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Home Archives for Slalom
Windsurfing Fins – How do I choose the right fin-quiver

July 11, 2014 By Claes Leave a Comment

Windsurfing Fins – How do I choose the right fin-quiver

Windsurfing fins – A one fin quiver just won’t do the trick

Black Project Type R Freerace/Slalom fin

Black Project Type R Slalom fin on our Starboard Futura

The average windsurfer tend to have a one board quiver, with other words it’s crucial to o find the golden compromise to get as much hours on the water as possible. The modern freeride and freerace boards are pretty good at handling various conditions and the wind range is far better than it used to be. What many windsurfers forgets is that in order to release the full wind range / potential of a board, a one fin quiver just won’t do the trick.

 

Choose the right fin quiver – Your wind range will improve massively

The fin supplied with your freeride/freerace board is great to start with, however upgrading with one or two extra fins will release the full wind range / potential of your board. The larger fin will give you the extra lift you need for early planning and keeping you planning through wind holes. The smaller fin you can use for maxed out conditions, extra control and improved top-speed. A set of high quality premium-fins will (most probably) give you improved acceleration and top-speed.

Freeride and Freerace fins – Mix and match – easier said than done

Black Project Freeride windsurfing fin

Black Project Freeride fin on our Starboard Futura

It´s important to keep in mind that different brands will differ a lot when it comes to sizes vs performance/characteristics. For example, the Drake fin supplied with Starboard Futura is an excellent freerace fin designed by C3, however to match the Drake fin with a smaller and a larger fin (+/- 2-3 cm) from another brand could be easier said than done.

If the optimal fin-quiver with Drake fins would be 41, 44 and 47 cm the optimal fin-quiver from another brand could might as well be 38, 41 and 44 cm. With that said you realize that if you mix fins from different brands you should study the fin-guides carefully or/and talk to the producer/store to help you out with the right combo. If you don’t do your homework there are a risk that you end up with two fins very close to each other and a “huge” hole in your fin-quiver.

Windsurfing Fin selectors

As we wrote above; to mix and match windsurfing fins is easier said than done. There are surprisingly few fin selectors on the market which is strange since this would be an important marketing channel to any fin brand. However Hawaii based Black Project fins has a great “how to choose the right fin-quiver” guide for different brands (Starboard, Fanatic, Mistral and JP) on their web. Select fins is another brand with a comprehensive fin-selector on their web. Consumer friendly = We like!!

A two or three fin quiver will bring you closer to the sweet spot

A part from tuning your sailing experience with the quick fix of changing the fin you also will be able to match your sails with the optimal fin from start. With two or three fins in your surf bag you will be closer to the sweet spot than you ever have been before. The wind range of your one board quiver will improve massively and at the same time boost your overall performance.

Read more about windsurfing fins: >> Black Project Fins Type R slalom fin on test

Filed Under: Fin Selector, Freerace, Freeride, Slalom, Tuning and Rigging Tagged With: Black Project, fin, fin-selector, Freerace, Freeride, Slalom, Windsurfing, Windsurfing fins

JP Slalom Racing VIII 2012 Test

May 3, 2013 By Claes Leave a Comment

JP Slalom Racing VIII 2012 Test

JP Slalom PRO 2012 ReviewFor 2012 the JP slalom has got a wider tail and new rocker lines. All the sizes have individually designed cut-outs to maximize performance, speed/maneuverability.
Antoine Albeau (JP / Neil Pryde) scored second place on the PWA tour 2011 with the JP Slalom VIII 2012. Micah Buzianis (JP / Neil Pryde) finished on sixth place with the same setup.

The JP Slalom Range is divided into following two groups:

JP Slalom for S, M and L riders

Width 56 cm / Liter 81
Width 66 cm / Liter 108
Width 78 cm / Liter 130

The line made for smaller riders is longer and a bit thinner throughout. They are easier to jibe and more forgiving.

JP Slalom for XL, XXL and XXXL riders

Width 59 cm / Liter 96
Width 68 cm / Liter 118
Width 84 cm / Liter 140

The line is designed for guys like Antoine Albeau and Micah Buzianis.

JP Slalom 2012 – The Shapes

Both JP Slalom lines are equipped with a new tail shape. This wider tail delivers better low end performance and acceleration and additionally provides a more parallel, comfortable and powerful stance in combination with the refined race deck.

The JP Slalom 78 and 84 have a flat panel vee throughout the hull for maximum lift and performance. The JP Slalom 66 and 68 have additional concaves in the mid section of the board to support a more comfortable and stable ride, while the JP Slalom 56 and 59 are equipped with double concaves running into a flat V at the tail.

Hard facts – JP Slalom VIII 118 2012

Weight 6.4 kg (PRO)
Length 235 cm
Width 68 cm
Volum 118 l
Sail range: 7.0 – 8.6 m2
Fin box: Tuttle

Speed potential – JP Slalom VIII 118 2012

Top speed 2 sec: 37.98 knots
Avg speed 5*10 sec: 36.07 knots
Max Alpha: 25.90
Source: gps-speedsurfing.com

Windsurf (UK) March 2012 – JP Slalom VIII 118 test 2012

The JP Slalom 2012 really thrives on power and the more you push it, the more it rewards you, never running out of juice and just continuing to accelerate. At high speed the JP Slalom deals extremely well with chop and is devastatingly fast on the straights in all conditions. Round the corners it holds its speed very well and tracks nicely through the carve, favouring a more committed gybing style and a slightly wider arc. The JP Slalom is not a particularly technical board to ride but the more powerful and focused riders will certainly get the most out of it on the racecourse.

Planchemag (FR) March/April 2012
– JP Slalom VIII 108 2012 Test

This review = JP Slalom 108.  Planchemag scores (out of 10 possible)

[starreviewmulti id=5 tpl=20]

Hard facts – JP Slalom VIII 108 2012

Weight 6.4 kg (PRO)
Length 240 cm
Width 66 cm
Volum 108 l
Sail range: 6.2 – 7.8 m2
Fin box: Tuttle

Speed potential – JP Slalom VIII 108 2012

Top speed 2 sec: 39.28 knots
Avg speed 5*10 sec: 37.13 knots
Max Alpha: 25.27
Source: gps-speedsurfing.com

Filed Under: JP, Slalom Tagged With: JP, Slalom, Speed, Windsurfing

Starboard iSonic 107 – Test 2012

April 30, 2013 By Claes Leave a Comment

Starboard iSonic 107 – Test 2012

Starboard iSonic 2012Starboards slalom line, iSonic has over the years been highly successful on the PWA race tracks. Björn Dunkerbeck, Starboard iSonic / Severne Reflex won the PWA slalom world championship title 2011 and finished on second place 2012. And Sarah-Quita, Starboard / Gaastra, won the women PWA slalom world championship title 2011. The Starboard iSonic received top scores in different board tests 2011 and the iSonic range 2012 make no exception.

iSonic 107 – 2011 vs 2012

The iSonic 107 has gone through some fine tuning for 2012. The cut-outs have been redesigned to reduce the wet surface, improving the speed potential. Starboard also have reduced the rail thickness in the nose to be able to move the volume distribution backwards for improved control.

Hard facts – Starboard iSonic 107

Weight 6.15 kg (Carbon), 6.75 kg (Wood) Length 235 cm Width 68.5 cm Volum 107 l Sail range: 5.8 – 9.0 m2 Fin box: Tuttle Recommended fin: Drake Slalom Pro 40 / Deboichet SL4 40

Starboard iSonic 107-Speed potential

Top speed 2 sec: 38.97 knots Avg speed 5*10 sec: 37.44 knots Max Alpha: 25.25 Source: gps-speedsurfing.com

Windsurf (UK) March 2012 – Starboard iSonic 107 test

The Starboard iSonic 107 rides very flat and copes well with chop, making it fast in all conditions, as well as on all points of sail. The iSonic points incredibly high and carries a lot of speed up-wind, which is very useful for positioning yourself in the fleet or executing overtaking manoeuvres. Around the corners the Starboard iSonic is a very rewarding board to gybe, it can be cranked into carves at warp speeds, it holds its line well and rockets out of the exit.

Planchemag (FR) March/April 2012 – Starboard iSonic 107 Test

The Starboard iSonic 107 (like the iSonic 117 Wide) is equally remarkable in its ability to take off on the spot and maintain planing and with superb control. The iSonic always feels composed enough to turn it up to 11 regardless of the conditions and speed you’re at. The testers found the iSonic 107 very easy to tap into its full potential and coming out of a gybe, ready to take off on another reach is nothing less than addictive.

Isonic 107 – Planchemag scores (out of 10 possible)
[starreviewmulti id=4 tpl=20]

Starboard iSonic 2012 action video

Filed Under: Slalom, Starboard Tagged With: iSonic, Slalom, Starboard, Windsurfing

Fanatic Falcon Slalom 113 – Test 2012

April 26, 2013 By Claes Leave a Comment

Fanatic Falcon Slalom 113 – Test 2012

Fanatic Falcon Slalom 113 2012The Fanatic Falcon slalom line have been completely reworked for 2012. The Fanatic Falcon 2012 is defenately one of the fastest windsurfing slalom boards within the segment. The Falcon 2012 has boxier rails in the tail and the straps are more outboard compared to the Fanatic Falcon 111 2011. The Falcon has a little more vee in the tail for control aswell as some tail rocker (2011 was flat). The track recess is deeper and extends to the nose reducing volume and increasing stiffness.

Hard facts – Fanatic Falcon Slalom 113 Team edition

Weight 7.3 kg
Length 235 cm
Width 69 cm
Volum 113 l
Sail range: 6.0 – 8.6 m2
Fin box: Tuttle

Speed potential
– Fanatic Falcon Slalom 113

Top speed 2 sec: 39.16 knots
Avg speed 5*10 sec: 37.68 knots
Max Alpha: 28.02
Rider: Peter Volwater (2012 08 02)
Source: gps-speedsurfing.com

Fanatic Falcon 113 – The test opponents:

JP Slalom 118 RRD X-Fire 112 Starboard Isonic 107
Tabou Manta 69 FR Fanatic Falcon Slalom 113 Exocet RS4
Patrik Slalom 110 Tabou Manta PRO Team 71  

Windsurf (UK) March 2012 – Fanatic Falcon Slalom 113

The Fanatic Falcon has been tuned with harder rails and a straighter tail shape, as well as a new rocker line. On the deck, it has a deeper concave to lower the rig further into the board and the footstrap area has been slightly raised to improve the riding position.

The Fanatic Falcon accelerates very quickly, feeling lively and eager, while at the same time lifting smoothly onto the plane. The Falcon is an easy board to get dialled into with almost freeride style ride and handling, which really gives you the confidence to push yourself to the absolute limit.

Planchemag (FR) March/April 2012
– Fanatic Falcon Slalom 113

[starreviewmulti id=3 tpl=20]

Fanatic Falcon 2012 – Team Tips

Designer Sebastian Wenzel and developer PWA racer Peter Volwater about the Fanatic Falcon 2012.

Product video – Fanatic Falcon 2012

Some really great slalom footage.

Filed Under: Fanatic, Slalom Tagged With: Peter Valwater, Slalom, speedwindsurfing, Windsurfing

Speedsurfing – Loft racing Blade 8.6 and Neil Pryde EVO V 8.6

April 23, 2013 By Claes Leave a Comment

Speedsurfing – Loft racing Blade 8.6 and Neil Pryde EVO V 8.6

Great speedwindsurfing on-board footage

…with Anders Björkqvist testing the Loft racing Blade 8.6 and Daniel Borgelind testing the Neil Pryde EVO V 8.6.
Loft_Racing_Blade_2013
Check out the windsurfing GPS-data and read Anders and Daniels comments from the speed session at Soma Bay (Egypt).
Anders Björkqvist – Loft Racing Blade and Carbon Art
Daniel Borgelind – Neil Pryde EVO V and Carbon Art

Speedwindsurfing at Soma Bay (Egypt)

Filed Under: Speed Tagged With: Carbon Art, Loft Racing Blade, Neil Pryde, Neil Pryde EVO V, Slalom, speedwindsurfing, The Loft, Windsurfing

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