Freerideboards 150 2002
Performance in light winds, planing without foam crowns, going upwind like the pros - that will be the theme of the coming season. Extra-wide flounders like the Starboard Carve 151 set new standards in the lower wind range, are comfortable and easier to ride than all predecessors in this volume group. Shapes like the Tiga, already a veteran among the wide early gliders with three years under its belt, have to take some beating. Despite their extra width, the new boards are very easy to ride, ignore load errors and make it easier for intermediates to get into the loops quickly.
However, good surfers in particular should not focus solely on the scores. Despite a few points less in the planing grades, the Tiga can be the better choice when it comes to a sporty ride and sleek manoeuvrability. However, there are also plenty of new developments that offer a balanced mix of comfort, easy surfing and plenty of performance. Shapes like those from JP or Hifly show the way: With a few centimetres less in width and a moderate fin size, they are close on the heels of the Carve, but offer significantly more riding fun with sporty demands.
You can find these products in the test:
AHD Free Diamond 74
F2 Powerglide 280 II
Fanatic Cross 140
Fanatic Sting Ray 150 TT
Hifly Free 279
JP Australia Freeride 145 FWS
Mistral Radar 140
RRD Avantride L
Starboard Carve 151 D-Ram
Tiga Free X 281 SAT
