FANATIC GECKO LTD 112L 2016 TEST REVIEW
FANATIC GECKO LTD 112L 2016 TEST REVIEW
THE LOW-DOWN
Remaining unchanged for the new season (bar a livery update) the 112 is the third smallest in an extensive Gecko line-up comprising of seven boards from 98-156L, designed for the freemove market. Tested here in the dearest ‘Ltd’ construction, which is supplied with a quality Choco fin, it is also available in both Bamboo and High Resistance Skin (HRS) technologies. With a flat deck throughout, including in the tail, it offers a multitude of strap options, from a single central back strap to inboard and outboard
strap positions.
BRAND CLAIM
“The general concept behind the Gecko is wider, thinner and less volume. These attributes offer a great deal of balance and stability for easy gybing and a fun feeling beneath your feet. Regardless of your riding level, the Gecko will carry you through your duck gybes or have you planing in the footstraps for the first time.”
PERFORMANCE
Step on the Gecko and the first thing you notice is that it has a real willingness … almost an innate ability … to get planing. Deliver the slightest amount of power and it seems to squeeze every ounce of energy from the sail, requiring little input or intervention from the rider. Accelerating smoothly, it reaches a good cruising speed, feeling super secure and directionally stable underfoot, the fin providing good feedback so that you can really sense the limits of its traction. The deck is flat yet the rails are thin, and in their outboard positions the straps are placed in the right position so that the rider can wrap their feet round the rails to plough more power into the board. Partnered with an efficient high-end sail, it can be pushed hard to keep up with most of the other boards in this test, but we did get a sense that this wasn’t the Gecko’s most natural forte. Instead, the 112 is most at home covering great distance in comfort, partnered with a more manoeuvre-oriented sail and a relaxed upright stance. In the gybe the dependable nature of the Gecko really shone through again. Easy to initiate, it can really take any amount of pressure you dare to apply. In fact, the more the merrier! Stamp on the leeward rail hard and it will respond, gripping cleanly and prescribing a safe, even arc through the choppiest water, adding yet more appeal for the progressing rider.
THE VERDICT
Instinctive early planing and assured dependability make the Gecko a stunning platform for those progressing into stronger winds and more challenging conditions.
Other sails in this test: