Tried out: New NeilPryde board bag with retractable stowage tube and smart features

NeilPryde has two new board bag models in its programme that are designed to be robust yet lightweight. Rollers have been deliberately omitted. The Worldtour Perfomance (379 euros) measures 230 x 85 centimetres and the Worldtour Wave (349 euros) 240 x 70 centimetres. Both bags are designed for 2 boards plus 3 to 4 sails and masts. The larger model has already been tested by the surf test team in February. Freeride test to Tobago travelled.

Short bag, but suitable for long masts

The idea could have been copied from plumber's vans, where the high roof is extended to the front with a tube. This means that even raw materials that exceed the actual interior dimensions fit into the closed van. Our test bag measures 2.30 x 0.85 metres in length - perfect for most slalom or freeride boards, but too short for long masts. This is exactly why an extension tube can be rolled out of the bag, which - when not needed - remains neatly hidden behind a semi-circular zip. With the tube extended, you can even fit two 4.90 masts in the bag. Practical tip: The poles should also be well padded in this area, because during our transport at least the exposed tube boom was put under quite a lot of strain.

The 2.30 metre bag we tested is spacious and easily holds two 120 litre freeriders (including a 2.36 metre JP Supersport) as well as four sails and two masts. Alternatively, three boards can also fit - if you screw down the foot straps. The bag weighs 7.2 kilos including the two firmly sewn-on intermediate layers. The padding is of average thickness, the fabric used is light but hard-wearing, and the front and rear are also solidly reinforced.

Good features for lashing, stowing and loading

• The lashing straps run over the zip and take the strain off it. However, the straps do not have to be completely unthreaded to open the bag - as is usually the case with this type of strap guide - but can be quickly hooked and unhooked (photo gallery above). Very practical!
• When the lid is open, two large pockets with zip fasteners are revealed in the lid flap, in which fins can be stored, for example, without them sliding around in the bag.
• There are two large mesh pockets at the front and rear for additional padding material for the front and rear (including towels or similar) or small items
• There are two additional, lightweight strap handles on top of the bag, which allow the bag to be easily manoeuvred back and forth by one person.
• There are also the obligatory padded carrying handles at the front and rear.

Surf summary: Spacious and practical

The Worldtour Performance offers plenty of storage space, here you are more likely to reach the weight limit than the capacity limit. The lashing straps, handles and padding are well thought out, while additional inner pockets keep things organised or can be loaded with padding material for additional impact protection.

• Six double boardbags in the test