RRD WAVE CULT 83L 2014 TEST REVIEW
RRD WAVE CULT 83L 2014 TEST REVIEW
BEST FOR
Suitable for a range of rider types, we found it also worked pretty well in sideshore settings too.
RECOMMENDATION
While the back straps are good in the aft holes, even our tallest, lankiest testers were happier with the front straps in the third holes from the front.
BRAND CLAIM
“The new shapes of the wave cults V5 incorporate the latest development of our hi performance sailboards line: wider body boards that are easier to use, more stable, planing earlier. This main feature (wide body) might seem in contrast with manoeuvrability, but when you actually work with a thinner rail profile, increased rocker and tail “V” then the whole right equation for performance level is achieved again with the good additions that the extra width will bring. A magic new formula that will improve the amount of sailing days in waves and will help improving your level.”
OVERVIEW
Outline: Midpoint centre of track. Medium pointy Nose. ‘Hippy’ profile narrowing towards sharp pintail.
Deck: Flat up front, reasonably domed between straps.
Rail Profile: Tucked from front all the way to behind rear fins.
Bottom Shape: Heavy vee from nose into even concave around wide point, most pronounced around front fins, blending into vee at tail behind fins.
Rocker Line: Slight flat spot rear of wide point. Overall tail lift around 35 mm. Slight nose kick.
Fin Configuration: Quad cluster. MFC TQ ProFlex G10 US Box 16 cm in rears (upright profile) 8 cm SlotBox front sidebites, also fairly upright.
Pads: RRD own-brand flat pads. With front straps set in forward positions the toes are left exposed on the abrasive deck.
Straps: RRD by Dakine straightforward velcro adjustment
Construction: EPS/PVC Innegra/Carbon
PERFORMANCE
RRD have classified the Cult as a specifically ‘onshore’ board, which is lucky as that’s what we primarily tested it in Tenerife, plus it’s had a few outings in UK south coast cross-on and sideshore conditions since. In El Medano the fleet was challenged by small surf and super onshore wind. In line with the other boards on test, we started with a wide stance – and the setting spread on this model is quite broad – and swiftly moved the front straps backward, which instantly transformed the board’s character incredibly. With the fins still in the mid settings we suddenly found the board to be early planing, smooth through chop, grippy and drivy in the bottom turn, tight in turns and generally able to go anywhere we wanted on the wave. Interestingly we found it performed even better in the sideshore setup later, albeit that in windblown surf not groundswell. Off-the-top we found a good choice of control and were able to easily choose between breaking out the fins or holding through powerful arcs. A nimble board for exploring your wavesailing potential.
THE VERDICT
A versatile shape that can draw a range of lines on a wave. RRD bill this as an onshore board, but in truth it’s an all-rounder that’s capable of delivering fun in almost any kind of surf.
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