The new 2014 Naish Javelin LE X26's have landed, and they look awesome! I have the chance to take the 14 for a paddle yesterday and was super stoked at the performance. Of coarse you're going to expect any review I do to be a little bias, but here it is any way.
I spent an hour on the flat water on Narrabeen Lakes, glide and speed is as expected, unbelievable (I think I'm noticable faster on the X26 than the std LE). But the big one is of coarse the stability. At my 92ish kgs, the board was super stable on the dead calm water, buoyancy was spot on. Board weight is very light, no noticeable extra weight than the LE. The big eye opener for me was when I took her into the waves, super messy, onshore, choppy, the board was a dream. no issues with hard kick turns, and picking up runners was a breeze. I look forward to paddling the 12'6" today sometime hopefully, however I will have both boards with me tomorrow morning at the JPP time trials.
Here are some pics and a quick vid of the 12'6" and 14.
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Raced my 14' LE x 26 today.. Awesome board.. 
IMO it's the best board that I've ever paddled.. 
I got some vid.. 
DJ
Select to expand quoteDavidJohn said...
Raced my 14' LE x 26 today.. Awesome board..
IMO it's the best board that I've ever paddled..
I got some vid..
DJ
Can't wait for the vid and review.. Good to see Naish have made the world winning board in a width that us normal weighted guys can ride..
Had a play on the 12'6" LE X26 today. I've gotta say, even at it's 26" she is very very lively. I wouldn't be surprized if many riders that are able to paddle the 24" will upgrade to the 26, as it's as light, very quick and just has that little extra secondary stability (still pretty rocky under my feet though). Agree 100% with DJ, 14 is amazing, can't wait to take her round the time trial tomorrow morning.
Look forward to seeing you vid DJ.
Ride safe,
JB
Hi DJ
Being a relative Novice on my 10' board straight lines is all 'it or I' am really capable of.
When you say it had stability in the choppy surf , how did it perform in the waves?
What I am looking for is a bit more speed down the line but then the ability to ride it like a MAL.
I was a surfer for 20 years then had to have a hip replacement gave it up then tried paddle boarding
in Hawaii 2 years ago and have been hooked ever since!
I really want the next level but at $2000 a shot it can be an expensive mistake.
Can you please let me know if I can turn this board like a MAL ? As currently my board is down the line only an difficult to pump or move around.
It would help if you or anyone can recommend an answer . Im 6 foot and 94kg and need both speed and turn.
Cheers Brunty
Select to expand quoteBrunty said..
Hi DJ
Being a relative Novice on my 10' board straight lines is all 'it or I' am really capable of.
When you say it had stability in the choppy surf , how did it perform in the waves?
What I am looking for is a bit more speed down the line but then the ability to ride it like a MAL.
I was a surfer for 20 years then had to have a hip replacement gave it up then tried paddle boarding
in Hawaii 2 years ago and have been hooked ever since!
I really want the next level but at $2000 a shot it can be an expensive mistake.
Can you please let me know if I can turn this board like a MAL ? As currently my board is down the line only an difficult to pump or move around.
It would help if you or anyone can recommend an answer . Im 6 foot and 94kg and need both speed and turn.
Cheers Brunty
Hi Brunty..I'm guessing your question is not re the 14' LE x 26 because it's a flat water race board and downwinding board..
I'd be thinking the board for you would be the new Naish 10'6" Nalu.. It would do all that you're asking.. Try and demo one.
DJ
Hey Brunty,
DJ's right the Nalu 10'6" is definitely what you are after. I am very similar height and weight to you, and that board is by far the bets Longboard style SUP around. And if you go GT, you can also use a windsurfing rig on it.
JB
JB, my eyes went all blurry and cross eyed as your video went past the black/yellow stripes on the rail.
Want one 
