"FSW102 is a fantastic all-round performer" Windsurf Jan/Fed 2007

9th Jan 2007 @ 07:02:49 PM

AT A GLANCE The Freestyle Wave is described by RRD as the “one board to do it all!” The second largest in a five-board range, the 102 replaces the much-loved 101 of last season, refined with visibly wider shoulders to improve early planing and potential in freestyle stunts. It also sees a shorter more compact length, more volume throughout and a increase in the amount of double concave, making it pronounced in the board’s mid-section for better tracking when used for straight line work. Available in two constructions (CTK – carbon technora Kevlar and the cheaper GW – glass wood), it is impressively light in CTK, weighing in at 6.66kg. Supplied with MFC fin and DaKine straps, it is superbly finished with a glossy polished underhull. RIDE & HANDLING On the water the 102 is a fantastic all-round performer and was well like by all who sailed it. Planing super early, it rises up onto the surface of the water like a hovercraft, the footstraps effortless to locate as you progress further back on the board. Feeling quite wide and large for 102L it has a great weight carrying capacity, helped in part by the flat deck, making it very stable. Happy cruising around at half speed, it can also be loaded to release onto its fin more and accelerate further to an impressive top speed, using the heel bumpers in the deckpads as an edge to drive off. Directionally stable, it glides through lulls efficiently and handles harsh conditions in the same manner, the nose and shoulders sitting clear of any danger. Like all RRD’s tried this year, the deckpads and footstraps are incredibly comfortable, and whilst perhaps not to the taste of experienced riders that like an involving ride, are a great comfort to everyone else. The ride is super smooth, which complimented by the board’s controllable manoeuvre-oriented nature, gives the rider a real sense that they can take the 102 into any environment. MANOEUVRES One of the most versatile boards in the group, the 102 has an ease of use that makes it a dream for the sailor progressing into the world of wave sailing and/or freestyle. This plug and play sensation is very evident in the gybe, carving cleanly whilst providing the stability for an uncomplicated exit. The carving ability could well be transferred into light wind wave riding, although be aware that the 102 favours a back-foot carving style. Ploughed into the turn forcefully with front foot pressure in confused conditions, for example, and its shoulders can catch, making it stall and falter. In freestyle the 102 pops and slides well, although the novice freestyler would be well advised to use it with a small sail to de-power it, such is its early planing and acceleration downwind. Plus : Early planing, speed, fittings and allround performance. Negative: Assertive experienced sailors should err on caution in powered carves. Overall: Early to plane, fast, comfortable and versatile, the 102 is a stunning allround machine and comes recommended for intermediate to advanced riders as a ‘one only’ board. STATS Length (cm) 244 Width (cm) 62 Vol (L) 102 Weight (Kg) 7.47 Fin MFC freewave 29cm (power) Sail Range 5.0-6.6