What are the best light wind non-foil boards these days? Have been using the amazing JP SLW since 2013, really great, but ready to replace it. Like my old Falcon 110 a lot with a 6.5 and 7.2, so for very light winds I'm looking for something a bit faster or exiting than the JP SLW (old shape), but not a race board and still light wind ultra early planning with my V8 8.7 (I'm 70kg).
Are any of these latest big 'free-race' boards of 82-87 width more 'exciting' to sail than the old JP SLW/90, or do they all feel a bit, well ... wide and slowish? I'm thinking Futura 127 or 137 (very wide, a US replacement?), SuperSport 133, Jag 135, f-race 150, etc. Or, would the Falcon LW (can still get the 2019 here) or new JP SLW give me what I'm after? What do you all think? Cheers - peace.
Starboard Ultrasonic if you can find one as its not being made anymore which is sad.
very fragile though.
The newer JP SLW 91s are very much better than your old 90 ( I've had the 90, and own a 91 Textreme) but they are made to plane early not do 30 knots. If you want to go faster you will have to get an 80-85 wide slalom. JP, Fanatic or Starboard are the only ones to consider. They aren't frightening to sail and will only go as fast as you're game to sail them.
I'm a hoarder and very much a keen beginner
absoltely loved the early big SLW. Felt it was the board I would ride forever
Loved the light wind wind sailing so much I ended up with an ultrasonic US and a more modern SLW 92
Both the updated boards have more excitement in the ride. I find the US gets going a little slower however has a much more lively feel. The SLW92 is a powerhouse get going stay going board
with all of this at your 70kg and ability to use 110 as daily rider compared to my 90-100kg (show pony )weight and only dream of getting below 120l boards. I recon 80-85cm slalom boards are where you may be better looking
cheers Jeff
With 75kg, I used an old school formula board detuned with a small fin. Got lots of miles on it. Starboard F156 2002. Amazing. Near true sailing feel but hovering sensation. 8-20 knot range. Used from 7.0 to 9.2.
I'm in the same boat as the OP. Looking for a fun ride to compliment my 110L Firemove. I'm still holding onto the Mistral Prodigy for light wind days. It slogs along pretty good and I can get it planing pretty early with an 8.2 Gaastra and 51cm fin. Drop the daggerboard and cruise the bays and inlets when not planing. But, I've been sailing it for years and would like something a bit more modern. That thing is a barge! I'm also interested in the new SLW or perhaps a 135ish 80cm wide board. Keep those opinions coming! Thanks for posting OSK.
New SLW shape is very fast in flat water fully powered. I've hit upper 20's no problem. Not sure you are going to find an appreciably faster board and still get the range and light air performance. I have the super fragile Gold edition. Highly suggest finding the wood version that is foil capable. Put a good nose pad on it too! If you are light, then a faster option would be the Falcon 140.
Do slalom boards work similarly to formulas? Experience freeriding them? Honestly to fully leverage light conditions width is amazing. And as soon as we use two straps out back why not go super wide for freeriding? Freeracing is different because then we will aim to sail overpowered.
Regardless it was interesting to see the F-types by starboard back in the day, sad they disappeared.
Thanks for all your input. So it will be the more recent JP SLW (for earliest planning I presume), Falcon LW, or Falcon 140. Has anyone here sailed the Falcon 140 and compared to one of the other two LW options? General impressions?
tnx
For light stuff i've also got a Mistral Prodigy, an LT, used to have slalom gear and course race gear.
For under 15 knots the LT is simple and surprisingly fast with the full short batten sail in 5 to 10 knots. That said the Prodigy is an underrated board.
Above 20 I'd rather be on my 100L freeride board.
