SURF, G, March 2006, p 30

This year the Radical Wave is different to its bigger brother, the Real World Wave, in all aspects. And that's good, because when called "Radical" you expect the board to behave radically. In a tough comparison to its competition the JP is the most radical concerning its overall balance. There were boards that felt lighter, more maneuverable and more sporty in the turn, but barely any board had such a wide range of use, and no other board can handle as much rail pressure as the JP. The testers were joking, "Brainlessly step on the rail and carve". Nevertheless, the board is not boring. Step on and feel comfortable. Depending on the rider's ability this board can carve all radii. The turns become more and more radically the more consequently you push the rail. Only light riders who are looking for a lively turner for small waves may be disappointed. Despite its hard ride, the board shines on flatwater with its control and because of the way it tracks on the rail through the gybe.

Summary:

An all-rounder in the "kings-discipline". Calmly (smoothly, even-tempered) the board carves in front of big waves. In small waves you push harder for more radical and tighter turns. Also in unsteady wind conditions this wave board finds the "golden middle course" and impresses the wave expert with its ease.

SURF tip: all conditions / heavy riders.

PLANCHEMAG, November 05, Issue #282, p28

JP Radical Wave 74 - A vigorous flavor which hits the target

The Impression Of The Test Team

Narrower, more difficult to access, sensitive under the feet..., the new JP is a pure wave board. It feels very light, planes early and shows an extreme liveliness right from the start. It sails quite high on the water, blasts on flat water and shows true acceleration. You feel the presence of this very lively board which responds to the slightest pressure of the toes.

With its enormous potential, this is confirmed in the surf. This is a board which makes it necessary to lean the whole body forward to get the most out of it. This requires a good technique and being able to "read" the waves. The key is a full speed bottom-turn, biting and precise. With this board you really can challenge big waves without hesitation, it will not let you down in the curve: Once initiated, it will carve on its rail.

At the end of some good "muscle" sessions, we consider that it is one of the very best carving boards tested until now. It is perfectly stable in wide turns, with the ability to be able to tighten the curve constantly. A real rocket. But notice that to do this, you have to pick up speed first, which means to be well placed on the wave, to control the turn and to ride a wave that allows to accelerate permanently.

In onshore conditions or mushy waves, it is necessary to be light, to be very sensitive when steering in comparison to a more versatile wave board. Noticeable, that because of its speed in surf, it is better to use a maneuver oriented sail which does not track in the bottom turn.

SUMMARY

This explosive board with character steers with precision, able to attack in side shore conditions.

Excellent wave riding for great sensations and very good in long bottom turns.

+ * Lightness

* Precision

* Radical in surf

* Stability in the bottom turn

BOARDS, UK , Oct.2005, issue 216, p 48

Recommended all-round waveboard for control in stronger winds & decent cross-shore conditions

DESIGN & FEEL

The measurements and feel are pretty standard for this 'reformed trad' group. It is about 2cm wider (on planing width) than the JP equivalent of two years ago, and has the standard flattened 'reformed trad' rocker profile. Consequently it feels clearly faster, easier and is a better weight / big rig carrier than its predecessor. The moderate vee gives good tracking in harsh conditions, and early planing and speed is average for this test line-up. It is more of a controlled, well-balanced and easy feel than super-lively, but the ride is very nice; characterised by a soft, slightly cushioned feel with the board taking the sting out of chop and making speed manageable.

The manoeuvring is also very much in the middle of the spectrum between super-grippy and super-pivotal, giving a nice compromise (though certain sailors found it felt a shade long for slashier riding). Riding, jumping and gybing performance are all very sound.

STYLE: Reformed traditional wave board.

STRENGTHS: Comfort, balance and control, strong all-round performance.

BEST SAILOR WEIGHTS: 75-85kg, but still good for 5kg either side of this.

BEST SAIL SIZES: A wide range; good with 5.2-4.0m

OVERALL

The soft, forgiving and all-round nature of this board was enjoyed by all the testers. It is excellently placed in both size and performance as a high wind board for medium weight sailors; a very well-balanced compromise between speed and control and a good board for both jumping and riding. We feel that it gives a very sensible alternative to the faster, wider Real World Wave, for use in predominantly stronger winds or better formed waves.

WIND, F, Oct-Nov 2005, p 48

JP Real World Wave 69 - Really without compromise especially where it blows

... The new small compact-wave of JP arrives with just less than 70 liters. Equipment: thicker and comfortable foot straps, a molded fin which is well finished and flexible at the tip. The shape is very short and wider than the average at the nose and tail, with a nice flow of lines. It feels easy despite its low volume, the volume is well placed and sufficient, also in medium winds. You plane without effort and the feeling is very powerful with a direct and sensitive ride. The nose is high enough and the board passes chop fluently and with no bumps. The curves are easy, sharp, powerful and precise without ever blocking and you have convincing support in little soft waves. The control in overpowered conditions is perfect, it is solid, ideal to face a very great number of waves...

+ * Efficiency/ease

* Turns

* Speed/control

* Lightness

BOARDS, UK , Jan.-Feb. 2005, p 43

JP Real World Wave 76

Highly recommended onshore riding board for lighter waveboard winds.

DESIGN & FEEL

Although it has similar width and length dimensions to the onshore riding boards the Real World Wave has a clearly faster rocker line than most, along with more lateral grip and planing release. Although many boards in this test are fine with a 5.3m sail the RWW is one of the only designs that really exploits that 5.3-5.5m step up from a 5.0m, due to its extra speed and early planing capabilities. Despite this it still feels like a wave board. Last year's version felt like a wave board in the tail but a "freewave" further forward, whereas this year's seems a more harmonious design with much improved turning abilities.

Early planing and speed are the best of any true wave board in this test, and in gusty 5.0m conditions it feels very alive yet still very controllable and not too big or too fast. Clearly the speed and width tell in 4.5m and below, but it still retains reasonable control in these windier conditions. Jumping is excellent with good speed and good release from both nose and tail, and benefiting from the short length in the air. However, flat landings can sometimes be a bit jarring.

Gybes are easy to keep speed on exit, and riding is great when winds are lighter and waves smaller but can get a bit hectic in bigger, faster conditions. It is more of a carving board and a bit less loose and pivotal than most onshore riding boards.

STYLE: Fast rockered Onshore wave rider.

STRENGTHS: Real Force 4-5 onshore riding capability, excellent early-planing and speed, excellent medium wind jumping.

BEST SAILOR WEIGHTS: 73-87kg

BEST SAIL SIZES: 4.7-5.5m

OVERALL

Unusual in its ability to really get planing and ride waves in the top end of a Force 4 / bottom of a 5, and (although not in the league of the small freewaves), one of the few really effective 5.5m-carrying wave boards that we have tried. By common consent much improved over last year's board.

If you really like riding in whatever waves you can find and yet rarely get out in much above a Force 5 then it is an ideal wave board. While not really designed for stronger winds it is still reasonably controlled and well behaved for occasional stronger wind outings. However, it would be excellent as a lighter wind / onshore riding string to a two wave board quiver. Good Freestyle application too!

WINDSURF, UK , Sept 2005, issue 249, p 39

JP Real World Wave 76

At a Glance

2006 marks the second year for the Real World Wave series in the JP line-up, extended to encompass four boards ranging from 69 to 91Litres... the main refinements are evident in its shaping, boasting a massive width of 57cm, which makes it the widest yet shortest (230cm) in this test group. Designed for excelling in less than ideal wave environments, it is also said to be an exceptional high-wind machine, with enough speed and control to make light work of any coastal conditions. Supplied with the usual high quality fittings we have come to expect from JP (including new foot strap spacers so that their width is more versatile and can be easily adjusted) , it is available solely in Full Wood Sandwich technology.

Ride and Handling

Stable at idle, the 76 has plenty of sail carrying capacity and makes the most of the power available to release from the water in no time, demanding very little rider input or precision. Once on the plane it has a very floaty upright stance, sitting on the surface and cruising comfortably over any broken white water. ...it provides an easy composed ride, not especially fast or electric, but rather forgiving and predictable - ideal for the less experienced sailor. The deckpads and straps are excellent, providing good adhesion to the board whilst instilling confidence to push and drive off the fin, thanks to the locked-in secure feeling they bestow. In overpowered conditions, the shear width of the 76 does become more apparent...

Manoeuvres

Turning in under balanced foot pressure, the 76 prescribes a progressive cruisy bottom turn, holding its speed in well with a measured degree of bite. As you become more accustomed to the board, you realize that it responds competently to a more assertive forceful nature, capable of cutting a tight hard corner with additional drive through the back foot, albeit by making the back strap especially big so that you can apply ample weight to the leeward rail. Forgiving of clumsy footwork and consistent in its steady response, the 76 is an excellent platform on which to learn most planing transitions, from tacking and jibing to progressing into new school freestyle stunts.

Steady progressive nature, early planing and ease of use

Verdict

...the RWW76 provides solid dependable performance with a predictable level of response, making it particularly ideal as a high wind coastal board for the heavier sailor.

PLANCHEMAG, F, #281, Oct 2005, p36

JP Real World Wave 83 - An Universal Waverider

Impression of the Test Team

Due to its volume distribution and its general balance, the JP Australia offers superior stability and is easier to access than all of the boards in this group. Then, the board plans immediately, accelerates impressively and possesses a serious reaching speed... It is in light winds, imperfect wave conditions and especially in onshore where it works the best. It offers serous upwind performance and passes white water very well, notably already with low speed. It possesses one of the best jumping potentials. Even if you do not launch actively from the chop, the slightest small ramp makes it go up high, where this compact board is interesting to "guide" under your feet. Very light and stable to steer, it surf all types of waves, but in big conditions you can not carve long turns like boards with straighter and thinner hulls.

It's tricks are small to moderate waves which permanently require power to multiply the "rollers" or to attack in aerials. You can sail it over the front foot to make turns longer, or to pivot over the tail to close the turn, even at low speed. This is what makes it a very playful board and especially easy to tame for one who is not perfect. Lighter sailors need not hesitate to choose the 76, because this 83 mostly addresses average to heavier sailors.

Conclusion

Amongst the most versatile boards, the RWW features a large spectrum of use and addresses a very large customer group. It makes the access to wavesailing easy and allows, to ride more wave in an hour.

+ * Planing

* Acceleration

* Speed

* Versatile in surf

WINDSURF, UK , issue 250, Oct 2005, p40

JP Real World Wave 83

Ride and Handling

As soon as you step on the RWW83, you are immediately aware of its wide and stable nature, bestowing a sense a sense of security upon the rider. Feeling larger than its quoted volume, it requires little technical input to accelerate smoothly onto the plane, carrying its momentum effortless through the broken white water of mush onshore conditions. The exact antithesis of nervous and twitchy, the 83's steady and dependable character (helped in part by the excellent adhesive deckpads and footstraps) will find great favour amongst novice wave riders, who will be able to concentrate purely on their own performance rather than that of the board. Tracking well upwind, it is comfortable and balanced underfoot and can also be used as coastal freeride machine, although its size does become more apparent in overpowered conditions and confused sea state, demanding good concentration to keep it under control.

Manoeuvres

In transitions, the RWW83 displayed a lot of ease and practicality in its response, gripping into the bottom turn and retaining its steady speed without complaint, whether driven with front- or backfoot pressure. It does tend to prefer a more drawn out arc instead of a short sharp transition and feels more at home being redirected with a smooth progressive cutback rather than being forced into a snappy top turn. Whilst capable of being used in most wave environments, it does have a decidedly 'freeride' nature in the turn, being measured and dependable rather than sharp and precise. As such, the 85L board, whose ease and user friendliness will enable the novice pilot to make most of marginal coastal conditions and look to catch their first few waves. It is also suited for heavier sailors in search of a one-only wave board with the stability and response to cater for their more assertive sailing style.

or: Ease of use and practicality of coastal conditions. Finish and fittings.

BOARDS, UK , #219, March 2006, p 54

JP Real World Wave 91

Recommended

Fast waveboard / control-manoeuvre all-rounder

Although only 91 litres, the JP RWW has a width of 62,5cm, so is clearly relevant to this test. We've also found the RWWs to be generally amongst the fastest and most sprightly of the new-generation waveboards. The 91 differs from the rest on the test here because it mixes its width with a thin tail and rails, a highish nose and very short length. So how would it fare on flat water as a all-rounder?

The answer is surprisingly well. The rocker isn't very extreme for a wave board; it's actually more akin to the control-biassed boards from the all-rounders. Consequently it gets going reasonably early (very early indeed for a waveboard and only just behind most feeemove / all-rounders). It also feels much like an all-rounder to ride, being quite comfortable and easy to blast on, and while not exactly a dedicated speedy blaster it's certainly not slow.

Where it scores really well is in its sensitivity and manoeuvrability. It is very thin-railed, very short (231cm), and yet still has a lot of nose rocker. It therefore feels much more responsive than any of the all-rounders, needing less input to carve, pivoting more easily and being considerably looser in the waves than most. The nose rocker and lack of volume also helps in the air.

The riding position is 'inboard only' to favor manoeuvrability over blasting, but unlike the similar-configured freestyles, the nicely rounded deck-shape underfoot on the JP is designed for sailing comfort so it is very pleasant for cruising about on. At 91L it won't be great for uphauling unless you are very light but otherwise it feels pretty much as stable and easy to sail in light winds as most of the other boards on test.

There aren't many waveboards made this wide and we would be confident that the RWW would be amongst the fastest and most all-round feeling, holding a bigger sail (it's happy up to 6,5m) and getting much more moderate wind planing use. However, it would almost certainly also feel a bit stiffer than most dedicated waveboards when waveriding.

Guesters' view

The surprise of the test from the guesters' point of view. Yes, extra tail rocker and a small fin meant its upwind and early planing performance got criticized a bit, but otherwise it fared really well against the freemoves / all-rounders, ending up near the top of the popularity lists with everyone who tired it!

Fittings

Very good straps and pads, decent classic box fin. Get an additional bigger foil for use with the board in lighter wind conditions, better upwind performance and outside of the wave environment.

Overall

Its main market will be for heavier wavesailors and we'd certainly be happy to recommend it for the 87-105kg sailor who wants a relatively early-planing but still fully wave-capable waveboard. However, it also proved very popular as a control and wave biased all-rounder / freemove for a wide range of sailor weights and skill levels. It could make an excellent smallest board for coastal sailing intermediates not ready yet to go smaller.

WINDSURFING , USA , Vol.25#1, March 2006, p673

JP Freestyle Wave 85 FWS

WHAT WE LIKED: Where to begin? A standout for planing power and all-purpose use. Expert freestyle and wave testers liked it, and so did our back-and-forth free-riders - a rarity.

BETTER THAN THE FLEET AT: Charming testers of all abilities.

BEST SUITS: Intermediate to expert sailors looking for a fun, versatile board.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS: The test team logged more sessions on it than on any other board - a sign they liked it. Pro Edition model is also available...

PLANCHEMAG, F, March-April 2006, p803

JP Freestyle Wave 85 Pro - Responsive, dynamic, explosive, this is a cannon bullet

...It is the most responsive board in this group and the most dynamic. Perfect to discover or push the limits in freestyle. In jumps, it offers an impressive take off which allows to fly higher than with a pure wave board. It is perfect for bump&jump and onshore wave conditions, it also sails very easy in side shore waves...

WIND, F, Oct-Nov 2005, p443

JP Freestyle Wave 85 - An exemplary Arrogance and Wildness

Attention: Very top-of-the-range... Ultra reduced and fine like a custom board it addresses all those who have the means to affording some pleasure. Sandwich charged with Carbon and Kevlar for the solidity. Finally the foot straps are thick and comfortable... due to its reduced weight it floats well and the early planing is spectacularly on this new-age-convertible. The lightness coupled with the perfectly adapted scoop allows the board to plane in the lightest breeze. It offers exemplary smoothness, with true sensations of speed. It flies over the chop and the slightest ramp confirms its agility: you completely forget about the board because of its very good handling. The important bevel allows freestylers to plane and pivot without fear. The initiation of turns happens without effort, even in waves, the tail section is thin enough to allow great carving without any apprehension...

+ * Lightness

* Fast ride

* All-terrain performance

WINDSURF, UK , #251, Oct/Nov 2005, p36

JP Freestyle Wave 93 Pro

At a Glance

The Freestyle Wave range from JP has quite a distinguished history, the original 85L version back in 2001 being the design that largely ignited the freestyle-wave crossover phenomenon. Today, the series has been evolved by Werner Gnigler into a line-up of four boards, each available in either Full Wood Sandwich or Pro Edition construction, as the one tested here. Shorter and slightly wider than its predecessor, the 93 adopts a fast rocker-line, with the finbox placed well back in the tail. The deck is very domed, leading to thin rails and a subtle bevel in the tail...

Ride and Handling

The FSW93 has a distinct 'plug and play' ease to its riding style that will endear it to competent and expert sailors alike. Instinctively rising onto the plane as power comes on, it accelerates efficiently under the rider's feet, and encourages them into a locked-in stance, driving hard against the fin and pushing the board to an impressive blasting speed. Super comfortable and controlled, it has a definite freeride nature, and can be used to cover great distances on, irrespective of the sea state. It is certainly an exciting yet easy board to sail for long periods, retaining its manners in the most testing conditions, with a smooth measured level of response, never getting skittery or challenging the pilot's nerve.

Manoeuvres

In the gybe, the FSW93 is stable and predictable, requiring very little input from the rider to initiate the transition and keep the rail biting through the corner. On the wave face, the 93 does prefer a longer more drawn out bottom-turn and is more critical of technique, asking the rider to get well forward to keep the speed in the turn. Although not a natural wave riding machine, it certainly doesn't feel out of place around a break, and has plenty of fin drive for backside riding. In freestyle the JP pops and pivots easily, feeling crisp and compact underfoot. It does take some getting used to in the slide initially, due to its speed allowing little time or room for error, but once mastered, the 93 is very capable.

Plug and play ease, blasting control and early planing.

Verdict

The FSW93 is an incredibly easy and forgiving freeride-natured board to use in the most testing conditions, and with a little time and tuning can be used effectively in both wave and freestyle sailing.

PLANCHEMAG, F, #280, Sept 2005, p28

JP Freestyle Wave 93 Pro - A Bomb regarding Sensations

The Shape

The 4th generation of Freestyle Wave boards consists of four models (78, 85, 93, 102) and is from now on available in version FWS and Pro Edition (600 to 800 grams lighter). Shorter than the FSW 91 from 2005, this 93 features a straighter bottom curve than the average, with -like always- the channels along the bottom to retain more curve on the outside than the inside. The other particularity of this board is the tail bevel at the rear to make spocks and sliding moves easier. Slim, spindle-shape, it is well equipped with a 27cm fin. This sandwich construction benefits of a bit of Kevlar and the hull is covered in carbon. A record weight of 5,9 kg measured.

Impression of the Test Team

Electrifying regarding early planing, the JP Australia is a board which delivers lots of sensation and with it you permanently sail full speed.

It is very fast upwind as well as in light winds it appears as the lightest board in this test and as one of the stiffest. It is amongst the most reactive ones. Full speed, and wants nothing but to jump and wave sailing.

It works perfectly in onshore conditions because of its acceleration and potential to go upwind in the foamy waves. It turns very tight with pressure on the rail. Thus, in side shore conditions it fits for waves that lack the wind necessary for classic wave boards. With front foot pressure the Freestyle Wave carves into wide bottom turns like a classic wave board. A good board for light to medium winds when used in waves, and for moderate to high winds in bump&jump mode. Same for freeride use where it moves greatly with the straps in the outside position where it matches the classic freeride boards.

Finally, in the gybe, you carve on the rail without loosing speed. A bomb for those who want to push the limits.

Conclusion

Very loose, this board is a hero for jumping, surfing and attacking in freestyle when the conditions are not perfect. An excellent board for small waves and medium winds, which stands out when freeriding in medium winds to overpowered.

+ * Quick to respond

* Lively

* Early planing

* Lightness

* Jibing

* Use in surf

* Planing

* Speed

-  * Nothing

WIND SURFING , USA , April 2006, p 90

JP Freestyle 100 PRO

What We Liked

Earliest planer in the free-move group. Its excessive width offered a forgiving platform for all levels, yet the width did not hamper the carving performance. Free-ride testers liked this board for straight line sailing despite its freestyle-biassed design.

Better Than The Fleet At

Being the one-pump wonder - that's all it took to get going: letting testers rig small, and turning tease breezes into fun-filled sessions.

Best Suits

Aggressive intermediate to expert sailors looking to make a bold step up.

Other Highlights

It's the lightest of the fleet.

WINDSURF, UK , Jan/Feb.2006, p 39

JP Freestyle 100 FWS

At A Glance

In the past the JP Freestyle series has offered some of the most versatile flat-water boards around, possessing real freeride performance on top of an ease and potency for new-school manoeuvres. Intrigued to see how the latest freestyle designs compare to other manoeuvre-oriented boards of this volume, we have chosen to include the JP in this category to represent the dedicated freestyle hull. Signature model of world champion Ricardo Campello, it is the middle design of a three-board range, and has a very short round outline with a distinctive boxy tail bevel and domed deck. Available in Wood and Pro construction, it comes supplied with a 26cm freestyle fin and looks like it means business.

Ride and Handling

...the 100 responds instantly once its threshold is reached, accelerating purposefully to an impressive speed. Compact and light underfoot, it provides an exciting and controlled ride, sitting high on the water's surface and skimming over choppy sea states. Happiest when comfortably powered, the fin begins to provide enough feedback to drive against it and trim the board flat, reducing the board's waterline and increasing its responsive riding sensation. As power increases, the 100's manners never wane - even in confused conditions and violent gusts, it remains supremely composed and forgiving in a straight-line.

Manoeuvres

Although its carving abilities are nothing extraordinary, the 100 cuts a smooth predictable arc, the rails biting confidently whilst its width provides the stability to recover from any mistakes made. Not surprisingly though, it is in a freestyle mode that the 100 excels, keeping low and sliding back on its nose with such ease and control that it will have you conquering that elusive new-school manoeuvre in no time. It does take a little time to get used to the board's pop, the extra volume in the tail giving it some noticeable swing weight as you rotate.although you soon get accustomed to it. Get the slide a little wrong and the 100 will provide plenty of warning and margin for error, the tail buffering off the water's surface so that the rider has every chance of completing the stunt. With the control and manners to be used in confused sea states, the 100 is a practical and fun freestyle machine, inspiring the rider to try that next manoeuvre.

Controlled slide, compact and lively riding sensation when powered.

Verdict

Whilst undoubtedly more dedicated to freestyle than ever before, the Freestyle 100 is a well-mannered and practical board for flat-water and coastal chop, best suited for those that are keen to push their freestyle boundaries.

WINDSURF, UK , #253 March 2006, p 38

JP X-Cite Ride 105-II FWS

Very highly recommended: Plug and play ease, fun responsive nature and awesome gybing ability.

At A Glance

The X-Cite Ride series has been prolifically successful for JP since its introduction in 2004. Entering its third season of production the extended range of six boards is all about plug and play performance, demanding minimal rider input in return for an exciting and enjoyable ride. The 105 is the longest and widest board in this test group, its narrow tail giving it a very rounded plan-shape. As with last year's incarnation, the rails have been thinned throughout to improve the board's cornering and control in harsh conditions, whilst it retains the channel in the hull, said to enhance control and early planing. Dressed in the brand's distinctive livery, its fittings are excellent and finish off what is a very well presented product.

Ride and Handling

On the water, the X-Cite Ride is every bit the gem of a board we remember. Super stable at idle, it has an excellent rig carrying capacity, taking a 7.5m without complaint. Releasing onto the plane progressively as if sailing itself, its wide mid-section effortlessly maintains the board's trim, giving the intermediate rider plenty of time and support to find the straps. Light and responsive underfoot, it has a varied stance in the water, equally happy cruising around at half speed as it is being loaded to skim over the water's surface and explore its good blasting potential. In overpowered conditions the straps do feel that they are a little too inboard for the sailor to wedge their heels against the rail and fully drive the board to give it that extra gear. As such, the 105's ride is primarily about ease and control; a true plug and play board in every sense, it never gets out of shape or asks too much of the rider irrespective of the conditions. The subtle dome of the deck and excellent fittings all add to what is an extremely smooth, comfortable and very enjoyable ride that will flatter the intermediate and captivate the advanced rider.

Manoeuvres

It is in the gybe that the 105 really shows its worth. With its wide rounded plan shape and beautifully thinned rails, it is one of the most versatile and accommodating boards in this group to get round the corners. Handling chop impeccably, the rails engage instinctively and hold the board into the turn, whilst the extra width in the tail helps support any hesitant or clumsy footwork. Alternatively, the expert rider can simply plough the 105 into the gybe, stamping on the tail and committing in complete confidence that the rails will respond and grip aggressively, and the fin will maintain traction. With a fun, easy and controllable nature, the 105 is a superb all-round freeride hull and a pleasure to use in many sea states, from flat-water to coastal chop.

Verdict

Continuing the legacy of the X-Cite range, the 105 is a stunning freeride platform, providing the ease of use, range and comfort to flatter all who use it. An incredible tutor, it comes very highly recommended for the intermediate progressing into high winds.

SURF, Germany , April 2005, p 35

JP X-Cite Ride 105-II FWS

...the perfect compromise between comfort and performance... X-Cite Ride stands for "easy surfing" par excellence... an extremely wide range of use... only few boards with similar performance are still that easy to control at the limit. Even when excessively overpowered you still feel comfortable on a broad reach.

Summary

...good performance and very comfortable freerider.

PLANCHEMAG, France, # 281, Oct 2005, p 48

JP X-Cite Ride 135 Full Wood Sandwich - The feeling has priority before the performance

Impression of the Test Team

Well balanced when floating, this JP planes very early and tracks easily. It is the lightest under the feet and delivers strong planing sensations without effort.

Stiffer, it bounces in chop a bit more than others. This is a directional board (it runs all straight) which requires less physical effort to accelerate than its rivals. Thus, you may well use a smaller sail than others as it compensates with its liveliness and acceleration.

Fast on all tracks, it sails more precise than the other boards and is more fun and livelier... it delivers most sensations...

With good maneuverability it jibes well and remains planing. It is one of the easiest in this respect.

At last, when the wind picks up it remains stable on the water and easy enough to sail. This is finally a board which is characterized by its versatility in all aspects of sailing.

Conclusion

More placed towards feeling than pure performance, this X-Cite 135 is an ultra lively board, easy to sail which offers a large rang of use. A board "without effort" which neither requires the use of a big sail nor to have a good level.

+ * Planing

* Range of use

* Release of feelings

* Lightness

* General ease

WINDSURF, UK , #254 / April 2006 / p41

JP X-Cite Ride 120

Ride and Handling

On the water the 120 remains one of the best allround boards of this size, providing high return for minimal rider effort. Feeling large and stable at idle, the secret to its success is that it behaves like a board 15Lits junior once it is planing. Capable of carrying an 8.5m sail, it rises up onto the plane progressively, maintaining its balance as it gathers momentum. With a low cruising speed the 120 does nothing untoward to upset the nervous passenger, the footstraps easy to find as they move down the board. Comfortable and composed on any point of sail, it is incredibly versatile and can adapt to any rider style. Happy cruising along at half speed, it irons out any inaccuracies and glides through lulls as if they aren't there, yet load it with a powerful sail and the board will respond, lifting well off its fin and translating the extra power to speed. Even in overpowered conditions, its temperament never gets the better of it - in severe sea states it did on occasion drop its shoulders and plough through some chop, although never to the point of forcing the rider onto the back foot. Whilst relaxing and captivating to sail for sailors of all abilities, it is also deceptively fast; it feels a little like you're cheating as you cruise past others without putting any effort in! Providing as much life and feedback as a 105L board, the 120 is a thoroughly enjoyable board to ride.

Manoeuvres

The 120's capabilities in the turn are the reason we believe it to be one of the best intermediate boards around - it is quite simply a dream to gybe! Enter the corner tentatively and its low planing threshold will allow you to cruise through a long arc and still have a good chance of coming out on the plane.

Drive the board with conviction and it will respond with interest, gripping the water as if on rails and powering out of the turn like a slalom board. It has such a versatile nature that the expert rider will find himself/herself stamping on the tail to try and make the board falter and find its limits, yet rewarding them with a tighter turn still. Similar in the tack, the 120 remains safe and secure as it comes off the plane, giving the rider plenty of time to step round the front.

For: Stunning all-round freeride performance.

Against: Can't be faulted

Verdict

The X-Cite Ride magically provides the security of a 120L boards with the life and response and of a board 15Lits junior. With a massive wind range and universal appeal, it once again comes highly recommended by us.

Results:

WINDSURF, UK tests the 112-122 liter freeride class:

Highest score = 48 points: X-Cite Ride 120

4th highest score = 45 points Super-X 116

This magazine's scores and categories are as follows:

Early Planing / Speed / Top End Control / Maneuvability / Ease of Use

with a maximum of 10 points for each category (=> max. total of 50 points)

1st (=highest) score: 39 points - JP X-Cite Ride 120

- Early Planing: 9 points

- Speed: 9 points

- Top End Control: 10 points

- Carving Ability: 10 points

- Ease of Use: 10 points

BOARDS, UK , #219, March 2006, p 47

JP Super-X 106 FWS

Highly Recommended

Early-planing & speedy freeride

The Super-X 106 I sold as the "perfect combination of speed, early planing and manoeuvrability". Based on that you might think it should be in our freemove category, but the width of 63cm and in particular the 42,5cm tail-width actually make it much more of a freeride.

The first thing you notice about this board is that it planes very, very early; it's up and running before anything else in this class. With the straps outboard it is very comfy to blast on, with plenty of deck dooming to wrap your feet around and push against. It displays all the characteristics of a very well-behaved freeride, being both easy to sail and exciting, and relishing blasting back and forth, with a little bit of upwind downwind work mixed in. The nose stays very low when blasting thus suiting it better to flatter water rather than swell, where it encounters control problems earlier than the other freerides here. It gybes well in freeride fashion, and while the tail is too big and solid for less experienced freestylers to consider advanced moves, our advanced freestyle testers found it quite possible to spock and loop it with the straps fitted in the inboard position.

Guesters' view

It was seen very much as a blasting machine, generally very much liked for its "easy speed", "early planing" and "smooth gibing". A popular board, particular with the heavier and more experienced sailors for whom it was seen more as a "swell or flat water all-rounder".

Fitting

Great pads and straps. The pre-preg fin fitted is a Powerbox 33cm, and a bigger one would be a useful addition purchase to improve performance up to 8,0.

Overall

Its very early planing and high top speed would certainly be a real asset in the supercross discipline... we think it shines brightest as a easy-to-sail, uncomplicated and small-feeling freeride board, offering real excitement and speed with 5,8-8,0m sails.

WINDSURF, UK , #254 / April 2006 / p40

JP Super-X 116 Full Wood Sandwich

Ride and Handling

With enough width and stability to take an 8.0m easily, the 116 sits poised, ready to burst up onto the plane at the earliest opportunity. When you first try the Super-X, the aspect of its performance that really grabs your attention is its acceleration from a standing start. As soon as power is delivered it's off, charging up to an impressive speed in an instant. Providing a lively and involving ride, the sailor can't help but be excited, the board capturing their imagination as they suddenly feel they can overtake anyone on the water! Undoubtedly one of the fastest over a short distance thanks to its blistering acceleration... with its electric response and liveliness, it offers the edgy sensation of a slalom board without demanding a lot of technical input, making it applicable to all but the most nervous. Partnered with an efficient sail it can be devastating to windward, pointing incredibly high and railing comfortably, providing a solid edge to push against. In overpowered conditions, the board does begin to rail up onto the fin, which although not uncontrollable, requires an experienced hand to keep it at bay and driving forward efficiently.

Manoeuvres

Entering the gybe with speed, the 116 turns in easily and carves a smooth clean arc on flat water, the deckpads providing excellent adhesion as you step out of the transition. Undoubtedly more critical than the X-Cite Ride 120, it does require more commitment to keep the rails driving, responding best to the assertive style of getting well forward onto the front foot and forcing its shoulder into the water. This is particularly crucial in heavy seas, where the board tends to bounce out of the corner if it's not shown who's boss. Tacking the 116 is straightforward, the width and volume around its mid-section providing a stable platform on which to manoeuvre.

For: Blistering acceleration, slalom-like feel combined with control.

Against: Requires good technique to gybe in confused sea states.

Verdict

The Super-X 116 was well liked by all who tried it, giving the ride and sensation of being on a slalom board, without ever losing the control and manners of a modern freeride.

Man I'm stoked- what a board!

The board is an outstanding compromise, delivering high speed and good
manouverability without that "I'm going to crash and die" slalom board
feeling, even in 6 foot seas.

Early planing is impressive for such a small board considering my weight,
and I regularly sail comfortably with both cammed and uncammed 7.5 mt
freeride sails, which I did not expect would work so well on this sized
board.

It's very good to gybe - it has enhanced my success rate vs it's
predecessor.

It's my favourite ride for 20-25knt winds, and I highly recommend it for
those who like to go fast in straightish lines across flat or choppy seas
to 2m.