Fanatic Gecko LTD 112 + 120

On land:The Geckos not only have thinner edges, but also slightly more rounded edges towards the bottom of the sliding surface. The Geckos are also characterised by a more even thickness gradient. Similar in thickness to a Shark in the bow, significantly thinner in the centre and stern.

On the water: The Shark has always been one of the more demanding freeriders, with a large 48 mm fin, a light wind bolter with freerace qualities. But even in its speciality discipline, namely gliding in less wind, the new Gecko 120 makes life particularly difficult for the now somewhat aged shape. With a controlled slalom feeling (due to its width), the Gecko rushes through choppy water and wind holes in a very cushioned and extremely calm manner. You don't lose a bit with the much shorter fin, only when you try to push the maximum angle of attack in the lowest planing area can the Shark hold the pressure on the fin a little longer. However, on all other courses, the Gecko 120 has the edge, can also play off the shorter fin in terms of speed and is certainly not slower. The thinner board somehow hangs more delicately on the foot and, surprisingly, can be jibed even tighter. Similar to the JP Magic Ride, the board conveys almost the same reassuring security through its stoic smoothness, glides rather flat and the nose never starts to prance. Compared to the JP Magic Ride 118/76, however, the Gecko 120/77 hangs a little more readily on the foot in manoeuvres. The Gecko 112 is even livelier, but also a whole class smaller. With the same width as a Shark 135, you get a very agile, sporty board with impressive acceleration and good planing characteristics. Light surfers will not glide significantly worse than with the Shark, but beware: with only 112 litres, 80-kilo surfers have to be nimble when pulling up the sail and turning. The width cannot compensate for the lack of volume. However, the thin cut can be turned very tightly - always in comparison to classic boards with a width of 73 centimetres.

Info: Boards & More GmbH, Tel.: 089/66655240, www.fanatic.com

surf measurement: Weight: 6.9/7.3 kg Length: 238.5/239.5 cm Width: 73/77 cm

Prices:1999* Euro / 1599** Euro / 1249*** Euro

Downloads:

Test Freerideboards extra wide (pdf)