GOYA CUSTOM PRO THRUSTER 92L 2019 TEST REVIEW
GOYA CUSTOM PRO THRUSTER 92L 2019 TEST REVIEW
THE LOWDOWN
The Custom Pro Thruster range from Goya has expanded for 2019, now available in six sizes from 75 to 105 litres. This 92 litre version remains unchanged, and like all its siblings is produced using the brand’s Carbon and S-Glass Pro construction, mixing a blend of uni-directional and biaxial carbon and biaxial glass for the best strength, weight and flex qualities. It retains exactly the same neon pink and yellow graphics as last year and comes supplied with quality MFC straps and carbon fins. At first glance there are plenty of similarities between this 92 and the 86 tested last year. Its pointed nose sits low, with relatively little rocker, the outline rounded before being drawn out to finish in a swallow tail. The volume is distributed evenly throughout, the deck domed and tapering to thin rails, exhibiting a good amount of tuck along their length. It’s an attractive looking board, but would it draw as many admirers as its smaller sibling did last year?
BRAND CLAIM
“I enjoy riding the Custom Pro Thruster on days that are a bit more onshore at Ho’okipa. It carries speed and feels very loose, which allows me to ride more volume on the board and compensate by having a smaller sail, which turned out to be a really fun combo.” Marcilio Browne
PERFORMANCE
The first thing that strikes you as you step on the 92 is just how balanced it is. For float and ride sessions, this stability translates into plenty of ease and practicality to push out over the whitewater, and into the lineup. As soon as power is delivered, the 92 rises up onto the plane almost instinctively, requiring little effort or input from the rider. The drive supplied from the fins and its directional stability make it a pleasure to use; it is almost like you’re cheating in marginal winds whilst your peers are fighting and wrestling their boards. As the wind increases, the 92 retains its manners, the comfort enabling the rider to plough more power into the board, which in turn exhibits an excellent turn of speed. It can get around a break easily, giving you the confidence to go for that extra turn on the wave, safe in the knowledge that you’ll be able to punch back upwind easily. Equally happy in cross-onshore conditions as cross-off, it just takes all the stress out of sailing in challenging conditions, allowing you to concentrate on your own performance. Easy doesn’t mean dumbed down though – the 92 requires little encouragement to charge at clean open faces or tight onshore pockets. Preferring a more front-foot carving base than back-foot slash, its turning style is incredibly smooth and predictable. Bank it in sedately or plough the rail in hard, you can really sense the level of grip throughout the turn, enabling you to vary the angle as you wish. A go anywhere, do anything board, its versatility and range prove just how capable a modern wave-board of this size can be.
THE VERDICT
Possessing the ease and comfort to belie its raw ability, the Custom Thruster was a hit with all who tried it, providing incredible plug and play fun from the off, no matter what the conditions.
Other boards in this test:
• STARBOARD ULTRAKODE FLAX BALSA 93