I am coming from a Naish Glide 14 (V1) and will get a new 14. It has narrowed down to either the 2015 Javelin x26 GX 14 or the 2014 Javelin x26 LE. I have tested the 2015 Javelin x26 GX in 12.6 and liked it. Not going to wait for 2016 because summer is here now. I can get both for a good price with the 2014 LE (also new) being a couple of hundred Euros cheaper. The price difference is not the key criteria but obviously interesting.
I do not race. I am paddling glassy flat water on Hamburg´s inner city lake and canals as a work out. I am also paddling the large river going into the city´s big port which can range from smooth to choppy, currents, no wind, head wind, side wind, mild downwinder river conditions (15-20 knots) and the occasional small wave created by the wake when one of this big container ships pass by or the speedy pilot boats.
My criterias would be speed on flatwater but also very important how well I can pick up this small wake created slop (ankle to knee high), getting the board into planing and ride it back to the river bank. I can do that with my old Glide occasionally (big nose rocker) and would expect more from a board with more waterline. I am leaning towards the 2015 Javelin as I would believe that this shape picks up small waves and chop more easily. Despite the LE being cheaper I would be also a bit concerned about it being more fragile.
DirkG said.. GX 26, very happy with it. It is light enough, around 12 kg something, and I believe a lot more robust than the LE. It is plenty stable for my 75 kg.
