Hey, anyone had any experience riding these boards?
Been sussing them out over the Cross.... look reasonably decent, but wonder how they'd go in Melbourne bay chop conditions....
Hey Kurt,
Not sure exactly which size/model you are looking at but I have had the current model 2010/2011 Sting 134 DT for the last 12 months, and love it.
I use it to fill the gap between my formula board and 95 litre slalom board, with sails from 6.5 up to 10.0. Most of my sailing with this board is on Lake Macquarie (coastal lake) or bays (Nelson Bay, Botany Bay and Jervis Bay)
The sweet spot for this particular size/model board is probably around 7.5 or 8. The width of this board (78cm) means that it can gets to be a bit uncomfortable when conditions get really rough, but the smaller models would probably work better in those conditions. The width and volume mean its very fast to plane out of the gybes. For the larger sails (9.0 and 10.0) I use a more upright slalom style fin (51cm) which works well.
The DT has a tougher construction that the wood version, and in 12 months i haven't put a ding in it - i would say I'm an intermediate level slalom sailor. The DT model is slightly heavier than a a Wood one, but this is really only noticeable when lifting on and off the roof. It feels light underfoot on the water. All the weights etc are on the Exocet site for you to compare.
If you are looking for something to use in more wind and big chop, a Cross III 104 may be a better option, but if you're looking for a light-medium wind blaster that is strong and excellent value, the Sting is great.
I think there are a few guys around Sydney who have the Sting 114 so they might be able to give you feedback on those sizes.
Hope this helps, PM me if you need more info.
Cheers
James
Thanks James, appreciate that. I was thinking about the 125 ltr Sting in the DR material.
It is 73 wide..... so only concern is the chop factor.... seems you go okay in Botany bay, which can get some chop.
Hi K dog,
I got the sting 114 wood version. I reckon the board performs really well. I use it as my 'big' board with a 7.5 cammed sail and a 6.6 freeride. I sail botany bay mainly, i find it sooo much more comfortable for blasting around than a pure slalom board. I personally wouldnt go any bigger than 114 ( with 7.5m being my biggest sail) but if you owned bigger sails than the next size up might be better. With 114 and 6.6m i can stay out when the wind picks up well in to mid 20 kts, then jump down to my 93L FSW when things get a bit to crazy. Great, comfortable , fun board... love riding it!
PS im around 90kegs
KDog,
With my 7.5 the board doesnt sink, light wind tacking and uphauling just takes a bit of balance. I would would say that since getting rid of my larger board (144L), my balance has improved (especially in winter through fear of falling into the freezing water!)... you just get used to it. Your 7m would be perfect but an 8m might be starting to get a little awkward . Realistically i would not get planning in 12kts, prob more like 14kts....but the bonus of the 114 is that it would be more comfortable and fun than the larger sizes when the wind picks up. Ive had many sessions when i probably should have changed down to smaller board but end up staying out and having a ball on the 114.
cheers
