Rider: 75KG ,Level (advanced)
Style: Freeriding, Surf, Wake, Freestyle
Weather: 15-20 knots
Build Quality: 10/10
Satisfaction: 10/10
My Comments:
I will be making a full review of this board shortly and a video.
I choose the 136cm as I gives me more options to ride straps and boots depending on the location.
This session I was running the new North Entity Pads which I can say without question are the best pads on the market.
The Gambler is Norths hardcore wake style board with a bomb proof construction, lots of rocker and super stiff.
Conditions where epic flat water with some chop out the back.
The thing that blew me away with this board included the following.
UPWIND ABILITY:
The board is 136cm with slight channels in the back for the best tracking and locked in feeling. I was smashing upwind in 15 knots on my 9M.
CHOP:
Cuts through it with no squirting or affect on ride. The boards rocker soaks it up.
POP:
I have been riding for 4 years and the pop i was getting in 15 knots on a 9M was huge. I was going for back mobes with the kite on the water because the boards loads up so much energy. Even when under powered I was using the boards pop to go big not having to leverage the kite.
LANDING GEAR:
I love the solid nature of the board especially the landings. They where really nice due to the length and rocker. Its a nice solid landing with the right amount of flex. Not a bone shaker but like landing on a firm cake. In fact its is a satisfying landing.
As mention I will have more to talk about with the board but at the moment this is the best board I have ever ridden on straps and you should believe the hype surrounding North this year.
if you are after a wake style board then order one stop trawling and do it.
Cheers
Sci
lots of rocker and you were smashing upwind on your 9m... put me down for 3 of them
Why the red thumbs for Sci?
The Gambler is excellent and is a stand alone in it's class and his appraisal is pretty spot on from the feedback we are getting from guys who ride them.
We've sold more Gamblers this year than all the Team Series boards over the last few years.
You can dis North all you like, but if you take a look at it with an open mind, you might be surprised to find there is a difference.
Red thumb til your heart's content!
DM
I didnt red thumb it BUT
Wheres the team rider disclosure???
Sorry - I know Sci and would like to think he would always be honest but forum readers need to know when ppl are talking from sponsored perspective.
A sponsored board always rocks harder than the one you paid full dollar for.
Gratitude is a fierce-some motivator.
Not knocking the Gambler either - had a few positive reports myself from those who can pick the difference.
Disclaimer: I dont sell them !
Have you laid the team and Gambler together? I though the rocker wasn't that different myself, both very similar to my tempo. I would say it's a medium rocker definitely nothing like a Custom for example.
As for wind, I was there and it was 15 to maybe 18 if you were lucky, I was on a 12 with boots, but there were guys a bit lighter on 9's with straps doing just fine.
Next time there is westerly wind you should come down and try one of these, we have a 136 set up with bindings, many happy demo's.
