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joethewindsufa



Joined: 10 Oct 2010
Posts: 1190
Location: Montréal

PostPosted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 8:37 am    Post subject: FreeFormula question Reply with quote

This summer i purchased a BIC Techno Formula which was called a "FreeFormula" back in the day. It is 94 cm wide and 267 cm long. It is quoted at 170 liters.

I started with an 8-oh and quickly went to the TR-4 10-oh. It is FUN in 10 to 16 knots and then i go to the 8-oh with a 160 liter free-ride board.

The shop owner told me that it was a FUN board, butt NOT that fast and stopped at about 41 kph.

I enjoy the ride and wonder what it would be like to have a little bit faster board.

Boards in this category seem to be the JP SLW and the SB US. They are aound 90 cm wide and around 150 - 160 liters. However, they are quite short and Tinho Dornellas seems to feel they are "too short" and not that much FUN for a heavyweight of 100 kilos like me. He mentions schlogging and for me i imagine tacking can be an issue ...

Since there is "heated" discussion about Formula, perhaps these boards are a better option ??
ie BIC Techno Formula {if u can get one}, Starboard UltraSonic and JP SUperLightWind {now 2 sizes available}
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jingebritsen



Joined: 21 Aug 2002
Posts: 3371

PostPosted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 9:10 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.exocet-original.com/2013/scross.php

http://www.exocet-original.com/2013/sl-sport.php

http://www.exocet-original.com/2013/nano.php

http://www.exocet-original.com/2013/rs.php

this company has a huge list to draw from. calema is a dealer, so are the other windsurfing dealers in florida.

nano's are a bit de-tuned, but offer fantastic performance for the $$$$

S-Crosses are spot on

SL Sports are marvy

RS's are super high end

of the 2 alt choices you've listed, the SB's turn way nicer. compared to most of the choices i've listed above, they are both way more board than what you may need? the RS's are on par with the race boards you've asked about.

_________________
www.aerotechsails.com
www.exocet-original.com
www.iwindsurf.com
http://www.epicgearusa.com/
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joethewindsufa



Joined: 10 Oct 2010
Posts: 1190
Location: Montréal

PostPosted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 10:26 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

as a heavyweight i use the BTF in 10 to 16 knots with a 10 sq meter sail
the new Exocet RS7 looks similiar to the boards i mentioned
again it is only 232 cm long

i am looker for a faster board in this class, butt not over the top race
the BTF is gentle - like a Cadillac on water = smooth

thanx john
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tthole



Joined: 08 Oct 2002
Posts: 54

PostPosted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 11:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

What fin are you using on the Techno formula? You have a good sail and board combination. The first thing I would try to get more speed is to make sure you have a great fin to match the board and sail.

You might even be able to pick up a good formula fin on Ebay. Let us know what you are using now.

Tim
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jlooby



Joined: 31 Aug 2005
Posts: 69

PostPosted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 11:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hey Joe - Joe from Ontario here.

I've owned a JP SLW and found it not to be very fast at all (never used a gps on it but it just wouldn't light up for me). For a fast free formula try a SB ff158 - that thing moves! (although it is hard to get planning - needs alot of pumping)
SB Formula 161 is quite fast as well
If i recall correctly I think I had both the 158 and the 161 up to +/-27 knots max speed on gps.
I've heard the sb ff138 are very fast as well.

Joe
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dllee



Joined: 03 Jul 2009
Posts: 5328
Location: East Bay

PostPosted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 11:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Fin and rig setup, tuning, and sailor ability is much more important than going for a new board.
As said, a fast Formula fin not quite 70 cms.
Footstraps and mast track tuned for the wind, and your weight.
Sail tuned for the exact wind speeds, not a range.
Well powered, of course.
That, together with a decent pilot, will go as fast as anything on the water in those breezes.
You aren't talking angle and acceleration.
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coachg



Joined: 10 Sep 2000
Posts: 3549

PostPosted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 11:45 am    Post subject: Re: FreeFormula question Reply with quote

joethewindsufa wrote:
He mentions schlogging and for me i imagine tacking can be an issue ...


I could never understand why people would care about the schlogging performance difference between a formula or freeformula. That is like watching two motorhomes climbing the Grapevine. One is traveling at 36 mph and the faster one pulls out to pass at 38 mph!

If you are going to be schlogging a bunch get a long board. When making a decision about getting formula vs. freeformula schlogging should not be in the equation.

Coachg
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joethewindsufa



Joined: 10 Oct 2010
Posts: 1190
Location: Montréal

PostPosted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 12:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

coachg - i have the long board and am a longboarder for last 15 years
my favourite longboard so far is the Fanatic Ultra CAT
mine needs repairs - epoxy does NOT seem to work
next best thing was the BIC Techno Formula

AND i am investigating the fin on the BIC Techno Formula
thanx Tim
i WAS using a True Ames Santa Barbara/SB 58 cm Trimm fin - was all i could find at the time ...
now found a new 63 AND 66 slalom fin
Select is suggesting the 66
with that fin, which i have reserved, i hope to plane even earlier and better upwind Smile

i DO use an adjustable outhaul for wind-range
have NOT experimented with mast base placement yet
with the 10-oh i have kept the mastbase at the front

based on what i have seen here - thanx joe and john - will test the new fin AND check out my buddy's new SB US 147 !!!
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swchandler



Joined: 08 Nov 1993
Posts: 10588

PostPosted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 1:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

joethewindsurfa,

Have you considered Tinho Dornellas' Z2 Custom board? For a big guy like yourself, it has the added length and sufficient volume to be a good candidate worth considering.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTRrxuuCxmw
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joethewindsufa



Joined: 10 Oct 2010
Posts: 1190
Location: Montréal

PostPosted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 3:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

swchandler:

that is my dream boat
and i have said as much on Tinho's forum Smile
just need more cents/sense
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