RRD FIRESTORM LTD Y25 120L 2021 TEST REVIEW
VERDICT
A classic freerace platform with a direct nature, the Firestorm loves to be bossed, and rewards an active riding style with thoroughbred performance across a wide wind range. Partner with a medium/low aspect foil or a smaller fin to really maximise its wind range.
THE LOWDOWN
Sitting alongside the Firemove and Freestyle Wave in RRD’s ‘Free Line’ of boards, the Firestorm is their freerace contender, still bearing the Y25 insignia and remaining unchanged from last season. The three board sizes that make up the Firestorm collection are each available in no less than three constructions, from the premium priced Black Ribbon version (a complete carbon wrap with visible ‘spread tow’ carbon hull), to the LTE that uses a mixture of glass and wood in its layup. The version on test here is the middle ground – the LTD version with a biaxial carbon innegra deck and glass hull. Short and narrow, it has a decidedly boxy outline, with parallel rails, wide shoulders and a squashed diamond nose. The biggest visible design features though are the stepped wingers in the tail – a bold and definite cut in allowing for a small, rounded tail, complete with two-step cut-outs that extend along the flanks. The underside is finished off with a relatively minimalist bottom shape, exhibiting only a very subtle amount of double concaves and vee along its length. Turning the Firestorm over, there’s also a subtle concave to the deck shape, sinking the mast track down into the board, whilst to the rear the diamond grooved deckpads are relatively thin compared to others in the group. Inboard and outboard strap options are available and we’ve made our feelings known about the Dakine strap supplied in past tests. Take time and have patience to adjust them and they will work fine; just be aware that their size is smaller than most initially. Coming complete with an upright H-1 MFC fin, the Firestorm also has a foil ready box as standard in this size and the 135, which is supplied irrespective of the construction option you choose.
BRAND CLAIM
“The Firestorm is a killer freerace machine with a pure-blooded slalom DNA. You’ll easily find a perfect trim over any type of water surface to allow you to be on the tip of your top speed potential at all times.”
PERFORMANCE
Small and compact underfoot, the directional drive from the large upright MFC fin keeps the Firestorm true and ready to react as power is delivered. It releases smoothly and accelerates actively once its threshold is reached, feeling positive and alert from the off. Travelling over chop, the ride is more direct than most, providing plenty of feedback and engaging the rider. Those that want to take an active role whilst sailing will thrive on this, encouraging them to push further, whereas more timid passive sailors may find it a bit unnerving. It is undoubtedly down to the Firestorm’s bottom shape being flatter than most, maximising quick water release, yet requiring an assertive role from the rider to command it, particularly in turbulent seas. The same can be said of the Firestorm’s gybing credentials; it doesn’t really care for indecision, but commit and it grips superbly, affording you the confidence to push hard and tighten the turn. The more you put in, the more the 120 rewards in return. We also experimented a little with the fin used, feeling that the 42 cm fin supplied with the board was ideal for light to comfortable conditions, but held the board back a little in fully powered 7.0m weather and stronger. We used a quality 38 cm fin with the Firestorm and the response was impressive, thriving on the extra efficiency and speed potential, on all points of sail, but particularly off the wind. Slot a foil in instead and the RRD surprised us with its flying comfort. It certainly prefers to be used with medium to low aspect foils, its narrow width not as suited by high aspect wings with broad wingspans. Yet partner it with the right foil and your potential wind range is amplified markedly.
VITAL STATS
Volume (Quoted): 120 litres
Length: 234 cm
Width: 70 cm
1ft off: 48.6 cm
Bottom shape: Vee with subtle double concaves in the nose, shoulders and mid-section, the vee fading to just a subtle amount of double under the straps, with rounded vee in the tail.
Weight (Naked): 7.48 kg
Fin: MFC H-1 RACING BLACK G-10 42 (Foil Ready Box)
Sail Range (Quoted): 6.0-8.4m
Sizes Available: 105, 120, 135.
PRICE BLACK RIBBON: £2749.00 LTD: £2474.00 LTE: £2062.00
OTHER BOARDS IN TEST
THE LINE UP
JP AUSTRALIA SUPER RIDE 124 LWT
STARBOARD CARVE 125 WOOD SANDWICH