I am after a newish bump and jump, bay board and I am currently considering the JP fsw and the starboard kode
(1 to 3 years old). I currently have a JP fsw 78l and a futura 111, (getting rid of my J.P fsw 101l as it's too big), so I am thinking of something around the 90 litre mark. I weigh 66kgs. I am still only managing about 50% of my gybes so I am hoping to get something that is gybing friendly. My thoughts are that the JP fsw would be better at this but the Kode would be faster. Any advice would be appreciated or if anyone has one they are considering selling please let me know.
You may also consider the fanatic, rrd and Exocet FSW's, they are all probably a little less technical than the JP or kode.
The rrd is probably the most forgiving jiber, then the Exocet then Fanatic. I've had the rrd, and I have 2 JP FSW and an Exocet ( the exo is up for sale)
I would have thought that another JP fsw to match your 78 l JP would be the obvious choice as it is the most likely to handle the same which would be a bonus. Though I guess it depends how much JP FSW's have changed each year. Testing one out seems the obvious path as reading the brands (any brands) promo stuff would suggest that they have revolutionised the shape every year.
If u like the JP FSW just get the 85L and be done with it. they are nice boards, then newer ones have a thruster option too.
90L is too much for such a light weight and in next to no wind u will be on the 111L anyway.
At 66kg if u found 100L too much, you will also fing 90-95L too much. get the 85L if you have the money to burn!
but honestly the 78 should be perfect just practice!
78lt should in theory be about perfect for your weight although your skill level is not quite there
as you have stated.
I have a 91lt JP & can plane in about 13 knots - I'm about 83 kg - so I think 90lt is too big.
the kode(s) are a sweet ride from what I've learnt although may take a bit more wind to
get going but boards of the same volume can feel quite different so always worth demo'ing
if possible for personal preference.
Not sure about the most recent boards but going back a few years (2 or 3) the *B-Kodes(in the the sub 100l sizes) uses US fin Box's whilst the JPFSW uses PB's.
You may not be wanting to collect a different quiver of fins! You should know the pain of different box's as you already have a Futura.
Select to expand quoteDavMen said..
Not sure about the most recent boards but going back a few years (2 or 3) the *B-Kodes(in the the sub 100l sizes) uses US fin Box's whilst the JPFSW uses PB's.
You may not be wanting to collect a different quiver of fins! You should know the pain of different box's as you already have a Futura.
As Davman said going to a kode will be going to 3 different fin setups, been there and wont go down that track again,
I've got an 86L Kode 2012 and love it, very easy board to sail, fast, full of volume and likes to jump really big. And I'm 65 kgs. Use it for bump & jump & light wind waves. The extra fins if you get the 2013 or 2014 might be a good thing for gripping on in your bottom turns on the wave face. Mines only a single fin and find it lacks a bit of grip on the bigger waves (probably got wrong fin for wave sailing anyway). But if your just bumping & jumping their fab.
I could be tempted to sell it but only if I can get another one in the near future.
Thanks for the suggestions guys. Ended up with neither the jp or kode. Bought a Exocet Cross instead.
