Home > News > RRD FSW 95 - fun & accessible performance over a good range of conditions - WINDSURF MAG Nov/Dec 08
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RRD FSW 95 - fun & accessible performance over a good range of conditions - WINDSURF MAG Nov/Dec 08
12th Nov 2008 @ 04:25:43 PM
RRD FREESTYLE WAVE 95
Target
Advanced to Expert
A superbly designed and constructed board offering fun and accessible performance over a good range of conditions for freeride, freestyle and waves.
At a Glance
• Carbon kevlar construction with light finish on deck to expose this
• Grippy deck pads with cushioned heel sections
• Comfortable and easy to adjust Dakine footstraps with outboard and inboard options
• Measurements along the mast track for accurate mast foot placement
• Slight dome in the deck for good rider positioning
• Plenty of width throughout, extending into the nose and tail
• Rounded pin tail
Ride and Handling
The RRD freestyle wave glides up onto the plane very smoothly, its light construction noticeable; when up to speed it continues to feel comfortable and controlled underfoot. A variety of footstrap options can be used to good effect with this board: set up outboard including two back straps, the sailor can load the board with a bigger sail, drop down and out and drive for excellent freeride performance, alternatively, with the straps inboard the sailor is brought into a more upright, manoeuvre based position, for good freestyle and wave application.
As the wind picks up and the water state worsens the RRD remains composed, the rider feeling comfortable and vee in the bottom shape helping to keep the board smooth and controllable. When jumping, the light construction of the board and feel underfoot make it easy to get good air, whether off chop or sizeable ramps, where it is floaty and controllable.
Manoeuvres
For turns: the RRD is very smooth to carve and is an excellent tutor for tentative techniques, while also offering satisfying performance and good speed on the exit when driven by a more experienced hand. In tacks, the wide and flat deck around the mast foot and up into the nose offers easy foot placement, making them quite achievable.
For waves: the 95 supplies easy performance for first timers who are a bit heavy on the back foot through to expert riders looking for fun, accessible performance in more marginal conditions. It works well in mushy onshore conditions through to clean side-shore swells.
For freestyle: the RRD provides superb performance for carving tricks and offers a good tutoring platform for more ‘new school’ aerial freestyle, with an easy pop and controllable slide on the nose.
Verdict
+ An excellent all-rounder, with superb construction and fittings, that offers great performance for a wide range of users, in freeride sailing to waves and freestyle
- Not much to fault here - a great all-rounder! Sailors looking for more dedicated freestyle performance might prefer the Twintip
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