Rider: 80kg , beginner / intermediate
Style: Freeriding, Surf,
Weather: 12 - 27 knots
My Comments: I'm looking at getting a TT to replace my current which has served me well but is just too big and wide in stronger winds, far too difficult to hold an edge. Just wondering if anyone has ridden the above 2 boards and can compare them? I'm in Perth and kite 90% of the time in the ocean with small to medium waves and chop. I'd also be keen to hear what size in each maybe good to recommend. I need a board that I can hold an edge better for upwind ability and to carve through the chop. I have a 14 & 10m Rebel and looking at getting a 7m (not sure which one) for next season.
Help and advice appreciated.
Reason why it's the 2014 Tronic is that they have a couple of last years stock for a very good price, so if there is no difference than why pay $1k for the XRide?? Is the extra $$ worth it for the Xride?
I'll be selling a 2014 tronic soon... I think its 145 but would have to check. I'll post it to you for $500.
145 might sound big, but it feels quite small.
I've not ridden it in surf so cant really comment on that. But it holds an edge really well in strong wind.
I had completely given up on using a TT and a friend recommended the tronic. He said it was good on the knees due to flex at the end of the board, still edged really well due the stiffness in the middle, jumped okay and surfed brilliantly.
I do a heap of downwinders in two to four foot surf, and the tronic is awesome.
We usually get in two down winders per session at my local (a light wind one, then heavier wind one), and the surfboard does number one and the tronic number two.
I haven't ridden either board.
But keep these thoughts in mine.
Note: If your goal is upwind not smooth chop riding and carving waves then look for more standard shaped TT boards. These boards are worse at upwind than normal boards.
Both boards are more ellispse shapes. The tronic more so. That means they will hold a huge power slice through chop, carve waves sweet and be power hungry compared to a the same length rectanugular TT. You need to oversize these boards from standard TT sizing.
The other downside to ellipse shaped boards is that they don't load and pop as well on the flat. But they are king at smashing wave lips and boosting big.
I forgot to mention that I currently have a 139 x 43.5 Cabrinha Caliber which is great in lighter conditions but is way overpowered for me when the wind really picks up and I can't hold an edge on it.. So in addition to my question above I am considering 2 options.
1) Keeping the Caliber as a light wind board which works really well with my 14m Rebel and getting another TT style board for high wind days (like the tronic or xride)
OR
2) Selling the Caliber and buy 2 dedicated boards. 1 for light wind and the other for high wind & chop/surf.
Further advice would be appreciated & thanks so much for everyone's help so far.
Cheers
Dave
The sizing for tronic can be a bit confusing. I rode my mates 138cm naish the other day it planned quicker (needed less wind) then my 145 tronic. So if you do go a tronic keep in mind that you'll need bigger than you'd usually ride.
P.s, im not trying to push my board on you ;) Im 100kg, so maybe my tronic would still be a little big for you
Sounds like you might be getting overpowered in high winds. A 10m in 27knots might be the problem for not keeping an edge. Just something to think about as well. Once you get a7 or even an 8 you will be laughing.
Cheers Windywizard, your also 100% correct there. I'm looking at a 7m addition to next years quiver but find even in gusty 22/23 kts of wind I'm still battling to edge with the caliber.
Hmmmm...
The calliber still looks like a relatively tapered shape.
At 80 kg you should easily be able to hold a 10m on that caliber in 22,23 knots. I wonder if there is a technique issue?
As a comparison. I am 82kg ride a 145x45 mutant. (very similar to the tronic shape) and do not consider trimming until 25+ knots and start loosing an edge around 28-30 knots when flying my 10m edge. In fact 22-23 is the sweet spot for me.
What size fins do you run? If they are small then slap some 50-60mm fins in. That will help edging also.
Disclosures: none. Kitesurfer since 2001, windsurf since 83. Allergy against twisted unhooked quintuple rotation triple handlepass to blind jumps.
I just got the 2015 Xride in 135 cm as the dealer recommended to go a size bigger than usual. It replaces my aged 2010 Brunotti Zoon pro which is rather flat. The Xride is not built in carbon as the select but quite light still. I chose the Entity binding. The built is rock-solid and it looks high-end. There are many options to position the straps, and to narrow them down much more than most straps. The binding looks all plastic but ther emust be a reason North stick with it. Tim ewill tell whether it is enduring.
My opinion after riding after about 10 sessions is it is an awesome board. I rode it mostly in the Port Philip chop in 16 to 35+ knots. It eats the chop and has a lose feel but keeps the edge quite nicely. Toe side riding is pure fun and it does handle the surf quite nicely. The fins have an somehow unusal shape but are super sharp and with a rather flat profile. Clocked 55 kmh on bumpy flat water without feeling any lack of control so it is definitely not a slowie.
Jumps are great, perhaps a bit less forgiving than my old board when landing flat and fully powered. Sizewise I would agree that to go a size bigger than you normally would makes sense.
Can absolutely recommend if you do not need a specialized board even though it comes with a price tag.
Hey AussieDave . i own the Tronic 141x41 (78 kg, fella) its not to big at all for me .
They are a little power hungry due to a rocker line that's generous and rounded arch on edges, so the slightly bigger profile gives back a little planeing ability.
Amazingly super soft in chop and good enough up wind ,what I love mate is no splash at all I mean none .
It excels in the Perth chop and it is capable and hugh fun in waves head high , easily best board Ive owned, I cant sing its praises highly enough> Trying to not get carried away here, however its my favorite piece of kiteing gear. (and I own and have owned plenty ) Holds a edge really well with little physical effort required, so I can stay on the water longer with less fatigue, I've owned a xride and was happy enough, however for me, the Tronic wins hands down. This is only my preference and would be happy for anyone to have a varied opinion on the two TTs. Cheers Jeff
Hi Plummet, yes there was a technique issue that I hadn't noticed.. I had torn my calf muscle a couple weeks earlier and trying to get over it and hadn't realised I was compensating badly for it on the water kiting. Had a video lesson the other day and picked it like a dirty nose.. My shoulders were too far forward and not leaning back as this placed increased pressure on the calf when edging.. I found that when I edged properly and leaned back I held an edge, flew upwind and noticed the pain in my calve resume ...
I think some more physio and rest will be the answer to edging better I agree ..
I'd really like to demo them both to see how they compare or even borrow one .. the local only has a 135 Xride demo or 137 tronic which i think might be a tad short
Nikmcc, let me know what size your board is when you find out and I'll let you know after I hopefully try both boards out
Good to know that a few people swear by the Tronic as the best board they've had .. just waiting to hear if anyone absolutely loves the Xride.
Select to expand quoteAussieDave said..
Hi Plummet, yes there was a technique issue that I hadn't noticed.. I had torn my calf muscle a couple weeks earlier and trying to get over it and hadn't realised I was compensating badly for it on the water kiting. Had a video lesson the other day and picked it like a dirty nose.. My shoulders were too far forward and not leaning back as this placed increased pressure on the calf when edging.. I found that when I edged properly and leaned back I held an edge, flew upwind and noticed the pain in my calve resume ...
I think some more physio and rest will be the answer to edging better I agree ..
I'd really like to demo them both to see how they compare or even borrow one .. the local only has a 135 Xride demo or 137 tronic which i think might be a tad short
Nikmcc, let me know what size your board is when you find out and I'll let you know after I hopefully try both boards out
Good to know that a few people swear by the Tronic as the best board they've had .. just waiting to hear if anyone absolutely loves the Xride.
sorry mate, sold today... pending pick up.
But i can confirm it was 145x43 and felt like a good size for me at 100kgs
Hi AussieDave
I'm 77kg and have both the 2015 141x42 Tronic, and the 2014 137X41 Tronic.
If I could only keep one of them it would be the 141x42. The Tronics are a great board, but as stated above are a little power hungry. The 137 is great when the wind gets up and I cant be bothered changing down a kite size, but at my weight it doesnt have a very good bottom end. The 141 just has that extra bit of surface area that lets you glide through the lulls and is a better match when you are riding in the lower to upper middle parts of your kites wind range. It's only when i'm getting up to the high end of the wind range that I'd rather be on the 137.
There is quite a big difference in ride and feel between the 2014 & 2015 models also. The 2015 has rounder rails, different flex, and feels a little softer and more comfortable.
For my weight I wouldn't go bigger than the 141.
As always, demo if you can!
Just to give you guys context regarding sizing. Surface area is the biggest factor that determines upwind ability.
Ellipse shape boards (mako, Tronic) loose a lot of surface area at the tips compared to rectangular TT.
A 145 x 45 Tronic has a similar surface area to 132x42 rectangular board.
Although 100% stokeing surfboard style, still rip out twinnie when big wind and waves! (this week finally!)
every year upgrade to 'Ferrari style' boards, this year seemed less (demo) choices avail?
.. 2015 annual quest ... tested new 135 XRide vs 137 Tronic recently...(normally ride 134 freeride)
XRide was firm, flattish, med round tips, offering good planing area and speed for size. Seemed efficient, yet 40cm wide, struggled at times in big boggy stuff. The rail and 'surf' fins tended to get caught on side wash. Although it handled waves, couldn't dial it in easy... This board is better suited to choppy flat water with different fins.
ps. tested the big airs, did the biz nicely, slightly harsh/punishing
2015 Tronic was a surprise (2014 model not 4me) felt lighter, softer, rounder. The ride was cruisey and (almost) fun! The 41cm width was noticeable, planing with no spray. It's different, very tapered tips, took a while to get used to, will slide if getting critical... looking forward to learning new rail shape, will shred when mastered!
ps. big air machine, soft tips/tail landings (xtra 2-3cms)
pps. bought one! surprised myself big time..
Select to expand quotepmk said..
The ride was cruisey and (almost) fun! The 41cm width was noticeable, planing with no spray. It's different, very tapered tips, took a while to get used to, will slide if getting critical... looking forward to learning new rail shape, will shred when mastered!
ps. big air machine, soft tips/tail landings (xtra 2-3cms)
pps. bought one! surprised myself big time..
Now if you offset the bindings a few cm towards the tail. Pulled a bit of extra rocker on the nose. Drilled for a quad fin set up at the back,,,,,,,,, You would have a thing of beauty!......
PS Try some big assss fins in the back. That will reduce the slidy
A 135 xride to a 137 tronic are two diff size boards so dont compare j have a 135 xride and a 138 and noticeably different to ride
Dialled the 2015 tronic today, fun +1.
25kts+, 9m, 4-6ft waves...
super comfortable and forgiving board
adjusted slightly wider stance, more surf like..
no sliding out, effective soft rail requires little heel pressure
xtra long 50mm fins (std) did tha biz, thick pads and H1 straps increased confidence..
shredded chop and waves, massive smooth turns and loose lip smacks
will be a keeper (till Plum Pro version release?) 
Hi Wicksy,
Really appreciate your feedback .. I think we're similar in weight (i'm between 78-80kg) so your comments are hitting home.
Just a Q. What wind range would you say that you would need to change between the 141 & 137 tronic? I've got both a 14 & 10m kite and am chasing 2 new boards. 1 specifically for light wind (say north spike or Best Breeze or something else someone can suggest) and a tronic/xride. If you had a light wind board to cover you up to 15kts would you go for the 137 tronic or still the 141?? Would there be then too much overlap between the 2 big boards.
Also, where I mainly kite in Perth we have chop, mush and no more than a 2ft wave at best and also I head sometimes to flatwater. Is the tronic suited to more surf and huge airs or would it still be good for these conditions. If not is there another board that might do a better job.
Cheers everyone for your input
Dave
Hi Dave
My kites are 11m & 8M. For my light wind board I now use a surfboard (either North Nugget or Underground Kipuna).
I can comfortably ride the 141 Tronic at 15kts with my 11m, but would probably need more like 17-18kts to be comfortable on the 137.
For me personally the 141 fits my board/kite quiver better than the 137.
Having said that, you've got bigger kites than me, so maybe the 137 might work for you.
If you have a look at the board selector on the Cabrinha website you will see that they only recommend the 137 for riders under 60kg. Dont know if I totally agree with that, more like under 70kg I would have thought.
As for your local Perth conditions, the Tronic will eat those up!
Hope that helps 
Select to expand quotepmk said..
Dialled the 2015 tronic today, fun +1.
25kts+, 9m, 4-6ft waves...
4-6 foot actual? ie head high? or 4-6 foot hawian, double head?
Either way sound like an epic session.
Thanks Wicksy, from both your and other people's comments I'm hearing a trend that alot of people prefer the tronic to the X-ride ?
From what i've also read and from Pmk's comment the 2014 and 2015 Tronic are quite different animals. If I am going to spend the money I may aswell compare apples with apples and so I think now I need to consider 2015 Xride Vs 2015 Tronic... Am keen to demo what I can now and see what it feels like. I know I can get a demo of a 2015 Xride but let me know if anyone knows a place in Perth to demo the 2015 Tronic.
4-6 ft waves in any scale is NICE !!
PS: I've got a North Whip I use when the wind lightens but it's clearly not a light wind board like the Nugget ..
Hi AussieDave,
I assume that with you riding a SB already you are wave riding biased?
You have the SB for the low end and switch to the TT on windy/messy days?
I have not ridden either board but if the above mentioned statements apply than on outline and design brief only the Tronic will be the one to go for hands down. It is a TT designed for waves and chop
I ride a Dundee as TT. simply because I like waves but also a bit of popping off the water. Dundee would be in same bracket as the X-ride. I am actually thinking of getting the Tronic cause I am getting more into wave riding now. X-ride will probably have better low end and better pop so better at freestyle moves than the Tronic but not as good in the waves. As mentioned before, the 2 are in a different bracket so ... it all depends what you want out of it.
(I just recently bought a SB so on the same trail as you. SB for low end so that is now not a requirement for the TT anymore. Still have a Cabrinha custom. the pop of that is insane and the Dundee just does not have that similar level. So: Custom for freestyle, Tronic for high wind waves/mess. SB for low end and those nice days. Or swap on one session and enjoy the extras the boards give because they are biased towards one style)
though decisions!.
Good luck
cheers
Rene
are there any heavy guys riding the 2015 145tronic. im 210lbs and am very interested in getting this board since it appears to excel in what im interested/riding in(big air, carving turns, wave, and chop) my shop doesn't have one for demo so i was wondering if there is anyone else around my weight whose tried the board and their thoughts on it
I need to replace my old board (flat 146x46) with a newer one that can handle the chop better.
I am considering the 2015 Tronic as well. Actually 2 boards - 2015 Tronic 145x43 for choppy water and a 2015 Stylus 165x48 for lightwind.
I'm 105 kg. I believe that this might be a good combo.
Any thoughts or recommendations?
Cheers,
Matt
i have the 2014 165x48 stylus for lightwind. it works great for getting an extra 2 to 3 knots out of the bottom of your kite or works well with the full range of a 17m. its extra with is great for not getting any ankle splash. it has a little bit of rocker so its landings are pretty soft for its size and it makes it more maneuverable for some mini downwind s turns but not much more than that. only downside is that you're losing a knot to knot and a half on the bottom end in comparison to some of the flatter doors but i prefer the softer landings on my jumps at 10-15 kts over better lawn mowing at 8kts. do not know how much different the 2015 version is other than the new fins and graphics
