RRD X-FIRE 102L 2013 TEST REVIEW
RRD X-FIRE 102L 2013 TEST REVIEW
THE LOW DOWN
The X-Fire is RRD’s top-end slalom board line, with the V4 tested here as-ridden to victory by 2012 World Champion Antoine Albeau. For 2013 the range has been tuned-up further featuring a new ‘Toro Tail’ to reduce wetted surface area using modified cut-outs and improved rail profiles. As we publish there’s a new V5 now available.
AT-A-GLANCE
Widest in test and joint lightest
Highest quoted volume
DaKine footstraps
Scooped deck and angled mast track
Wide blunt nose with squash tail winger
Large stepped cut-outs in the tail
Tuttle fin box
Fairly flat, thin-railed hull throughout with deep vee in the middle
TT tail (Toro Tail) for better control and improved water release.
Biaxial Carbon construction
PERFORMANCE
The width and volume make for a very stable feeling platform that predictably accelerates well onto the plane and has you swiftly in the straps. There’s a nice low-in-the-water feeling from the thin, trademark RRD rails, which never stuck to chop and encouraged an aggressive, upright stance. Standing tall over the cut-out tail you’re set to go as fast as you dare, and then some probably. Quite frankly, this board is terrifyingly fast, especially off wind. At the corners it has a nervy, highly versatile gybing style that gives heaps of feedback through every inch of the turn and scope to modify almost any arc – it’s easy to feel the potential of its mark-rounding prowess as already proven on the racecourse.
THE VERDICT
High speed and hi-tech, this board is seriously fast in a straight line, with a limitless top end that we didn’t even get close to reaching! Around the corners it’s also quick, but does require commitment. In the right hands it will be devastating in the racing environment but is not a hull for the feint-hearted or ill-experienced. Highly recommended for the skilled racer or high-speed thrill seeker, plus there’s also a new V5 model just out now!
READ THE OTHER REPORTS