Does anyone have any experience or first hand knowledge on the new 'comp' boards from Liquid Force. Looking like a lighter/stronger version of the production board, but with different construction. Not much information of any value on the LF website other than that they're better and lighter (1/2 lb).
Has anyone ridden these boards yet?

They are the best boards of any kind I have ridden to date and is my top board now. Fast, light, cuts up wind easy as. Technical specs: liquidforcekites.com

Padi, thanks for the reply. OK, now we're on.
How would you compare the Recoil Comp to the regular '08 Recoil? If it's better, how so?
What is the rocker profile like? Upwind ability?
Thanks,

Make sure you get the comp straps with them if you buy it, Bryden, its only about $70 to upgrade.

Hi Bryden

I ride the 131x39 recoil comp. Compared to the 130x39 Recoil it is lighter and and stronger, the comps have a slightly different tip shape than the standard. There is also more flex at the end of the board. The comp is super quick through the water and pops huge. It is one of the best boards I have rode.

OK, this is going to sound like a newbie type question, but how does the board plane/go upwind?
The only reason that I ask is that my current '06 Element 140 has so much rocker it's a pig unless you're really powered up (i.e. 18 knots on my 14m Havoc) and then it starts to dance. Some competitors boards I've ridden haven't been much wider, but have had a lot less rocker and they shoot upwind effortlessly with less wind. And yes, I realize it's probably more my riding (in)ability than the board, but...
I know the point of a comp board isn't to be a light wind board, but that's where I'm coming from. Would be nice to have a couple more knots on the lower end (and of course, really be rippin when I'd usually just be starting to have fun).

The Recoil comp goes up wind really well and the rocker is pretty flat to it gets on the plane quite early. I weigh 74 kilos and I can stay upwind with a 10M Havoc 2 in about 14Knots. Also when you are up to speed it holds an edge with ease, it also turns on a dime. Hope this helps.

what are they like with hard fast landings? how stiff are they? because i know the standard recoil weighs a ton and doesnt flex.

i currently ride the 08 cesar 132 but i find it bounces in big hooked kiteloop landings and it doesnt upwind quite as well as other boards.

arrghhh i want to try one but i dont think there are any demos in perth?

Go see Jason Lewis at West Oz Kiteboarding tell him what you want to demo and he will get it organised for you!!

yeah i know jason.. i just dont like making him order in demo stuff if only one or 2 ppl use it. il have to see if i want to replace my board first

Have you asked if he has a demo board in store already? The board is very impressive, I was out on the 137 yesterday, marginal 10/15kts and was able to plane and stayed upwind easy as. Offered a few guys to try it, and had 2 orders this morning. You should definitely try it and see for yourself.

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Charl dv said...

yeah i know jason.. i just dont like making him order in demo stuff if only one or 2 ppl use it. il have to see if i want to replace my board first

Recoil Comp 137 - had my first run with this board on Sunday at Inverloch. I can only compare to my old Element, but here goes.
Board does seem stiff and unforgiving, but this may also be interpretted as responsive as I am probably not good enough to get everything out of this board. I found it to be a lot faster (due to rocker and shape) and fairly easy to keep unwind (tide coming in caused a problem, but otherwise pretty good).
Lots of pop and soft landings, but again, I'm used to riding in a lot of chop/waves and was enjoying the relatively flat water.
I need a few more runs on it before I'm sold, but again, could be me.
Note - was using LF comp straps/lux pads. Not entirely sold on them yet as they seemed to loosen over time as my old lux straps did, but again, need another couple of runs...

OK, I change my mind. I rode the board today with a 14m Havoc in 16-20 knot winds. Darted upwind and held a reliable edge in moderate waves/chop.
Straps are super comfy and didn't loosen this time at all. I think playing with them before did it.
I'm sure it'll only get better from here.