The Sonic sits alongside its new stable-mate, the
iSonic, as Starboard’s pure slalom board series.
There are only a couple of boards available ,
the 95 tested here being the larger of the two.
Derived from the much celebrated Sonic 100 of last
season, the 95 sees a thinner nose profile in what
otherwise seems to be the same board, save a
slightly modified deck shape. The mast track is
recessed using a concave scoop, intended to help
pin the board down in extreme conditions, whilst the
tail on the board is very domed to assist comfort.
Supplied with adhesive fish-scale pads, lightweight
race straps and an exceptionally stiff fin, the Sonic is
a very classic looking slalom machine.
Ride and Handling
Feeling its size, the Sonic’s domain is not in light or
marginal conditions, preferring to be comfortably
powered in 7.5m weather or stronger before it
begins to show its true colours. Once its planing
threshold is reached it accelerates extremely rapidly,
feeling sharp and lively underfoot. This is
undoubtedly a board for the speed enthusiast and
requires an accordingly high sailing ability, such is
its narrow specialist outline. The footstraps are
placed right out on the rail and are a little hard to
locate due to their stiffness … although once in
provide a very secure and solid connection with the
board. Load the Sonic in powered conditions and
you begin to realise what it is all about, inspiring
confidence as it translates all the power the sail can
muster into acceleration. It is breathtakingly fast off
the wind, and exhilarating to sail as it dances over
the back of chop, physically stepping up a gear with
every gust. The spread between the front and back
straps is quite narrow, making the rider’s stance very
compact towards the back of the board, thereby
helping them to maintain contact and control over
the board in overpowering conditions. Heading
upwind however, it requires good sensitivity and a
subtle approach – the slightest hint of too much
pressure through the back foot and it will skip out.
Rather more specialist in nature than the iSonic, this
95 is for the speed fanatics out there, looking for a
board that they won’t doubt when the conditions
turn extreme.
Manoeuvres
With their narrow spread and outboard positions, the
footstraps accentuate the need for the rider to get
well forward and onto the front foot to engage the
rail and carve the board smoothly through the gybe.
Carrying its speed into the turn the Sonic has a
more drawn out carving circle, the concave deck in
front of the straps helping to locate the feet properly
when stepping forward to exit the turn. Tacking the
95 also requires a skilled approach, such is its width
and low volume nose shape.
For: Limitless top end speed coupled with control.
Against: Requires time to adjust to its riding style.
Length (cm) 245
Width (cm) 58.5
Vol (L) 95
Weight (Kg) 7.05
Fin Drake Slalom Pro 320cm (Tuttle)
Sail Range 5.5-7.5m
Price £959.00
