Ok so after much anticipation, I received my 8'5 Sunova Speeed XXXTec last week and here's what I got....
First of all I have to praise the Sunova Team, namely Martin Jandke. He went above and beyond the stars to make my Sunova dreams come true, and for that I will always be grateful. Also Bert Burger is a shaping GENIUS! In my humble opinion, he has set himself worlds apart from any of the shapers out there!
I took it out to my local beach break at mid-tide with a 3 foot swell. I am 5'6 and weigh 140 lbs. On my very first wave this board Lit up. It is very, very fast, but not in the fast, out of control kinda way, but fast in a controlled, stable way. It is ultra reponsive and turns on a dime. I went to kick out and it turned so fast it almost came back and hit me!!!Once you step to the front the board takes off like a Ferrari! Everything I wanted the board to do it did with ease. For my first time ever riding it, it took me a minute to feel for the sweet spot. It was a little bit of effort to find my balance, but once I did it was easy and I did not fall off once. This board is going to take my SUPing to the next level. I am already doing maneuvers I could only think about with ease. Paddling into waves are a breeze, and as important, paddling back out thru waves/whitewash was not a problem at all. I was a little concerned at first because of the wide, square-ish nose. The deck pad is very sticky, no sliding/slipping at all. I love the pop out handle as well, waaaaaay better than the cut out ones. I have read about the soft bottom absorbing the chop, and its absolutely true, on other boards I skip down the face on windy days, but not so on the speeed, I do not feel one ripple ( it's kinda weird!)This board does not feel like an SUP, but rather a surfboard. It's so light and surfs like a dream. I have tried A lot of boards and I can say with certainty this is the most fun I've had on a sup board. It's definitely a game changer. I can't leave out the fact that in person, it is the most beautiful board I have ever seen. I set it down on the beach by the rocks, and my friends couldn't see it because it blended into the landscape! They did not cut any corners on the construction, every inch of this board is luxurious. I love the fins as well, they are beautifully placed in the board and have a good bite in the wave. I cannot get the smile off of my face about this board, and am so happy to be part of the Sunova family. They're motto is Lighter, stronger, better, I would say, Lighter, stronger, BEST!!!!!!!!
I like the passion in the post ?? can't wait to try one of these, another SUP company delivering quality products at the right money
phil
Like her new board stoke too....great when you get a new board that makes you whoop half way down a wave.
Thanx Cindy. You said everything we could have wished to hear. That's why we do what we do. For those feedbacks.
Tino
Thanks Cindy - great review and always interesting from a ladies perspective - I've trialled the Sunova Style 10' and loved it for those smaller days and trying a bit of nose riding, but makes me want to try the speed too
Great Review Cindy. I understand your stoke. After first session on my speeed I felt like a kid at Christmas.
hi sas81
I can't answer for Cindy, but surf wise, the Speeed smooths out everything. The bottom construction absorbs chatter and makes everything buttery.
My Speeed is pretty low volume and narrow for my size/age, so it is a bit of a challenge in chop.... but doable.
This construction has me spoiled....
I am ordering a Sunova FLOW for my winter board
Love the look of the Sunovas but...
the signage - really detracts from the look of the board.
Surf brands must think we are all blind (and tasteless).
Sunova boards are beautifully made & stylish - the big brand name is a big negative in my view
(I know Fanatic, Naish etc all do it - but why cover up a thing of beauty).
I must be getting old but I am avoiding big branding - let the product speak for itself.
I agree.
Wish there was no branding on my Sunova Style, have been thinking of ways to remove it.
Whilst applying RSPro rail tape, some of the decals on the side came up when I moved the tape around, thinking the top might be the same. Might get some cheap tape and see if I can get rid of it.
I am totally with you on the branding issue - there are so many products that make you feel like a billboard and it really bothers me, but I actually think the Sunova logo looks quite stylish.
Be interested to hear how the flow goes as your winter windy day board supthecreek .was tossing up between one of those or a skate for my windy day ( 20 knot plus ) board - ended up going the skate . Do believe mine could be the last skate with a moon tail sold in Australia . Have heard they are coming out with a swallow tail .
Reckon the Logo fits in really well with the look of the board - would have to be the best looking finish of any of the boards I have owned or seen .But everyone has their own tastes . JoffaDan if you want the stickers off I have taken off board stickers before using a hair dryer - being careful not to overheat the board .Worked magic had the stickers off in no time .
I am totally with you on the branding issue - there are so many products that make you feel like a billboard and it really bothers me, but I actually think the Sunova logo looks quite stylish.
And also, if you'd like it with way less logos, you could order a custom artwork and choose exactly the way you'd like it, and it would be no longer a problem!!!
I am totally with you on the branding issue - there are so many products that make you feel like a billboard and it really bothers me, but I actually think the Sunova logo looks quite stylish.
And also, if you'd like it with way less logos, you could order a custom artwork and choose exactly the way you'd like it, and it would be no longer a problem!!!
I love an easy solution
Love the look of the Sunovas but...
the signage - really detracts from the look of the board.
Surf brands must think we are all blind (and tasteless).
Sunova boards are beautifully made & stylish - the big brand name is a big negative in my view
(I know Fanatic, Naish etc all do it - but why cover up a thing of beauty).
I must be getting old but I am avoiding big branding - let the product speak for itself.
I agree. Don't cover up one of the best features with excessive branding. Love the look of the wood it sells it self
I simply love the simple look of those surfboards/longboards.
+1
Tino,
The branding on the surfboards is much classier - would look good on the SUPS too !
Great you allow/even encourage custom graphics even if I do not personally like the examples - each to their own.
Glad to see all the good words said about the product by customers - you guys deserve success. Great boards.
agree, a SUP finished like the surfboards would be a winner. Im tempted to buy a surfboard just as a piece of art
agree, a SUP finished like the surfboards would be a winner. Im tempted to buy a surfboard just as a piece of art
I am tempted to say you just do that. You will be amazed how much more the tech is than whats out there. On the Surfboards Bert has introduced a game changer. Check out some demos all over Oz to try a longboard for example. The ART is 2nd. Performance, Weight, THEN ART...
Have fun...