Norden Surfboards has significantly revised its Futurama Fusion model with the V2 version. The mid-length board (HERE you can find the background to this board class) is available in three sizes of 5'8/6'0 and 6'6 (85/95 and 110 litres) at a comparatively low price of 1299 euros. Nevertheless, the manufacturer does not want to have saved on the construction and offers the board with a hybrid carbon sandwich construction. The top consists of biaxial carbon fabric, several layers of fibreglass and a bamboo sandwich in the stand area.
On land
The Norden Futurama Fusion V2 has a diamond tail, the standing position is very central and slightly lowered in the deck. Various strap plugs are available on the deck, but the straps themselves are not included. The deck pad has a good grip, but could have been extended a little towards the rear so that you don't hit the slippery deck when standing up. A comfortable carrying handle and a very long foil box have been installed in the underwater hull, in which suitable positions for all common foil types can be found. The underwater hull itself is divided into three sections: The bevelled edges should prevent the board from sucking up on the water during touchdown. According to the manufacturer, a further step in the underwater hull should ensure that the board releases even better from the water when starting off. The weight of the tested 95-litre version is also very appealing at a measured 6.15 kilograms.
On the water
The voluminous nose stabilises the board perfectly around the transverse axis. Around the longitudinal axis, the Futurama seems a little more tippy than comparable boards in this category. Nevertheless, this does not change the fact that starting and taking off with this board is extremely easy, as the Futurama Fusion V2 does not develop any noticeable riding resistance. The pull of the wings and pumping can be converted 1:1 into propulsion and therefore into an early take-off. Due to the very central standing position and the light weight, the board feels compact and light in the air, making it seem almost one size smaller than it nominally is. You can feel this in basic manoeuvres such as tacks and jibes as well as when riding swells, where - provided you use an appropriate foil - you can then perform fluid rail-to-rail changes. The prerequisite for making the most of the board's agility is that you have already escaped the absolute beginner stage and are halfway through basic manoeuvres such as tacks and jibes.
The touchdown behaviour also leaves nothing to be desired. If you accidentally hit a chop, the board doesn't react with resistance, but you are gently sent back up again. Like other mid-length concepts, the Norden Futurama Fusion V2 is not predestined for freestyle rotations due to its dimensions, but normal jumps are still easily possible.
North Futurama Fusion V2 - the conclusion
The Norden Futurama Fusion V2 scores as a successful mid-length concept. The light wind performance is impressive, especially when you combine the board with a high-lift wing and a powerful wing. But the concept is also perfect for sporty freeriding, smooth manoeuvres and, above all, trips into the swell.
Take-off; touchdown behaviour; price-performance ratio
Pad quite short
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North Futurama Fusion V2 - technical data
- Test model: North Futurama Fusion V2 6'0''
- Length 6'0'' (183 cm)
- Width: 22.5'' (57.2 cm)
- Weight (own measurement, without loops): 6.15 kilos
- Volume: 95 litres
- Available sizes: 5'8''x80 // 6'0''x95 // 6'6''x110 litres
- Scope of delivery: Board
- Price: 1299 Euro
- Special features: -
- Contact: To the website
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
