FANATIC TRIWAVE TE 89L 2016 TEST REVIEW
FANATIC TRIWAVE TE 89L 2016 TEST REVIEW
THE LOW-DOWN
In a refined line-up for the new season, the 89 sits as the second largest in the 2016 TriWave series, available in only TE Innegra Carbon Light Finish construction and supplied with 2 x MFC TF 12cm side fins and a super flexible 18cm central fin.
BRAND CLAIM
“It might sound too good to be true, but the 2016 TriWave is faster, earlier to plane and even better once on the wave in comparison to its predecessor.
A wave-board that’s guaranteed to perform wherever you go or whatever the waves look like, the light crisp feel is combined with tons of radness on the wave or in the air. The 2016 TriWave offers optimum early planing and ease of use vs. premium wave performance and turning ratio we’ve ever built. We’ve achieved this via the straighter rocker line, in combination with our flat spot concept – an innovative placement of curved and straight areas – with a double concave V bottom shape, and overall trim moved backwards.”
PERFORMANCE
Providing good stability as soon as you step on, the overriding sensation of the TriWave is one of ease and practicality. It offers simply stunning early planing capabilities, responding positively the instant you deliver power. It has an almost passive ability to release, requiring very little input from the rider or thought on foot or weight placement. Once released, it accelerates smoothly, the rockerline and nose shape doing a wonderful job at keeping the shoulders clear of any danger. It covers distance over harsh seas effortlessly, the vee / double concave seeming to iron out harsh chop whilst the fins provide ample traction to motor upwind. Fast, efficient and gliding through lulls, it is this practicality that would endear the TriWave to many and gives it real appeal, making it equally at home in a coastal bump and jump role as it is in wave riding mode. The less experienced coastal sailor can’t help but get on with it, such is its user-friendliness; but don’t underestimate the TriWave’s abilities on the wave face. Responding smoothly rather than sharply to changes in foot pressure, it makes a great wave riding tutor, yet can be used by the more experienced to cut a tight line up to the desired section. Carrying speed through the turn, it does have a slight back-foot bias, yet can adapt to different riding styles thanks to its speed and fluidity on the rail. When there are all sorts of new designs and developments happening on the wave board scene, the TriWave represents the very best of ‘conventional’ design and shows that it still undoubtedly has a place on the market.
THE VERDICT
One of the most user-friendly wave boards on the market, the TriWave boasts unreal early planing and ease, offering true plug and play fun for all abilities. From float and ride, to coastal bump and jump; first wave-board tutor, to the go-to-board for less than ideal conditions, the TriWave surprised us with its remarkable versatility. Recommended.
Other sails in this test: