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RRD FIREMOVE 102L LTD V2 2015 TEST REVIEW

Stats Price E-Tech £1129 - Wood £1399 - Ltd £1599 Volume (L) 102 (quoted) Weight (Kg) 7.2 +/- 5% (brand quoted) Length (cm) 238 Width (cm) 68 Construction E-Tech - Wood - Ltd Fin MFC Liquid Pro 36cm (power box)

RRD Firemove ltd 480px

RRD FIREMOVE 102L LTD V2 2015 TEST REVIEW

THE LOW-DOWN
Whilst the Firemove was not the first to market, it was undoubtedly the most prominent range of boards to propel the thin-wide concept into the limelight. This, the smallest board in the series, has been refined for 2015 along with the 112 and 122, whereas the larger 130 and 140 remain unchanged. We are testing the 102 in its Ltd guise here, but it is also available in two other constructions, Wood and E-Tech, providing a saving of up to £470.00.

BRAND CLAIM
“The most contradictive design in our windsurfing collection has conquered the heart of many a passionate windsurfer since its first launch on the market. The Firemove concept is based on an oversized middle width, an extra reduced volume thickness and rail shape, combined with a very long flat section scoop rocker line. This year we have gone one step further and refined the most important details of this new line of boards. The slight addition of volume combined with extra 2cm in length and 1cm reduced width has allowed this magic shape to extend even further its phenomenal range of use.”

PERFORMANCE
On the water, the second generation Firemove continues from where the 100 left off, offering a range of performance and ease-of-use that will endear it to most who use it. It has a very even plan shape with a little ‘kick’ at either end of its rocker, from its rounded tail with a few millimetres of tail-kick (and no cutouts of any description) along a smooth rocker to a pointy pinched nose. There is also a mass of strap options available in the 102, giving you an idea of just how broad the brand believes this board’s appeal is. And they were not mistaken! Whilst it doesn’t plane as early as some of the others on test here, it is no slouch and accelerates smoothly to an easy cruising speed. It has a soft, forgiving character that it retains through its wide wind range, never bucking or misbehaving.
Partner it with a fast powerful sail and it can be forced to an impressive top speed, lifting on the fin, which provides excellent traction and rarely gives way. But move the straps inboard and the 102 is ideally suited for use with a high-pulling manoeuvre-oriented sail, ready to venture into coastal rolling swell or even a small wave break. This diversity is largely afforded by the Firemove due to its turning ability. Bank it into a turn and it grips so cleanly that you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re on a crossover platform. It can be carved tightly or transitioned effortlessly from rail to rail, all the
time retaining a steady cruising speed and soft relaxed temperament.

THE VERDICT
With a smooth, easy nature and fantastic cornering potential, the Firemove is one of the most versatile boards in this group, happily partnered with a manoeuvre-oriented sail, inboard straps and upright stance, as it is being loaded with a fast freerace sail and pushed hard.

www.robertoriccidesigns.com


Other sails in this test:

FANATIC GECKO 105 

JP MAGIC RIDE 104

SIMMER FREEMOVE 110

STARBOARD ATOM IQ 100

TABOU ROCKET WIDE 108

 


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