I recently got a 2021 Fanatic Skywing 75l going down from a 85l inflatable Gong Hipe. I thought the smaller size would be a marginal difference, but now I can't slog back to shore anymore when the wind dies, so I'm looking for a slightly larger board again.
I've heard the new straight tail boards build the speed required to start HA foils like axis ART quicker. What is a good cheap alternative around 85-90 liters?
Im 87kg and my limit for a chug board is the Fanatic 5-6 105 litre still stable enough to uphaul and stand in no wind .
Have you tried chugging on your knees, I can do it on my 65 litres but it does get tiring quick but for shortish spurts it beats paddling!
I have an OES Maxa 104 custom. I bounce around the 95kg mark.
It's a good board to foil and big enough for me to slog on home standing up if the wind fails.
Small boards are great when there is plenty of wind but volume and waterline length is your friend when the wind drops out. Which can happen frequently in the next 6 months.
I am interested to know the best straight tail boards and wether people are finding the straight tail makes a big difference? I had a brief go on the 5'4" fanatic and definitely liked the low drag feel. There is something to it.
I am 105kg and have the Starboard 5 2 91l Takeoff in the lightest construction. Very impressive board but hard to get atm as everything is. Flat tail and shovel nose works a treat but being under 6kg is the best part. Literally skips off the water at the slightest gust and you do not feel touchdowns.
Wanky video below, it is not the prettiest board 
Hey Hilly, how do you go knee starting and using it in lighter wind? 90L that's 15L under your weight, pretty small for you
I have a Mojo Custom, 98 liters @ 93 kg
Slogging is fine with the board, even in heavy winter outfit on sweat water, also schlepping because it's only 5,7 kg
Built in solid windsurf technology carbon sandwich including carbon foilboxes
Price in Euros is reasonable
8
I had a mate recently make this board for me [Spot X foil designs by Pete Harrington down here in Melbourne].
I went down in dimensions from 4'11 x 27 of my previous wing board to this one at 4'6 x 26, but kept the volume @ about 80 litres. The square tail and rear rails have definitely made a difference in getting the HA foils (ART 899 and 999) up more easily and in lighter winds.
I also can easily knee start it and chug in when the wind drops out (welcome to Melbourne northerlies - one minute it's hitting 30 knots, then you are in a windless hole, haha). I'm 72 -75 kg. The board weighs 5.75 kg.
