howdy suppers.... need some advice. am looking for a wave board, and am quite taken with the JL stuff... has anybody ridden both the 9'9 mano and the 9'1 kwad?
and if so, what are the primary differences? obviously thruster v quad config, but in real terms, on head high waves and above, whats the deal? also interested in paddling/stability comparison...? all comments appreciated!

I have the 9'9 mano and had a blast on worriers 9'1 kwad in head high and clean conditions, it felt very stable - possibly more stable than the 9'9, paddled well, felt noticeably flatter and wider. a little more paddle effort required to catch waves but fired as soon as the momentum was there, didn't roll into the bottom turn as well as the 9'9 but performed good and was fun. I didn't really get a feel for the quad set up so can't comment either way.
Taking into account all the usual rider variables, for "me" there wasn't that much in it, with only 5 liters in volume difference between the 2 boards and after 18 months on the 9'9 the flatter feel and extra width of the 9'1 made the maneuverability feel mal style compared to short board.
By comparison worrier has come down from the 190L 9'5 mana to the 135L 9'1 kwad and its chalk and cheese for him and he is having a ball.

JL's rock!

Edit: Must remember to remind worrier that courts said "The 'XL' logo is for XTRA LARGE FAT SUPers!"

I weigth 100kg and tried the 8'7" kwad on flat water with some chop, and was surprised by the stability. Heaps stabler than a Hobie CMP 8'11" or JL Mano 9'4" for instance.

cranky said...

the 9'1 made the maneuverability feel mal style compared to short board.

Have to disagree with this. I find it goes rail to rail really well and snaps really tight.

I can comment on Kwad 8'7 against Mano 9'0... Volume is about the same...

Like the Kwad allot and I will probably get one for myself very soon!

Both are great boards but they are quite different..
I will still ride the Mano in anything overhead +
Read here from Master Jimmy in my opinion is spot on and really give the idea!!!

Fin configuration is not a trend. It changes the way the board rides. Will you choose a 3 fin thruster like the MANO, or the 4 fin KWAD?

The fin configuration changes the pivot point on the board. On the Mano, your pivot point is further back. The larger center fin on the back of the 3-fin holds the tail tight through a carve. The board is longer and narrow compared to the Kwad. The widest point of the board is further back as well.
THE RESULT: SUPER TIGHT, HIGH-G CARVES

If the Chamber were a Formula One race car, The KWAD would be a drifting Rally Car. The smaller back fins are set close to the rails. The hips of the board are wider and further forward. This means a pivot point that is further forward. It also means TAIL RELEASE which allows for a loose, skatey feeling.

Bye Jankie

For your info..
Jimmy is launching a new Kwad for heavier people.
Info I got say 9'7 x 31 with 150 liters of volume. So about the same as the Mano 10'2.
Bye Jankie

Hi T one,
Pardon my ignorance, and sorry to get off topic, but I had the impression there was not alot of surf in the NT.
I understand if you don't want to give away secrets, but is there enough surf to warrant a surf trip to the north?
Also what about nasties in the water?

Cheers