Boards Magazine Hardcore Wave S Test 2006

12th Oct 2005 @ 08:34:35 PM

RRD HARDCORE WAVE S
The Hardcore, though nothing like as specialist as the name might suggest, is RRD’s more traditional wave range in four sizes – 63, 69, 75 & 80L.
The Wave Cult (unfortunately not available in time for test) is their onshore riding range, in five sizes – 68, 76, 84, 92 & 99L.

Style: Reformed Trad

Design & Feel: Very centrally placed in its reformed trad, all-rounder slot. Not quite the fastest or most exciting but certainly leaning that way. With a relatively long area of flatter rocker through the tail it is slightly above average for early-planing, speed and liveliness. It is centrally placed also
as regards control, feeling pretty secure in most conditions, yet riding more
‘on’ than ‘in’ the water. In all these respects it very much ‘reformed’ from the
Hardcore S we tried two years ago, which was much narrower and more
highly rockered with far greater vee. Whereas this board is considerably
floatier, easier, faster and more all-round.

The main sacrifice is in high wind control and ultimate agility, but the overall compromise is much better. It is clearly better in well formed waves than onshore mush but will have a go at either, and it’s a satisfying jumping board and a good gyber too.

Fittings: The fin, pads and doming all seemed fine. The straps were comfortable but twisted a bit, showed signs of wear and were hard to close
down enough for bare feet.

Strengths: Good balance and comfort, average or better in every aspect of
performance.

Weaknesses: Straps could be better, otherwise no obvious weakness.

Best sailor weights: No obvious preference – it appealed equally to our 72kg and 92kg testers and could take smaller riders too, so excellent weight-carrying versatility.

Best sail sizes: 4.2-5.2m is ideal, though it will handle smaller if pushed.

Overall: An excellent example of how all-round waveboards have evolved, combining – as it does – quite a fast, exciting yet forgiving ride with decent control, great response, and good abilities both in the air and on the wave.

A very popular mix of performance attributes with the testers.

Highly recommended all-round waveboard.

Price: £995 with 21cm fin.

Boards Magazine testing the HardCore WaveS