Yep I know Evos have been debated on this forum before, but I recently had the chance to buy an 05 Evo 80 for a really good price. Before I made my mind up I researched all the threads, and to be honest I wasn't that keen to get one from what I read. (mainly because I predominately freeride and B&J, not wave sail) But the price was right and being stuck in PNG with a rig and no board I thought what the heck, something is better than nothing. But have had 3 sails on it the last 3 days (20-25 knot trade winds, hot water, 1Km of tropical lagoon with waves on reef, 
), and have been pleasently surprised. Even for blasting around, it points really well, goes over chop like it's on shock absorbers, gybes pretty good (to my limited gybing ability), top speed is way fast enough (with no gath), spins out a bit but really easy to get back under control, positively leaps off waves / chop and stays under control in the air, and gets planing no problems (I'm 73Kg, using 5.0 in 20-25 knots). When I get a bit more confident (and the swells not so big) I'll cross the reef and have a go in the real waves, but I'm really liking this board for what I'm doing with it at the moment. Well that's my 2 bob's woth on the Evo debate.
i've got the exact same board. i agree with you on everything except the upwind ability. i had to buy a bigger fin for use with my 5.8. even with a 5.2 it is still a bit difficult...
What was the stock fin with these boards, this one has a Drake wave 22cm, and points way higher than I expected (albeit sacrificing a bit of speed)
