The iSonic is new, replacing the high profile
Hypersonic range that captured the public’s
imagination when it was released three years ago,
and must take part of the credit for reigniting interest
in speed/slalom sailing. The new series includes four
sizes, of which the 105 is the smallest. Incorporating
many innovative features, it is a very intriguing board
and draws the eye with its clean iPod inspired
graphics. Side cut-outs combine with cutaways to
make the tail of the iSonic very unique, not to
mention the squared off nose at the other end, which
enables the nose profile to remain as flat as possible,
generating enough lift to stop it catching in chop. As
such the new design is all about maintaining the
board’s trim low to the water to make the ride
efficient and controllable. Provided with the brand’s
new excellent straps, fish-scale deckpads and two
fins, it is a very well presented package, available in
either Wood or DRAM construction.
Ride and Handling
The iSonic is one of the standout boards in the
group; liked by all who tried it, it offers the range
and versatility to suit a wide cross section of rider
styles and abilities. Releasing onto the plane early, it
absorbs the power of an 8.5m easily and rises onto
its stiff fin, providing plenty of feedback to drive
against. Despite being placed right on the edge, the
footstraps are easy to locate and help to wrap the
rider’s feet round the rail, offering a comfortable
secure connection to the board. It seems to like
being loaded through the back foot, pointing well
and covering distance effortlessly. One of the fastest
here in light to marginal conditions, the true beauty
of the iSonic is its ease of use, giving incredibly high
returns for minimal technical input. In all but the
most extreme conditions, it simply trims itself,
skimming low over the surface of the water, the
shoulders seemingly oblivious to chop. In the
harshest sea states, we did experience it rocking
from side to side a little due to the width in the
shoulders, although a little bit of guidance from the
rider can alleviate this sensation. The board really
does a lot of the work for the rider, allowing them to
adopt a more relaxed sailing posture whatever the
conditions, and enjoy their sailing rather than having
to concentrate and wrestle all the time. Should the
rider find themselves out of their depth, they can
stand up and sheet out, the board remaining
trimmed to the water’s surface, free from any
behavioural problems.
Manoeuvres
Combining speed with control, the iSonic is
impressive in the gybe, capable of adapting to any
style from tight and aggressive corners to long
sweeping arcs. Preparing to initiate the gybe, we did
find our back-foot got stuck in the strap on occasion
(due to the dome of the deck and the strap’s
position), so care was taken to remove the foot from
the strap before coming up and over the board for
the transition. Tacking the 105 proved more of an
issue, the low volume in the nose requiring some
swift footwork from the sailor to get round the front
of the mast dry.
For: Control matched with stunning
performance levels.
Against: Tricky to tack
