With the likes of reigning world champion Micah
Buzianis now behind them, JP look set to make a
full assault on the PWA slalom 42 rankings for 2006,
with their recently released second edition slalom
boards selected by Micah as his weapons of choice.
The 94 is the second smallest of a four board range,
and has all the hallmarks of a serious racing
machine. Under closer inspection the first quality
you appreciate is its weight, this Pro Edition tipping
the scales at just 6.20kg, complete with fin (although
it doesn’t come supplied with one) and straps! The
underside is relatively straightforward, with a
progressive increase in vee from nose to tail only
interrupted with the addition of the brand’s
trademark channel, finishing with deep cutouts in the
tail. The board’s outline follows what seems to be
the modern slalom board trend, with the maximum
width placed well forward of the board’s mid-point,
before tapering down to a narrow tail shape
Ride and Handling
Tested with a 33cm Select carbon fin, the 94 proved
to be one of the most potent yet technical boards to
sail in this group, rewarding those possessing the
skill and raw nerve to keep it at bay with a
devastating level of performance. One of the
smallest in the test, it can carry a 7.5m sail and
releases onto the plane the instant there is enough
power delivered. In light to moderate conditions it is
within the limits of the advanced rider, feeling sharp
and lively underfoot and only asking for the smallest
gust to show its worth. The straps and deckpads are
wrapped right around the board’s rail, providing the
rider with a firm edge to push against. As such,
there is only one way to sail the Slalom II and that’s
fast, with a locked in stance to drive all the energy
from the sail directly into the board. Load the 94 to
take it into the conditions for which it is designed
and you begin to realise the true nature of the beast,
for this is not a board for the faint-hearted!
Technically demanding to trim correctly and redirect
at speed, the Slalom II is ferociously fast and will
take no prisoners if you get it wrong. Sail in a
reserved manner and it will leave you behind, forcing
you onto your back-foot from where any number of
things could happen. Drive it too aggressively
through harsh chop without keeping the trim and the
leeward shoulder will trip, stalling the board violently
and at best pulling your stance out of shape. Suited
only for the technically gifted and those with enough
concentration or mettle, the 94 offers a simply
exhilarating ride and responds like a guided missile
to the assertive riding style.
Manoeuvres
With the straps right out on the rail, the front strap
catches and stalls the board if you initiate the gybe
tentatively. Instead, we found the best way to get the
94 through the turn was to get well forward and
drive the board’s thick shoulders into the water,
tightening the corner up so that you exit it as soon
as possible. Get it right and the board returns with a
fearsome level of bite, projecting you out of the turn
with more speed than you entered. In the tack, the
94 shows its size and requires some nimble
footwork to get round the front of the mast.
For: State of the art board with the performance to
match its appearance.
Against: The most dedicated here, demanding good
technique especially in severe conditions.
Feedback from JP: JP have a new G10 fin line, not
Length (cm) 234
Width (cm) 60
Vol (L) 94
Weight (Kg) 6.20
Fin No fin (Tuttle box)
Sail Range 5.8-7.5m
Price £1029.00
Verdict
The Slalom II 94 is a serious bit of kit,
demanding a great deal of technical input and
raw courage from the rider to unveil its
awesome race-winning returns.
