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col5555 said..
I wonder how the single footstrap placement works for those with shorter legs ?

I just tried an older CA from a friend who is almost a foot shorter than I am. The foot strap positions are fine for him, but way too narrow for me (significantly less than shoulder width apart). I might have bought the board if there had been options to adjust the straps, but it was a no-go without.

I have 3 carbon arts & love them. Our local repair guy who has fixed most common brands says the CA is easily the best built board.

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boardsurfr said..

col5555 said..
I wonder how the single footstrap placement works for those with shorter legs ?

I just tried an older CA from a friend who is almost a foot shorter than I am. The foot strap positions are fine for him, but way too narrow for me (significantly less than shoulder width apart). I might have bought the board if there had been options to adjust the straps, but it was a no-go without.

It is easy to put more FS plugs in if you know what you are doing.(Or get a professional to do it).

All CA Baords are individually made so you can order virtually any FS position and layout you desire when they are made. I got much narrow stance built on my CA40 speed board with a different rear start layout for my sing;e wide strap.

Awesome looking new models. Sl 93 with cutouts.

They look great Paul congratulations, i bet you can not wait to use them.

Love that colour pepe

The one on the left is a custom Sl70. I had a 112 before and found it just a p***teenth too big, and the 102 too small. So, discussed with James the options for a 106 litre @ 70 wide. He was happy to oblige

I love the custom airbrushing of a BBQ

Should've got an esky on the other

Nice new weapons of mass distraction there Pepe

That's the clothes line.

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pepe47 said..
That's the clothes line.

so it is

Nice. What they weigh ?

Sorry Col, I don't have any reliable scales.

If you're really interested Pep, I have a board weighing set up here.
It's not a bad idea, then you can tell how much water's found it's way in later on!

Any comments to add about the boards after further use?
I'm considering one, probably SL87.
cheers

Wayne I have the SL87. It is my small board given where we live it is not consistently windy.

SL87 gybes nice, competitively fast at 59 wide compared to what guys on much slimmer boards are hitting speed wise (2sec and 5x10) in the same sessions. Feels balanced, never flighty, but also doesn't feel dead, just so settled even when over powered. Straps prepositioned, mast in middle, follow the fin guide and off you go. Fuss free. Have used the following set ups on my CAs:

SL104 (68 wide): 7.9m with 38cm fin and 40cm fin. Handles higher end of sail range nicely. 7.1m with 38 fin (this is the sweet spot set up for me) or even a 36 felt nice when lit up in flat water.

SL87 (59 wide): 7.1m with 36cm fin feels nice at higher end of sail range, but feels super with 6.3m and 34cm fin or even a Vector Delta Speed 27cm when fully lit and flat water.

Boards ride high and dry with less wetted surface than I have been previously used to. Photo credits to PhilSWR, taken at a recent session at Harrys on SL104 with a 7.1m and 38cm fin sailing 90 degrees to wind in flat water. Love this set up. Cheers

Keep an eye on the Gortex plug as they do brake down. Approx 12 months.

Cheers AJ.
Nice pics and place.
I don't sail much in flat water, mainly severely chopped Swan River or ocean. How do they feel in chop?
I have an iSonic 115 as bigger board and that is good, but gets harsh on the chop.
Going to be my board for 5.5 - 7.1m KA Koncepts @ 84kg.

On the Gortex vents, seems 50-50 on a good or bad thing. Does washing in fresh water lessen the issue or is it just dumb luck they fail?

Wayne the lake where we sail has nasty rolling chop that we sail through before we get to the flatter water of the mud bank. We usually use the choppy water to get a run up so we get to the flat water at pace then peel off downwind. I have used the 87 twice at the lake spot and find it quite comfy both flat and chop.

In the first pic above I have sailed the 104 in the back channel and river mouth in the background, twice on an outgoing tide which was against the wind, which you can see is lumpy. The board handled the confused chop and lumpy tide nicely. I am just coming back from 6 months off the water after a broken hand and a knee op, both on the right side, so a comfy board in chop is appreciated.

I have the pro finish which is a bit stiffer and lighter. I am also 90kgs and I wear 2L of water and a spare fin or two in the camel pack, so my weight also helps in the chop. You can also speak to James about getting the Tech finish which is a smidgen heavier, has a tad more flex and the bonus is that it is also a little cheaper. James will point you in the right direction as to which finish would suit you best for where you sail. I have sailed the swan before but it was a while ago, and before I had my CAs.

5.5 - 7m will suit the SL87 nicely. The absolute sweet spot will be 6-6.5 in my opinion

Wayne I've only used CA's last 10 years so can't compare. I'm busting to get my new SL87 onto the ocean but I have had it on the Swan. Got a 35 on the flat, had some nice blasts across the other side and went up to Pt Walter with a downwinder back through the middle, the board to me is a joy to ride. I'll be back west next week, talk soon.
AJ, I've got a new KA also, people are going to think we're twins ??
My last 3 CA's have never had a vent problem, not saying no one else has but I'd think CA would have flicked the idea years ago if there were dramas. It's not going to stop me buying them, I get such good service from James and honesty love my boards ??

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firiebob said..

AJ, I've got a new KA also, people are going to think we're twins ??

Only from a distance firie. Up close you are way more prettier than me

Thanks guys.
Board sounds like a winner.
6.6 Koncept is my go to sail so SL87 sounds ideal.
What is yours Fairy, the Pro or Tech model?
When you're in town next wouldn't mind catching up and having a look at your goods.

cheers
Wayne

Hit town this arvo Wayne.
I went for a Pro with my SL87, same as my old SL58 it's my go to board, I also have a Tech SL66 from a few years ago.
Give me a couple of days to catch up with family then we can catch up, PM your phone number

Hey guys I got a set of Carbon Art slalom this season and love them.
My favourite is the SL87 this is the best board I have ever riden! I been getting some awesome results out of it just really enjoying every time I take it out.

The board has such a large range and loves to be pushed, I can't decide what sail combo is best for it, 6.3 and 5.5 both feel pretty nice.
I sailed in 35 gusting 40 knots really rough chop with Maui TR9 5.5m and Vector Rockit 30cm fin and the board loved it.I was on the edge but I felt confident to keep pushing even when all the other boys on slalom kit were dropping out to sail wave gear.

The board has a nice and stable feel on the water, and dosnt fly up when gusts hit it just accelerates.
Overall just an awesome board I'm sure anybody who gets one (or any of the new Carbon Art slalom models) won't be dissapointed!

looks like a nice spot, is that Lyttleton harbour or somewhere else?

Yep Lyttleton harbour, it's a nice harbour to sail pretty consistent for getting breeze

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NZ950 said..
Yep Lyttleton harbour, it's a nice harbour to sail pretty consistent for getting breeze

It's an awesome sailing spot. I sailed there a lot when I lived there. Gets a lot of good wind and DLS means you can sail well past 8pm.

Thanks for the feedback NZ950.
I had a look at firiebobs board and i'm convinced :)
Ordered my SL87 Pro on Tue.
Just hope when the board arrives the wind doesn't leave. Been very good the last month or 2.

Firiebob - would like to have a go of your CA 87 next time its very windy at Melville.

The graphics on the CA look mighty impressive - though far from convinced its faster or more forgiving than my 2012 wood sonic.

The new sonics still can't match the top end of this model.

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petermac33 said..
Firiebob - would like to have a go of your CA 87 next time its very windy at Melville.

The graphics on the CA look mighty impressive - though far from convinced its faster or more forgiving than my 2012 wood sonic.

The new sonics still can't match the top end of this model.

Sorry Pete, no disrespect but not a chance. I pay full dollar, my CA's are mine, just for me.

I buy CA's for lots of reasons, honestly all I've used last 10 years are CA's so I wouldn't know if it's the fastest, don't care but I seem to do ok. Today I had a short but sweet sail at Leightons, my SL87 with a Tribal fin and Koncept sail were a joy dead set.

Don't rub it in firie