JP AUSTRALIA SLALOM IX 112L 2013 TEST REVIEW
JP AUSTRALIA SLALOM IX 112L 2013 TEST REVIEW
THE LOW DOWN
For 2013 JP introduce their 9th generation slalom board line, consisting of six boards and, depending on your weight and style, you have two boards to choose from for every wind state – wider and more powerful or narrower and more controlled. Tested here is the 68, which is the wider board for medium winds. The new boards have been tuned-up since 2012, now featuring flatter decks with refined outline curves and hull shape that’s thinner up front and thicker further aft.
AT-A-GLANCE
Flat Race Deck
Double concave hull with flat vee in the tail
Boxy rails, especially in tail
Narrow rounded nose with straight sides and squared tail
Tail cut-outs
One of the narrowest on test
Pro Edition carbon construction
PERFORMANCE
The JP is solid underfoot, packing plenty of volume throughout its length. It powers-up early and accelerates quickly onto the plane. From the straps the ride is comfortable with the domed rail race deck lifting you into an aggressive position to control and drive hard through both legs in all water states. A true slalom shape, it’s very fast in a straight line with a high-performance top gear that’s very easy to access and maximise – widening its appeal to a wide range of rider abilities. Round the corners it cuts a smooth arc and holds its speed for lightning exits.
THE VERDICT
The JP is a versatile racer that’s not particularly technical to ride but rewards every effort of input with blistering performance. On the straights it has a powerful, flat-trimmed and locked-in ride, while round the corners it has an adaptable style and holds speed extremely well. It would suit any bodyweight and level of rider – from expert to rookie – and handle a wide range of conditions well. A slalom board that anyone’s capable of sailing fast.
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