Looking at 12'6 race boards at the moment and have paddled a few (Fanatic 12'6 x 30.5, DC 12'6 x 30, SB 12'6 x 29ish).

The main question I have now concerns construction. The lighter construction boards I have tried are undoubtedly faster but they feel as though they get pushed about more by any chop or swell. Once going, the momentum from the heavier boards is handy when punching out through small swell. I'm mainly looking at BOP style racing and maybe a bit of down winding.

When discussing options for carbon vs AST/Wood, I have had people raise concerns regarding the carbons creasing easily, but as of yet, it's always been 'a friend of a fiend had a carbon and it creased', so would appreciate some first hand opinions, plus pros and cons.

I'm going to try the Fanatic 12'6 carbon and Naish 12'6 Jav this weekend, so hopefully that will fill in some blanks, but would appreciate any further feedback you guys have.

Healdy said...

I have Fanatic 12'6 wood 2011 and it's a great board, have seen carbon versions crease however not sure if they were early test models.
Tried the new 12'6 Jav this week, IMO the Fanatic is similar speed but more stable mainly due to it's wider tail and flater volume displacement - the Jav is a bit boxy IMO.

Thanks. I've heard the early Carbon Fanatics test models were problematic but have not heard of any problems on the production models. Hoping to try the Glide soon as well, think it will be pretty stable and a good option.