I found it very difficult to find images of the new AST Mana so thought I'd pop some that I took of it online for anyone interested.
It IMO is a nice finish, smooth rails (gloss feel). The yellow at the front and on the underside is just like the previous Nalu & Glide AST models and contrary to the website DOES NOT include a cover.
A cheaper yet stronger option if wood isn't your thing.
Nice.. Thanks for the pics.. I love my 10' Mana (bamboo) even if it does have a wide arse..
Interesting that they've gone for a bigger center fin than mine.. I wonder if that'd make it even more stable.. (not that you'd need it).
What size fin is it?
DJ
Hey DJ. It's a 9 inch rake. It's a great shape IMO and feels like it has more drive than the smaller one for sure.
I find the AST Mana feels springier under foot. Always felt the original had a bit of a 'dead' weight feel to it so this one feels much more 'alive'. Not sure how you rate the Bamboo too the original but I'd go AST over original any day.
I'm a bit confused as to why they changed fins too but I guess it will still turn well. Might throw a larger fin on my 2010 model and see what happens.
The other really great thing about the AST models is the weight - very very light and noticably lighter than the bamboo or 2010 models. My missus paddled her 9.5 for the first time this morning and was blown away by how light the ast board is and how stable it was with all the boats going past in the river.
