FSW 105 Ltd "Nothing to Fault" Windsurf Mag March 08

6th Mar 2008 @ 09:10:10 PM

Target: Advanced to Pro: A dedicated all-rounder: superb for freeride, freestyle or small waves; from consolidating blasting techniques and cracking carves, to high-level performance in the air and on flat water. At a Glance: The RRD Freestyle/Wave comes in Glass/Wood, or Carbon/Kevlar (tested here), and comes with comfortable Da Kine footstraps (good inboard and outboard options for manoeuvre or freeride sailing), thick deck pads with raised heel sections for further cushioning, mast track measurements, and a MFC G10 Freewave 32cm fin (Powerbox). The design has changed slightly: the outline shape more rounded with plenty of width around the mid section, but less so in the nose and tail. The deck has retained its gradual dome, offering stability and good outboard blasting positioning. Ride and Handling: Thanks to the hull’s double concave, the RRD slips efficiently and effortlessly up to speed and onto the plane, with little sailor input needed. Up to speed the board feels great underfoot; the pads cushioning and absorbing any clatter while it still feels electric and quick. The top end speed is very rapid, and the board efficient over water: a flat tail and vee in the hull making it smooth through chop. There are well-considered footstrap options for freeride (outboard with 2 back straps) or manoeuvre performance (inboard with one back strap). Straps outboard allow the rider to drive off the edge and superb MFC fin: getting great freeride speed. Straps inboard, the rider is much further forwards and upright, getting good pace but feeling motivated to try something. The board sails well on all points of sail and will support 7.0m rigs. It also points well upwind, even with inboard straps: the heel locked against the edge of the pad for good drive. When the wind picks up and chop gets heavy, the RRD glides over the water. With its light and fast characteristics, the board is easy to jump, remaining controllable and manoeuvrable. Manoeuvres: The RRD has a wide range of effortless gybing and carving potential: long uncertain arcs, tight pivotal turns, or smooth carving freestyle (upwind and downwind 360’s). The board provides a good tacking platform: plenty of width around the mast foot and nose, and a flat deck for foot placement. For more new school freestyle the RRD is a pleasure – easy pop and controlled slide. In waves it’s a good performer with a loose feel and light, floaty jumps – ideal for ripping mushy small waves. Plus - Superb all-rounder for this category ticking all the boxes! Minus - Really nothing to fault, but some riders might prefer a ‘connected’ feel, not the cushioned sensation from the RRD’s deck pads. STATS: PRICE : Length (cm) 244 Width (cm) 63 Vol (L) 105 Weight (Kg) 7.54 £1049 LTD as £849 glass/wood

FSW 105 LTD