I have had the 2010 Fire Race 120L for a while now approx 4 weeks.
It has big shoes to fill as it’s replaced my beloved 2007 F2 SX XL (AKA PONG).
here's what RRD say
"FireRace W - tech 2010
“Speed Machines – put the fire into your sailing”
The FireRace boards are made with the winning shape of the X-fire boards! Pure World Cup boards built with a wood and glass technology that will give you the race and performance feel, yet with a more durable and affordable construction. They have slightly bigger fins to get you up and planing early, increase your opportunity to go cruising, reach the mark and, of course, overtake your mates.
Features: Each board has a different size. Wide and short outline on the 135 and narrower and longer on the 120, 112 and 105. Proportionally related scoop-rocker lines in order to create a perfect balanced racing machine. No compromise on the speed potential. Get ready for some action...
Technology: EPS/HD Glass/Wood sandwich skin on top and bottom with a Glass crossed fibres laminated in Single Shot moulding process".
No I am not sponsored and paid for it with my hard earned $’s
Here are my thoughts on it so far.
The RRD Fire Race
Size 120L
75cm wide and 235Long
The Fire Race is a timber construction similar to the wood Isonics. RRD say they are the more durable/cheaper option compared too the X-fire Ltd Edition (carbon)
I have sailed in all water states from smooth no-chop to open ocean in fully powered to just planning with sails sized 7.2m, 7.8m and 8.4m all NP race sails.
The fins I have used have been
Pointers
• MFC RC2 44 (came with board)
• LE 40
• MFC Liquid pro 40
Weedy’s
• MFC Weed Burner 46
• Chocó 40
I have set the foot straps outward, rear in the middle and the front one all the way back (yes I’m a short arse).
The ride
I have found it to plane very early (just like PONG). It rides smoothly over chop as long as you are flying off the fin. Once the power come on it accelerates very quickly so. The ride is surprisingly smooth as it just seems to hover over chop with minimal fuss.
Upwind it just fly’s and I find it does it without really having to try that hard.
Off the wind I have found it very quick (max speed so far 33knts in open water with an 8.4m and 44MFC RC2). It does how ever need to be sallied right off the tail/Fin as the low nose can catch on the back of the swell in front of you. I found this out when I put a smaller fin (40cm) on trying to get more speed off the breeze in the open ocean.
At my local the Lechenault Inlet, it just fly’s with no fuss at all due to the water state being so flat.
Gybing
I have found it to be a bit really smooth but you need to engage the whole rail with your weight forward. If you put too much weight on your back foot the narrow tail just sinks and you stall and come off the plane.
Over all I am really happy so far. My top speed on PONG was 34knts. With the RRD’s norrower tail I reckon its got at least 35kts in it.
I will take some pics and post them soon.
I will keep posted
