Windsurf MagazineFANATIC BLAST LTD 117 2022 TEST REVIEW

VERDICT

The good and the great just got better! This new 117 Blast has been worth waiting for – blisteringly fast and exciting off the wind, before being smooth and addictive through the gybe. The most impressive asset, however, is just how accessible the Blast’s performance is.

: Fanatic Blast LTD 117

THE LOWDOWN

It’s been greatly anticipated, but after five seasons in production, the original Blast range has been updated for 2022. The narrative from Fanatic is that it’s been a tough act to follow and to better the ‘compact’ design of the original Blast, which gained a deserved reputation for easy speed and effortless gybing. This 117 is one of four completely new shapes, and as with the 132, it’s marginally longer and wider than its predecessor, intended for earlier planing and more practicality through the gybe. There are now some small cutouts in the tail, said to increase speed and acceleration, whilst the rails remain relatively thin throughout, to assist rail grip and bite through the turn in the hands of a more assertive rider. Produced in the brand’s full PVC Biax Fibre technology, this LTD version is also one of the lightest on test, tipping the scales at 7.1 kg. There is then an HRS version available too, pocketing a saving of £500.00. We say available … and at the time of reading this, hopefully both versions will be, as at the time of writing, even on Fanatic’s website, the boards are emblazoned with the sticker “Coming soon!” So we’re privileged indeed to get our hands on this one for test. Coming complete with the brand’s Premium footstrap, mounted above their excellent dual density diamond-grooved deckpads, there are inboard and outboard options available to suit differing rider styles and abilities. The fin supplied is a familiar Choco Fins Spirit, produced in carbon and it’s mounted into a foil ready Tuttle box, allowing the Blast to be used for wind foiling too.

BRAND CLAIM

“The Blast is our performance freeride board. It offers blistering acceleration and a stable platform for speed and control over chop.”

PERFORMANCE

This new Blast had some big shoes to fill, but fill them it does … and then some! Firstly, it releases easily onto the plane as soon as power is applied. You can force the issue through pumping, yet it accelerates almost as easily if you take a more passive approach, keeping the board across the wind, hooking in and letting the board itself do the work. The straps are effortless to locate, the pads and straps combining to provide plenty of comfort and traction underfoot. Acceleration is progressive and it keeps coming! The more power ploughed into the Blast, the more it continues to respond; in fact it’s a match for most off the wind, holding its line beautifully as the rider is inspired by the board’s comfort and control. If anything, it has a similar nature to its predecessor: drive too hard or assertively and it’s as if you hamper progression to faster speeds. Instead, relax and let the board flow, the board’s narrow tail and smaller fin encouraging a more neutral and balanced stance. It does lose some drive and pointing ability compared to some in this group, particularly in more marginal conditions, yet it’s a small price to pay when the Blast’s accessibility and cornering credentials are considered. The original Blast was a master of the gybe, and if anything, this new contender is even better! Entering at speed, the 117’s nose and shoulders keep clear of any trip hazard chop, the rails gripping beautifully and providing the confidence to push hard to tighten up the radius. Before you know it, you’re exiting the turn with almost as much speed as you entered, the extra width in the tail helping to maintain speed throughout.

WEBSITE www.fanatic.com

FANATIC BLAST LTD 117 2022 TEST REVIEW

VITAL STATS

Price: LTD: £1949.00 HRS: £1449.00

Volume (Quoted): 117 L.

Length: 234 cm

Width: 67 cm

1ft off: 45.0 cm

Bottom shape: Double concave with vee throughout.

Weight (‘Naked’): 7.1 kg

Fin: Fanatic Choco 38 cm (Foil Tuttle)

Sail Range (Quoted): <8.4m