There is not much specific information about Exocet RS5 2018 available, so posting a few pictures and observations. Also I owned a 2013 model, will talk about the differences.

Comparison of the 2 models: while the outline is similar, the main differences are in the tail shape and cut-outs, which are much more modern, as well as the fact that most of the volume now is at the back with very little left in the front.




The new board is 1 cm wider and 128 liters, 6 more than the older one



The tail showing the wings and larger cut outs


Here you can see the volume distribution, more than before in the rear and less than before in the front




On the water:

only 1 outing so far, in medium wind 16-20 knts with 8.7 and 7.9 slalom sails, and 44 sonntag fin.
The main difference is how much higher the board floats on the water now, still maintaining that stability that the previous model had, but feeling more lose in the acceleration.
Secondly it is easier to carry the 8.7, feels a lot more natural and comfortable; I was using the older board with 7 and 7.9, this one has more range 7 to 8.7.
For jibing I need to get used to the different volume balance, I dug the front rail a couple of times.





I will keep adding all my sessions here in the future, if anyone interested keep visiting the link:
martignoni.id.au/summary.php?board=Exocet_RS5_2018&sort=date

And if anyone has the same board please post your observations.

And the settings I use:
Mastfoot about 130, footstraps all the way back

Yesterday another session in the southerly chop with 7.9 and Sonntag 44, wind around 18 knts. Noticed how easy it is to rail the board: the water touching the board behind the front footstraps. The ride was very comfortable for the conditions, did my best hour in that place without getting tired.

So the RS5 has become a lot bigger. I've got a 2013 or 14 5.5 and it's only 128 Liter. How wide is the new board ?

77 wide now.
Which sails and fins do you use on yours?

The RS5.5 is 79 cm.
I bought it second-hand to use it for foiling, but haven't got the chance to try it this way yet (have received a fanatic H9 foil recently though).
I've only used it with a Tectonics Falcon 42 and an 8,0 Freerace Sail (Point7 Square) once so far.
Some people complained the board was sitting too low, so I found the camless sail a viable option albeit knowing that it wouldn't fully unleash the board's potential. Acceleration and speed felt great for how big a board this is, but I need more time to tell more. The fin felt almost too small, but then I'm just a slalom newbie and might have given it too much backfoot pressure.
Cheers,
Sven

That size sail is the sweet spot unless you are a pro, probably a 44-45 fin would be better in light winds. Enjoy the board, a lot of fun, don't be afraid to move the mast foot and straps back.

Select to expand quote

powersloshin said..
That size sail is the sweet spot unless you are a pro, probably a 44-45 fin would be better in light winds. Enjoy the board, a lot of fun, don't be afraid to move the mast foot and straps back.

Thanks! I might try a bigger fin or just try to fine-tune myself a bit.
Exocet aren't that common here so didn't cost much.
Look at the Combo!
Nobody messes with me !>:)
Cheers, Sven