QUATRO CUBE 86L 2018 TEST REVIEW
QUATRO CUBE 86L 2018 TEST REVIEW
THE LOW-DOWN
The Cube is the sole quad-fin configured board in the Quatro line-up for 2018, and has been refreshed for the new season, as with most of the brand’s range. Short and wide, it is also relatively chunky throughout its length, ending in a squashed diamond tail, said to provide stability during quick rail-to-rail transitions, and better glide through lulls. Classed as their ‘control-wave’ option it is produced in the same Pro Carbon S-Glass construction as the Goya wave boards and is similarly supplied with the easily adjustable MFC straps, some comfortable KT signature Varidens deckpads (with an integrated raised tail pad), and resin-transfer moulded MFC fins. With a fairly conventional bottom shape, outline and domed deck, there is a clean, uncomplicated quality to the Cube’s make-up. We really got on well with the 86’s predecessor when we tested it in 2016; could the same be said of this year’s Cube?
BRAND CLAIM
“The Cube stays true to the quick planing, fast and drivey quad concept. A newly designed rocker and subtle changes in the outline have allowed this board to keep its speed, stay stable and yet snappy with good pivot for all onshore to side shore conditions.”
PERFORMANCE
Wide yet short compared to the others in the group, the Cube is also quite chunky and as such feels buoyant and forgiving underfoot whilst off the plane. Releasing smoothly and positively from the water when power is supplied, it demands little input from the rider and accelerates to a controlled if not electric speed. The best word to describe the Cube’s nature is ‘dependable’ … and this is consistent across a massive wind range and any wave arena. Cruising through lulls easily, it feels comfortable and balanced underfoot, picking its way upwind well and providing ample stability through tacks. On the wave, the Cube’s quad fin setup provides masses of grip. It initially felt a little stiff as we tried to bank it into the bottom turn, struggling to redirect it up the face. But you begin to learn that the Cube loves a forceful style and won’t loose its speed as quickly as others, so plough power through the back foot and it soon has you charging the section with purpose. This is a real plus in clean cross-off conditions (where the Cube’s chunky shoulders can help to project off bowling waves for easy aerials), or in cross-on waves, where you can learn to trust its grip and really pivot it through the tail. As the wind increased and conditions turned on, the Cube demonstrated the true value of its dependable nature, feeling incredibly safe and calm in the most volatile seas. It seems to stick to the water’s surface like glue, when other boards began to display control issues. A loyal companion whatever the conditions, the Cube would make a masterful tutor for those looking to progress rapidly into wave-sailing.
THE VERDICT
Providing an impressive degree of comfort and ease to flatter any rider, the Cube will find particular favour with those looking for a trustworthy platform for tackling variable conditions. Lead wherever you want to go, the Cube will willingly follow.
Other sails in this test:
• STARBOARD A.I.R. 83 REFLEX CARBON