2007 Evo 75 Review Windsurf UK Oct 06

Another great Starboard Review !

Interesting to note that the testers found the addition of a stiffer fin gave even more performance in lighter and onshore conditions.

These were working well on a 2 week trip up North with Luke Walmsley, Ben Severne, Timo MUllen and myself finding some nice stunts out of the lip on some quality waves. The Evo 75 is a safe bet as a classic all rounder.

Here is the review:

Starboard Evo XTV 75, Windsurf UK, October 06
At a Glance
The Evo series from Starboard has a lot to be proud of, taking much of the credit for kick-starting the stubby wave-board revolution back in 2003. After several years of only minor alterations, it has finally been superseded by the Evo XTV - the initials standing for 'extra tail vee'. In addition to the increased tail vee, the new models (in 5 sizes) also benefit from more drawn-out tail outlines, designed to help the boards get more vertical in the turn. The Evo is available in either Wood or Technora Dur-X construction

Manoeuvres

On the wave, the Evo XTV lives up to the reputation of its predecessor offering a combination of ease and performance that defies the rider's belief in their own ability! No matter how you approach the bottom turn the rails never seem to even hint at catching, biting and gliding through the water as if on rails. Carrying its speed effortlessly through the turn we were constantly amazed at how tight and vertical we could get back up the face with such little effort, making us continually hunt for that extra wave in the session to go that bit further. When well powered the supplied fin really helps for expressive sliding cutbacks, the fin twisting and releasing for some extra snap.

For: Ease, practicality and incredible wave riding prowess.
Against: For cross-onshore conditions invest in a stiffer second fin.

Verdict
The Evo XTV had a lot to live up to and with the use of a stiffer foil it certainly produced, coming very highly recommended for expressive, captivating wave riding whatever the conditions or rider ability.