WindsurfingUK issue 5 October 2017 | Page 94

92 SPOTLIGHT composed the 5m remains as gusts hit. The gnarlier the conditions the more the Vogue laps this weather up. Hardcore Wave 88L Stepping aboard the HCW 88 and you can feel the board’s liveliness straight away. That said it’s no slouch on the early planing front relative to its overall shape. With a deft touch getting going in marginal conditions is doable. Riders may need to tweak fin settings to achieve the optimum in lighter airs – especially when looking to boot upwind efficiently. A bigger middle fin may help here. When winds ramp up, however, the HCW 88L really comes into its own. As power increases its controlled nature really shines and confused water states are no match, even with it being 88 litres. As we said at the start dimensions really don’t tell you the whole story. With feet locked in footstraps the HCW 88 performs like a much smaller board. RRD have done a sterling job in terms of getting the volume distribution sorted with enough upfront to help with early planing, and float at rest, right down to impeccable manners once up to speed and being ridden off the tail. Stepping on rail the HCW 88 is efficient with an edge engaged. Slicing round corners and biting into wave faces is efficient and fulfilling. With enough speed (power in the rig helps) the HCW 88L belts up to lips ready for full power smacks without issue. We’d even suggest being slightly overpowered is a way to best achieve the ultimate whack, after all the tail helps massively with control. Frontside and backside riding is equally rewarding – the more vertical the wave the better. Which is the same with jumping… Whilst the HCW is perfectly hoppable off chop it loves a proper ramp for bigger boosts. CONCLUSION As a complete set up for stronger wind action both RRD’s Vogue Pro 5m four batten sail and Hardcore Wave 88L board are tools that will get you ripping. Whilst the Vogue is applicable to a wider range of windy conditions the HCW 88L has leanings towards wavier environments or control orientated sailing venues. Both pieces of kit have a vast range of tuning ability and will reward those riders who learn about the gear and understand what settings are applicable to each scenario. As stand alone bits of kit the Vogue Pro 5m will also suit riders who dabble with the odd flatter water trick whereas the HCW 88L will deliver pure wave riding performance in quality conditions for those who have access.