Isonic board choice

Hi, new here so first let you introduce myself, my name is Martin and am a UK windsurfer and have been doing this fun sport of ours for the last 28 years on and off. I lost interest many years ago as I wasn't progressing but have been pushing myself to get better since I bought some new kit back in 2008. I have now cracked the carve gybe and drop very few even in rougher water. I currently own a 2014 Starboard Ultrasonic, a 2013 JP supersport 124 (Pro edition) and have recently purchased a Starboard AtomIQ 110.

Both Starboards are definitely staying but am wanting to change the JP for an Isonic, question is which one? I have got it down to two, the 110 and 117, I will be using it only with 7.8 and 8.6 twin cam sails (might get Severne Overdrive's at a later date) as I am not racing just for the thrill. The reason I want a slalom board is simple, the freerace board is easily maxed out and I feel I want more. I will be using it only in flat water and I currently weigh in at 86Kg.

I was primarily looking at getting a 2014 model but they have both 2013 110 and 117 carbon models in stock here in the UK for a ridiclously cheap price but without sounding big headed money isnt the issue, getting the right board first time is.

I know both sizes will take the sails comfortably but what would be better for a non-racer considering their can be big lulls where I sail.

There seems to be quite a few very knowledgeable slalom sailors on here so this is why I am posting this in the hope that I can get a definitive answer for someone.

Thanks in advance for your answers, Martin

Firstly I have no experience with an AtomIQ although knowing it is about 75cm wide??(I think) and the Ultrasonic being 93cm wide the 81cm iS117 would probably be a logical choice - in saying that though;

I'm 94kgs and have both the iS117 (2012) & an iS110 (2013). The iS117 gets up and planing with incredible ease (as would your ultrasonic) but the 110 is faster and more controllable when things get rough and is a perfect combo with a 7.8/8.6 (as is the 117). IMO as you sail flat water and only weigh 86 the iS110 would be a better board even though it's the same width as the AtomIQ, the performance between the two would be very different. I think you'll be happy with either choice you make.

Thanks guys for your feedback. The Atom110 is indeed similar in width to the isonic 110 but is 1cm narrower on the max width but a lot narrower with its ofo measurement. In fact it has the same scoop rocker line and length. I bought this board for the days when the wind is light and the swell big and it does this job perfectly with sails around 7m.

As for the Ultrasonic I use it with both a 10m race sail from point 7 and the 8.6m Severne Turbo, it works well with both. Putting the 8.6 on the JP it has another gear and I have done almost 30 knots with this combo (the JP is 73cm) so when I drop down from the US to the JP with the 8.6 I am usually well powered up.

Sausage, as you are heavier and using the 2013 model I guess from what I read that the 2014 110 version takes the bigger sails better so I think I will go for this option.

Can anyone tell me what size fins they use on the isonic 110 with 8.6 and 7.8m sails? I am guessing a 43 and 41 would probably do the job?

Lastly would there be any benefit in changing the twin cam sails for triple cam sails?

Thanks

I agree, go the 110. Awesome board. I own one. I think the 117 would be too close to your Ultrasonic.

Mate do yourself a favour and have a look at RRD boards, best thing i ever done was to switch from Starboard to RRD .
I have a freestyle wave for the windier days and a Firemove for lighter days...

Xtreme, I already own an RRD LTD FSW 101L from 2011, it is my high wind board for 5 and 5.5m sails, I like it but it is so fragile. The Atom is Starboard equivalent of the firemove and was dithering what one to buy but the price of the Starboard swung it for me.

Vando, so when you have used the 110 (I'm presuming it's a 2014 model) with the 7.8 does it feel like it could take bigger?? I already own a 41cm Carbon Fin from F-Hot which is quite a powerful fin so I will give that a go when it all arrives.

Thanks Phil.

Does anyone use this board with a 7m? Or does everyone change to the 97?

In retrospect at 70cm wide the iS107 could be an option also considering your weight. They can be comfortably sailed with an 8.6 all the way down to 6.3 although 7.0 & 7.8 would be the sweeter combo. It would give you a board for much windows conditions although it could be just too bigger gap.
Can you take these for a test ride?

Out of interest I comfortably use a 7.8 with an iS97

Xtreme, perhaps it is just the older limited edition RRD's are a bit fragile. If it is a 2014 Firemove then surely it is a 112? I like the Atom but it is purely for when things get rough but are the winds are lighter I.e. Onshore. What NP camless sail do you own, Hellcat, Fusion?

I did seriously consider the 107 but have opted fot the 110, they had one in stock here in the UK, it arrives Tuesday, off to Morocco on Saturday so it will have to wait till I get back for a test drive.

Having trouble getting hold of some Severne Overdrives so will have to make do with the Turbos for the meantime.

Steve I liked the look of the Drake DW fins but after trying the F-Hot fins I will not change, they are fast, drive upwind well and I have never had spin out and all for around the same price, you guys should give them a go, same profile as the Z fins, half the price and tested by Antoine Albeau.

That's good to know, probably use the Atom when it's 7m weather.

JP, what was the water state?

Have found a 2013 Severne Overdrive R4 8.6m new for a good price, can anyone tell me if there is much difference between the 2013 and 2014 models?