Rider: skilled
Style: surf
Weather: 12 30 knots
Build Quality: 10/10
Satisfaction: 10/10
Disclosure: paid full price like any other punter

My Comments: Okay, last year I took a chance on a board that I though looked a little odd. It turned out to be one of the best kiting buys I have had. True satisfaction in every level. I treat myself to a new board every year whether I break the previous one or not. So, after so much joy from this board I purchased this years board.
First of all, I have to say how stoked I am to have a shaper listen to the feedback of those who ride the boards. My main concerns last year were three things:1, I wasn't pleased with the finish of fins supplied. (they did however work really well after I sanded them back and cleaned them up. 2, I wasn't happy with the way the fin boxes were put in, just not strong enough for someone who has a lot of lower body strength and pushes the board hard. (I broke out two of the fin boxes doing just that....easy repair being a poly board, and I loved the board so much I didn't mind having to fix it and beef it up a little.) 3, I did not like the black rails. They get waaaaaaaay to hot in the sun and I thought it could be problematic and cause delams later. ALL of these issues were addressed in this current board.
The new design is extremely close to last years model except a few key things. One, it's slightly thinner through the mid section, the fish tail is more of a swallow now, and the insert points have been moved up ever so slightly. Also, the board is a couple of ounces heavier, hardly noticeable unless you are holding both at the same time. I suspect that the extra weight is due to beefing up the fin boxes that are now fully glassed in as opposed to inserted at the end. I will take that extra weight in order for the strength gained. The board does not suffer from it at all and is still light enough.
As far as performance goes, I can't really distinguish a change in behavior from last years model. Board still trucks up wind. Still turns on a dime and grips when you want it to, but it's easy to slide the tail out at will on a hard snap or cutback. Floats really well on reentrys and engages with a little stomp on the tail and gives you that nice acceleration to scoot to the next section. I was waiting to write this review until we have a good range of swell, and last weeks east coast low did not disappoint. I had my best kite session ever on a double overhead day with 200 meter long rights straight cross shore wind 25 knots. The board performed extremely well considering it was not designed for such a size. I would say the strength of the board in from the 1 foot to just overhead, but that shouldn't stop anyone from riding larger waves on it. The bulk of the riding I have done on it has been in the 2 foot slop region due to lack of conditions lately. Board works a treat and makes the dullest waves pretty fun.
So, in closing I just want to thank Ray for listening to the feedback. Nice to have some Western Australian gear work well over hear. I am headed around the globe kiting for the next 9 months and this board will be seeing some action along the way. And when I get back a trip out west is in the cards. In the immortal words of big Kev, "I'm EXCITED!"

Any light weights ridden the 5'6?

you might message Jonnoparks as I think he went down to that size this year. I think he is back from his injury by now.

Nice sequal to your earlier reviews. To save me backtracking much earlier posts, what do you weigh and what size are you riding? How have you found it in relatively light wind through flat sections and staying upwind in light. How does it handle solid NE chop, and stress on your knees.

Nine months of kiting eh, half your luck, bring on early retirement.

Thanks for your comments in advance.

Well, due to my own injury in June I ballooned up to 90 kilos, up 7 on what I should be. I hover now at about 82. In fact I had to go and buy a new harness that is a size smaller, and that was a really good feeling! I ride the 5 10. As far as light winds, at this weight I can go upwind on a 10.5 mt kite in about 12 to 13 knots. I find the kite more dependent than the board. As far as the NE chop goes it handles it really well. I haven't found it to be hard on my knees. I might have mentioned in the review last year that this board flexes like a normal surfboard. it doesn't feel corky or stiff like the production boards from North, or Slingshot, or Axis, (though I have not tried the Axis boards this year to compare). Some people that come from a kiting only background and get on to the surfboards don't really understand what I am talking about in regards to the flex, but most surfers that kite do get it. The pads on the board are generous and do provide a nice little cushion.
I did say that I had taken the board out in solid double oh waves and on some of the drop ins I found the board slightly skatey, I really had to dig hard to set up my initial line. Three days later I got out on a day that was slightly overhead and that is where the board performed so well. For larger surf I would like a board with a narrower tail, but I have one of those stashed away for those days. I just couldn't help myself wanting to ride the Cube that day.
Yes, I am lucky. Nine months is going to be a solid adventure...but the logistics of putting it all together was pretty tricky. Normally on long trips we wing it along the way, stay at places for indefinite periods, and move on when we feel it's time. This trip has us moving through different countries at certain times as my wife has a schedule to keep to with her work. She works, I kite, we adventure together when she is off. It's a perfect marriage ;) Really!