JP AUSTRALIA FREESTYLE WAVE 101L PRO EDITION 2014 TEST REVIEW
JP AUSTRALIA FREESTYLE WAVE 101L PRO EDITION 2014 TEST REVIEW
THE LOW-DOWN
New for 2014, the Freestyle Wave PRO Edition JP uses S-Glass laminate in the deck, which apparently has a higher elongation characteristic and therefore feels softer than and survives harder landings than the carbon boards they replace. This season the 101 has the same outline, but is 200 grams lighter and supplied with both a (27-cm. G10) centre fin and 2 x 10-cm. thrusters.
BRAND CLAIM
“Great all-rounders with a unbelievably wide range of use. Delivering a perfect balance of wave, seriously fast bump & jump and freestyle performance. The four small Pro Editions additionally handle any kind of wave conditions (from side-on to side-off) because of the Thruster setup. Their range of use is as wide open as your ambition and mind.’
PERFORMANCE
First up, this was the smallest supplied volume in this group, so it’s worth noting that the JP was packing 5 or so litres less than its competition. That said, this 101 held its own admirably in early planing terms and the heavier testers never felt like they wanted more foam underfoot. The volume distribution is deceptive as, in performance terms, this model felt like a narrower, 95-litre board, yet off the plane, or when getting going, there’s definitely no shortage of float or planing surface.
We all thought it was fast and drivey upwind, which is helped a lot by the deck doming that’s easy to push against and squeak out that extra pace. In terms of speed, everyone noted that the top end was good with a notably smooth, drag-less nature. (We used the thrusters nearly all the time during the test.) The stance is also super comfy with a balanced outline and the snug straps seemingly placed in a sweet spot. The genuine freestylers in the group rated the pop and sliding ability highly (there’s good volume in the tail to push down against) but it was in the turning department that everyone agreed this board’s strengths lie. We all felt it was superb for a variety of carving turns with the medium and lightweights especially noting the grip and surfy feel. Across a range of sea states the JP kept impeccable manners, handling messy water, rolling chop and smooth water without prejudice, always with a lively enough feeling, but an easy enough ride to control when nearer the limit. Make no mistake, this is a total all-rounder – an all-out true bump ‘n jump legend in fact – but if we were really pushed to pigeonhole it, we’d say it’s slightly in the wavier camp overall.
THE VERDICT
JP continues to produce the quintessential freestyle wave board. Many claim to make a ‘take-anywhere’ board, but the JPAustralia FSW 101 hits the nail precisely on the head. Although highly recommended for freestyle – and a perfect high-wind freeride option too – this size has a tiny bit more desire towards being in the surf.
For more information on the
JP AUSTRALIA FREESTYLE WAVE 101L PRO EDITION 2014
go to www.jp-australia.com
NOW READ THE OTHER REPORTS
FANATIC FREEWAVE 106 TE
GOYA ONE THRUSTER 105
NAISH STARSHIP 100
QUATRO FSW 106
RRD FSW 106
SIMMER FREEWAVE 105
STARBOARD KODE 103
TABOU 3S 106