2011 Flexifoil Hadlow Board Review (138x40)
First Impressions
The 2011 Hadlow board is currently only available in a single size (138x40), which will be spot on for anyone around 6 foot tall and 80Kg. It's a little narrower than most boards of this length at 40cm, and has a surprisingly large amount of rocker (45mm). It comes with some very nicely finished low profile fins, yet comes without any straps or pads allowing the rider to choose what they are most comfortable with. The board has a significant amount of flex, and when laid out on a table, its interesting to see that the fins don't touch at all, unlike on most boards.
The board has a regular upper deck shape with 4mm square rails all round and a raised reinforced centre section, together with a large single concave on the underside which tapers out toward the tips. The whole package has a look of quality to it, with good quality printing on top and bottom sheets and significant attention to detail. The Hadlow has 2 positions for pads and straps, which are spaced no wider than on most boards of this size, but does come without any mountings for a handle, should anyone out there be bothered by that!
On The Water
I have to admit my biggest reservation about this board was the rocker, I've never got on with slow boards or ones which accelerate slowly or feel like they're dragging a big bunch of seaweed beneath! Thankfully I was very pleasantly surprised with the Hadlow, it accelerates very quickly and attains a very impressive top speed especially considering its considerable rocker line. Despite having small fins it tracks extremely well in a straight line and is also incredibly easy to switch from heel to toe-side once the board has been flattened - it really does have the best of both worlds in this regard.
The ride is very comfortable in all conditions thanks to the combination of flex and rocker and there's also little spray to report. Its also a very easy board to ride, and will cause no issues to any riders of level intermediate or above. Due to the low profile fins and high rocker which clears them from the water further it can be ridden in incredibly shallow water without snagging, which is great for maximising your upwind tacks.
The Hadlow is a great board to pop off the water or to boost with, the tail can be loaded up giving you a lot of spring off the water, helping you to go that extra bit higher. For unhooked pop, you need to modify your technique slightly if you're used to a traditional stiff wide-tipped board, but its capable of really flying hard off the water (as you'd expect of a board such as this). Backrolls and pop off kickers are also made very easy due to the large scoop of the board. Landings are comfortable and grippy, with the flex helping to soften the landing considerably.
Summary
The Hadlow is certainly an intreguing board which rather than focussing on on aspect of performance to the detriment of all others, brings performance across the whole spectrum. It's easy to ride with great directional stability, yet is simple to switch from heelside to toe; it has a large rocker which gives comfort in chop and waves yet retains excellent speed and acceleration and offers great pop and comfort and control in landings. The only significant downside is the fact that it currently only comes in one size, but if thats not a problem for you then rock on, this board's a beauty!
For more information, check out Flexifoils site or view on S2AS Kitesurfing Shop
The 2011 Hadlow board is currently only available in a single size (138x40), which will be spot on for anyone around 6 foot tall and 80Kg. It's a little narrower than most boards of this length at 40cm, and has a surprisingly large amount of rocker (45mm). It comes with some very nicely finished low profile fins, yet comes without any straps or pads allowing the rider to choose what they are most comfortable with. The board has a significant amount of flex, and when laid out on a table, its interesting to see that the fins don't touch at all, unlike on most boards.
The board has a regular upper deck shape with 4mm square rails all round and a raised reinforced centre section, together with a large single concave on the underside which tapers out toward the tips. The whole package has a look of quality to it, with good quality printing on top and bottom sheets and significant attention to detail. The Hadlow has 2 positions for pads and straps, which are spaced no wider than on most boards of this size, but does come without any mountings for a handle, should anyone out there be bothered by that!
On The Water
I have to admit my biggest reservation about this board was the rocker, I've never got on with slow boards or ones which accelerate slowly or feel like they're dragging a big bunch of seaweed beneath! Thankfully I was very pleasantly surprised with the Hadlow, it accelerates very quickly and attains a very impressive top speed especially considering its considerable rocker line. Despite having small fins it tracks extremely well in a straight line and is also incredibly easy to switch from heel to toe-side once the board has been flattened - it really does have the best of both worlds in this regard.
The ride is very comfortable in all conditions thanks to the combination of flex and rocker and there's also little spray to report. Its also a very easy board to ride, and will cause no issues to any riders of level intermediate or above. Due to the low profile fins and high rocker which clears them from the water further it can be ridden in incredibly shallow water without snagging, which is great for maximising your upwind tacks.
The Hadlow is a great board to pop off the water or to boost with, the tail can be loaded up giving you a lot of spring off the water, helping you to go that extra bit higher. For unhooked pop, you need to modify your technique slightly if you're used to a traditional stiff wide-tipped board, but its capable of really flying hard off the water (as you'd expect of a board such as this). Backrolls and pop off kickers are also made very easy due to the large scoop of the board. Landings are comfortable and grippy, with the flex helping to soften the landing considerably.
Summary
The Hadlow is certainly an intreguing board which rather than focussing on on aspect of performance to the detriment of all others, brings performance across the whole spectrum. It's easy to ride with great directional stability, yet is simple to switch from heelside to toe; it has a large rocker which gives comfort in chop and waves yet retains excellent speed and acceleration and offers great pop and comfort and control in landings. The only significant downside is the fact that it currently only comes in one size, but if thats not a problem for you then rock on, this board's a beauty!
For more information, check out Flexifoils site or view on S2AS Kitesurfing Shop
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Dimensions
Weight Rocker Centre Width Tip Width Rail Depth (centre) Rail Depth (tips) Concave Depth Tip Flex Overall Flex Fin Size Stance Upwind Pop Bottom End Manoeuvrability Landings Directionality |
138x40cm
Light Medium-High (45mm) 40cm 30cm 4mm 4mm 5mm Medium Medium 35mm 62 & 65cm approx. Very Good Excellent Very Good Very Good Very Good Skatey, but also very stable in a straight line |
