On Apr 28, 2:27=A0pm, bertbarndoor <bertbarnd...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> Just looking for some opinions. What is the highest performance board
> that still has a center board?
>
> For my purposes, I would define 'high performance' as possessing the
> ability to progress to using a harness, foot straps, and more advanced
> turns, etc. (power jibes).
>
> From my research, I would say that the closest thing that I have been
> able to find is the Starboard Rio S (175l). I am 5'11, 185 lbs and
> would classify myself as an advanced/aggressive beginner looking to
> learn/master the aforementioned skills. Looks to me that the small Rio
> has the least amount of buoyancy, length and width, but still has a
> dagger.
>
> Any thoughts or opinions? Any other boards I should be looking at?
> BTW, I have looked at the Kona One (seems freakin huge to me) and the
> Fanatic Viper (seems ok), as comparisons.
>
> Thanks
>
> (For those of you who have been following my progression, I am getting
> very close to pulling the trigger on a purchase).
The answer largely depends on what factors you consider as high
performance, but the general concensus has been that only "Raceboard
Class" racing boards would fit the bill. They are very fast upwind,
very fast downwind, and carve turns like a shortboard. They perform
best when using racing sails, and full carbon masts and booms.
Examples include the AHD 380 and F2 230 (neither made any longer) and
the newer models such as the Starboard Phantom Race and Exocet WarpX
380. Another category of racing shapes that also includes a
centerboard is the Hybrid class the most famous example of which is
the RS:X (the 2008 Olympic One-Design windsurfer class).
Add the Kona to the mix and you have quite a variety of design
concepts.
None of these (possibly excepting the Kona) seem to offer what you
really want: a shortboard experience with the addition of a
centerboard for light wind days.
|
