I think the airush hammer is the most underrated board this year! I tried to get reviews on it but no one could tell me anything. So in the end I just took the plunge and got one. I kite in the open ocean and waves all the time so lots of chop and wanted a good allrounder. I have had, Airush switch and sidewinder and Flx 132, 142 05 & 06 all fantastic boards but the hammer is better better better!
It is like silk through chop has fantastic footpads and straps that soak up everything. I ride Xbows and this is one of the fastest most controllable boards I have ever ridden, you can go everywhere at lightspeed. The Double concave is amazing it turns from rail to rail better than a surfboard, with more control and at much higher speeds. Landings are super smooth no jarring the soft rails through the middle just seem to smooth everything out. On a wave face you can turn incredibly tight and it never gives you the sensation that it will breakfree. You have to change your style a bit, you ride a little more off the back foot as the rail in the middle is not as hard and you tend to load up before a jump more of the bigger fins and tail edge than the middle but you still get huge air. Even when I am at work you cannot wipe the smile of my face because my sessions are now so much fun. I come from a surfing background and have always wanted that sort of feeling in waves with my kite. I have a converse 6'2' which is great when the waves are going off but now i just want to ride this all the time because i can still jump and it just feels so fast! Try one I think you will love it.