The 3S has been on my wish list for a while now, but we now have two versions.
Can anyone comment on the difference?
Thanks.

I had the 3S 2012 and 2013 96ltr and 116ltr. These would be 'Classic' shape. They were the very best freewave I've ever had and loved them both. Simply incredibly fun, easy boards. I'm afraid I can't compare to the new versions as I've never sailed them, but I imagine there's a good reason why they brought the 'classic' back.

What's better, Coke, or Classic Coke?

DC

I had the 3S 2012 and 2013 96ltr and 116ltr. These would be 'Classic' shape. They were the very best freewave I've ever had and loved them both. Simply incredibly fun, easy boards. I'm afraid I can't compare to the new versions as I've never sailed them, but I imagine there's a good reason why they brought the 'classic' back.

What's better, Coke, or Classic Coke?

DC

Depends on skill level and needs.
Plug in and play always favors longer-easier when talking mid 7' boards.
Specific slashing and freestyle moves favor shorter rotational oriented boards.
But you can do both with either, given the skills.
Choices, usually a good thing.
But, if you are lazy, don't pump, and looking for the better high wind board between those 2, choose the classic.
And yes, I have an 86 classic.

I bought a 3+ in 116L since. Picked the 3+, because the Classic was not avaliable, and was unlikely to be available for another year.

Tried it in several fins/straps combinations, but still looking for the optimal setup.

The original three fin set up was interesting. It gets going easily enough and glides nicely through the chop, but was not very fast.
When turned into the gybe, it accelerates quickly.

Tried it overfinned with 7m which produced more speed, but was a bit "slappy" in the chop so I realised it would feel better tif I moved the straps out. The sail felt too large for such a short board.

Tried moving the mast forward, which destabilised the board. It seems to work in the centre only.

Had only one day on this in marginal winds so need more experimenting

So far, my observations: should not use a sail over 6m. Would work in the waves with the straps in and the three fin , but I don't do that.

Yet to have a good day on the straps outside and the 6m sail, which should probably be the best setup.

Interesting your observation on your tri.
My most used trifin is a '16 RRD Firewave 92 with 10cm rears and 22cm bump fin. It came with a 17cm rear. Useless for me. A 20cm rear was fine for wave riding or freestyle.
Very fast when powered in rough water, carve jibes great. Good with 6 meter NR's, Switch, and Northwaves.
Most comfortable with 5.3's. Board is huge for 4.7.

Select to expand quote

LeeD said..
Interesting your observation on your tri.
My most used trifin is a '16 RRD Firewave 92 with 10cm rears and 22cm bump fin. It came with a 17cm rear. Useless for me. A 20cm rear was fine for wave riding or freestyle.
Very fast when powered in rough water, carve jibes great. Good with 6 meter NR's, Switch, and Northwaves.
Most comfortable with 5.3's. Board is huge for 4.7.

Haven't tried it with the original 25cm bump fin without thrusters. The original thruster setup slipped a lot wit the 7m sail.
Used it with 26cm JP Weedwave and 35 Speedweed and 7m. Holds well and goes faster, but slaps a lot, hence moving the straps out.
I expect the booard's sweet spot to be 6m sail and a 32 cm slalom fin - straps out.
Need some 25 knots winds ...