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Starboard iSonic 115 Wood
Special Slalom issue Planchemag April 2006
Starboard iSonic 115 Wood
AB+ Slalom 62
AHD Tracer 113
Exocet S3 II
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F2 SX M
Fanatic Falcon Slalom 111
JP Australia Slalom Pro II 114
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RRD SpitFire 125
Carbon Art Slalom 70
Tiga Hyper X 115
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Starboard iSonic 105 Wood
Windsurf UK May 2006 issue
 
At a Glance
The iSonic is new for 2006, replacing the high profile Hypersonic range that captured the public’s imagination when it was released three years ago, and must take part of the credit for reigniting interest in speed/slalom sailing. The new series includes four sizes, of which the 105 is the smallest. Incorporating many innovative features, it is a very intriguing board and draws the eye with its clean iPod inspired graphics. Side cut-outs combine with cutaways to make the tail of the iSonic very unique, not to mention the squared off nose at the other end, which enables the nose profile to remain as flat as possible, generating enough lift to stop it catching in chop. As such the new design is all about maintaining the board’s trim low to the water to make the ride efficient and controllable. Provided with the brand’s new excellent straps, fish-scale deckpads and two fins, it is a very well presented package, available in either Wood or DRAM construction.
Ride and Handling
The iSonic is one of the standout boards in the group; liked by all who tried it, it offers the range and versatility to suit a wide cross section of rider styles and abilities. Releasing onto the plane early, it absorbs the power of an 8.5m easily and rises onto its stiff fin, providing plenty of feedback to drive against. Despite being placed right on the edge, the footstraps are easy to locate and help to wrap the rider’s feet round the rail, offering a comfortable secure connection to the board. It seems to like being loaded through the back foot, pointing well and covering distance effortlessly. One of the fastest here in light to marginal conditions, the true beauty of the iSonic is its ease of use, giving incredibly high returns for minimal technical input. In all but the most extreme conditions, it simply trims itself, skimming low over the surface of the water, the shoulders seemingly oblivious to chop. In the harshest sea states, we did experience it rocking from side to side a little due to the width in the shoulders, although a little bit of guidance from the rider can alleviate this sensation. The board really does a lot of the work for the rider, allowing them to adopt a more relaxed sailing posture whatever the conditions, and enjoy their sailing rather than having to concentrate and wrestle all the time. Should the rider find themselves out of their depth, they can stand up and sheet out, the board remaining trimmed to the water’s surface, free from any behavioural problems.
Manoeuvres
Combining speed with control, the iSonic is impressive in the gybe, capable of adapting to any style from tight and aggressive corners to long sweeping arcs. Preparing to initiate the gybe, we did find our back-foot got stuck in the strap on occasion (due to the dome of the deck and the strap’s position), so care was taken to remove the foot from the strap before coming up and over the board for the transition. Tacking the 105 proved more of an issue, the low volume in the nose requiring some swift footwork from the sailor to get round the front of the mast dry.
For: Control matched with stunning performance levels.
Against: Tricky to tack
Verdict
The iSonic comes very highly recommended, being one of the fastest yet easiest boards to sail in this group. Offering excellent control and speed across a massive wind range, it will flatter the less experienced sailor whilst captivating the pro.
Suitability
Low advanced to pro
Any weight
Flat water to heavy chop |
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