The Beluga model is available from RRD in two designs, which are similar in terms of shape, but differ significantly in terms of construction and price. The more favourable Beluga LTE costs 1249 euros in the 90 litre size. The LTE version is available in a total of five sizes between 55 and 125 litres. The Beluga Ltd that we tested is over a kilo lighter in the same size, weighing just 5.20 kilos, but is also significantly more expensive at €1999 due to its carbon construction and is available in a total of eight sizes between 35 and 125 litres.
On land:
The Beluga Ltd stands out on land due to its record-breaking low weight - at 5.20 kilos, the RRD Beluga Ltd is certainly one of the lightest production boards on the market. With a length of 165 centimetres, the board is slightly longer than many other competitor models. Deep concaves in the underwater hull are designed to ensure good directional stability in the planing phase and a soft start in the event of unwanted touchdowns. The deck is also clearly concave and has a non-slip deck pad.
The foil box is quite long, which means that different foils should find a suitable position in the box. The carrying handle is also well designed. The only drawback in our eyes are the straps supplied, which cannot be adjusted to a really large size and are not the most comfortable straps on the market.
We also present the Beluga Ltd in a short video on our YouTube channel again:
On the water:
For a 90-litre board, the RRD Beluga Ltd is surprisingly stable in the water. This is certainly also due to the distinctive deck shape with a lowered centre area and thick edges. The downside of the strongly concave deck, however, is that the step into the rear loop is a little difficult. When starting off, the board is very directionally stable and achieves the required take-off speed above average, even with a passive riding style - the shape produces hardly any noticeable riding resistance and the low weight does the rest. The board is also lively and agile in the air.
The Beluga Ltd also has particular strengths when it comes to unintentional touchdowns - the concept with distinctive bevelled edges and deep concaves in the underwater hull works perfectly and sends the board gently back into the air with almost no loss of speed. Wing riders benefit from this just as much as freestylers and wave riders. It's obvious that "lighter" is always "better" for all tricks and rotations - and that's exactly why the RRD Beluga Ltd also scores points across the board with ambitious trick riders. Despite its slightly longer length compared to other board models, the board rotates very agilely and with little effort.
RRD Beluga Ltd - the bottom line:
Light as a feather, easy to glide and with good-natured characteristics - these characteristics suit both wingsurf intermediates and cracks. The range of use is wide, from intermediates to cracks, the shape offers no restrictions. Only the deck contour, which takes some getting used to, and the mediocre loops spoil the overall impression somewhat. If 1999 euros is too high a price for a wingboard, you should also consider the much cheaper RRD Beluga LTE (1249 euros).
Jumping, gliding, soft touchdowns, weight
Cover shape that takes some getting used to
Loops
