To me there hasn't been much change in free-ride boards over the past 15-20 years. There was a development towards wider and shorter boards that started around 2004, and that gives a little wider usage in terms of wind-strength, but in the right windrange there is nothing wrong with the +20 years design.

There has been a much larger development/change on the sail side, both on race sails and wave sails, especially the lower weight of todays sails makes a big difference.

My own favourite boards (mostly slalom) are about 20 years old by now, so I'm perhaps a little bit biased. But when I travel and rent gear (usually free-ride or wave boards) I haven't felt much improvement.

Wave-boards are a little bit different, here the development/change is much larger, as the multi-fins came to stay this time and the boards have been developed accordingly.

It looks like it's tough being a board manufacturer, much easier to sell sails. More sails it is then! Thanks for the replies.

SBGroupie said..
I'm still enjoying sailing my Starboard Futura 122 from 2008. But having recently enjoyed the update from similarly aged sails to a new foil glide (sorry, I couldn't resist a new challenge!) it's set me wondering if there would be much difference to update to a new Futura, or maybe a Carve.
Has anyone made a similar jump, who would like to comment on what I could expect to notice?

I had a not so great experience with a Futura 2022 110/71, coming from an Isonic 111/69.5 2008. The Futura had remarkably less pick up, and felt sluggish, only working if VERY powered up. Contrary to the Isonic that took off very fast, had a sixth gear when overpowered, but was also very enjoyable barely powered up. The Futura was however easier in chop. The board was supposed to be my light air one, and it was useless there because of the high planing threshold, so I sold it ... and now I am without a light air board ...

I am not sure if the "problem" is associated with the new slalom designs. Compared to the older generation boards I owned, Isonic and 111, and Carbon Art 52 and 58, the new ones, Patrik 100. AV 60 and 62, have all shown similar characters. More enjoyable in chop, but less pick up, and harder to keep planing in a jibe. Not sure if that is progress for recreational sailors.