FSW 85 - So Good one of the test team bought one !!!

3rd Apr 2006 @ 08:27:50 AM

RRD FREESTYLE WAVE 85 Bias: Although all the obvious measurements define it clearly as a fast-tail all-rounder, some subtle combination of its features (perhaps the slightly lower than quoted volume, the slightly softer rails or the slightly higher than average nose rocker) just gives it a little more wave-orientation than its peers. Character: It has the classic fast-tail performance attributes of good early-planing and fast easy blasting. While not quite the most stable and comfortable in the group, it gains by feeling more throwabout, more agile and nippy. It is a great jumping board; fast and secure onto the wave, a fraction stiff on take-off but very manoeuvrable in the air. Likewise on a wave it may be just a fraction stiff due to the long rocker flat but it grips beautifully and turns smoothly. It is more pivotal in the turn than most fast-tails and will sit on its tail on exit if you don’t drive it hard through the corner, but in general the gybing performance is both reliable and exciting. Strengths: Speed, acceleration and comfortable blasting; excellent jumping; decent riding, excellent manoeuvrability for a freestyle-wave. Weaknesses: Slightly smaller sail range and a fraction stiff compared to more rockered freestyle-wave boards. Fittings: The Powerbox 23cm fin is fine for windier conditions, and we’d recommend a bigger foil for moderate wind sailing with 5.5m and above. The straps are comfortable but need to be watched for twist and the deck doming could be a bit more positive, but the pads are very comfortable. Sail Sizes & Relevant Conditions: The RRD is not a big sail carrier even with a decent sized fin so 6.0m is pretty much the upper limit. However, it’s very happy down to 4.7m, and best with 5.3-5.8m. Very happy in all water conditions. Guesters’ Response: The surprise was not that the advanced sailors loved it but that nearly all the intermediates named it their favourite board as well. Outstandingly popular! Overall: The RRD seems to have added a small spark of extra manoeuvrability to the tried and tested fast-tail formula without obviously compromising blasting performance or comfort. It probably isn’t quite as comfortable and purposeful on flat water as its main competitors and probably doesn’t quite have the sail carrying range. However, in the fasttails’ core territory of 5.2-5.8m it has a mix of speed, manoeuvring and aerial ability that is as good as anything we have tried. A top choice for late intermediates and experts alike! Price: £995 in Carbon Kevlar, £895 in Glass / Wood, with 23cm Powerbox fin.

FSW 85 FSW 85 (Egypt)