2009 Aboard Z Series 136
First impressions are it looks amazing. Took about 15mins to set up and I was grinning from ear to ear when it was all ready for the water. Wind was looking good for weekend so I was sitting at work wishing the days away. Saturday came and I decided to go down to Redcar. Arrived to Westerly winds, sun and it was quite warm considering it was the middle of November. Wind was measuring 16mph to 23mph and decided to get the 11m out. The board was super quick to get up on the plane even in 16mph lulls, which would have been a no go with my previous board and it felt really smooth under foot due to the stepped flex tips, which caught me out a few times. It was really smooth compared to my old board, which felt like I was learning again as the back of board kept stepping out on me, which was quite frustrating. After about an hour or so of cruising around, getting a feel for the board, I got used to the smoothness and I was riding around with ease performing some jumps as well. My first impressions of the board is that, what a board the Z series is!!!
It was quite choppy on the first day but I never realised how much difference a board with thicker side rails and stepped up platform could make to riding comfort in these conditions. Honestly the board just glides through the chop, and it felt like I was riding in butter flat conditions. Footpads are super comfortable and look stylish with the air capsules inserts in them. A bit of Nike Air max going on there like. Only took 2 screws to attach each pad as well, which was surprising. I noticed how comfy the footpads were as with my previous board, which is a good board, don't get me wrong, my heels would ache after about an hour of constant riding. With these footpads I could just ride and ride away to my hearts content.
The footpads stick to your feet seriously well and just feel really solid in the choppy conditions.
The pop is very impressive due to the step up stepped flex tips and raised platform, which was resulting in some big air jumps. The board is also really flexible as I noticed this every time I was preparing for a jump as I could feel the board flex underneath me when taking off and landing. Landings are also super smooth due to the boards flexible capabilities.
Going up wind with this board is a piece of cake, no effort what so ever! This really surprised me, as I would struggle sometimes to go upwind when the wind was below 20mph. With this board I found out that it was a case of point and go. Such an ease to go upwind with this board!
Here are a few pictures I took after my session at paddies.
Overall, the finish of the board is top notch with graphics to match. I am really pleased that I got this board, but I was a bit put off with price when deciding to put an order in, as I thought what difference will the Z series be to any other board. Well believe me, there is a lot, its well worth the money!!
Andrew
