I am looking for a new big board around 125L to use on the lighter days mainly with a KA Koncept 7.5. My big board is presently a JP 114 Slalom IV. No surprise the thing does not like to turn as much as I want it. I have tried a Futura and didn't like it. Does anyone have a view on which of these two would work better in say up to 18 knots on Port Phillip Bay?

I have Tabou Rockets and have ridden a JP Xcite Ride.

The main difference I found was the Xcite Ride seemed narrower and longer than the Tabou. I don't know how the Supersport compares to the Xciteride though. I would imagine the Supersport is a great board and you will be happy with either.

Why didn't you like the Futura? I tried riding a Futura and also found it to be really good.

Sold worn out 130 X-Cite ride, purchased Tabou 125 2010.
Less volume front of mast track with the Tabou, and less rocker line.
Tabou better than the X-Cite??????????? For light wind, I feel the X-Cite has a slight edge. Any chop, and the Tabou then gets the nod. The X-Cite is starting to draw some strong popularity, as seen by the lack of available in "for sale" section. Same goes for the Supersport, not too may about.

the supersport is just like the xcite rides but is much faster

The supersport will be more performance oriented (slalom like). So if you want something a bit more friendly than your slalom board then the Supersport fits the bill.

The Tabou will be a bit softer in the chop and a bit more user friendly that the Supersport.

I'd recommend you demo one or both, performance aside they will feel different on the water so it's best to find out first hand which design suits your style.

I think the supersport is a bit fatter in the tail and probably sharper rails so you can get away with a smaller size.

The Supersport dosn't turn anywhere near as good as an excite.
The excite is a little easier to get onto a plane but the SS holds onto the plane better through the lulls.
The xcite feels a little livelier, the SS more of a locked in ride.

I think the SS would probably be to similar to your slalom in style and volume.

I don't know much about the Tabou Rocket - I think it would be pretty similar to the Xcite - and probably a better option.

The new rocket is much softer in chop as mentioned before (very comfy board 2010/2011), the supersport is mighty fine and fast and very lively (I have 2) and the Xcite is a super super all round board that does it all in the freeride land (31.5 knots on my wifes Xcite 110).
Want to
Go fast - SS
Blast around in flatter waters - Xcite
Blast about is choppier waters - Rocket (2010/2011 foot pads are amazing)

My 2c worth.

Thanks for the responses.

I have demo'd the rocket and have now picked up the 118 Supersport. I will let you know my views ans which one I preferred by the end of the weekend - wind permitting.

It was great to get such prompt responses.

Gotta love this sport of ours and the help people give so willingly.

JJ

Hi jimmyt

I ride the Tabou Rocket125 and for me this board is very solid under feet and the boards reponse to my effort I put down on the board through the feet, it is very smooth and soft ride.

I haven't tried the supersport but have tried the xcite ride and to me this board is lively and twichy and I always felt on the edge so for my riding style the Tabou is comfortable and forgiving smooth ride.

Once you have tried both boards you will know what suit your style and your comfort level all the best in your choice and enjoy.

Kind Regards
Walt

photos of my toy

Kind Regards
Walt

How did you go with the supersport? Also what turned you off from the futura?

Waiting for the right breeze still. Sailed the Supersport over the weekend in light wind and was impressed. Stiff board, can point well and a great G10 42cm fin. Much better than the 44cm fin that comes with the Rocket. I'd like to check out the rocket with a comparable fin, but "as is" the Supersport looks the goods. I was the only person out at St Kilda on Sunday and in what the St Kilda RYMS windmeter said was 13 knots, I had the board planing after a few pumps with the Koncept 7.5.

Hey jimmyt,

The supersport was the 118 you tried?
any photos of the board.
Let us know which one takes the cake.

Kind Regards
Walt

sailed the 118 supersport at the demo day at boggy lake, it was easily the most favourite board there, (did suit the conditions though. 10 to 18) it was a fair bit faster than the excite ride 122 on the day, both had 40 fins and the same fusion 6.1 sail. the raised footpad area on the supersport was nice. I currently sail an F2 Stoke 117 the supersport was on par speed wise but the excite ride a fair bit below, my stoke gybed better than both but then I am used to my own gear and don't use the pointer fins these boards have. I quite like the supersport but would like to try it in the sea,
Have sailed with some rockets on the lake and must say the 115 seems a very good board as well.

Got the 109 Supersport and the old 96 I had -both faultless, real quick, twitchy but controllable, smaller one seems to be the sweet spot in the fleet -utterly special. Larger version more of an out and out strait line blaster, no less fast, but feels like a directional slalom -never tried a 118 but would imagine would feel similar . . .

Select to expand quote

DavMen said...

The Supersport dosn't turn anywhere near as good as an excite.
The excite is a little easier to get onto a plane but the SS holds onto the plane better through the lulls.
The xcite feels a little livelier, the SS more of a locked in ride.

I think the SS would probably be to similar to your slalom in style and volume.

I don't know much about the Tabou Rocket - I think it would be pretty similar to the Xcite - and probably a better option.

I total disagree, I moved from xcite ride 130 fws to supersport pro Ed, supersport is way easier to get onto the plane.... Though I guess that may be a FWS vs pro edition issue.

One of my mates got a Tabou rocket 125 at the end of last year.

Its a pretty awesome board. It rides better in the chop and is much more controllable than my JP freeride even though its 14cm wider.

I can get planing on his board in pretty light wind about 13-15 knots and i'm 90 kg with a 7.7 hellcat.

My mate was using it with the 7.7 up to about 22-25 knots when i was on freestyle gear with a 5.8. He had no issues with control and ended up just going very very fast. We've both been windsurfing for quite a few years and are quite experienced