The X-series is Aboards freestyle/wakestyle board, so you'd expect masses of pop, which it truely is excellent at, but the real surprise for me is how little they've had to compromise in other areas to achieve this.
Putting the board side by side with the Z series, the main differences are the outline shape and the flex. The Z is wide at the tips, whereas the X has considerable taper. The X is also considerably stiffer, allowing it to get the great pop it is designed for.
The construction of the board looks very solid indeed, its quite thick in the central section, which tapers down toward the tips, but still remains thick enough to inspire confidence that it isn't going to break whatever you do. (And coming from a person who recently snapped a board, this is a very good thing
) The footstraps and pads are well worth mentioning, as they are very comfy and give a good connection to the board, which inspires confidence in your riding.The board planes very early and it feels like it produces very little drag, which gives it a nice turn of speed. Aboards have also hit the nail on the head with the balance between skatiness and directionality. When you're up on the plane the board feels very steady and flies off in your intended direction, but with with input from your feet its easy to get the board sliding one way or another, for surface passes, butter slides etc. This also allows you to easily point the board high upwind, with a shift of foot pressure.
It was a very difficult decision for me to choose between the X and Z, as i'd tried the Z on the water for 5 minutes and absolutely loved it, but hadn't yet given the X a go. My initial worries that the board would have sacrificed user-friendliness in order to give maximum freestyle performance were laid to rest the second it hit the water. Its a fantastic board to ride in the flat and chop, and do all the usual stuff on, and when popped right it goes big! - I had an absolute blast over the weekend, I was grinning from ear to ear
If you're looking for a board to progress onto some serious freestyle/unhooked, I'm sure you'll be as delighted with the X-series as I am. I'd been such an avid fan of Nobile boards in the past, as both the 555 and Shinn Pro had allowed me to progress tremendously, but I think Aboards may have just raised the bar this season!
If you spot me on the beach and fancy a go, just let me know,
Peet
