RRD FIREMOVE 122 LIMITED V2 2014 TEST REVIEW

THE LOW-DOWN
The first to really take this concept and run with it, RRD cleaned up in a ‘normal’ freeride test with their 130 in these pages last year. Now up against similar 120 x 80s, the 2014 sizes that they’ve altered are fractionally floatier, longer and narrower and the nose and tail outlines are also slightly reduced – all with increased high-wind control and speed in mind.

BRAND CLAIM
‘The wide body of these new shapes allows better planing capacity by keeping a relatively short compact shape. Rig a wave sail and you can still plane quickly and manouver like on a freestyle wave board, use a freeride or a two cam sail, and off you go. full blast at top speed, keeping the same track of those freeriders around you. A fantastic free feeling that makes you think “can I wave ride this board ”or “can I go as high upwind as those slalom sailors?”, then try this to make you happy…!.’ (Sic.)

PERFORMANCE
Starting at the beginning the Firemove definitely feels the most stable and secure off the plane. In terms of early planing it’s a killer, easily the easiest to ooch up onto the plane for even the largest riders in just 10 knots, encouraging a good modern active planing technique that will pay dividends for intermediates as they progress onto modern wave or freestyle board shapes. The ride is smooth and easy, clearly being the marker between the livelier and more planted riding styles in this group, which you have to say widens the appeal even further? In terms of speed, it’s definitely up there and certainly capable of handling a lot of wind range too. (30-knots plus no problem in smooth water or short, sharp chop.) When it comes to carving, having the thinnest rails undeniably pays dividends and it’s fair to say the Firemove was the true all-round favourite in this department. Advanced riders will love the range of gybing sensations on offer, but actually, at lower speed and with the odd heavily placed foot, the forgiveness factor for intermediates shines through strongly. These types of boards are guaranteed to boost your chances at cracking gybes and moving onwards and upwards. Amongst the more ‘seasoned ’testers, all we could say was ‘why didn’t they make these boards 20 years ago?’ … ‘nuff said.

THE VERDICT
Still ‘The Benchmark’ in this category, the Firemove 122 has a strong balance between both ‘lively’ and ’planted’ sensations, feeling smooth, fast and comfy, this is a true all-rounder with excellent early-planing prowess and impressive outright speed.

www.robertoriccidesigns.com

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