The Falcon 111 is the second largest in the fiveboard
Falcon line-up (see boardshorts for two new
falcon releases), all designed by Sebastian Wenzel
using CAD/CAM technology. Short and wide, it sees
its maximum width well forward of the board’s midpoint,
giving it relatively parallel rails before tapering
steadily to its rounded tail. With a unique hull shape
(including a mono-concave in the tail) and fiercely
sharp rail edges throughout (although experiencing
moderate tuck from the board’s mid-point to the
nose), the Falcon has some very interesting design
features. The volume is distributed quite evenly, the
tail being relatively chunky and domed, before the
thinning down to a flat deck around the mast track
and in the nose. Produced in carbon sandwich
technology, the Falcon is one of the lightest in the
test group and comes supplied with excellent
adhesive deckpads and a 40cm G10 fin.
Ride and Handling
Although a little obvious being the largest board in
this test, we could really sense the Falcon’s
exceptional early planing capabilities, releasing from
the water quickly and accelerating with real interest.
Undoubtedly one of the fastest here in marginal
conditions, it absorbs every last bit of energy
provided and physically steps up a gear with every
gust. This is particularly apparent off the wind where
the Falcon is easy to trim, the nose sitting low to the
surface of the water as the wide shoulders remain
surprisingly unaffected whilst skimming over the
back of chop. With feet located in the straps, the
dome of the deck and the deckpads themselves
provide an excellent combination of cohesion and
comfort, making the ride secure yet exciting and
involving. Our one grumble about the fittings regards
the Deep Tuttle fin bolts that sit proud of the deck,
the front one proving uncomfortable when the rider’s
back foot occasionally connects with it. Travelling
over the water the Falcon delivers quite a clattery
and direct sensation, the rider constantly made
aware of the terrain that they are sailing over. In
overpowered conditions and particularly sailing
across or upwind, we found you have to be quite
sensitive to maintain the board’s trim; in gusts the
wide shoulders are keen to rise up, forcing the rider
onto their back-foot and increasing the risk of spinout.
By concentrating on keeping the board flat and
reducing the amount of drive through the back-foot
however, we found the Fanatic maintained its electric
speed and efficiency.
Manoeuvres
Gybing the Fanatic requires some commitment to
initiate the turn, responding best to a positive and
assertive style. Once engaged however, the thin
shoulders hold the board into the turn well, and enable
the rider to tighten up the turn for a powerful exit, the
flat deck forward of the straps providing stability during
the foot change. The flat deck also comes into play
during the tack, offering plenty of time and practicality
to get round the front of the mast.
For: Lively high-octane riding sensation. Early
planing prowess.
Against: Protruding fin bolts. Sensitivity required to
control the trim in heavy chop and overpowered
conditions.
Width (cm) 69
Vol (L) 111
Weight (Kg) 7.00
Fin Fanatic G10 40cm (Tuttle)
Sail Range 6.0-9.0m
Price £1095.00
Verdict
The Falcon 111 is a sharp, direct and involving
board to sail, offering masses of performance
across an impressive wind range. Whilst
relatively easy to sail well in marginal
conditions, as the wind increases it requires an
experienced hand to explore its potential.
