QLD
4874 posts
Geez I'd wet myself if 3 brand new boards turned up on my doorstep - they look great. Enjoy them Steve.
QLD
1240 posts
Great to here about the 90. Haven't had a chance to sail mine yet. Sailed the 110 twice. It feels great and tracks upwind really nicely. Sailed 7.8 and 8.6. Reakon the 7.8 is the perfect size. Board feels quite big and a nice light-med wind board.
WA
304 posts
I got the new 117, 107 and 90 and had a bit of time on them, so thought I would write a few comments.
It's a pretty short review, as there is "not much" to say. They just work!!
117 and 107 feels similar to my beloved 2013 boards, but then again seams to sit a bit more "free" on the tail section and some early acceleration has been achieved. From the little bit looser feeling, you should think the control would be a bit less. But amazingly they boards stay in control at all time!
I guess the 2014 wider width / slimmer tail combination ,- is delivering..
I run the same fin sizes as the 2013 boards (117 - 44/46) (107 - 38/40), but it do feel like you can use a touch smaller fin comparing to the 2013 models.
When I tested the new 90 the first time (with the new tail shape as seen on the post above), I have to be honest and say I didn't felt the love first time out. I was getting lifted up off the water a few times and could not really hit the trim. I was really gusty Swan river conditions with 7.1 powered up.
However my 2nd and 3rd testing of the board in the ocean and Swan river again with 7.1 and 6.3, totally turned the whole experience around!.
The tail shape is pretty "radical" compared to the usual SB tail sections. All I can say is point the board a few degree downwind and you will know what it feels like to go very fast with a lot of control and endless control!
As mentioned in a thread above the board do require a bit of skills to sail fast upwind. Especially compared to other models with wider tail sections.
I also moved the back foot strap position to furthest forward position, as I felt some more control over the board, and also better upwind ability.
In my experience with the 90 you have to move the weight more forward then normal to engage the rails further up the board (as you can't just stand on the back section as other boards). When you find the groove, then it is becoming pretty efficient upwind. Anyway the blistering across / downwind speed is defiantly from my point of view out matching the little more skill full upwind sailing.
I used fins from 30, 32, 34 and 36.
So far the 30 and 32cm was really good. But need to test more,,
I'm sure this board will just get better the more you sail it and getting it tuned in..
Jesper
QLD
4874 posts
Thanks Jesper and Simon. Any other verdicts on the iS90 - just want to know if anyone else can advise if this board would be ideal for open ocean conditions. I'm assuming it would be with that fairly radical tail (reduced wetted surface area). My only other hesitation would be getting it in carbon as I had an uncomfortable time with a '13 Falcon 89 and that was full carbon.
QLD
1240 posts
I have only had one sail on my 90 and about 6 sails on the 110 The first thing you notice is that these boards just want to accelerate. The 90 feels super quick. From 2013 onwards the carbon feels way more more forgiving in open water.
QLD
4874 posts
Thanks guys. Good to read the carbon isn't as hard as previous models. Will bite the bullet much to Firie's dismay. The iS90 just sounds too good to pass up.
QLD
1240 posts
Had the best sail on the new 90 today with the 6.2 and Drake DW 34cm fin. This board feels so damn good. So fast off the wind and jibes on a dime. There is something really special about the new cut outs and the reduced wetted surface area. Snags, if you can get a deal on a 2014 90, do it.
TAS
2042 posts
Yep ditto to the above. Was out with Steve for a few hours, both of us on the new 90's with 6.2's and the 90 felt great. Very happy!!
QLD
4874 posts
Thanks guys - sounds like you're really impressed with the 90. There's going to be one big 2400long x 630wide xmas stocking with my name on it under the tree this year.
PS - Firie, got a funny story to tell you too when you get a chance.
TAS
2042 posts
Got a 2-sec spot PB the other day using the iSonic 90 (37.03 knots). A fair few of us have battled it out at this spot over the last year or so trying to get the highest 2-sec and I've always been on my old iSonic 86 getting at best low 36's (due to the chop), but first time out here on the 90 and I get a 37 knot PB! I've still got my 86 for when it's windy, but the 90 is proving to be pretty versatile! Despite the width, it really 'grips' and keeps its line when over-powered off-the-wind. Was using the 6.2 Reflex 4 and C3 Venom 34.
NSW
508 posts
Starboard do make a good board
But there are other skiny production models out there like the Exocet I use rs2 90l 59wide with 5.5m to 7.6m love it one stop board for me.