Mistral Syncro 90 – Boards test Jan/Feb 06
Character
The high rocker gives better than average control and easy turning in waves and stronger winds. Although early-planing suffers in comparison with the flatter boards it is still a very easy board to get planing thanks to its tail width and grip once its threshold is reached. Speed with bigger sails in moderate winds is not its forte, but stands out for its easy gibing and easy well powered sailing. Indeed, ease is what this board is all about. Rather than trying to offer the most edgy, high-performance-high-thrills sot of ride, its wide tail, relaxed sailing position, excellent control and good upwind performance make it one of the most accessible boards on test for sailors of all abilities. It is a good natural jumping board, particularly for bigger sailors who will appreciate the extra volume.
Strengths: Easy, pivotal gybing; good stronger wind control; descent jumping; all-level accessibility.
Weaknesses: Moderate wind bigger sail blasting.
This boards will take sails up to about 6.5m no problem although it starts to come into its own with 5.7m and below. It excels in conditions of moderate waves and swell. It holds quite a unique place in the market as there isn’t much around in its particular “wave-biassed” volume niche Its big effective size and stability but lowish volume combined with forgiving control-biassed nature makes it particularly relevant to anybody whom a board of this size will be their smallest board.
