hello to the forum. Kinda new to the paddle sport. Already have a naish glide 12'6"x30 gtw 2016 model, but now I wanna go into racing+all around and I was thinking of getting a 2016 naish javelin carbon 14x28, as my girlfriend will be on the glide and me on the javelin one. I got some questions regarding how fragile it is. I have heard that even when you tie it onto your car you may damage it. Also when I ll be carrying the javelin and the glide, will it be damaged because of the weight of the glide? You understand my worries I guess ...whatever your input please inform...

Tardy said..
I have heard they are very light and fragile .
i have the 2015 GX 14/28 javelin .still light but not as fragile ,see if you can track one down .

found a gx one for about the same price. i am concerned though about how fragile the javelin carbon is. for the same price it is difficult to choose the gx one over the javelin carbon.

Tardy said..

polaxgr said..

Tardy said..
I have heard they are very light and fragile .
i have the 2015 GX 14/28 javelin .still light but not as fragile ,see if you can track one down .

found a gx one for about the same price. i am concerned though about how fragile the javelin carbon is. for the same price it is difficult to choose the gx one over the javelin carbon.

I've had mine for 2 years still in good shape .just don't drop them on stones or fall on them with your paddle ,it will ding but not crack ...carbon is softer .,,but so light to paddle ,they get up and go .
I would go the GX .or look at the Maliko .$
i love the lightness as I have a 4 wd .i throw it on the roof ...no strap dings on mine ..just a few paddle dings ,where I surf it and stack it .
of course rail tape it you should be right ....great board .

like all carbon boards some care is needed ...I also have a GS 2016 glide ..bomb proof .but slow compared to the Jav.
I prefer the Jav .

why the maliko over the jav carbon? also why the gx over the jav carbon , because of how fragile the jav carbon is ? what is wd?

Hey Polaxgr,

The 2015 & 16 Javelin are very similar boards. The GX is a more durable construction for little extra weight. This said, when you say the Carbon/LE is fragile needs to be put into perspective. The board is designed to be pro-race construction, yes the bottom of the board is just 3K carbon straight onto the EPS core, so if you hit it, it will likely damage. If you look after your board it will hold up just fine. Some people have managed to indent the rails by doing up their tie-down straps too tightly, again, this is something where you need to be smart. Use the wide 2" straps and be aware of where you are applying pressure. The boards are actually really good for down winding (IMO), you do need to learn how to ride them properly, but you'll find especially if you're a heavier rider that you will go faster than others in smaller and average conditions. If you're down-winding in killer conditions then yes, the board can be difficult, but very fast.

With everything above, if you are after a down winding board, and have the opportunity to get a Maliko, then that's where you should go. The Maliko is a sensational down winding board.

I hope this helps,

Ride safe,

JB

I should go for a 2017 Maliko or flatwater Javelin 2017 if flatwater is your thing, much less fragile as the 2016. Just two months away from the new Maliko 2018, which seems even more durable (PVC bottom instead of carbon) and speedier as the 2017 model.

Really great advice for us newbies on this thread , thanks JB & DJ . Very timely as I've just moved up from an older 12"6 Glide AST to the 14 x 29 GX Glide ( mainly off DJ's recommendations on this site ) and didn't have much of an idea on handing the carbon construction and will def make sure there is a little bit of sideways movements in the straps .

My wife had the 2015 Jav and the bottom of the rail is like eggshell!.... I could push my finger though it if I wanted too... a very light board but very soft and fragile especially on the bottom and bottom part of the rail...a nice board that paddles quite well, a little flexibility through the board too that I have noticed.