Length (cm) 249
Width (cm) 71
Vol (L) 130
Weight (Kg) 9.65
Fin Naish 40cm (Power)
Sail Range 5.8-8.0m
Price 799.00
The Icon is new to the Naish line-up for this season,
replacing the Titan after its range had only just been
modified for 2005. Designed for maximum
performance from minimum effort, the four boards in
the series have a wide target audience, from “the
sailor taking their first steps onto a short-board, to
the ambitious slalom sailor looking for a light air
freeride/slalom solution.” Short and wide, the 130
has a thick boxy profile throughout, with plenty of
volume concentrated around the mast track. The
deck is very flat in the nose, which combined with
the subtle nose rocker makes the board seem very
flat overall indeed. On the underside it has a
progressive increase in vee towards the tail,
complimented with bevels in the nose and
shoulders. The rails on the other hand have a sharp
edge and only experience a slight tuck from the
mast track onwards. Produced in a new glass
sandwich construction, it has an inbuilt railband for
additional durability and comes complete with a
40cm freerace fin, heel cushioned deckpads and
Naish’s characteristic firm footstraps, giving it a very
well finished appearance.
Ride and Handling
On the water the Naish has a very distinct character,
unique from anything else in the group. Feeling
quite small and compact underfoot compared to
others here, it takes a little more energy to release,
rising steadily from the water once its planing
threshold is exceeded. There are a couple of
inboard strap positions available, making the board
viable for the ambitious intermediate. Used in
comfortably powered conditions with outboard
straps, it has a good turn of speed, providing plenty
of feedback from the fin as it skims over the water.
With its flat nose sitting low to the water’s surface, it
just asks to be driven through the back foot, the
rider’s feet locked comfortably out on the board’s
deckpads that wrap round its boxy rails. The hull
does feel quite stiff and sharp when sailing it, and
despite the cushioned pads absorbing some of the
impact as you sail over chop, the ride is rather
involving, the pilot continually informed of every
bump and chop that they sail over. This is
particularly noticeable when taking the Icon out in
overpowered conditions, where it does become
technical to trim efficiently, the board tipping from
side to side and requiring a firm hand to regain
command over it. This is partly due to the hard
footstraps that provide little support or comfort to
help to rider trim the board ideally. More interesting
to sail for the experienced rider than many here, the
Icon is a wearing board to sail for long periods if you
are not use to its direct style.
Manoeuvres
Entering the gybe with speed, the Icon has only one
true turning arc that it likes to prescribe, feeling
rather twitchy and insecure if you force it into a
tighter carve. Get the angle right and it bites well, the
flat deck helping to stabilise the board upon exit. In
chop the board’s boxy shoulders demand
concentration from the rider to engage, bouncing
out of the turn if constant even pressure is not
applied.
For: Suited for those that like a harder more direct
ride.
Against: Twitchy and unforgiving in the gybe. Lack
of comfort in chop.
30 Nisan 2009 Perşembe
Mistral Screamer 130
Length (cm) 253
Width (cm) 69
Vol (L) 130
Weight (Kg) 9.70
Fin Mistral Freecarve 42cm (Power)
Sail Range 6.0-9.0m
Price £849.00
The Screamer is Mistral’s designated freecarve series,
said to offer speed, early planing and easy gybing
capabilities. This 130 is the largest in a four-board
range and has a similar distinctive volume distribution
to that of its smaller siblings, the 115 and 105 tested
earlier in the year. With a thin nose and wide, flat deck
right up to the front straps, the board then sees a
surge of volume concentrated in the tail, making it
particularly domed on the edges. The underside of
the board is even more unique, with double concaves
in the nose, overlapping with vee that becomes
increasingly pronounced in the tail. But that is not all –
the most distinguishing feature is the excessively
large bevels that start from in front of the shoulders
and finish between the straps, complimented by a
great deal of tuck in the rails. Well presented, it has
good straightforward training strap options and
comes supplied with excellent cushioned deckpads,
easily adjustable straps, a mini-screwdriver and an
already attached fin bolt screw.
Ride and Handling
On the water, the Screamer 130 was undoubtedly the
best model of the range we have tried this year,
fulfilling its role excellently whilst offering a smooth
and easy ride. Rising up onto the plane with little
persuasion, it has incredible directional stability,
sailing itself in a straight-line whilst the sailor can
concentrate on shifting their weight further down the
board. The straps proved effortless to locate and
provide a secure connection with the board, the
deckpads absorbing the impact of chop whilst the
dome of the deck is very comfortable underfoot. Once
you are in the back strap, the extra volume
underneath your foot is noticeable, making your
stance raise up relative to the rig, so be prepared to
sail with your boom a couple of inches higher than
you would usually have it. As such, its unique volume
distribution does help the 130 get through lulls
effectively, helping it to maintain its steady speed and
continue gliding, despite the loss of drive from the rig.
With an easy stance in the water, it is an effortless
board to sail well, masking over any inaccuracies and
allowing the sailor to take up a relaxed leisurely
posture. When the wind increases, the 130 can also
be loaded with an efficient sail to extend its
performance, releasing it a little more onto the fin to
improve its speed … although it soon becomes
obvious that the board isn’t intended for this style of
sailing. With its raised tail the sailor experiences a
great deal of burn through the back leg, making it
hard to sail assertively for any length of time.
Manoeuvres
In the gybe, the 130 is a very easy board with which
to get through the turn consistently, preferring a
smooth drawn out arc rather than being forced into
the turn aggressively. Initiating the carve instinctively,
it soon scrubs off any excess momentum to return to
its steady slow planing speed, maintaining it through
the rest of the transition, the wide flat deck in front of
the straps a stable landing pad as you step forward
upon exit. In choppy conditions, the thin shoulders
actually hold the board into the turn well and help to
soften the path through the confused water. Similarly
in the tack, the flat deck around the track, provides
time and stability to get round the mast without
issue.
For: Easy, steady tutor for the intermediate sailor
with a very forgiving nature.
Against: Uncomfortable being loaded, the rider
experiencing back leg burn.
Width (cm) 69
Vol (L) 130
Weight (Kg) 9.70
Fin Mistral Freecarve 42cm (Power)
Sail Range 6.0-9.0m
Price £849.00
The Screamer is Mistral’s designated freecarve series,
said to offer speed, early planing and easy gybing
capabilities. This 130 is the largest in a four-board
range and has a similar distinctive volume distribution
to that of its smaller siblings, the 115 and 105 tested
earlier in the year. With a thin nose and wide, flat deck
right up to the front straps, the board then sees a
surge of volume concentrated in the tail, making it
particularly domed on the edges. The underside of
the board is even more unique, with double concaves
in the nose, overlapping with vee that becomes
increasingly pronounced in the tail. But that is not all –
the most distinguishing feature is the excessively
large bevels that start from in front of the shoulders
and finish between the straps, complimented by a
great deal of tuck in the rails. Well presented, it has
good straightforward training strap options and
comes supplied with excellent cushioned deckpads,
easily adjustable straps, a mini-screwdriver and an
already attached fin bolt screw.
Ride and Handling
On the water, the Screamer 130 was undoubtedly the
best model of the range we have tried this year,
fulfilling its role excellently whilst offering a smooth
and easy ride. Rising up onto the plane with little
persuasion, it has incredible directional stability,
sailing itself in a straight-line whilst the sailor can
concentrate on shifting their weight further down the
board. The straps proved effortless to locate and
provide a secure connection with the board, the
deckpads absorbing the impact of chop whilst the
dome of the deck is very comfortable underfoot. Once
you are in the back strap, the extra volume
underneath your foot is noticeable, making your
stance raise up relative to the rig, so be prepared to
sail with your boom a couple of inches higher than
you would usually have it. As such, its unique volume
distribution does help the 130 get through lulls
effectively, helping it to maintain its steady speed and
continue gliding, despite the loss of drive from the rig.
With an easy stance in the water, it is an effortless
board to sail well, masking over any inaccuracies and
allowing the sailor to take up a relaxed leisurely
posture. When the wind increases, the 130 can also
be loaded with an efficient sail to extend its
performance, releasing it a little more onto the fin to
improve its speed … although it soon becomes
obvious that the board isn’t intended for this style of
sailing. With its raised tail the sailor experiences a
great deal of burn through the back leg, making it
hard to sail assertively for any length of time.
Manoeuvres
In the gybe, the 130 is a very easy board with which
to get through the turn consistently, preferring a
smooth drawn out arc rather than being forced into
the turn aggressively. Initiating the carve instinctively,
it soon scrubs off any excess momentum to return to
its steady slow planing speed, maintaining it through
the rest of the transition, the wide flat deck in front of
the straps a stable landing pad as you step forward
upon exit. In choppy conditions, the thin shoulders
actually hold the board into the turn well and help to
soften the path through the confused water. Similarly
in the tack, the flat deck around the track, provides
time and stability to get round the mast without
issue.
For: Easy, steady tutor for the intermediate sailor
with a very forgiving nature.
Against: Uncomfortable being loaded, the rider
experiencing back leg burn.
Kinetic Gladiator 135
Length (cm) 250
Width (cm) 77
Vol (L) 135
Weight (Kg) 10.05
Fin 42cm (Tuttle)
Sail Range 6.0-9.0m
Price £799.00
At a Glance
The 135 is the largest model in the four-board
Gladiator line-up, possessing the same
straightforward visual graphic as its smaller siblings.
Supplied with easily adjustable straps that can be
placed in a multitude of positions, simple yet
effective deckpads and a 42cm Tuttle box fin, it has
quite a unique design making it standout from the
crowd. Whereas the bottom shape is nothing to write
home about, with only the channel in the nose
(bizarre in a board this size) interrupting the
progression of vee towards the tail, the outline of the
board itself is very wide and rounded, whilst the
profile is particularly thin throughout. Like the 95
tested last month, the 135 has an angular diamondshaped
tail and sees its fin placed quite far back in
the board, counteracting the back straps that are
placed quite far forward. Described as the most
versatile board range Kinetic have ever produced, it
also has a long mast track to cater for its large
suggested sail range.
Ride and Handling
At rest, the Gladiator’s flat deck shape makes it very
secure and stable underfoot, capable of carrying
sails up to 9.0m with ease. Whilst not the fastest or
most spontaneous to get on the plane here, as
power is supplied it glides up onto the surface of the
water, requiring very little input from the rider. The
number of strap options are excellent catering for a
wide range of abilities, the calm measured nature of
the 135 reassuring the intermediate as they progress
into stronger winds. With the straps placed in their
outboard settings the stance remains quite upright
and relaxed, although it has quite a deceptive turn of
speed, especially off the wind. Pointing upwind well
and floating over choppy conditions in a much more
controlled manner than its width measurement
would have you believe, the one area in which we
felt the board could be improved was its deckpads.
Whilst they provide good adhesion to the board,
they do not offer a solid edge to push against, so
experienced riders will find themselves frequently
adjusting their stance in overpowered conditions to
try and get the most from the board. As such, the
Gladiator is an excellent board for the improving
intermediate, right up to the advanced rider looking
for a board to make the most of marginal conditions.
Manoeuvres
In the gybe the 135 has a very versatile nature, and
will respond to any number of carving styles. Such is
its width that it does require the rider to take a
consciously wide step over to the leeward rail,
applying a positive amount of pressure to initiate the
turn. Happily adopting a wide, prolonged and
predictable arc, ideal for the intermediate, it is also
capable of being driven through a tight powerful
carve, holding its edge beautifully as you plough it
into the corner. The front area of the back deckpad
offers excellent security as you step over onto the
leeward rail, whilst the flat wide deck provides the
stability to escape any clumsy footwork upon exit.
Similarly in the tack the width and volume around
the mast track provides ample time to step round
the front of the mast.
For: Versatile all-round freeride performance.
Against: The fin bolts supplied are awkward and
time consuming to use.
Width (cm) 77
Vol (L) 135
Weight (Kg) 10.05
Fin 42cm (Tuttle)
Sail Range 6.0-9.0m
Price £799.00
At a Glance
The 135 is the largest model in the four-board
Gladiator line-up, possessing the same
straightforward visual graphic as its smaller siblings.
Supplied with easily adjustable straps that can be
placed in a multitude of positions, simple yet
effective deckpads and a 42cm Tuttle box fin, it has
quite a unique design making it standout from the
crowd. Whereas the bottom shape is nothing to write
home about, with only the channel in the nose
(bizarre in a board this size) interrupting the
progression of vee towards the tail, the outline of the
board itself is very wide and rounded, whilst the
profile is particularly thin throughout. Like the 95
tested last month, the 135 has an angular diamondshaped
tail and sees its fin placed quite far back in
the board, counteracting the back straps that are
placed quite far forward. Described as the most
versatile board range Kinetic have ever produced, it
also has a long mast track to cater for its large
suggested sail range.
Ride and Handling
At rest, the Gladiator’s flat deck shape makes it very
secure and stable underfoot, capable of carrying
sails up to 9.0m with ease. Whilst not the fastest or
most spontaneous to get on the plane here, as
power is supplied it glides up onto the surface of the
water, requiring very little input from the rider. The
number of strap options are excellent catering for a
wide range of abilities, the calm measured nature of
the 135 reassuring the intermediate as they progress
into stronger winds. With the straps placed in their
outboard settings the stance remains quite upright
and relaxed, although it has quite a deceptive turn of
speed, especially off the wind. Pointing upwind well
and floating over choppy conditions in a much more
controlled manner than its width measurement
would have you believe, the one area in which we
felt the board could be improved was its deckpads.
Whilst they provide good adhesion to the board,
they do not offer a solid edge to push against, so
experienced riders will find themselves frequently
adjusting their stance in overpowered conditions to
try and get the most from the board. As such, the
Gladiator is an excellent board for the improving
intermediate, right up to the advanced rider looking
for a board to make the most of marginal conditions.
Manoeuvres
In the gybe the 135 has a very versatile nature, and
will respond to any number of carving styles. Such is
its width that it does require the rider to take a
consciously wide step over to the leeward rail,
applying a positive amount of pressure to initiate the
turn. Happily adopting a wide, prolonged and
predictable arc, ideal for the intermediate, it is also
capable of being driven through a tight powerful
carve, holding its edge beautifully as you plough it
into the corner. The front area of the back deckpad
offers excellent security as you step over onto the
leeward rail, whilst the flat wide deck provides the
stability to escape any clumsy footwork upon exit.
Similarly in the tack the width and volume around
the mast track provides ample time to step round
the front of the mast.
For: Versatile all-round freeride performance.
Against: The fin bolts supplied are awkward and
time consuming to use.
JP X-Cite Ride 135
The 135 is one of six models in the X-Cite Ride
series, each available in Full Wood Sandwich or
Epoxy Sandwich construction (as the one tested
here). With a now very familiar graphic appearance
that has altered only marginally over the last few
years, a JP board is immediate distinguishable at
just a glance, this 135 being no exception. With
steadily increasing vee from nose to tail, it
incorporates the brand’s trademark channel in its
hull, the rails thinned significantly and experiencing a
good deal of tuck from the front straps onwards.
Possessing a rounded plan shape and domed deck
throughout, it has most of its volume concentrated in
the middle of the board, tapering off towards the
nose and tail. Supplied with the brand’s standard
Velcro straps (without their new spacers in this ES
version) and a 44cm fin, it is a very clean attractive
looking board.
Ride and Handling
Stable and dependable underfoot at idle, the 135
rises up onto the plane progressively in a very
controlled and easy manner. With a variety of
footstrap options, the board can cater excellently for
the improving sailor, fixing the straps inboard and
forward to make them safe and practical to locate for
the first time. Even when placed in their outermost
settings the footstraps are still relatively inboard and
help the rider to adopt a relaxed upright stance over
the board – an ideal position to take advantage of
the board’s smooth easy response. Once on the
plane the board has a measured predictable
character, doing nothing untoward to upset the
nervous passenger. The straps and deckpads
provide a secure connection to the board, the back
deckpad providing a firm edge to rest the backfoot’s
heel against and drive the board upwind.
Accelerating to a comfortable cruising speed, the JP
is best partnered with a light freeride sail rather than
an efficient freerace foil, which will overpower the
board. Once it has reached its respective cruising
speed, the board cant be pushed any faster, so any
extra power will only serve to pull the rider’s stance
out of shape. As such, the 135 is ideal for the
intermediate, providing a safe, secure and
dependable platform for a rapid progression into
planing conditions.
Manoeuvres
Like all of its X-Cite Ride siblings we have tried this
year the 135 is a simply stunning board to gybe,
engaging easily and holding its rail in beautifully,
even in harsh choppy conditions. Confident in its
ability, the rider can really drive the board into the
turn with conviction and expect to come out of the
corner dry, rewarding good technique with a level of
grip a board 15L its junior would be happy with.
Versatile and forgiving, it is also smooth and easy to
carve up to the eye of the wind, making the tack a
very achievable and fluent manoeuvre for the
improving sailor.
For: Steady, dependable and an excellent tutor for
the intermediate, especially for gybing. A great
looking board.
Against: Not for experienced sailors looking for
light-wind performance.
Length (cm) 258
Width (cm) 72
Vol (L) 135
Weight (Kg) 9.35
Fin JP Ride 44cm (Power)
Sail Range 6.0-8.5m
Price £799.00/£899
series, each available in Full Wood Sandwich or
Epoxy Sandwich construction (as the one tested
here). With a now very familiar graphic appearance
that has altered only marginally over the last few
years, a JP board is immediate distinguishable at
just a glance, this 135 being no exception. With
steadily increasing vee from nose to tail, it
incorporates the brand’s trademark channel in its
hull, the rails thinned significantly and experiencing a
good deal of tuck from the front straps onwards.
Possessing a rounded plan shape and domed deck
throughout, it has most of its volume concentrated in
the middle of the board, tapering off towards the
nose and tail. Supplied with the brand’s standard
Velcro straps (without their new spacers in this ES
version) and a 44cm fin, it is a very clean attractive
looking board.
Ride and Handling
Stable and dependable underfoot at idle, the 135
rises up onto the plane progressively in a very
controlled and easy manner. With a variety of
footstrap options, the board can cater excellently for
the improving sailor, fixing the straps inboard and
forward to make them safe and practical to locate for
the first time. Even when placed in their outermost
settings the footstraps are still relatively inboard and
help the rider to adopt a relaxed upright stance over
the board – an ideal position to take advantage of
the board’s smooth easy response. Once on the
plane the board has a measured predictable
character, doing nothing untoward to upset the
nervous passenger. The straps and deckpads
provide a secure connection to the board, the back
deckpad providing a firm edge to rest the backfoot’s
heel against and drive the board upwind.
Accelerating to a comfortable cruising speed, the JP
is best partnered with a light freeride sail rather than
an efficient freerace foil, which will overpower the
board. Once it has reached its respective cruising
speed, the board cant be pushed any faster, so any
extra power will only serve to pull the rider’s stance
out of shape. As such, the 135 is ideal for the
intermediate, providing a safe, secure and
dependable platform for a rapid progression into
planing conditions.
Manoeuvres
Like all of its X-Cite Ride siblings we have tried this
year the 135 is a simply stunning board to gybe,
engaging easily and holding its rail in beautifully,
even in harsh choppy conditions. Confident in its
ability, the rider can really drive the board into the
turn with conviction and expect to come out of the
corner dry, rewarding good technique with a level of
grip a board 15L its junior would be happy with.
Versatile and forgiving, it is also smooth and easy to
carve up to the eye of the wind, making the tack a
very achievable and fluent manoeuvre for the
improving sailor.
For: Steady, dependable and an excellent tutor for
the intermediate, especially for gybing. A great
looking board.
Against: Not for experienced sailors looking for
light-wind performance.
Length (cm) 258
Width (cm) 72
Vol (L) 135
Weight (Kg) 9.35
Fin JP Ride 44cm (Power)
Sail Range 6.0-8.5m
Price £799.00/£899
Hifly Madd 138 surfboards
The Madd has been in the Hifly range for several
years now, and revolves around the adopted Twinser
fin concept. The 138 is the second largest in the
range and comes complete with an extended
deckpad, four easily adjustable DaKine straps and
two 31cm fins, being produced in carbon Kevlar
sandwich technology. The outline of the board is
interesting – very rounded with a pointed nose shape,
its wide point placed behind the mid-point by the front
straps, before tapering down rapidly to the tail. On the
underside, the Madd’s hull sees a course matt finish
and has a signature Hifly shape, progressing from a
mono-concave in the nose to double concave in its
mid-section, combining with vee by the footstraps and
finishing with pronounced vee in the tail. On top of
this it has a distinct bevel running from the front strap
to the nose, becoming very pronounced just behind
the mast track. Its volume is distributed evenly, the
board’s profile being full bodied right up to the back
strap before thinning rapidly.
Ride and Handling
On the water the Madd gave a very rounded
performance, making it an exceptional tutor for the
intermediate, yet continually surprising us with the
performance available. Practical to beach-start in
shallow water thanks to the small fins, it is wide and
stable at idle, responding well as soon as power is
supplied and cruising up to an easy respectable
speed. It is also very directionally stable as the rider
shifts their weight to the board’s tail, giving them
plenty of time to get comfortable with the newfound
planing sensations. Whilst the fins generate a steady
amount of lift, they don’t rock the board onto its
leeward rail, but keep it sitting flat on the water. As
such, Hifly have been able to position the footstraps
very inboard, making them effortless to locate. Once
in the straps, the rider is encouraged to adopt a
comfortable upright stance over the board, making
the Madd relaxing to sail and giving it a smooth
responsive nature. The speed and efficiency of the
board comes very easily, asking little technical input
from the rider as it trims itself intuitively. That said, the
ride over chop isn’t as clean as with the Free 142, the
Madd’s pronounced bevel on the underneath of the
board catching occasionally and producing a bit of
spray. In well powered to overpowered conditions,
the Madd retains its stunning composure, never
really lifting on the fins or accelerating to a faster
speed, the footstraps too inboard to really load the
rail. To this end it is much happier being used in
comfortably powered conditions, cruising easily to
cover distance rather than driven with a locked-in
blasting style.
Manoeuvres
Easy and forgiving to redirect due to the inboard
strap positions, the Madd carves into the turn
beautifully, offering great versatility in its turning style.
With its calm measured character and steady
cruising speed the 138 really reassures the rider
upon entry, the fact that the twinsers never give way
providing the confidence to keep the pressure on
through the gybe. Experienced sailors can really
plough the 138 into the turn and watch the rails bite,
holding its edge like a board 20L its junior and
exiting the corner at speed.
For: Ease of use, practicality, manoeuvre-potential,
cost(?)
Against: Narrow stance as with all Hiflys.
Experienced riders should look to the Free 142.
Length (cm) 258
Width (cm) 72
Vol (L) 138
Weight (Kg) 9.5
Fin Twinstyle 30cm (Twinser Power)
Sail Range 6.0-8.5m
Importer Total Option Tel: 01543 411333
Price £899.00
years now, and revolves around the adopted Twinser
fin concept. The 138 is the second largest in the
range and comes complete with an extended
deckpad, four easily adjustable DaKine straps and
two 31cm fins, being produced in carbon Kevlar
sandwich technology. The outline of the board is
interesting – very rounded with a pointed nose shape,
its wide point placed behind the mid-point by the front
straps, before tapering down rapidly to the tail. On the
underside, the Madd’s hull sees a course matt finish
and has a signature Hifly shape, progressing from a
mono-concave in the nose to double concave in its
mid-section, combining with vee by the footstraps and
finishing with pronounced vee in the tail. On top of
this it has a distinct bevel running from the front strap
to the nose, becoming very pronounced just behind
the mast track. Its volume is distributed evenly, the
board’s profile being full bodied right up to the back
strap before thinning rapidly.
Ride and Handling
On the water the Madd gave a very rounded
performance, making it an exceptional tutor for the
intermediate, yet continually surprising us with the
performance available. Practical to beach-start in
shallow water thanks to the small fins, it is wide and
stable at idle, responding well as soon as power is
supplied and cruising up to an easy respectable
speed. It is also very directionally stable as the rider
shifts their weight to the board’s tail, giving them
plenty of time to get comfortable with the newfound
planing sensations. Whilst the fins generate a steady
amount of lift, they don’t rock the board onto its
leeward rail, but keep it sitting flat on the water. As
such, Hifly have been able to position the footstraps
very inboard, making them effortless to locate. Once
in the straps, the rider is encouraged to adopt a
comfortable upright stance over the board, making
the Madd relaxing to sail and giving it a smooth
responsive nature. The speed and efficiency of the
board comes very easily, asking little technical input
from the rider as it trims itself intuitively. That said, the
ride over chop isn’t as clean as with the Free 142, the
Madd’s pronounced bevel on the underneath of the
board catching occasionally and producing a bit of
spray. In well powered to overpowered conditions,
the Madd retains its stunning composure, never
really lifting on the fins or accelerating to a faster
speed, the footstraps too inboard to really load the
rail. To this end it is much happier being used in
comfortably powered conditions, cruising easily to
cover distance rather than driven with a locked-in
blasting style.
Manoeuvres
Easy and forgiving to redirect due to the inboard
strap positions, the Madd carves into the turn
beautifully, offering great versatility in its turning style.
With its calm measured character and steady
cruising speed the 138 really reassures the rider
upon entry, the fact that the twinsers never give way
providing the confidence to keep the pressure on
through the gybe. Experienced sailors can really
plough the 138 into the turn and watch the rails bite,
holding its edge like a board 20L its junior and
exiting the corner at speed.
For: Ease of use, practicality, manoeuvre-potential,
cost(?)
Against: Narrow stance as with all Hiflys.
Experienced riders should look to the Free 142.
Length (cm) 258
Width (cm) 72
Vol (L) 138
Weight (Kg) 9.5
Fin Twinstyle 30cm (Twinser Power)
Sail Range 6.0-8.5m
Importer Total Option Tel: 01543 411333
Price £899.00
Hifly Free 142
At a Glance
The 142 is the second largest in Hifly’s Free series,
designed around providing speed and efficiency in
light to medium winds. Generously supplying each
model with two fins, the range has been completely
reworked to take advantage of the new performance
range the improved fins offer. Like its’ smaller sibling
the 111, the 142 has a very complex bottom shape,
largely incorporating double concaves which overlap
with the progression of vee in the tail. In addition it
includes bevels, which radiate from the back straps
to the shoulders, and incredibly tucked rails all the
way from the nose to the front straps. Constructed
using carbon Kevlar sandwich technology, it is the
largest board in this group going by its quoted
volume, and looks as such with a length of 263cm.
Ride and Handling
Using its larger fin, the 142 glides up onto the plane
smoothly, immediately feeling lively and responsive
underfoot; the more advanced sailor can even coax
it to get going earlier, the board reacting well to
pumping. Such is its level of response to foot
pressure that you have to be relatively precise and
light on your feet as you move down the rear of the
board – clumsy on your feet and you’ll find the
board pointing head to wind in no time. Once you
have found the straps the board trims itself
instinctively, the shoulders keeping high and dry
from any danger as it reaches a steady yet easy
cruising speed. Compared to others in the group,
the 142 does feel its length, although it has none of
the control issues associated with such an
elongated nose, cutting a very efficient path through
any water state, the shoulders clear whilst the rider’s
ankles remain completely dry. Slot the smaller fin
into place and try to load the 142 in powered
conditions and it responds willingly, accelerating
with interest in a gust, especially off the wind.
Pointing well as it flies on its fin, the board really
does do most things without being asked, requiring
little input from the rider so allowing them to relax
and enjoy the ride. The one grumble we have is with
its front strap arrangement, dictating a narrow
stance to the rider if they place the straps in their
outboard settings. Loading the board using this
arrangement, you do feel uncomfortably cramped on
the tail of the board, just waiting for the fin to
misbehave and make the board rail-up, for which
you would have no answer. But it doesn’t come! The
fin never poses the question and the board retains
its instinctive trim, even in the most violent gusts.
Manoeuvres
Cutting a smooth predictable arc through the turn,
the 142 is very versatile in the gybe, capable of
adapting to any style. Engaging easily, you can
really feel the rails grip the water, encouraging the
rider to force more energy into the turn. Exiting the
gybe, the board’s width presents enough stability to
accommodate any clumsy footwork, helping it to
maintain its speed. We do feel however that the
142’s performance could have been improved
further by a wider rider stance, offering better control
through the turn, especially in heavy seas.
For: Top end speed coupled with ease, versatility
and fun.
Against: Poor front footstrap options leading to
narrow stance.
Hifly Free 142
Length (cm) 263
Width (cm) 69.5
Vol (L) 142
Weight (Kg) 9.0
Fin Freeride 43cm and 37cm (Power)
Sail Range 6.0-8.5m
Importer Total Option Tel: 01543 411333
Price £899.00
The 142 is the second largest in Hifly’s Free series,
designed around providing speed and efficiency in
light to medium winds. Generously supplying each
model with two fins, the range has been completely
reworked to take advantage of the new performance
range the improved fins offer. Like its’ smaller sibling
the 111, the 142 has a very complex bottom shape,
largely incorporating double concaves which overlap
with the progression of vee in the tail. In addition it
includes bevels, which radiate from the back straps
to the shoulders, and incredibly tucked rails all the
way from the nose to the front straps. Constructed
using carbon Kevlar sandwich technology, it is the
largest board in this group going by its quoted
volume, and looks as such with a length of 263cm.
Ride and Handling
Using its larger fin, the 142 glides up onto the plane
smoothly, immediately feeling lively and responsive
underfoot; the more advanced sailor can even coax
it to get going earlier, the board reacting well to
pumping. Such is its level of response to foot
pressure that you have to be relatively precise and
light on your feet as you move down the rear of the
board – clumsy on your feet and you’ll find the
board pointing head to wind in no time. Once you
have found the straps the board trims itself
instinctively, the shoulders keeping high and dry
from any danger as it reaches a steady yet easy
cruising speed. Compared to others in the group,
the 142 does feel its length, although it has none of
the control issues associated with such an
elongated nose, cutting a very efficient path through
any water state, the shoulders clear whilst the rider’s
ankles remain completely dry. Slot the smaller fin
into place and try to load the 142 in powered
conditions and it responds willingly, accelerating
with interest in a gust, especially off the wind.
Pointing well as it flies on its fin, the board really
does do most things without being asked, requiring
little input from the rider so allowing them to relax
and enjoy the ride. The one grumble we have is with
its front strap arrangement, dictating a narrow
stance to the rider if they place the straps in their
outboard settings. Loading the board using this
arrangement, you do feel uncomfortably cramped on
the tail of the board, just waiting for the fin to
misbehave and make the board rail-up, for which
you would have no answer. But it doesn’t come! The
fin never poses the question and the board retains
its instinctive trim, even in the most violent gusts.
Manoeuvres
Cutting a smooth predictable arc through the turn,
the 142 is very versatile in the gybe, capable of
adapting to any style. Engaging easily, you can
really feel the rails grip the water, encouraging the
rider to force more energy into the turn. Exiting the
gybe, the board’s width presents enough stability to
accommodate any clumsy footwork, helping it to
maintain its speed. We do feel however that the
142’s performance could have been improved
further by a wider rider stance, offering better control
through the turn, especially in heavy seas.
For: Top end speed coupled with ease, versatility
and fun.
Against: Poor front footstrap options leading to
narrow stance.
Hifly Free 142
Length (cm) 263
Width (cm) 69.5
Vol (L) 142
Weight (Kg) 9.0
Fin Freeride 43cm and 37cm (Power)
Sail Range 6.0-8.5m
Importer Total Option Tel: 01543 411333
Price £899.00
Fanatic Shark 130
At a Glance
Last year the Shark 129 really impressed us with its
all-round performance, giving it a lot of user appeal.
Using his CAD/CAM software, shaper Sebastian
Wenzel has evolved the design (mainly through a retuned
rocker-line) for the new season to become the
Shark 130. The smallest of three, it is produced in
two different constructions – high resistance skin
(tested here) and limited carbon sandwich
technology. With a domed deck throughout
(particularly so in the tail) the board has a fairly even
volume distribution, with an appreciable amount
stored around the front straps, before tapering down
to the tail. The rails of the board are well tucked in
the nose and shoulders, hardening up by the mast
track to finish with a defined edge throughout the tail
of the board. Supplied with supportive straps, a
46cm fin and excellent adhesive deckpads, the
Shark offers a superb number of footstrap options,
catering for many sailor abilities and styles. The one
point of issue is its weight in this HRS version, easily
being the heaviest in test at 10.80kg.
Ride and Handling
As the wind increases and power is supplied, the
Shark rises steadily onto the surface of the water to
reach a slow, steady planing speed – ideal for the
nervous intermediate. Cruising over chop easily and
absorbing any real impact, it does prefer to be
partnered with a sail that provides constant low
down power, its weight noticeably stalling it if you
enter a prolonged lull. Comfortably powered, the
Shark is very easy and forgiving to use, holding its
course well as the rider progresses down the board.
The footstrap options available really help in this
respect, giving the progressing sailor plenty of
realistic targets to achieve and get comfortable with
before they advance into the blasting strap
positions. Like its predecessor, the 130 has quite a
diverse character, providing plenty of room for
growth for the improving rider. Smooth and forgiving
to the point of being sedate when comfortably
powered, as you begin to load the board it is
transformed into a more performance-oriented hull,
feeling increasingly lively and responsive underfoot.
Pushing the extra power into it, the Shark releases
that little bit further, sailing on its fin (which
compliments the board well) and the last 30cm of its
tail to cover distance with ease.
Manoeuvres
With its low planing speed, the Shark can be put to
good use to tutor the intermediate through the gybe
safely, helping them to get the feel of their first
planing manoeuvre without intimidating themselves.
It does however require a positive style to get
through the turn convincingly, such is the stalling
effect of the board’s weight as soon as power is
released. In the tack the 130 has the width to
provide plenty of stability, and whilst certainly feeling
its size, gives the clumsy rider a good chance of
getting round the front without issue.
For: Wide user appeal and excellent performance
range at a competitive price(?).
Against: It is held back by its weight – look to the
lighter version for even more performance.
Last year the Shark 129 really impressed us with its
all-round performance, giving it a lot of user appeal.
Using his CAD/CAM software, shaper Sebastian
Wenzel has evolved the design (mainly through a retuned
rocker-line) for the new season to become the
Shark 130. The smallest of three, it is produced in
two different constructions – high resistance skin
(tested here) and limited carbon sandwich
technology. With a domed deck throughout
(particularly so in the tail) the board has a fairly even
volume distribution, with an appreciable amount
stored around the front straps, before tapering down
to the tail. The rails of the board are well tucked in
the nose and shoulders, hardening up by the mast
track to finish with a defined edge throughout the tail
of the board. Supplied with supportive straps, a
46cm fin and excellent adhesive deckpads, the
Shark offers a superb number of footstrap options,
catering for many sailor abilities and styles. The one
point of issue is its weight in this HRS version, easily
being the heaviest in test at 10.80kg.
Ride and Handling
As the wind increases and power is supplied, the
Shark rises steadily onto the surface of the water to
reach a slow, steady planing speed – ideal for the
nervous intermediate. Cruising over chop easily and
absorbing any real impact, it does prefer to be
partnered with a sail that provides constant low
down power, its weight noticeably stalling it if you
enter a prolonged lull. Comfortably powered, the
Shark is very easy and forgiving to use, holding its
course well as the rider progresses down the board.
The footstrap options available really help in this
respect, giving the progressing sailor plenty of
realistic targets to achieve and get comfortable with
before they advance into the blasting strap
positions. Like its predecessor, the 130 has quite a
diverse character, providing plenty of room for
growth for the improving rider. Smooth and forgiving
to the point of being sedate when comfortably
powered, as you begin to load the board it is
transformed into a more performance-oriented hull,
feeling increasingly lively and responsive underfoot.
Pushing the extra power into it, the Shark releases
that little bit further, sailing on its fin (which
compliments the board well) and the last 30cm of its
tail to cover distance with ease.
Manoeuvres
With its low planing speed, the Shark can be put to
good use to tutor the intermediate through the gybe
safely, helping them to get the feel of their first
planing manoeuvre without intimidating themselves.
It does however require a positive style to get
through the turn convincingly, such is the stalling
effect of the board’s weight as soon as power is
released. In the tack the 130 has the width to
provide plenty of stability, and whilst certainly feeling
its size, gives the clumsy rider a good chance of
getting round the front without issue.
For: Wide user appeal and excellent performance
range at a competitive price(?).
Against: It is held back by its weight – look to the
lighter version for even more performance.
F2 Hornet 134
The Hornet is F2’s freeride/freerace board,
available in either standard construction with a high
resistance skin finish (as the one tested here), or in
a ‘Limited’ version using carbon wood sandwich
technology (the 134 and 144 only). The smallest in
a three-board line-up, the 134 is relatively long and
narrow when compared to the rest in this test
group, with a square tail shape and even volume
distribution throughout. Described as a ‘raceoriented
bottom shape’, the hull sees a
combination of vee and double concaves in the
nose and shoulders progressing to pronounced
vee in the tail. What is more eye-catching are the
bevels that extend from between the straps to right
up beyond the shoulders, being very prominent in
the board’s mid-section. On the topside, the deck
shape is subtly domed throughout, and hosts the
board’s excellent extended deckpad, providing
good adhesion to the board. Supplied with the
supportive straps and a 46cm fin, the Hornet looks
rather conservative in its blue and silver livery this
year, not really matching its name!
Ride and Handling
With a good number of blasting and training strap
options, the Hornet can cater for the low
intermediate progressing into planing conditions for
the first time, right up to the advanced sailor.
Trimming itself level at idle, it cruises up onto the top
of the water as power is provided, requiring little
input from the rider. The deckpad offers a great deal
of support as you advance down the board, the
footstraps being very easy to locate and placing the
rider’s feet in a versatile position, allowing them to
adjust their stance according to their riding style.
Steady and dependable underfoot, the Hornet gains
speed gradually and can be used to cruise around
for long periods, pointing upwind easily and altering
its course smoothly. The tail of the board retains
good contact with the water at all times to assist
control whilst the fin compliments the board’s nature
exceptionally well, providing a secure surface to
push against and never losing its composure or
providing too much lift, even in severe conditions.
When we tried loading the Hornet to further its
speed, it didn’t really respond positively so is not
really suited for expert sailors looking for a lively
platform to make the most of light or variable winds.
Instead the 134 is a safe and practical board for the
intermediate sailor, capable of tutoring them
smoothly into planing conditions, being
straightforward and easy to sail well.
Manoeuvres
With a good degree of tuck in its rails, the Hornet is
not surprisingly very easy to engage into the gybe,
holding its edge in well through a smooth
predictable arc. As such it is ideal for intermediates
learning to get round the gybe, entering in a
controlled fashion and carving instinctively, not
doing anything untoward. For those that can already
gybe however, the Hornet doesn’t have the versatility
to further you’re progression. If you enter
aggressively, ploughing the board into the turn, its
shoulders seem to sink and stall a little in the water,
scrubbing off much of its speed.
For: Practical tutor for the progressing sailor.
Against: Ride doesn’t have the life to captivate the
expert rider.
available in either standard construction with a high
resistance skin finish (as the one tested here), or in
a ‘Limited’ version using carbon wood sandwich
technology (the 134 and 144 only). The smallest in
a three-board line-up, the 134 is relatively long and
narrow when compared to the rest in this test
group, with a square tail shape and even volume
distribution throughout. Described as a ‘raceoriented
bottom shape’, the hull sees a
combination of vee and double concaves in the
nose and shoulders progressing to pronounced
vee in the tail. What is more eye-catching are the
bevels that extend from between the straps to right
up beyond the shoulders, being very prominent in
the board’s mid-section. On the topside, the deck
shape is subtly domed throughout, and hosts the
board’s excellent extended deckpad, providing
good adhesion to the board. Supplied with the
supportive straps and a 46cm fin, the Hornet looks
rather conservative in its blue and silver livery this
year, not really matching its name!
Ride and Handling
With a good number of blasting and training strap
options, the Hornet can cater for the low
intermediate progressing into planing conditions for
the first time, right up to the advanced sailor.
Trimming itself level at idle, it cruises up onto the top
of the water as power is provided, requiring little
input from the rider. The deckpad offers a great deal
of support as you advance down the board, the
footstraps being very easy to locate and placing the
rider’s feet in a versatile position, allowing them to
adjust their stance according to their riding style.
Steady and dependable underfoot, the Hornet gains
speed gradually and can be used to cruise around
for long periods, pointing upwind easily and altering
its course smoothly. The tail of the board retains
good contact with the water at all times to assist
control whilst the fin compliments the board’s nature
exceptionally well, providing a secure surface to
push against and never losing its composure or
providing too much lift, even in severe conditions.
When we tried loading the Hornet to further its
speed, it didn’t really respond positively so is not
really suited for expert sailors looking for a lively
platform to make the most of light or variable winds.
Instead the 134 is a safe and practical board for the
intermediate sailor, capable of tutoring them
smoothly into planing conditions, being
straightforward and easy to sail well.
Manoeuvres
With a good degree of tuck in its rails, the Hornet is
not surprisingly very easy to engage into the gybe,
holding its edge in well through a smooth
predictable arc. As such it is ideal for intermediates
learning to get round the gybe, entering in a
controlled fashion and carving instinctively, not
doing anything untoward. For those that can already
gybe however, the Hornet doesn’t have the versatility
to further you’re progression. If you enter
aggressively, ploughing the board into the turn, its
shoulders seem to sink and stall a little in the water,
scrubbing off much of its speed.
For: Practical tutor for the progressing sailor.
Against: Ride doesn’t have the life to captivate the
expert rider.
Kaydol:
Kayıtlar (Atom)