Pete,
I just got off the water after my first session on the Quad 70. I was on 4.2 with gusty winds and small waves. I started at Kuau and rode ****ty bumpy waist high waves, then sailed upwind to Ho'okipa where it was a bit bigger and cleaner.
I was so blown away by this board that I can't imagine anything could be better. Obviously I still need to try it in different conditions, but this stick went anywhere I wanted it to go. It turned with ease off the tail for vertical snaps, and also had plenty of drive for front foot power turns. It planed up early and held a good top speed. The board railed upwind for jumping better than single, or twin fins that I have ridden in the past. I was able to pull backloops on windswell chops on the outside. I couldn't do that so easily before. The fins do not let go or spin out, except for hard pushing top turns where you want some slide.
The weight and volume distribution felt really good. I am really stoked on the thinned out tail. It was much easier to control with less volume under my back foot.
Jumping was another huge plus. The size and weight are perfect for looping and control in the air. I was landing every backloop with ease. I probably got 8 or 10 in a row without a miss. Even on waves that threw me weird in the air, I was able to correct the flight because of the shape and weight distribution.
Pete, you have built me the ultimate board. I give it an A++. Outstanding! I'll give you more updates as I try it in different conditions.
More stoked than you can believe,
Russ
get.google.com/albumarchive/pwa/117957225187276086521/BigKuau?feat=email
Today I rode the Quad 70 in full on jumping conditions. I sailed 3.7 at full power, with 4-6 foot ramps coming in cross-onshore. The board handled unbelievably well. Sailing upwind from Kanaha, I passed a guy with race gear, and put distance on him. This quad setup is fast, and stable. It cranked upwind, and jumped off of upwind ramps really well. Again, I am so balanced in the air, backloops are almost easy. I attribute that to a stable Ezzy sail, and a nice distribution of foam and weight underneath my feet. This board is pure pleasure to ride.
Nick took off today for Morocco with OES boards. He is going to compete in the Wave Classic event over there http://waveclassicinvitational.com/essaouira/ , so should get some epic conditions and coverage. He'll be there for 3 weeks
Russ
