Hello,
I am about to buy a Severne Fox 2018 model (new) and am not sure if to buy a 95 or 105L. Is the difference just the volume, or is the shape also slightly different, with different characteristics?
I am 78kg/178cm, do planing for 2 years in straps, solid waterstarter and learning powerjibes now.
I currently have a 2018 JP Magic Ride 130 pro and a 2018 JP Super Lightwind 165L. I have 2017 Gator sails 5.5, 6.5 and 8.0 sizes and a Turbo GT 9.2 for the SLW.
While I am happy with these two boards for the 12-20kn wind range, I also want a board for 18-25kn wind with gusts up to 30kn. I use it flat water which is choppy with 20+kn wind, but also in open sea with swell of 1 - 1.5m. I am rather interested in freeride blasting, not so much wave sailing.

The smallest board I ever used was a 110L Futura, so I am not sure if a 95 wouldn't be to small, and rather tend to 105 (which might then be too big in the future when I improve my skills :-). I would prefer to use my existing 5.5 and 6.5 gators.

So which size would fit better to my skills, my sails and my intention of freeriding in choppy conditions? Where I live it is not possible to rent to try, so I have to buy without trying before...

Thanks for your sharing your experience, best regards

mariachi76

At 78kg, the 95 will be perfect.

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John340 said..
At 78kg, the 95 will be perfect.

Hi John,
perfect for my weight, that's also what the Severne homepage says. But perfect for my limited skills?

You'll be fine. Youve gotta jump on a smaller board at some point, and it sounds like youre ready.

if you get the 95, stick the rear strap in the centre option though. Its a different board with them on the outer settings. Something to try later

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Subsonic said..
You'll be fine. Youve gotta jump on a smaller board at some point, and it sounds like youre ready.

if you get the 95, stick the rear strap in the centre option though. Its a different board with them on the outer settings. Something to try later

Thanks for your encouraging words. Do you have or did you test the board yourself?
At which windspeed you would think I could get the 95L board planing with a 6.5m2 gator sail?

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mariachi76 said..

Subsonic said..
You'll be fine. Youve gotta jump on a smaller board at some point, and it sounds like youre ready.

if you get the 95, stick the rear strap in the centre option though. Its a different board with them on the outer settings. Something to try later

Thanks for your encouraging words. Do you have or did you test the board yourself?
At which windspeed you would think I could get the 95L board planing with a 6.5m2 gator sail?

I've tried one, 20-25knts you'll be having a great time with a 6.5.

It'll go for you in less/ a lot more, but thats when i really enjoyed sailing it. Realistically i think you wouldn't want to use it under 18knts with a 6.5 but thats just me. Ive seen some pretty efficient sailors who would regard that set up as their biggest gear make it work in 15knts.

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Subsonic said..

mariachi76 said..

Subsonic said..
You'll be fine. Youve gotta jump on a smaller board at some point, and it sounds like youre ready.

if you get the 95, stick the rear strap in the centre option though. Its a different board with them on the outer settings. Something to try later

Thanks for your encouraging words. Do you have or did you test the board yourself?
At which windspeed you would think I could get the 95L board planing with a 6.5m2 gator sail?

I've tried one, 20-25knts you'll be having a great time with a 6.5.

Thanks. I am still not sure about the board size. Why would you not recommend the 105L which seems to me and for my Skills more accessible? In which aspect would it be worse? Size gap between 130 magic ride and 105 Fox not big enough?

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mariachi76 said..

John340 said..
At 78kg, the 95 will be perfect.

Hi John,
perfect for my weight, that's also what the Severne homepage says. But perfect for my limited skills?

If, as you say, you can water start and gybe competently then the 95 will be great

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mariachi76 said..

Subsonic said..

mariachi76 said..

Subsonic said..
You'll be fine. Youve gotta jump on a smaller board at some point, and it sounds like youre ready.

if you get the 95, stick the rear strap in the centre option though. Its a different board with them on the outer settings. Something to try later

Thanks for your encouraging words. Do you have or did you test the board yourself?
At which windspeed you would think I could get the 95L board planing with a 6.5m2 gator sail?

I've tried one, 20-25knts you'll be having a great time with a 6.5.

Thanks. I am still not sure about the board size. Why would you not recommend the 105L which seems to me and for my Skills more accessible? In which aspect would it be worse? Size gap between 130 magic ride and 105 Fox not big enough?

Maybe the 130 is too large. At you weight your medium size board could be the 120 Fox and your small board the 95.

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mariachi76 said..

Subsonic said..

mariachi76 said..

Subsonic said..
You'll be fine. Youve gotta jump on a smaller board at some point, and it sounds like youre ready.

if you get the 95, stick the rear strap in the centre option though. Its a different board with them on the outer settings. Something to try later

Thanks for your encouraging words. Do you have or did you test the board yourself?
At which windspeed you would think I could get the 95L board planing with a 6.5m2 gator sail?

I've tried one, 20-25knts you'll be having a great time with a 6.5.

Thanks. I am still not sure about the board size. Why would you not recommend the 105L which seems to me and for my Skills more accessible? In which aspect would it be worse? Size gap between 130 magic ride and 105 Fox not big enough?

I've not tried the 105 and in all honesty, from what i've heard it's actually the preferred size of the fox for those who can pick and choose their sizes.

I only feel i can comment on the 95 since thats what ive tried. Logic says if you're looking for a higher wind board you'd go for the 95L

Mariachi, you are getting good advice...
im 95kg and use a 89l board (not Fox though) for 18+kts. For me, a 105 would be a medium wind board.
95l is still floaty enough for you. In 20+kts and rough water I think you will find the smaller board easier to control, not harder.

You won't regret either choice but given the conditions you plan to use it in I'd also favour the 95. If you get the 105 you can get off your 130 earlier but in over 20 knots the 95 will be easier to handle I think.

Hi Mariachi,
I think with your skill level you'd be fine on the 95. If it's gusty where you sail I'd give the 105 a bit more consideration as it will help you to plane through the light patches.
I also think John340 has a good idea with down sizing your big board to something around the 120 mark and having the 95 as your high wind option.

I have a fox 95 and 105 I'm 80 kilo and bin sailing 35 + years the 95 is fast and ok down to 4.7 for me but it feels bigger than 95 tho . The 105 is sweet ride too I can sail it with 7.5 and 38 fin down to 5.5 with a 34 fin in open sea bump and jump mabe could do 5mtr conditions with 32 fin , both board's brilliant !

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hoop said..
Hi Mariachi,
I think with your skill level you'd be fine on the 95. If it's gusty where you sail I'd give the 105 a bit more consideration as it will help you to plane through the light patches.
I also think John340 has a good idea with down sizing your big board to something around the 120 mark and having the 95 as your high wind option.

Hi Hoop,

Thanks for the advice. My skill level is really not good - I just started to learn power jibes (but success rate ~20%).
Which of the two boards would fit better to my Gators (5.5, 6.5 and 8.0, all 2017)?

really cool to get advice from the shaper of the boards - one of the many reasons I buy Severne

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nerdycross said..
I have a fox 95 and 105 I'm 80 kilo and bin sailing 35 + years the 95 is fast and ok down to 4.7 for me but it feels bigger than 95 tho . The 105 is sweet ride too I can sail it with 7.5 and 38 fin down to 5.5 with a 34 fin in open sea bump and jump mabe could do 5mtr conditions with 32 fin , both board's brilliant !

Hi Nerdycross, what is for you the minimal wind speed to get the 95 planing, and with which sail?

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mariachi76 said..

nerdycross said..
I have a fox 95 and 105 I'm 80 kilo and bin sailing 35 + years the 95 is fast and ok down to 4.7 for me but it feels bigger than 95 tho . The 105 is sweet ride too I can sail it with 7.5 and 38 fin down to 5.5 with a 34 fin in open sea bump and jump mabe could do 5mtr conditions with 32 fin , both board's brilliant !

Hi Nerdycross, what is for you the minimal wind speed to get the 95 planing, and with which sail?

The 95
Works sweet with 6 mtr ncx powered up and 5mtr gator powerd up too but when it gets ballistic below 5 mtr I take my 94 FSW. Both 95 and 105 super fast on 6 and 5.5 mtr for me and I do sail the fox board's off the fin really powerd up. You won't go wrong with either boards but for me I prefer the 105 but be good to get both!

Yes whether you get consistent or gusty wind where you sail can affect the choice..Good wind go the smaller , patchy wind or when it can die easily the larger.

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nerdycross said..

mariachi76 said..

nerdycross said..
I have a fox 95 and 105 I'm 80 kilo and bin sailing 35 + years the 95 is fast and ok down to 4.7 for me but it feels bigger than 95 tho . The 105 is sweet ride too I can sail it with 7.5 and 38 fin down to 5.5 with a 34 fin in open sea bump and jump mabe could do 5mtr conditions with 32 fin , both board's brilliant !

Hi Nerdycross, what is for you the minimal wind speed to get the 95 planing, and with which sail?

The 95
Works sweet with 6 mtr ncx powered up and 5mtr gator powerd up too but when it gets ballistic below 5 mtr I take my 94 FSW. Both 95 and 105 super fast on 6 and 5.5 mtr for me and I do sail the fox board's off the fin really powerd up. You won't go wrong with either boards but for me I prefer the 105 but be good to get both!

Which of the two boards is the faster one at a given wind speed of let's say 20kn?

I'd say the 105, it will be more comfortable on a 6.5 and great on a 5.5.
I have a 95 and use it for 5.0 and 6.0 and would not like to use a bigger sail on it.
At 20 knots you will be in the best range with the 105 and can hold it easy up to 25 on a 5.5.
After that better be on a 4.5 and 80 litres anyway.

Just another consideration: does the 105L have a centre option for the rear strap? I can't see it clearly from pictures...

The 105 doesn't have a central foot strap but my 95 has and have to agree the 95 with my 80kilo is happiest up to 6mtr but above that I'll be on 105 . Just to repeat and this is only my opinion that the 95 feels big and more like 100 when a take it out on 4.5 powerd up it's super fast but a hand full in angry sea state.
I can happily sail my 105 with 5.5 mtr and 34 slalom fin (roddy lewis fin) and out drag meny on faster kit because the board is fast but so easy to control Evan when it gets mental.
So my opinion is if you can't get both 95 and 105 go for fox 105 buy 32 or 34 fin for bigger days and get a 90 FSW at a later date as you progress a good second hand fsw be cheap and FAB fun. My fox 105 is a definite keep !

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nerdycross said..
The 105 doesn't have a central foot strap but my 95 has and have to agree the 95 with my 80kilo is happiest up to 6mtr but above that I'll be on 105 . Just to repeat and this is only my opinion that the 95 feels big and more like 100 when a take it out on 4.5 powerd up it's super fast but a hand full in angry sea state.
I can happily sail my 105 with 5.5 mtr and 34 slalom fin (roddy lewis fin) and out drag meny on faster kit because the board is fast but so easy to control Evan when it gets mental.
So my opinion is if you can't get both 95 and 105 go for fox 105 buy 32 or 34 fin for bigger days and get a 90 FSW at a later date as you progress a good second hand fsw be cheap and FAB fun. My fox 105 is a definite keep !

Thanks nerdycross, I also tend to take the 105.
Can you tell at which minimum wind speed you can get the two boards to plane? In the end, where I live currently (Shanghai) the wind forecast ist often too optimistic, and I fear a 95 would not get planing well, or only when a typhoon approaches...
So minimum wind speed is also important for my decision, in fact maybe more important than max wind speed.
true I can tune with fins - did you ever try the 95 with a larger fin (34 or the 36)?

I can sail the 105 with my NCX 7.5 and a 38 slalom fin in approx 15 /16 mph approx and get planning but I don't try get 95 out in anything less than 20 mph. I've got a 2019 fox 120 too but have put up for sale as I'm taking up foiling too and if the it's not windy enough for the 105 or 95 I'll be out braking myself learning foiling. The fox 120 is a brilliant board too but the foiling will make it redundant tho. Now I have the 105 dialed in to my riding style it's my go to and keep board we have same problem with crap wind forecasts hear too.

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mariachi76 said..
Hello,
I am about to buy a Severne Fox 2018 model (new) and am not sure if to buy a 95 or 105L. Is the difference just the volume, or is the shape also slightly different, with different characteristics?
I am 78kg/178cm, do planing for 2 years in straps, solid waterstarter and learning powerjibes now.
I currently have a 2018 JP Magic Ride 130 pro and a 2018 JP Super Lightwind 165L. I have 2017 Gator sails 5.5, 6.5 and 8.0 sizes and a Turbo GT 9.2 for the SLW.
While I am happy with these two boards for the 12-20kn wind range, I also want a board for 18-25kn wind with gusts up to 30kn. I use it flat water which is choppy with 20+kn wind, but also in open sea with swell of 1 - 1.5m. I am rather interested in freeride blasting, not so much wave sailing.

The smallest board I ever used was a 110L Futura, so I am not sure if a 95 wouldn't be to small, and rather tend to 105 (which might then be too big in the future when I improve my skills :-). I would prefer to use my existing 5.5 and 6.5 gators.

So which size would fit better to my skills, my sails and my intention of freeriding in choppy conditions? Where I live it is not possible to rent to try, so I have to buy without trying before...

Thanks for your sharing your experience, best regards

mariachi76

I am 72 Kg and I can use a RRD FSW 90 (60 wide, K4 Fang 30 fin) or a Exocet Slalom 90 (62 wide, 33 Tectonic Phoenix) or a Fox 95 (61 wide, 32 fin) with powered or overpowered Point-7 ACX 5.8/6.5. In under powered conditions the Exocet and Fox are better. Above 20 knots and in chop the only one that can hang in there with comfort is the RRD, that can go down to 4.7 (and probably lower), and becomes very playful with a 25 fsw fin or in tri-fin mode (I only use single fin). Both Fox and especially Exocet are at their lower limit with 5.5, Severne claims a lower limit of 4.7 for the Fox but I am not so sure I see it, it is a biggish board.

If you have swell and open ocean and you are looking at 18-25 knots I would strongly consider a FSW board like the RRD. I used to think that I needed a slalom board in those conditions but I amazed at the performance of the RRD FSW once it is fitted with a fast fin. In chop, swell, very steadily powered up ACX 5.4 I can keep up or occasionally pass slalom guys (certainly in the jibes!). Of course I do not if conditions are lighter and the wind is up and down. Get a FSW (with power box), invest in some extra fins and you will have a real winner ... or get the Fox 95: anything larger will not hang in there in 25-30 knots!

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... or get the Fox 95: anything larger will not hang in there in 25-30 knots!

Hmm, but I was looking for a board size for 18-25kn, not 25-30kn. And I weigh more than you. So 105L?
Regards
Mariachi76

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duzzi said..

mariachi76 said..
Hello,
I am about to buy a Severne Fox 2018 model (new) and am not sure if to buy a 95 or 105L. Is the difference just the volume, or is the shape also slightly different, with different characteristics?
I am 78kg/178cm, do planing for 2 years in straps, solid waterstarter and learning powerjibes now.
I currently have a 2018 JP Magic Ride 130 pro and a 2018 JP Super Lightwind 165L. I have 2017 Gator sails 5.5, 6.5 and 8.0 sizes and a Turbo GT 9.2 for the SLW.
While I am happy with these two boards for the 12-20kn wind range, I also want a board for 18-25kn wind with gusts up to 30kn. I use it flat water which is choppy with 20+kn wind, but also in open sea with swell of 1 - 1.5m. I am rather interested in freeride blasting, not so much wave sailing.

The smallest board I ever used was a 110L Futura, so I am not sure if a 95 wouldn't be to small, and rather tend to 105 (which might then be too big in the future when I improve my skills :-). I would prefer to use my existing 5.5 and 6.5 gators.

So which size would fit better to my skills, my sails and my intention of freeriding in choppy conditions? Where I live it is not possible to rent to try, so I have to buy without trying before...

Thanks for your sharing your experience, best regards

mariachi76

I am 72 Kg and I can use a RRD FSW 90 (60 wide, K4 Fang 30 fin) or a Exocet Slalom 90 (62 wide, 33 Tectonic Phoenix) or a Fox 95 (61 wide, 32 fin) with powered or overpowered Point-7 ACX 5.8/6.5. In under powered conditions the Exocet and Fox are better. Above 20 knots and in chop the only one that can hang in there with comfort is the RRD, that can go down to 4.7 (and probably lower), and becomes very playful with a 25 fsw fin or in tri-fin mode (I only use single fin). Both Fox and especially Exocet are at their lower limit with 5.5, Severne claims a lower limit of 4.7 for the Fox but I am not so sure I see it, it is a biggish board.

If you have swell and open ocean and you are looking at 18-25 knots I would strongly consider a FSW board like the RRD. I used to think that I needed a slalom board in those conditions but I amazed at the performance of the RRD FSW once it is fitted with a fast fin. In chop, swell, very steadily powered up ACX 5.4 I can keep up or occasionally pass slalom guys (certainly in the jibes!). Of course I do not if conditions are lighter and the wind is up and down. Get a FSW (with power box), invest in some extra fins and you will have a real winner ... or get the Fox 95: anything larger will not hang in there in 25-30 knots!

You are bang on about the RRD FSW I have sailed my RRD fsw 94 (61 wide ) with 24 fin and totally balls out on 4.2 ( some guy's we're on 3.7mtr) so controllable and fast as you say with the right fin ! Superb in wave (but I'm not a big wave sailer) It's a keep board along side my fox 105 there are boards that just work for me RRD is one and the fox is the other.

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mariachi76 said..

... or get the Fox 95: anything larger will not hang in there in 25-30 knots!

Hmm, but I was looking for a board size for 18-25kn, not 25-30kn. And I weigh more than you. So 105L?
Regards
Mariachi76

I think fox 105 be sound choice

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mariachi76 said..

... or get the Fox 95: anything larger will not hang in there in 25-30 knots!

Hmm, but I was looking for a board size for 18-25kn, not 25-30kn. And I weigh more than you. So 105L?
Regards
Mariachi76

I think fox 105 is a sound choice but be good to demo one as we don't all sail the same.

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I think fox 105 is a sound choice but be good to demo one as we don't all sail the same.

Yes, that's my problem here: no way to test one before buying. I live in Shanghai/Chinafor at least two more years, there are no surf shops or rental places at all around here. I can only order things - and keep it, no way to return if bought wrong. That's why I make such a fuzz here - just don't want to buy the wrong board. But really, considering my limited skill level, my weight and the not so strong wind (25kn max) conditions, I think I am better off with a 105L and maybe buy a 32 or 34 fin for stronger winds. And if in future I feel the need and capability for something smaller or for stronger winds and more waves, I would then add a 85-90L FSW to my collection.
I think that is the best plan. If nobody has any objection, I will pull the trigger and buy the Fox 105.
Thanks for all your support and patience!

Let us all know how you get on.

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nerdycross said..
Let us all know how you get on.

I ordered the Fox 105, and in addition to the 36cm fin I also got the 32cm fin of the 95. Will arrive Saturday, but I fear I have no time to test it until end of next week... I will report as soon as I could try in good wind conditions.