Z Ride 'Recommended' Boards mag 2006

2nd Jul 2006 @ 07:30:50 PM

RRD Z RIDE 120 Developed from the SX range which did very well when we last tested it, the Z Rides are sold as pure freeride boards. Character & Performance: At 69cm wide it’s one of the bigger boards in this test (despite a similar volume to many), and it definitely looks big on the beach. With a full deckpad covering the back of the board it’s very comfortable off the plane. It’s also more than averagely quick onto the plane and accelerates to a very respectable top speed – you often find you’re going considerably quicker than you think. It tracks solidly and quite powerfully across the wind, although not with a real racy feel upwind. It does feel big, with noticeably less manoeuvrability than most of the others, however for heavier sailors it gives a good fast platform to support their extra weight and plane easily in lighter winds, while also remaining controllable in stronger winds and over the chop. The tail is a bit too wide for the board to be truly loose into the gybe, but it’s still very easy to initiate the turns, and follows a predictable and controlled arc. It’s also an extremely stable platform in general; very easy to tack, and sail off the plane. Fittings: The Maui Fin 40cm Liquid fin is good quality and suits it well as an all-rounder. You may also wish to invest in a more powerful fin for lighter winds and bigger sails. The straps are comfortable, but looked pretty tatty by the end of the trip. We do like the all-over deckpad though, which offers great comfort for your feet. Guesters’ View: Scored a couple of top 3 rankings, particularly with the heavier sailors, and generally appreciated as a good all-rounder. Overall: A good freeride for heavier sailors with a good mix of intermediate and more advanced appeal, and a balanced, high-performance hull. Recommended for heavier intermediate to advanced sailors or lightweight lower intermediates for sails from 6.0-8.5m. (The smaller Z-Ride at 66cm wide should offer performance on a par with most other boards in this test, and bethe better bet for lighter / more proficient sailors.)