JP SUPER RIDE 124L LXT 2021 TEST REVIEW

VERDICT

Offering infallible riding comfort, a versatility to adapt to rider abilities and genuinely accessible performance, the new Super Ride has undoubtedly taken another step forward.

THE LOWDOWN

The Super Ride is JP’s ‘sporty freeride’ lineup, sitting between their manoeuvre-oriented freeride option in the Magic Ride and performance freeride series – the Super Sport. This is the second-generation Super Ride, the three larger sizes (including this 124) completely revised for the new season. Longer and wider than its predecessor, it is said to be easier to release on the plane and more stable at speed. Retaining width in its tail and nose, its rails are parallel like its forebears, yet the wider plan shape has enabled the rails of the Super Ride to be thinned out, aimed at improving grip through transitions. Said to inherit the rocker-line of the brand’s slalom board lineup, its underside is clean and uncomplicated, the squashed diamond tail without any cut-outs, whilst the bottom shape displays pronounced vee with double concaves throughout. Tested here in the brand’s new LXT construction (taking over from both the PRO and Full Wood Sandwich of yesteryear and described as “merging the advantages of both”), this size Super Ride is also produced in their premium Gold technology as well as their price-pointed Epoxy Sandwich (ES) layup. Whichever construction you choose, it comes complete with a foil ready fin box, enabling it to be used with a foil, the brand’s excellent Velcro straps with in-built size markings, and a multitude of strap options aboard the dual density pads, from training strap positions to outboard ones for blasting. This LXT version is also supplied with a CNC milled G10 fin and large metal washers to help locate the fin-bolts in the oversized fin box holes, increasing the board’s practicality for fitting a variety of foil brands and types.

BRAND CLAIM

“Positioned right in the centre of the popular freeride class, all Super Rides are simply great all-round boards for every rider!”

PERFORMANCE

On the water the Super Ride really impressed us with its blend of user-friendliness and performance, giving it a great deal of versatility to adapt to various riding styles or abilities. Tracking easily when off the plane, it shows a real willingness to release as power is applied and it’s turned off the wind. Acceleration is quick yet predictable, reaching a comfortable cruising speed effortlessly. Its ride is clean and efficient, sitting high on the water’s surface with an active and inspiring character, encouraging the rider to push harder to explore its potential. Which leads us onto the Super Ride’s standout feature – its deck shape and riding comfort. This 124 provides a simply stunning connection to everything going on. Its tail width, gently domed deck shape and fittings all add up to such an honest and rewarding ride, that it will have you coming back for more each time. In gusts it provides the impetus and control to lock in and fly on the fin, whereas in lulls or pushing upwind, there’s plenty of connection with the fin to utilise the low-end drive afforded by its extended chord. It can be ridden for hours, pushing hard through challenging seas, without ever feeling it’s sapped you of energy.

In the gybe the Super Ride is more considered and hospitable than we recall of its predecessor, banking it easily and adopting the turning radius desired by its pilot. Charge in harder and it is also keen to oblige, biting more aggressively and adapting to the tighter turn, the extra width and flat deck in the tail providing the time and space to complete the transition cleanly. Easy to use yet with enough performance under the bonnet to keep the more ardent rider animated, the various strap options will enable the 124 to adapt to the demands of diverse rider abilities. Add to this the added bonus that the Super Ride can partner low to medium aspect foils superbly and it’s clear to appreciate the marked improvement in this second-generation specimen.

Volume (Quoted): 124 litres

Length: 238 cm

Width: 72 cm

1ft off: 48.8 cm

Bottom shape: Pronounced vee with double concaves throughout, the vee most pronounced in the shoulders.

Weight (‘Naked’): 8.26 kg

Fin: JP Ride 40 G10 CNC (Foil Ready Box)

Sail Range (Quoted): 5.4-8.5m

Sizes Available: 92, 102, 113, 124, 139.

Price: GOLD: £2349.00 LXT: £1849.00 ES: £1399.00