QUATRO CUBE 95L 2019 TEST REVIEW
QUATRO CUBE 95L 2019 TEST REVIEW
THE LOWDOWN
The Cube is Quatro’s ‘control’ quad wave board offering, the series remaining unchanged for 2019, with five sizes available from 74 to 104L. This 95 is the second largest in the range and like the 86 tested last year, has a squashed diamond tail in the rear, its reduced rail line designed for “quicker bottom turns and cutbacks,” whilst providing the stability to stay on the plane through lulls. Short and wide, the 95 has a chunky profile and relatively parallel rails for a board in this wave category, tapering quickly from a point inline with the side fins to its diamond tail. Produced in Pro Carbon and S-Glass technology, the makeup of the board is carefully considered in every detail to ensure the board is lightweight and flexes as desired, yet has the reinforcements to withstand the rigours the environment will invariably subject it to. Dual density deckpads sit underneath MFC’s excellent Velcro straps, whilst the 95 comes supplied with MFC’s QS quad fin set. Just be careful when inserting and removing the fins – the rear US boxes are very short so require a delicate touch when levering the fins out so as not to mark behind the box with the trailing edge of the fin.
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.” – Keith Teboul.
PERFORMANCE
Feeling its size as you step on the Cube 95, it provides plenty of float and gets going quickly and easily as power is delivered. Motoring upwind, it provides plenty of traction for a quad and glides through lulls effortlessly whilst others struggle. It feels large and dependable underfoot whilst punching out through shorebreak in marginal winds, yet as soon as it is put on its rail for manoeuvres, it seems to shed its bulk in an instant, responding as you’d expect a board 10 litres its junior would. Perfectly at home in cross-onshore conditions, the Cube has real versatility in the turn, its carving angle tightened effortlessly using back-foot pressure through the fins. It thrives on making tight critical sections and transitions quickly from rail to rail. The other real benefit of the Cube is its low planing threshold and dependable stability, resulting in a user-friendliness throughout the turn, and gives the rider plenty of margin for error – a great tutor for the less experienced pilot. As the wind increases and the conditions become more challenging, the Cube remains comfortable and fun to ride. It can be used to drop down steep faces and grips beautifully when redirected impulsively. Fully powered, the width of the 95’s tail does feel large and takes some conviction from the rider to push round the corner, preferring to gouge rather than release. Yet change down sail size and the Cube will happily keep charging larger waves, its design only limited by the amount of force and power the rider is capable of exerting.
THE VERDICT
One of the most user-friendly quad designs we’ve ever tried, the Cube demands little rider input, yet has the manners, grip and response to tear up any break.
Other boards in this test:
• STARBOARD ULTRAKODE FLAX BALSA 93