends to
‘sing’ when sailing as speed. If you experience the
same sensation, to reduce the noise and fine-tune
the set-up we have been informed you will need to
gently sand the fin with 800grit wet and dry.
Manoeuvres
Driving the S3 into the gybe, the extended back
deckpad provides excellent adhesion to the board
with the back foot right on the rail. It does prefer a
wider, more refined gybing style, the front strap
catching and stalling the board if you force the rail in
too aggressively. In the tack, the board’s width
supplies masses of stability, offering plenty of time
and making it very easy to get round the front of the
mast track.
For: Early planing and performance in
marginal/powered conditions..
Against: Technical to get the most from, especially
in overpowered conditions.
Length (cm) 230
Width (cm) 70
Vol (L) 105
Weight (Kg) 7.70
Fin Select 40cm (Deep Tuttle)
Sail Range 6.0-8.5m
Price £999.99
