I have ridden the 08 131 and 129 x-series of the range so far and below are some comments

The board boasts strong construction, nice flex zones that give great ability for medium - higher speeds with a stiffer edges and a springy tail. Easy to slide around if needed once you have broken the back end out. Very comfy footpads, and the stiffness means if you are a medium+ rider you will really enjoy the flex in this board IMO. I 've tried most wakestyle tricks on the board and I have found it very easy to use, especially for sliding manoeuvres although had no problems landing from tricks or with board offs either.

I would not recommnd this if you intend to only ride waves with it as it is a free/style not waveriding board, unless you want to freestyle the wave.

I would recommend it for anyone who wants a strong build quality ( for bindings / sliders and kickers or longevity ), the latest in 3d flex patterns with comfortable footpads and shiny bling on the top of the board. By the way... if you buy one make sure you dry the bling off after you use the board!

I also think that the z series, which I am yet to ride would suit the lighter, slower riders < 70kgs ,who want flex at a slow speeds or maybe the older gentlemen aged like a fine wine who prefer comfort more than speed. ( guessing though as I havn't ridden it yet )

I'm 77kgs and ~5'8 and would pick the 131 with narrow stance setting.


PS before anyone asks, yes it handles the chop fine with it's straight tracking and stiffer sides, and as with all Chop its how the rider uses the board.

Nick

I've got a 136 Z series. I'm 95kgs and riding a 12m Cult in 15 to 25 and a bit. The board planes very well, has heaps of pop and tracks well in all conditions. I've punished mine and it has survived where others have failed (split a kiteloose in half lengthwise for example). The pads and straps are extremely comfortable and the bling attracts the ladies. I usually ride without fins and find that the board has plenty of edge control even in decent chop. I posted on a previous thread that the board was sh!t with fins in but I retract that comment now because after going out on a 10m X3 in 30-35knots with fins in and realizing I need to ride over my back leg more on this board it turns out I was sh!t at riding the board with fins in. I haven't ridden the x series but can say that the Z series can be a cruisy board but can also be a great freestyle board. It depends on the rider. The guys I kite with are all changing over to Aboards after riding mine in preference to what they currently have ie protoys, cardboards and cabrinhas. Seems like Latvia is starting to produce more then skivys and hot chics in crappy make up at eurovision.

i have the 136 z series also and i love it as much as beer!
if it had boobs i would shag it.

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dachopper said...
I also think that the z series, which I am yet to ride would suit the lighter, slower riders < 70kgs ,who want flex at a slow speeds or maybe the older gentlemen aged like a fine wine who prefer comfort more than speed. ( guessing though as I havn't ridden it yet )
Nick

ROFL here at this quip.
Some might say that sounds just like me and, coincidentally, yep I reckon the Z Series suits me pretty well damn near perfect.
(Nick - I strongly suspect you knew I was getting a Z and that this is an underhand slanderous personal insult [}:)] - though I would have thought my ageing is more akin to rotting compost than fine wine. )

As for the board itself - a brand spankin' 133x40 Z Series. - bewdiful - I love it.
Ive only ridden it twice so its a bit premature for a fully informed road test report but, so far, Im thinking it is awesome.
Its light - so a major comfort factor for me is covered.
Despite Nicks comment re speed Im finding it very very quick - in a straight line and in turning response. But then, I have come from an older heavier board so that may not be accurate compared to all the latest options around.
There is plenty of flex but its fairly solid through the centre with most flex happening at the tips. The pop when you boost is awesome. I havent fully sussed the timing as yet but if you hold the edge till you are ripped it feels explosive.
On my first session I was able to run it through messy chop & butter flat.
As a 1st time out I was more comfortable with it in the chop. It out performed my old board by miles. It slices effortlessly through slop to hold its line & follow turns very smoothly. Full points for comfort here. On the butter I found it a bit loose & skatey. I was sometimes working to hold an edge and to dig in & hold on any given landing. But I am certain this is just teething stuff. In time (& not much of it) I'm sure it will provide super slick performance on flat water where I fully expect it will really excel.
The pads are excellent. They are very thick & absorbent but not squishy at all (I find my LF luxuries a bit 'squishy' ie a bit too much give underfoot). The straps are comfortable enough. My only criticism of the whole package so far is there is no adjustment for the splay. I will have to square up my stance a bit - which may not be a bad thing ? More on this later.
The colour is a bit dull but that is made up for with the bling - cool - a very stylish touch. Looking forward to it attracting the ladies The graphics are of a very 'celtic' style (which is fine by me) but I suppose traditional Latvian patterns have always had a bit of a celtic look about them.

So far - im stoked. More later.
Nick - have to hook up for a swap session asap. Keen to try the 'X' and see what you really think of my 'Z' once you have tried it.