Hello
First of all, a little bit about myself, as I am new to this forum. My name is Andreas and I come from good old Germany.
I've been reading here for some time now and am currently preoccupied with a question that I probably won't get answered in a German forum, as these two words don't come up very often there.
I'm currently considering buying the Omen Flux in 84 l or the Sunova Carver in 85.3 l and am torn between the two boards.
I currently ride the Duotone Skybrid in 100 l, but I'm not 100 percent convinced.
Maybe one of you has experience with both boards and can give me some advice.
I look forward to reading your answers and thank you in advance
Botschi
Both are good boards, is there a specific question or goal you have in mind?
Carver is lighter, narrower, more affordable here.
Flux has closed cell foam and is thinner.
Hi
For me, the climbing performance and maneuverability are the most interesting aspects.
Since I ride the Duotone glide series, it would also be interesting to find out how the Sonova or the Omen perform with foils.
At the moment, I'm leaning towards the Sunova!
Somehow, I really like the brand, although Greg from Omen deserves three thumbs up for the quality of his advice.
He's a good guy.
I love my Sunovas, my 6th shows up tomorrow 
and the team at Sunova is great. Greg at Omen is also awesome, I've chatted with him a few times and somehow failed to get a demo on the emissary this year but I'm convinced that if I ever found a reason to stop riding Sunova I'd end up on an Omen.
I'd vote Sunova but I don't think you can make a bad choice here, especially coming down from the Skybrid 100l.
I have had the 84l flux for 2 years now. Awesome board.
I haven't ridden the Carver, but right now Carvers are on sale in the USA so I would probably buy one because of the price. At regular price i would get a custom Carver to make it a bit thinner.
Either would be great.
First of all, thank you very much for your answers.
The decision is actually not easy, especially since there is hardly any opportunity to test ride one of the boards here, but rather to buy more or less on spec.
It is important that both boards are compatible with the Duoton foils.
I'm not really dissatisfied with the Skybrid, but I would have expected a little more in terms climbing Performance
Select to expand quoteBotschi said..
First of all, thank you very much for your answers.
The decision is actually not easy, especially since there is hardly any opportunity to test ride one of the boards here, but rather to buy more or less on spec.
It is important that both boards are compatible with the Duoton foils.
I'm not really dissatisfied with the Skybrid, but I would have expected a little more in terms climbing Performance
Choice is easy- Omen.
I own both and the Omen design with Appletree build is as good as it gets imho.
If you did get the Sunova...nice board
Botschi - just remember that losing 15liters of volume could make it more difficult to get on foil than your current board.
Yes, I know that, but I think I can handle it.
I'm actually more concerned with the question of who would choose which board if they had the choice.
As I said, here in Germany, as well as in Holland, you can't find Omen boards at all, unfortunately.
Apple Tree boards are quite popular here, though.
I'm also concerned about the possibility of a necessary repair. It's probably easier to get around with the black board.
You have to be prepared for anything.
I know dimensions don't tell the full story, but I think the skybrids are quite a bit wider than more recent midlength shapes. For me the sweet spot is 19/20inch wide, anything more you'll notice, narrower gets uncomfortable.
fyi, Omen are made in the Apple tree factory, Sunovas in AUS
Select to expand quoteBotschi said..
I'm also concerned about the possibility of a necessary repair.
i own the Omen Flux (72L) and over the years, the nose on it got a bit torn apart...probably from me hitting it on the concrete while washing it off after each session. but it's never taken on water so apparently their claims about the construction are true. i've repaired the nose periodically with sun-cure and fiberglass just for aesthetics, so it's not a big deal.
Select to expand quotegoldenbreeze said..
I know dimensions don't tell the full story, but I think the skybrids are quite a bit wider than more recent midlength shapes. For me the sweet spot is 19/20inch wide, anything more you'll notice, narrower gets uncomfortable.
fyi, Omen are made in the Apple tree factory, Sunovas in AUS
I think this is pretty accurate. Everyone who I know who has tried the skybrid has been unimpressed. I wont even consider a board over 20" wide for myself at this point and after a few thousand miles with an 18" and a 20" I feel like my 20" is a touch wider than necessary and my 18" is a touch narrower than comfortable. My new 19" got delayed from today to Monday on delivery but I should have it in the water with some insane conditions within a week of receiving it. Fingers crossed it's my new perfect.
All else being equal, how much easier does a 20" board get on foil than a 22" board?
I agree that width is a factor in why the skybrid doesn't get on foil as easily. It also has no angled chines or any tail kicker.
I'm an beginner/intermediate foiler and sometimes I think the roll stability gains from a slightly wider board at 22" might help me in my progression to an advanced foiler. If I can't balance on my board before getting on foil I will waste a lot of energy during my session. Also my guess is the drag penalty from an extra 2" width is probably less than 10% but someone better at math than me can correct me.
Select to expand quotewindwaterfoil said..
All else being equal, how much easier does a 20" board get on foil than a 22" board?
I agree that width is a factor in why the skybrid doesn't get on foil as easily. It also has no angled chines or any tail kicker.
I'm an beginner/intermediate foiler and sometimes I think the roll stability gains from a slightly wider board at 22" might help me in my progression to an advanced foiler. If I can't balance on my board before getting on foil I will waste a lot of energy during my session. Also my guess is the drag penalty from an extra 2" width is probably less than 10% but someone better at math than me can correct me.
BAR*GF = 3.5 for the Carver and 3.26 for the Omen for my weight. So, there's a slightly noticeable difference in takeoff but not a shocking difference.
Narrow board balance is a different technique for sure. I see lots of people who are doing the stinkbug start on wider boards try to transition to narrow boards and they get thumped. With a wing, a traditional knee start using the leading edge for balance is better IMO. With a parawing, just hook in to your harness while sitting on the board and you instantly gain all the stability you need for the skinny stuff!
Select to expand quotewindwaterfoil said..
All else being equal, how much easier does a 20" board get on foil than a 22" board?
I agree that width is a factor in why the skybrid doesn't get on foil as easily. It also has no angled chines or any tail kicker.
I'm an beginner/intermediate foiler and sometimes I think the roll stability gains from a slightly wider board at 22" might help me in my progression to an advanced foiler. If I can't balance on my board before getting on foil I will waste a lot of energy during my session. Also my guess is the drag penalty from an extra 2" width is probably less than 10% but someone better at math than me can correct me.
Hull shape makes a difference too in stability...I've got the Omen Flux 72 and was a bit surprised by the lack of stability on the water it has vs. flatter bottom boards. It forced me to change my starts, which has been a good advancement, but there was suffering involved.
I do love the Appletree materials/construction...
Select to expand quoteBWalnut said..windwaterfoil said..
All else being equal, how much easier does a 20" board get on foil than a 22" board?
I agree that width is a factor in why the skybrid doesn't get on foil as easily. It also has no angled chines or any tail kicker.
I'm an beginner/intermediate foiler and sometimes I think the roll stability gains from a slightly wider board at 22" might help me in my progression to an advanced foiler. If I can't balance on my board before getting on foil I will waste a lot of energy during my session. Also my guess is the drag penalty from an extra 2" width is probably less than 10% but someone better at math than me can correct me.
BAR*GF = 3.5 for the Carver and 3.26 for the Omen for my weight. So, there's a slightly noticeable difference in takeoff but not a shocking difference.
Narrow board balance is a different technique for sure. I see lots of people who are doing the stinkbug start on wider boards try to transition to narrow boards and they get thumped. With a wing, a traditional knee start using the leading edge for balance is better IMO. With a parawing, just hook in to your harness while sitting on the board and you instantly gain all the stability you need for the skinny stuff!
take the camera next go-out B, love to see yr evolution of that hooked-in bum start!
Select to expand quoteflowstate said..
take the camera next go-out B, love to see yr evolution of that hooked-in bum start!
I'll bring the cam and try to get inspired!
Select to expand quoteBWalnut said..flowstate said..
take the camera next go-out B, love to see yr evolution of that hooked-in bum start!
I'll bring the cam and try to get inspired!
Please also record your wing start. Been waiting for it since you posted the indoor version on instagram. Especially the sinker start.
I ride an 85l carver with Duotone Glide foils and the combo works well. Mast is near front of foil box (number 5 on the board) and it's well balanced. I've never seen an Omen in the flesh so can't comment on that board. Either way i'm sure they will be great.
Select to expand quoteBorje said..BWalnut said..flowstate said..
take the camera next go-out B, love to see yr evolution of that hooked-in bum start!
I'll bring the cam and try to get inspired!
Please also record your wing start. Been waiting for it since you posted the indoor version on instagram. Especially the sinker start.
I'll see if I can get someone to film me doing it. Maybe POV is just as good though?
- There's a Sunova Carver in kleinanzeigen at the moment, most affordable solution.
- Appletree construction is excellent and the Omen shapes as well. Had the Omen Emissary 66L and it was almost as fast on foil as KT Dragonfly 88L. On foil better.
- I think Skybrid 2026 is a good balance of performance and ease of use. Of these 3 brands, Duotone has the best dealer network in Germany and usually good service in warranty cases. IMHO choose a volume around your bodyweight, don't go too high with volume.
I have the omen flux 60 ltr. Incredible board, it's my only board and gets me going in everything. I am 175 lbs in fresh water. Once it's up on top of the water it goes! Nice and thin so the sensitivity is awesome. Have put a hole in it and it didn't suck in water. Repaired with carbon cloth and all is good! Hightly recommend Omen!
I have now decided on the Omen Flux, which I found slightly used in the Kleinanzeigen.
First of all, thank you very much for all the replies and tips.
I will keep you posted.
Regards, Botschi
Select to expand quoteBotschi said..
I have now decided on the Omen Flux, which I found slightly used in the Kleinanzeigen.
First of all, thank you very much for all the replies and tips.
I will keep you posted.
Regards, Botschi
Good choice.
