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RRD FREESTYLE WAVE V3 LIMITED 106L 2014 TEST REVIEW

Stats Volume (L) 106 Weight (Kg) 7.2 Length (cm) 237 Width (cm) 64.5 Construction Limited & Wood Price £1599 (Limited) £1399 (Wood)

RRD FREESTYLE WAVE V3 LIMITED 106L 2014 TEST REVIEW

RRD Freestyle Wave V3 106 2014

 

THE LOW-DOWN

New for 2014 RRD have stretched the outlines of their FSW range, added nose scoop and evened-out the volume distribution. All sizes feature MFC Freewave G10 powerbox single fins. (32-cm model supplied with 106)

BRAND CLAIM
‘As the trend of wave boards shapes keeps going towards multi-fin hulls, RRD has preferred to retain a “classic”, reliable and fast planing single fin board line that would be suited for those who wish for a “do it all” type of short board. The new Freestyle Wave boards, Version 3, are four new simple, refined, retuned shapes that will cover the whole range of use of this program … V3 overall shaping changes have produced a board that is even faster, more maneuverable and easier to control in rough water.’ (sic.)

PERFORMANCE
Continuing with the overall trend in this category, this 106 actually feels like an even bigger board, almost like a 115, but once up-and-running it performs like an 100-litre board.  As soon as you jump on you feel the comfy pads and a nice ride with a good, modern, up-on-your toes progressive stance that will urge you to hunt down waves and chuck yourself into moves. The float off the plane is not only handy and helpful in lending confidence for those learning to manoeuvre in marginal conditions, or master those low-wind tacks and schlogging techniques – but also helps make this 106 an extremely early planer.

Upwind performance is also strong, but it’s the carving nature that drew the biggest compliments. We think that’s mostly because the outline is nicely balanced nose-to-tail in comparison to some of the ‘nosier’ boards you might encounter, especially in wave boards of similar volume.  Nearly everyone noted that the carve was ‘precise’ and grippy and that there was obvious acceleration out of the arc – so if high-speed gybes or performance turns on swell are your thing, then give this one some seriously strong consideration.

Like a few others in this lineup, the twin aft strap choice has us scratching our heads as, when we’d choose to use this option, we’d like them further outboard to use the deck doming and really push the fin harder for added speed. The volume flow is fairly even, with enough of it distributed in the tail for positive pop and you’d easily be able to tackle rookie tricks on this shape with ease.

Regarding range of use overall – bearing in mind that every product in this test is an all-rounder – we were in agreement that this latest RRD FSW version definitely feels ‘wavier’ than previous seasons’ models (in the larger sizes), which we felt previously had a slightly more ‘high-wind freeride’ bias. Perfect for lovers of singlefin handling!

THE VERDICT

A dynamic ride that’s especially, but not exclusively, suited to big boys (and girls) wanting a stance that keeps them agile and energetic and ready to pounce into high-performance moves. A good match for modern, compact sails, the RRD Freestyle Wave V3 106 is an early planer and stable in the lulls, but the joy lies in the precise carving motion and it’s lust to get amongst the waves.

www.robertoriccidesigns.com

NOW READ THE OTHER REPORTS

FANATIC FREEWAVE 106 TE
GOYA ONE THRUSTER 105
JPAUSTRALIA FSW 101
NAISH STARSHIP 100
QUATRO FSW 106
SIMMER FREEWAVE 105
STARBOARD KODE 103
TABOU 3S 106

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