GOYA CUSTOM QUAD 84L 2014 TEST REVIEW
GOYA CUSTOM QUAD 84L 2014 TEST REVIEW
BEST FOR
Any size or shape. Our heavier testers sailed it comfortably on 5.3s and lighter/shorter team members felt happy across the wind range.
RECOMMENDATION
Keep a wide stance on the straps regardless of your size.
BRAND CLAIM
“A faster progressive rocker keeps you driving forward at full speed. When deciding what size to take we suggest to go one size bigger than what you’d normally take … this board is best suited for intermediate to professional riders. The Custom Quad is the board we use and recommend for all your wavesailing needs.”
OVERVIEW
Outline: Wide point at rear of track, but otherwise an even outline with a wider, snubbier looking nose than Quatro ‘stable mate’ counterpart.
Deck: Flat, rolling away at heels.
Rail Profile: Soft tuck in nose, sharpening in front of fins.
Bottom Shape: Double concave starting under nose lift, deepening around track. Peaking between track and straps, shallowing under and through fins. Vee in tail.
Rocker Line: Flat section around rear of mast track, moderate tail kick but good overall aft rocker. Very flat between straps and front fins in the outboard concave channel section with a ‘dish’ of negative rocker.
Fin Configuration: Quad cluster with MFC G10 QS211 US Box 16 cm main (rear) fins and 8 cm Mini Tuttle rears – all swept back. Max 2 mm of fin adjustment possible despite markings.
Pads: Goya double density pads raising stance above deck. Tail kick pad.
Straps: MFC straps, regular adjustment, but with seam underneath that can potentially rub ‘permahole’ feet.
Construction: Monocoque sandwich carbon
PERFORMANCE
The surprising thing you first notice on jumping onto this quad, that initially looks just like a dedicated wave-riding board, is that it’s actually pretty fast – lifting up with a positive and lively riding position. It’s also noticeable how it flies upwind impressively too. The wide platform also surprised the heavier riders who were amazed to be able to plane at the lower end of 5.3 sail range – noticeably more than on most of the offerings in this group- bar the Shaman or the Tabou Pocket. Similarly to its 94L sibling, the 84 has an all-round easy action and nature that allows you to turn however and wherever you like on the wave. Draw it out fast and wide or tighten it up and bury the rail, there doesn’t appear to be much limit to how you can negotiate a ride – always with a good level of drive on-tap to use as well. The expression ‘Plug ‘n Play is very much overused, but the ‘invisible’ feel is exactly how we’d describe this shape. With the turning ability proven in onshore mush we can’t comment on the down-the-line pedigree, but we all know this board’s been developed to work both at Ho’okipa and in a huge range of conditions and you only need to look at the broad range of locations Brawzinho’s ridden this model at both on and off the tour to know that it’s a very strong one-board-quiver contender. Highly recommended.
THE VERDICT
A super easy-to-sail shape for all body types that just works straight out of the box. Effortless to sail and without the need for excessive tuning, the 84 is a true ‘go-anywhere’ shape with proven competition and down-the-line pedigree.
READ THE OTHER REPORTS
FANATIC 82 QUAD
JP TWINSER QUAD 82
NAISH STARSHIP 90
QUATRO CUBE QUAD 84
RRD WAVE CULT QUAD 83 V5
SIMMER QUANTUM 85
STARBOARD QUAD 82
TABOU POCKET 85
WITCHCRAFT SHAMAN 88