Feedbacks on iSonic boards

[11onze]

Hi all,

The iSonic (esp. 122L/133L) has really drawn my attentions.
If you own the board or know well about this board, could you spare some time to answer to these questions:
1) Can we use the board in the range of wind conditions (esp. light wind) in Singapore?
  + for use in Singapore, which is better - 122L or 133L? (I have about 55kg)
2) What kind of sail is a good match for the board? (e.g. w/ cam or cam-less, size of sail)
3) Is it a 'fragile' board? (I have read one post on this in Starboard forum: http://www.star-board.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5439)
4) What are major differences between iSonic and GO at similar volumes?
5) any alternative cheaper boards?

some background:
I started to get myself hooked with windsurfing since March 2008, and I go to PA almost every weekend (TOW = about 2hours/week).
I am comfortable with footstraps and harness and be able to plane a little bit when wind is strong enough to 'pull'.
I am using a large-volume GO board ('2005) and 6.5m2 2Cam sail, which really helped me progress since July 2008 when I bought the set of second hand gears as the board is quite wide and hence stable.
But the problem starts to surface these days: the board feels bulky esp. when the water is choppy and the wind is not strong enough for me to plane. (In contrast, I see many with smaller-sized board planing very easily under the same water/wind condition.)

[Bats]

dude. get a bigger sail.

your 6.5m is way too small for a GO board.

imo, if you are looking to get a board for most conditions in singapore, look towards getting the 133 then especially at your 55kg

[weng]

Hi, I suggest u start with a freeride board before moving on to a full-on slalom board like the Isonic.  It still requires technique to start planning on a wide slalom board.  The board is light which means it's fragile so any catapults will probably end with a cracked nose.  The new Isonics are lighter and hence able to plane a bit earlier.  Slalom boards are best used with cambered sails and a good fin.  I use a 8.5m V8 on my 122.

[11onze]

thanks for the quick replies.
I think I get the picture roughly.

[P.J.]

Like Weng says iSonic is a slalom board for racing, the board is light , very fast but also fragile and more technical to sail.

For yr weight 55Kg , To have more TOW, you need a wide board at least 80cm width & sail 8m+
It could be yr GO board ( with full eva deck ) is heavy , Do check with us the New GO 144 ( without EVA ), it looks just like other short board that is light and having the same shape of Futura.

You can also consider the new 2010 Futura in Tecnora construction. The price is lower compared to wood and more ding resistance. 

[adz]

Hi all. Can I ask something about the technicality of the isonic?  What would be the perceived difference if we compare it with Futura, for example?  Does that mean the rider has to be "on the edge" always, like pushing the board sideways? 

This is my current dilemma also because I havent tried a slalom board and am afraid to get one yet.

PJ, how much is the $$ difference between a futura (Technora) and a Go 144 (without EVA)?

[m3l]

Regarding your problem with planing is that your sail is too small.. Jump onto a bigger one.. I recommend an 8.5 or 7.8.. Cammed. Anything else.. Keep practicing..

[Syamil]

In my opinion iSonic has three main qualities;

1. Early planer - makes a whole lot difference in marginal winds & tricky condition.

2. Stability - Jibing & tacking are the integral part of a race- so for a slalom board this is quite an advantage. I can't comment much on Futura etc, but I've tried at least 5 other slalom boards from 80l to 120l. ISonic kinda sits in between those very hard to jibe but very responsive board, and easy to jibe board but runs like a trucker.

3. Top speed - I frankly never felt the difference. But if you spend some time watching slalom races, look at sailors with fine tuned equipment, you can see how fast this thing accelerates and leave others behind. All left to do is to not fall at jibes, which where the board's stability will help tremendously as mentioned above.

Disadvantageous ..
1- the nose digs in occasionally especially when running behind a swell.
2- it's not really something which you can enjoy to sail in non-planing condition
3- need specific board for specific windrange for maximum efficiency ( not of my personal/hands on opinion )

That said, i still think iSonic is a good board to start with if you're just getting from freeride to slalom. Learn to catapult 'properly' then you'll be okay.

[Meng]

In my opinion iSonic has three main qualities;

1. Early planer - makes a whole lot difference in marginal winds & tricky condition.

2. Stability - Jibing & tacking are the integral part of a race- so for a slalom board this is quite an advantage. I can't comment much on Futura etc, but I've tried at least 5 other slalom boards from 80l to 120l. ISonic kinda sits in between those very hard to jibe but very responsive board, and easy to jibe board but runs like a trucker.

3. Top speed - I frankly never felt the difference. But if you spend some time watching slalom races, look at sailors with fine tuned equipment, you can see how fast this thing accelerates and leave others behind. All left to do is to not fall at jibes, which where the board's stability will help tremendously as mentioned above.

Disadvantageous ..
1- the nose digs in occasionally especially when running behind a swell.
2- it's not really something which you can enjoy to sail in non-planing condition
3- need specific board for specific windrange for maximum efficiency ( not of my personal/hands on opinion )

That said, i still think iSonic is a good board to start with if you're just getting from freeride to slalom. Learn to catapult 'properly' then you'll be okay.

symail,

my suggestion since u are mostly wsf on your own at balok, go get a waterproof gps, it can improve your speed, handling, tunning and gauge your progress. in this way, u have a shadow sailing buddy constantly to push u.

the top PWA pros use GPS to find the best speed out of their equipment etc..

[P.J.]

Last Dec in Kuantan. I had some good fun pacing with GW and Eddie.

[Syamil]

@ Meng - Good suggestion on that GPS. Would be next on long list.
@ PJ - Next time you're here, someone will follow from behind..

BTW hope to see both of you this season like last year too. Maybe we can do a mini version of Kuantan Challenge.