RRD FIREMOVE 130L V2 LTD 2015 TEST REVIEW
RRD FIREMOVE 130L V2 LTD 2015 TEST REVIEW
THE LOW-DOWN
The Firemove is RRD’s ‘wide bodied freemove’ board largely acknowledged by most for capturing the market’s imagination in its move towards the ‘wide and thin style’ freeride concept. The 130 is the second largest in the series and remains unaltered for 2015, available in three constructions, from the price-pointed E-Tech version, through to the Wood model and onto the Ltd (tested here). It comes supplied with a 46cm MFC G10 fin and more footstrap options than you can shake a stick at!
BRAND CLAIM
“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. An impossible combination for most at first, a real innovation for all after testing this magic breed of board shapes.”
PERFORMANCE
On the water, the 130 delivers a level of performance that serves to do the Firemove name and reputation justice. The shortest yet widest in the group, it is nevertheless very directionally stable and shows real willingness to release onto the plane when power is delivered. Turn it slightly off the wind and it accelerates progressively, requiring little rider input … or direct it deep downwind and it can be coaxed onto the plane by a well-timed pump on the slightest gust. Once planing the Firemove’s ride is incredibly smooth and easy, the pronounced vee with double through the mid-section of the board helping to iron out any hard chop or confusion. Most interesting though is the way the character of the RRD can be altered purely by changing the type of sail you plug into it. Partner it with a soft forgiving rotational sail and the intermediate can cruise around at half speed, practicing manoeuvres as the board rewards with a comfortable dependable ride. Opt for a high-end freerace sail however, and the 130 responds instantly, sitting high and reducing its wetted area whilst accelerating to a very respectable speed, particularly off the wind, (we found the fin slipped on occasion if driven hard upwind). In severe conditions, such is the 130’s bottom shape and width around its mid-point that it can rock slightly from rail to rail, making the ride less passive and requiring more input from the rider. However, it is easy to reset and reaffirm control by adapting your riding style – either stand upright and relax to settle the board, or lock your stance in and drive more power into the board with a more committed posture. In the gybe the Firemove’s smooth forgiving temperament is once again noticeable, enabling the rider to adopt a varied approach whilst the board masks over mistakes and holds its speed well through the turn.
THE VERDICT
The 130 lives up to the Firemove name, with an ease and versatility that gives it a wide user appeal. Whilst always providing a smooth tempered ride, experiment with different sail styles and loadings to fully appreciate the 130’s potential.
Other sails in this test: