After riding the 2018 Exocet Slalom boards, here is some feedback:



This year the RS2 to RS5 are complete new shapes, the RS6 remains unchanged and the RS1 is back.
- More rounded outline from front footstrap back including cut away shape (back footstrap to back end of board).
- The new outline improves speed throughout the jibe.
- The cut away gives similar results compared to the cut out (board higher on the water) without becoming too powerful when accelerating
- On the larger boards RS5-6, cut outs are still the better option to combine power/reduced contact surface/top speed.
- Small tail kick and more rounded/thicker rails



The Exocet team designed these boards for everyday riders to easily achieve top speed with riding comfort. Ideal to go full speed across long tacks.



The boards feel more locked in and slightly higher on the water where the 2017 cut-out could feel too flighty in the stronger gusts. It feels very light with the volume moved back, keeping momentum throughout the jybe with ease.

Overall it is a plug and play board, very easy to fly the fin. This gives confidence going full speed either off the breeze of on a tighter reach and maintain top speed without burning your back leg.

Improved my top speed to 39.2 on the RS3:
gpsteamchallenge.com.au/sailor_session/show?date=2018-04-15&team=33

RS1 is awesome to have in the range, for smaller people or for speed in Budgi or Primbee when wind is not always consistent.




So what is the difference with 2013-2014 shapes that had no cut outs, that the tail is narrower?
Also would be great to know which size fins you are using with your boards.

I have the 2018 RS4 and I've definitely noticed the extra volume in the tail (compared to my 2012 RS4) seems to hold more speed through the gybe and make it easier to come out the other side in one piece.

Can you put a straight edge over it and show us how much v and concave their is please.

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jamesf said..
I have the 2018 RS4 and I've definitely noticed the extra volume in the tail (compared to my 2012 RS4) seems to hold more speed through the gybe and make it easier to come out the other side in one piece.

Good for heavier riders but maybe an issue with lightweights.. I love my 2013 RS4 but the tail is already pretty bulky for a person of my size ( 65kgs)..

My new RS3 is fantastic what fin are you using with the RS3 Remi I will need to get one

Cheers Russ

The evolution from the 2013 to 2017 model was to get more power and acceleration out of each design iteration by creating thicker more parallel rails and then adding cut out to boost the acceleration and liveliness.

Back to the drawing board for 2018 to combine liveliness/acceleration with ease of use as priority #1, dedicated for everyday rider not PWA racer ;) Managed a distance PB (RS4 - 7.8) on the weekend in lumpy conditions. Didn't realize I covered 90k until I looked at the GPS so went back out to break the 100k.

Photo credit: Mari Barrios:
www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10211466694772296&set=pcb.10211466701252458&type=3&theater

Some combos I have used to date that work quite well:
- RS3 / 6.3 to 7.0 / 32-34 fins (ERD Evo)
- RS4 / 7.0 to 7.7 / 37-39 fins (Z)
- RS6 / 7.7 to 9.3 / 46-48 fins (Z/ERD)

Below pics are not great (straight edge not long enough but give an idea of V on the RS2 from finbox to 1'off nose):

Front of finbox:


Front footstrap:


1'off nose:

Sounds like you are very happy with the new boards Remi

looking forward to the warmer winds

Cheers Russ

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TASSIEROCKS said..
Sounds like you are very happy with the new boards Remi

looking forward to the warmer winds

Cheers Russ

Forget the warmer winds Russ. This Sunday is windy, hail, snow, rain and 10 degrees You have new toys to use

Ok if you are up for it I will go if you do...

Cheers Russ

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TASSIEROCKS said..
Sounds like you are very happy with the new boards Remi

looking forward to the warmer winds

Cheers Russ

Fair to say I am quite happy with all sizes ;)
Both RS3 and RS4 pushed to close to 40kts, the more satisfying part is the max 10s at 39+ for the RS4.

Exocet RS3 - Loftsails 6.3:
gpsteamchallenge.com.au/sailor_session/show?date=2018-04-15&team=33

Exocet RS4 - Loftsails 7.0:
gpsteamchallenge.com.au/sailor_session/show?date=2018-08-18&team=33

Awesome work and hats off to Mari Barrios for the great shots - Great to have someone capture these good times on the water.

and the artiste should be able to use those shots for her painting !!

Yep that last one is looking good..Just buried my horse so the mojo is gone at the moment..Hopefully I can get it back and get a painting done in time for the exhibition..