F175 / F155 for freeride - freeacing?

[<Ste>]

Hi

Ive got the opportunity to get one of the following boards:

a) 2000 F155 = 155 litres, 270x85cm wide +58 fin
b) 2001 F175 = 175 litres, 270x95cm wide +65 fin
c) 2003 Ray  = 145 litres, 270x73cm wide +48 fin

(the 2nd hand formulas are much cheaper)

I want it for lightwinds only – before stepping down to a 100 litre Cross (6.5 sail) ie to "compete" with 15-20m kites when there is only a few whitehorses

The key issue is that im not sure if the F155/175 is too specialised or technical to sail?

What would I gain in early planing compared to the Ray? What am I giving up?
When all 3 boards are planning (solid 12 knots maybe?) will the F155/F175 be dog slow compared to the Ray because of their sheer size and width?
Are the Formula’s a pain in the *** to go broad/beam (with the std fin)?  Should i get a smaller fin (I can get a smaller 58 or 60 fin for the 175 - should i?)

Also - I will buy a new rig for the above inc carbon boom and mast.
What’s the sweet size (e.g. Nitro or Retro) for the F155/F175 – to cover down till 6.5m winds? I have an old Supersonic 7.4 I could also keep hold of if that helps?

FYI – Ive sailed for > 10 yrs but on boards only upto 60cm wide. Im 13 uk stone (approx 182 lbs or 83 kg)

Many Thanks,
Ste

[Yttrium]

I sail a formula135 and have also tried the 175 and 156 (not quite the same as the 155 tho). And I think you can safely say that you won't be losing much in terms of speed to smaller boards at 12 knots.

Going on a beam/broad reach is also not that much of a pain as some make it out to be. In fact, with their widths these boards are able to broad reach much deeper than conventional boards. However, if this is the first time you're moving to formulas it may take a little getting used to. Once you do, I'm sure you won't regret it !  

[sukhdev]

quote:  The key issue is that im not sure if the F155/175 is too specialised or technical to sail?  

no worries on that score,most formulas of any brand get sold for freeride use really.  

 

quote:  What would I gain in early planing compared to the Ray? What am I giving up?  

Early planing gain would be significant on the 175. I don't know the ray well enough to comment on what you would lose out. Generally the wide boards kick in at 6 to 7 knots and stay easy till 15, the 70+cm boards kick in around 10 or so; so the answer depends on which part of the low wind spectrum you want to cover.

The formulas don't give much away in reaching speed till it gets to be about 15knots. Very good sailors can maintain that near parity till about 18knots even, beyond that water state comes into play.

I'd go the 7.5, if going REtro I'd take the 9.5. If Nitro I'd go 10.5. Keep the 7.4, it would be a great in between size jumping from bigger sail.

On the 175 I'd stick with the stock size for the wind range you are looking to use it in.

[<Ste>]

Hi Yttrium, Sukhdev

Thanks for the replies

If i were to go Retro 9.5, Can you elborate on the key differences between  F175/ F155 are in terms of feel and performance?  Is this a big difference (like "the F175 planes earlier but is much slower and harder to go beam/broad") or are the differences quite subtle? fyi im 83 kg

My feelings were to go for Retro 9.5m, but have concerns that this size and the board would top-out too early.
Do you think I could use a 9.5 Retro until 6.5m (use my existing 7.4m supersonic as well maybe)?

Also - Some people have suggested that a 9.5 might be a little too small for the F175 - could this be true?? (i really dont want to go beyond a 490 mast - which equates to a Retro 9.5)

Many Thanks again,
Ste

[sukhdev]

quote:  If i were to go Retro 9.5, Can you elborate on the key differences between F175/ F155 are in terms of feel and performance? Is this a big difference (like "the F175 planes earlier but is much slower and harder to go beam/broad") or are the differences quite subtle? fyi im 83 kg  

175 - earlier planing by quite a bit, much better downwind angle, reaching no disadvantage till about 10 12 knots.
155 - slightly better turning, better reaching speed in 10+ knots
IMHO 175 is the way to go.

 

quote:   My feelings were to go for Retro 9.5m, but have concerns that this size and the board would top-out too early.

Retro 9.5 has a large tuning range, you can run up to 6cm over specs, 4over specs is common. Use an adjustable outhaul, the sail can be rigged till its totally flat looking on the beach. 9.5 to 6.5 jump is doable but not ideal, if you slot your 7.4 in between then you have a nice gap.

 

quote:  Also - Some people have suggested that a 9.5 might be a little too small for the F175 - could this be true?? (i really dont want to go beyond a 490 mast - which equates to a Retro 9.5)  

The 9.5 is a powerhouse. If you are going cammed you would need to go a bit larger to get the same low end. I can't emphasize enough how important tuning is for the Retro; you can bag it out with light downhaul for a "pull your arms off" kind of power or you can run it flat and lean for top end..your choice as fits the conditions.