FreeWave 95 Test-Favourite Windsurf UK!

29.10.2008

FANATIC FREEWAVE 95, Test Favourite in Windsurf UK 11/12-08:

Target:
Advanced to Expert
A superbly versatile board for a wide range of users, whether for freeride, freestyle or wave use.

At a Glance:
• Simple graphic exposing carbon kevlar construction
• Thick, grippy and spongy deck pads
• Comfortable, easy to adjust footstraps with inboard/outboard options (including double back strap)
• Measurements on mast track for accurate mast foot placement
• Domed deck for good rider positioning
• Rounded plan shape with width around the mast track and front footstraps
• Small swallow tail
• CNC milled G10 27cm ‘Freewave’ fin (powerbox)

Ride and Handling
The Freewave planes early and has a good turn of pace when up to speed. It feels great underfoot, with good footstraps and grippy, cushioned deck pads. The Fanatic is eminently light and stiff (clearly demonstrating its carbon construction), making it fun and compact to sail, while inspiring confidence and a sense of adventure in the rider.
It is great for jumps, owing to its speed and weight, and is controllable in the air, whether for straight forward jumps or aerial antics and rotations.
When overpowered or in heavy chop, the board behaves well and the rider retains a feeling of control with good pace. Pronounced vee in the mid-section of the board also provides a superbly smooth ride. The carbon construction can be felt when the sea state is very choppy or rough, but this is never uncomfortable, as the good thick deck pads take the majority of the harshness away

Manoeuvres
In turns: the Freewave tacks easily, with good width around the mast foot and a progressive dome on deck to give foot placement more surety. It gybes well and responds to being driven into turns, as well as being sailed with more back footed/reserved technique.
In waves: it’s great fun in small to medium waves, whether in onshore or sideshore conditions. It caters for a wide range of users, whether first timers in waves with heavy back footed technique, or more advanced riders looking for performance from a board in marginal conditions to get tighter arcs in bottom turns and some rewarding cutbacks.
In freestyle: a good all rounder - carves, pops and slides well. Up there in the top of the group in this department, it’s also a good tutor, especially for those trying moves and looking for a bit more fun on the water.

Verdict:
+ A great all-rounder with good fittings for a wide range of users, whether for high wind freeride use, getting into freestyle or superbly versatile use in waves
- Hard to fault… one of the testers’ favourites in this group!