Gary,
I've got a 2004 RRD FSW 90L that has the "fastback" which makes it plane
up incredibly fast. I've been planing no problem on that board with a
4.7 when other guys 20# lighter than me were having trouble on 85L. It
sails like its 100L or a little more, not too wide and can carry
anything from about 5.0-6.5 really well, outside that range is kind of
wonky but doable in a pinch. The FSW model means it handles well in
gorge chop, and you can do a bit of wave riding on it too. I don't know
any tricks but it does have a slightly ducked tail so theoretically you
could spin it around and sail it backwards. I've really enjoyed that
board for the past 2 years, now though I think I may go with something
in the 85L range as I rarely sail 5.7 and I need better overlap for
4.7. I'd be happy to demo it to you if you ever are at the Hatch.

Mike

Wood, Gary wrote:
>
> Tnx. Do you have bigger than 5.7? Wondering why 2 boards with such an
> overlap in range?
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> *From:* GORGEwindsurfer@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:GORGEwindsurfer@yahoogroups.com] *On Behalf Of *Bob Greenberg
> *Sent:* Wednesday, June 04, 2008 3:45 PM
> *To:* GORGEwindsurfer@yahoogroups.com
> *Subject:* [GORGEwindsurfer] Re: Opinions on light wind gorge boards
>
> Hi Gary,
> Depending on the other boards in your quiver, I'd go with something in
> the 95L - 110L range for your "big Gorge board". I define light winds
> in the Gorge as 5.7m and 5.2m conditions.
>
> The last couple seasons I've had a lot of good sessions on my JP
> X-Cite Ride 120L - this works really well in 5.7m, but does start to
> feel big with solid 5.2m wind. I did put a smaller fin on it (27cm vs
> 37cm stock) - helps a lot in the waves/chop.
>
> This year I've really enjoying my new Fanatic Skate 107L. This board
> planes up just as well as the JP, but is narrower (65cm vs 69cm) and
> does much better in 5.2m conditions (comes stock with 27cm fin). This
> is a "freestyle" board, but is overall a very easy fun board to ride
> - maybe I'll even learn some tricks.
>
> I'd look at freeride and freestyle boards that are 95L+ and no wider
> than 65cm for a good light wind Gorge board that planes up quickly,
> rides through the lulls, and doesn't feel too big in the chop.
> Typically, these boards will support a wide sail range, so the board
> makers outfit them with pretty big stock fins. Putting a smaller fin
> on them (27cm seems to work well for me), makes them work a lot better
> in our choppy waters.
>
> bobg
>
>>
>> I have a Mistral Score 98 from about 2003 that I use in marginal or
> flakey gorge winds - 5.2 and 4.7 for 160# sailor. It has a relatively
> flat rocker from the mast back, and while it planes off really early,
> it sticks slightly when coming over low chop or swell. Perhaps
> "sticks" isn't the right term, it feels like it slows slightly and
> gets more wetted surface before it breaks free again. I combat this
> by weighting my back foot more, but it doesn't seem to like that much.
> Could be sailor error, but I have sailed a few other boards this size
> and don't recall this sensation.
>>
>> So I am considering a replacement. It needs to plane early but
> still be mobile enough to play in small swell. Somewhere between
> 90-100 ltrs volume. I don't do freestyle or any real tricks. Use
> would be almost exclusively in the Gorge. I occasionally get to the
> coast, but would sail only small waves. I figured the collective
> group here may have some suggestions for a good match.
>>
>> Cheers
>> Gary
>>
>
>

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