I spoke to a guy who just returned from Maui who Downwinded in a fairly solid swell on the new LE 28 and he loved it. (He does sell Naish and other brands of boards)
The other comment he made on more than one occasion was that on flat water the board had "instant speed".
I was convinced to the extent that I'm going to have to get one, even though they are certainly not cheap.
First shipment may be late August ?