Interested in what people think the differences are.

When would you choose one over the other?

Are you going to find the pure slalom boards much, much more technical to ride?

Is there a good argument to have a pure slalom board in your arsenal?

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Sputnik11 said..

Is there a good argument to have a pure slalom board in your arsenal?

They look better and make you feel like a pro !!!

And they are a wee bit faster....

But after a full month of sailing every day on slalom gear like I just did, I wouldn't mind jumping on a freeride for a while, I think my knees, joints and back would thank me....

Like most questions the answer is: it depends

I think that modern slalom boards are less technical than some may imagine. I was really surprised about four years ago when I was given a go on an RRD XFire V2 and went wow, that's not hard at all !

In flat(ish) water they will be roughly as easy as a freeride but a bit faster although getting into foot straps and initiating a gybe may be harder.

In rougher water, I think for intermediate sailors the speed difference will be less, and in some cases a freeride may be faster.

Slalom boards are also more physically demanding, especially the larger ones with 40+cm fins. And as Sean says, after a long session you're more knackered from the jarring and constant foot input required.

The solution is simple - get both

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paddymac said..



The solution is simple - get both

yeah - i was thinking about that

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seanhogan said..

Sputnik11 said..

Is there a good argument to have a pure slalom board in your arsenal?

They look better and make you feel like a pro !!!

And they are a wee bit faster....

But after a full month of sailing every day on slalom gear like I just did, I wouldn't mind jumping on a freeride for a while, I think my knees, joints and back would thank me....

I could say only this same. After sailing exclusively slalom whole year I am a bit wrecked. Considering going back to small gear or even wave sailing now to get some rest.
But I must say riding slalom is a bit addictive ..

I was pondering this a few seasons ago and was talked into getting a freeride board because it was less "technical" (whatever than means). I have just swapped to the same dimensions in a slalom board because I tried it and instantly preferred it. The slalom board is quicker to plane in lighter winds, goes upwind better,and is easier to gybe! and because it's a light wind board the performance in chop doesn't matter so much.

It probably depends on your style of riding. If you're not in the outermost straps yet, go freeride. If you love hanging out over the side and pushing off the rail, go slalom. If you are after a high wind board and sail in choppy areas go slalom if you're primarily after speed, freeride if you just want too have fun and be comfortable.