Hey Wind Junkies!

I hope you all are staying safe and well during these challenging times. Looking forward to sun, wind, and camaraderie when this dark cloud passes over!

I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on a larger board for light wind sailing. Due to many factors (such as fin compatibility, price, etc.), I've narrowed down my choices to:

JP Magic Ride 142
Fanatic Gecko 146
Goya Volar 145

All boards are over 80 cm wide, about 250 cm in length, and around 10 kgs. They all utilize a powerbox fin and would fit my fin/sail quiver nicely. It is doubtful that anyone has had the chance to sail all three boards, but I figured I'd ask anyway...

For those that have used one or more of these boards, what are the pros/cons? Any one board stand out above the rest? I'm looking for something that will plane easily and be somewhat maneuverable in the jibes and tacks.

I am an inland, fresh water sailor (mostly). I typically sail above 2100m here in Colorado, so the air is a bit thin, hence the bigger gear. My sail quiver is 5.6, 6.4, 7.2, 8.2 Gaastra. I'm usually blasting around on my RRD 110 L Firemove in 6.4 conditions. But, I am going to be purchasing a board for the lighter wind days that plague my area in the summer (spring and fall are blasting!). I weigh 72 kgs, progressing intermediate, sail 3-4 days per week in season.

Lastly, does anyone want to sell one of said boards??? Tough to find used.

Thanks guys! Be safe out there. See you on the water soon!

Cheers, MM

Get a gecko that is foil approved and widen your horizons

I had a gecko one size smaller, 133, which was good with sails up to 8.5. not sure about the 146. I would say that the gecko probably isn't the greatest for early planning, but for a big board it's quite a fun ride. Ihad a go of the magic ride and was pretty impressed for early planning in a breeze about 12 kts. Very comfy. Can't comment on the other one. Agreed on getting foil ready.

I had a gecko one size smaller, 133, which was good with sails up to 8.5. not sure about the 146. I would say that the gecko probably isn't the greatest for early planning, but for a big board it's quite a fun ride. Ihad a go of the magic ride and was pretty impressed for early planning in a breeze about 12 kts. Very comfy. Can't comment on the other one. Agreed on getting foil ready.

Thanks for the info. Regarding adding a foil..... has anyone used this product? bigwinds.com/products/chinook-foil-windsurf-power-plate

Sounds like you can retro fit any powerbox or tuttle foil. Foiling is not in my near future, but I certainly want to have the option down the road.

Power plate works fine, doesn't damage anything even after 80+ days usage.
Comes with pb adapter and you can buy tuttle or deep tuttle also.
All 3 boards can use their company's foil for a good match setup.