AV BOARDS NUVOLARI 132 2023 TEST REVIEW
The Verdict
By far the most race-orientated board on test, the Nuvolari is like a well-tuned supercar. Extremely comfortable due to its innovative footpads, but capable of steaming past any of your mates on the local speed strip.
The Lowdown
The Nuvolari is AV Boards freerace design, which, on first look, stands out significantly from the pack. Like a well-designed sports car, the Nuvolari looks sleek in its finish and possesses some aggressive features to sharpen its racing performance, which sit alongside some classic freeride characteristics to ensure its performance remains accessible.
Produced in three sizes from 106 to 132, the Nuvolari evolves through the sizes, with the 132 on test here featuring a more extended flat section in the rear along with a deep Tuttle foil box. The board’s bottom shape combines a vee with a double concave, while the board’s outline displays a rounded nose with parallel rails through the midsection before pulling in at the tail. The most noticeable feature of the Nuvolari is its gradient rear footpads, which raise the toe of the rider, suggesting the board will provide a reasonably locked-in feel. The deck features a subtle concave, present on many slalom boards, adding to the board’s speed-oriented design, while the rails have a freeride focus for ease and comfort.
The Nuvolari is produced in a carbon full sandwich construction. In addition, it features carbon reinforcements in the step zone and mast track area, ensuring you can push the board to its maximum capabilities with confidence in its durability.
Brand Claim
“These boards are designed for riders looking for top speed and acceleration performance, but with all the comfort they need to take all the best feelings from every session in any kind of conditions.”
Performance
AV’s Nuvolari looks like the Bugatti Veyron of the freerace market. At home on the windsurfing highway, but equally capable on the racetrack. With what feels like a lot of volume under the step zone, finding a natural stance on the board whilst getting going is a simple task. This means that whilst getting going, the rider’s stance is positioned further back compared to other boards, making stepping into the straps a breeze. Once locked in and moving towards full speed, the leverage gained from the rear footpad is incredible. The gradient produced provides an extremely locked and comfortable stance with plenty of purchase to drive on if required. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the AV Boards Nuvolari is its stability. Despite its high-performance design, this board is incredibly forgiving and easy to ride. Whether you’re an intermediate or an experienced windsurfer looking to push your limits, the Nuvolari has everything you need to succeed. As you step into the gybe, moving the back foot from the locked position in the strap to the leeward side of the board takes a little bit of getting used to, but once committed to the turn, the board performs well. Handling chop with ease and maintaining speed well, the rider is encouraged to stay back on the board at the exit, giving more time for the foot change and rig flip. Overall, the AV Boards Nuvolari is an exceptional board well worth the investment for intermediate to advanced riders. If you’re looking for a board to race your mates, get long sessions in and push your top speeds, then the Nuvolari is well worth a look.
AV BOARDS NUVOLARI 132 2023 TEST REVIEW
VITAL STATS
Price: £2399.99
Volume (Quoted): 132 Litres
Length: 227 cm
Width: 78 cm
Bottom shape: Vee + Double concave
Weight (‘Naked’): 7.4 kg
Fin: None supplied (Deep Tuttle foil ready box)
Sail Range (Quoted): 6.4-9.0m
Sizes Available: 106, 119, 132.
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