Im currently looking for a new blasting board, mainly one that dumbs everything down so far as chop goes, but one that'll take a bigger fin so when i sit it on its tail and weight the fin it'll get up go.

i currently have an old carve that almost fulfils this scenario, Perfectly, but its got a fat mid section that has a tendency to make the nose drop coming off a bigger piece of chop. I've been eyeing off a 3S at the local shop which has the added bonus of being able to be set up as a wave board, which would mean i could ship out two of my old boards. The 3S in the shop looks to be the right shape/setup to give me what i want, but its going to be a decent expenditure to buy.

in summary, im not really after a board thats slippery and will take off at the slightest hint of a gust (i've got slalom boards for that) being able to carry a slightly bigger fin will sort out my wanting to be able to push a bit faster on occasion. Is the 3S the right board for me? Or am i barking up the wrong tree?

Subs

I had the 2016 3s 116. Brilliant board in chop. Fast, smooth, everything you're looking for on flat water. But it won't replace a wave board in the waves. Other FSW boards are more wavey. Since you already have slalom boards, why not look at a wavey FSW like Goya One or Quattro Power? The newer ones have powerbox center fins for loading them up with a big fin.
Another FSW board I've sailed that is more wavey than the 3S is the Severne Dyno. In fact that might be closer to what you're looking for - fantastic control in chop, can load it up with a big single fin, and in tri fin mode in cross shore / cross onshore it's almost as good as the Goya One as a wave board.

I agree. Love it
My 2015 ish 3S 116L has kept up allmossst with a Fanatic Falcon so that's really saying something.
All it needs is thruster option to loosen it up, and as you know they do that now.....

I recently bought a 3S+ 116L.
Tried it inseveral fin/straps setup, and (for me), it works the best with the original thruster setup, and the 3 straps in.
In this setup it tracks the chop nicely, responds well to foot steering, and turns nicely. However, in this setup, it's not very fast. For the speed, it requires 4 straps, and an alternative single fin.

^^ and I want yours too but no $$$ at the moment

Thinking I love mine so much but I have a 115L waveboard so only use the 116L 3S on flat days........might make a 3S copy at a bit over 120L but keep same width / narrow tail etc.

Select to expand quote

philn said..
I had the 2016 3s 116. Brilliant board in chop. Fast, smooth, everything you're looking for on flat water. But it won't replace a wave board in the waves. Other FSW boards are more wavey. Since you already have slalom boards, why not look at a wavey FSW like Goya One or Quattro Power? The newer ones have powerbox center fins for loading them up with a big fin.
Another FSW board I've sailed that is more wavey than the 3S is the Severne Dyno. In fact that might be closer to what you're looking for - fantastic control in chop, can load it up with a big single fin, and in tri fin mode in cross shore / cross onshore it's almost as good as the Goya One as a wave board.

Can i ask why its not good in waves? What is it about this board that doesnt make it a great wave board? Im also interested in one of these coz i have an 86 wave slate which i find is too wave oriented.

It's stiffer, doesn't turn as easily as the Goya One. But will turn a lot better than a free ride board.

Tail rocker is flatter, rails have less tuck than wave boards, tail ofo might be wider than you can sink into a bottom turn.
FSW is not meant for dtl wave riding.

Really loved my 3S quiver. Had the 2012 96 and the 2013 116. GREAT boards for bump and jump, FAST and fun! Eventually, however, I wanted to go dedicated wave board. I know you want to have it all in a wave board but it just doesn't exist. Sometimes, you just got a pick a major in life and commit. The wave boards just seem to 'come alive' in the wave, a very different feel than when I tried the 3S in the waves.

DC

Goes back to what you want to do on your "wave board".
If planing out, jumping, then backside in and staying upwind is what you do, then 3s fills the bill.
If making it out to ride frontside waves is the goal, then pure wave is needed.

I think Madlad wants to do more in the waves, but for me they are a very occasional foray, about once a season. So if its not a top performer in the waves its not a critical part of the deal. Its more of a bump n jump board im after.


thanks for the comments so far.

A bump n jump board works superb in cross on and needed for onshore conditions.
A pure wave board is only needed for frontside bottom turm-otlip combos in side and sideoff winds.

Maybe I am wrong, but to avoid such nervous breakdown dilemmas I went for two goya custom 4 quads 84 and 74 l and ride them in all kind of conditions 20 knots + winds with great joy and satisfaction.I find myself smoking away most of the guys on those lake freeride days whilst keeping that amazing feel of riding and jibing a turny wave board. In no way do i feel inferior (or envious )to guys riding so called freewave boards. Added bonus is when conditions get real I again have the right stuff.

Select to expand quote

sprayblaze said..
Maybe I am wrong, but to avoid such nervous breakdown dilemmas I went for two goya custom 4 quads 84 and 74 l and ride them in all kind of conditions 20 knots + winds with great joy and satisfaction.I find myself smoking away most of the guys on those lake freeride days whilst keeping that amazing feel of riding and jibing a turny wave board. In no way do i feel inferior (or envious )to guys riding so called freewave boards. Added bonus is when conditions get real I again have the right stuff.

I've actually got a 2008 starboard kombat (fsw)Thats great fun to ride when its nuking. But its no match for a freeride board where you can load the fin. The tabou 3S are reportedly quite fast, thats what im slightly worried about. I've owned another free ride board that is meant to be a "chop eater". maybe i didn't play with the settings enough, but it was more like a slalom board (Almost as fast) on rollerskates.

There are free ride boards out there that have two gears, tonk along planing, and ride the tail with a bit of a turn of speed (patrik free ride is another one i've ridden like that.) Thats the kind of board that im after. If the 3S rides like that, i could do away with my old carve and the kombat (maybe)

Sounds like the 3S ticks all your boxes.

Yes, i fear i've talked myself into it.

What size you after?

Well the one im looking at is 58.5 wide (i think it's a 95L, but don't quote me on that) i know obelix has a 116 up for sale, but its a bit wider than i want. Theres also a 61 wide that might suit.

I think my old 86 liter 3s is 58.5 wide.

The most common 3S boards I see around Pinnaroo Point (strong ocean chop) is 106, followed by the 96.
A fellow sailor, around 100kg, sails primarily his 106, and he's going quite well on it. Recently, he purchased a 116 to sail when it's a bit less windy.

Hopefully that helps you when thinking of the size.

Love my 116L 3S

My previous fave FSW was the older (ie slightly narrower) RRD FSW from about 2010-12

I am amazed nobody has bought the 109L RRD about that age in Perth at the moment - might suit you Subs? I was going to buy it even though I have no use for it but they're just that nice to ride! and strong with nice thick pads etc.

www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Windsurfing-Boards/~ls2ey/RRD-Freestyle-Wave-And-Sails-109-litres.aspx?_page=1&search=eLRMcKwwdw58RwNHaGUfXAEYQxQNgdE3Vbq7mKFeJEk%3D

Thanks for all the help fellas, i've decided to get the board and give it a go. thanks to Mark too for the offer to build me one. Im sure it would've been a solid gun board, but my long service leave approaches and i don't want to miss a moment of sailing.

May the lord have mercy on my bank account, because i won't.

safe bet Subsonic . I have a rocket 105 ,often wondered how the more bump and jump 3S would add to the collection .they seem like a good allrounder .I've had the rocket in waves before ,but a little one directional ,but ok for jumps ,i just put a wave fin on and away i go .its still one of the best chop eaters i've owned and can sail it all day .
enjoy the ride .we need some pictures

bank account ..you get no interest in the bank ,so whats the point keeping it there ..lol.

His bank account will be fine..

Select to expand quote

Maddlad said..
His bank account will be fine..

Wouldn't have made a dent in the wallet