Hardcore S (74ltr) 2007 comes 'comes very highly recommended' by windsurf Mag

3rd Oct 2006 @ 06:30:50 PM

RRD Hardcore Wave S At a Glance The Hardcore Wave S was one of the team’s favourite boards on the test last year, contradicting its extreme name and image to combine ease, practicality and performance that gave it a great deal of user appeal. For 2007 the Hardcore range has been reduced to three, making the S the middle sibling. With a simple hull shape of rounded vee to double concave to vee in the tail, RRD pride themselves in the thinness of the Hardcore’s tail, believing that no other production board has one thinner – an asset sought after by confident wave sailors for serious conditions. Constructed in CTK technology it is, as ever, beautifully finished with a gloss hull, thick double density deckpads, comfortable DaKine straps and a precisely milled MFC fin. Ride and Handling Whilst feeling quite traditional and narrow underfoot, the Hardcore responds well to the provision of power and releases onto the plane willingly as it is turned off the wind. Gaining speed smoothly, it is beautifully balanced underfoot and drives off its fin to reach a very impressive top end. Like its predecessor, the name ‘Hardcore Wave’ does this board an injustice by possibly dissuading people to consider it – yes, it is certainly capable of handling any environment it is taken into, but it is certainly not a technical board to get on with! With your feet securely placed in the straps, the board does much of the work for you, leaving you to simply enjoy the ride. The deckpads again deserve mention, feeling incredibly comfortable and absorbing much of the impact of harsh chop. Charge intentionally at the next ramp or simply cruise through the wildest conditions, there is nothing too dedicated about the Hardcore, equally happy being used in a bump and jump or blasting role, where its quick response, control and comfort make it easy to use for long periods. Manoeuvres Described by RRD as their ‘down the line’ board the S is also extremely useful in a cross-onshore wave environment such as Cabezo, especially when the conditions are severe. Initiating the turn with the front foot, you can have the confidence that the rails will bite and hold, cutting a fantastically smooth arc back up the face. It holds its speed in the turn without difficulty, tightening the corner as back-foot pressure is increased to get more vertical and make aerials surprisingly easy. It does like to be powered, so is not so effective in marginal conditions; and some of the more aggressive riders of the team found the rail tripped as they ploughed it into the turn forcefully through the front foot...but for most, the Hardcore S still remains one of the favourites in the group. For: Speed, control, comfort and performance on the wave. Against: A board that few will find fault in. Verdict Offering a scintillating all-round performance that belies its name, the Hardcore Wave S comes very highly recommended, ideal as the high wind platform for light / medium weight riders of all sailing styles.