Exocet 117 or JP FreeStyle 109 II?

Exocet 117 or JP FreeStyle 109 II?

Post by Richar » Tue, 28 Mar 2006 06:46:25


I am considering replacing my Carve 123 with either an Exocet Cross 117 or
JP FreeStyle 109 II.  I sail Cabrillo about 25 days a year on a 6.6 Infinity
and prefer to use my RealWind 271 (103L).  However, about half the time it
is a lot of work to get the board planning and keep up wind.  I have
switched to the Carve 123 to improve planning but the loss of looseness
significantly reduces the fun.

So will the Exocet or the JP be better for what I am looking for: early
planning and looseness?  I have never sailed an Exocet but have sailed the
JP FreeStyle Wave in the 98 and 84L sizes and really liked them.  In fact
they both felt like they were bigger boards than the volume would indicate.

--
Richard
Huntington Beach, CA

 
 
 

Exocet 117 or JP FreeStyle 109 II?

Post by ratho.. » Tue, 28 Mar 2006 07:51:14

I've ridden both of the smaller versions, JP Freestyle 100 and Exocet
Cross 102, and they are both great boards, although they have different
rides.  The JP is mine (I work for them) and the Exocet belongs to my
friend (who I sail w/ 3+ times a week).  We swtich boards/gear quite
often and these were our mutual findings... YMMV

JP:  planes earlier, more lively, faster, higher water position,
handles being underpowered better than the Cross

Exocet:  smoother through chop w/ a wavier feel, lower water position,
handles being overpowered better than the JP

as I said, both are very nice boards.  Windsurfing Magazine tested the
Freeestyle 109, and there is some bonus coverage here:

http://www.windsurfingmag.com/article.jsp?ID=41378

I myself absolutely love my JP FS 100.  It really does make sailing so
much fun for lighter conditions up here in SF, and I've used it in flat
water, bump & jump, freestyle, and in small waves SF Ocean Beach and
Cabrillo.  Great board for me for down there (I grew up 5 miles from
Cabrillo, and I sail there whenever I go back to LA).

http://www.windsurfingmag.com/article.jsp?ID=41378

kev

 
 
 

Exocet 117 or JP FreeStyle 109 II?

Post by clydepe.. » Tue, 28 Mar 2006 13:34:52

Start here:
http://www.windsurfingmag.com/article.jsp?ID=41418

Windsurfing Mag also reviewed the Cross 117.

 
 
 

Exocet 117 or JP FreeStyle 109 II?

Post by m--newsgu » Wed, 29 Mar 2006 03:13:23

I sail the JP 109 as my most-used board.   It's a phenomenal early
planer and very friendly jiber.   My only criticisms are:

1.  The nose does not cut through steep chop at all.
2.  The nose does not take a mast blow well...because the mast is
stopped completely by the nose (as opposed to glancing off of a "V" the
impact is much stronger.  I broke the nose of mine twice.

 I weigh 165, and sail the board with a 7.0 and 6.2 (and if I want a
cheater board for planing tricks, it's fun with a 5.5 too.)

 
 
 

Exocet 117 or JP FreeStyle 109 II?

Post by LeeD » Wed, 29 Mar 2006 03:48:56

  Just my opinion, since I"m always the sceptic.....
  Shouldn't the Cross be compared to the X-cite Ride?
  Or at least the biggest of the FSW's?
  But I do agree a 109 FS will plane up at least as early as the 117
Cross, if not MUCH earlier......
 
 
 

Exocet 117 or JP FreeStyle 109 II?

Post by Nord Ro » Wed, 29 Mar 2006 09:40:24

yes, that was my recommandation.

the freestyle is not as comfortable as the FSW on freeriding....and the FSW
is better in chop and waves also.  The Super-X is also more fun to ride on
freeriding...the freestyle is more slidy...and not really lively..it just
slide and not really catch rails...so less directionnal ride I guess.

Can't compare the exocet I never tried it, but that was a good remarks!
nord_roi



Quote:
>  Just my opinion, since I"m always the sceptic.....
>  Shouldn't the Cross be compared to the X-cite Ride?
>  Or at least the biggest of the FSW's?
>  But I do agree a 109 FS will plane up at least as early as the 117
> Cross, if not MUCH earlier......

 
 
 

Exocet 117 or JP FreeStyle 109 II?

Post by ratho.. » Wed, 29 Mar 2006 10:30:22

The interesting thing is that the JP Freestyle 109 II was tested
against other "freeride" boards in the windsurfing magazine test, and
though not techinically a "freeride" board, the testers really liked
it.

http://www.windsurfingmag.com/article.jsp?ID=41378

The one part of the board that wouldn't really be suited for blasting
would be the strap position.  If you like your straps really far out on
the rail, this board isn't really set up for that.  Then, a board like
the X-Cite Ride 120 or Super-X 116 would be more suitable

kev

Quote:

> yes, that was my recommandation.

> the freestyle is not as comfortable as the FSW on freeriding....and the FSW
> is better in chop and waves also.  The Super-X is also more fun to ride on
> freeriding...the freestyle is more slidy...and not really lively..it just
> slide and not really catch rails...so less directionnal ride I guess.

> Can't compare the exocet I never tried it, but that was a good remarks!
> nord_roi

 
 
 

Exocet 117 or JP FreeStyle 109 II?

Post by Tom » Wed, 29 Mar 2006 11:39:11

I've been looking at that JP Freestyle 109 as well. I've been trying to
do a one board quiver with an AHD G-Ride 59, which is a great board,
but it's a little too small and slow to plane at 95 liters for Cape
Cod. Right now, I'm trying to decide between going for something like
that JP and resigning I need two boards, or just replacing the AHD with
a Mistral Syncro 103. I weigh 157 lbs, and my sails go from 4.7 to 6.5.
Any opinions about the Syncro vs. JP? Those JPs are pretty expensive, I
gotta say. Does the upgrade to the Pro instead of the wood sandwich
make a huge diff?
Quote:

> The interesting thing is that the JP Freestyle 109 II was tested
> against other "freeride" boards in the windsurfing magazine test, and
> though not techinically a "freeride" board, the testers really liked
> it.

> http://www.windsurfingmag.com/article.jsp?ID=41378

> The one part of the board that wouldn't really be suited for blasting
> would be the strap position.  If you like your straps really far out on
> the rail, this board isn't really set up for that.  Then, a board like
> the X-Cite Ride 120 or Super-X 116 would be more suitable

> kev


> > yes, that was my recommandation.

> > the freestyle is not as comfortable as the FSW on freeriding....and the FSW
> > is better in chop and waves also.  The Super-X is also more fun to ride on
> > freeriding...the freestyle is more slidy...and not really lively..it just
> > slide and not really catch rails...so less directionnal ride I guess.

> > Can't compare the exocet I never tried it, but that was a good remarks!
> > nord_roi

 
 
 

Exocet 117 or JP FreeStyle 109 II?

Post by mewinds.. » Wed, 29 Mar 2006 12:07:57

This is what I've been trying to explain to people at the beach.  Just
because you can't do spocks and loops doen't mean you won't like a
freestyle board.   I'm gald windsurfing mag put this board in the group
because most freestyle boards on the market would do just as well in
the test.  Now maybe people will stop being scared off by "freestyle"
gear.

If you're looking for a little more looseness and still early planing,
I have an 06 Joker and noticed it was much looser than the 109 JP, but
also was a tad slower to plane.  I'm still the first one on the water
to plane with a board under 130 ltrs though.

Mike

Quote:

> The interesting thing is that the JP Freestyle 109 II was tested
> against other "freeride" boards in the windsurfing magazine test, and
> though not techinically a "freeride" board, the testers really liked
> it.

> http://www.windsurfingmag.com/article.jsp?ID=41378

 
 
 

Exocet 117 or JP FreeStyle 109 II?

Post by ratho.. » Wed, 29 Mar 2006 16:56:44

Hey Tom,

I had an AHD G-Ride 57 (85l), and that board was very slow to plane.  I
think you would notice a huge difference if you tried a JP Freestyle
100 or 109.  For your size sails, you may be able to get away w/ a 100.
 If you spend most of your time on a 6.5, then the 109 would be a
better choice.  But if use 5.7 a lot and want to cover 6.5 and 4.7, the
100 works great.

The JP is more expensive than the Syncro b/c of the construction.  If
you compare the price of the JP to say a Mistral Joker or Mistral wave
board, then you would find that the prices are comparable.

The full wood sandwich versions of the JP freestyle boards are great.
They are light and stiff, and they hold up well.  Going w/ a pro
edition is a step up, and there is a noticable difference in weight and
stiffness which relates to an awesome sailing sensation... but's it's
pure gravy... really reduces the swing weight for maneuvers and aerials
like forwards, spocks, etc.  If you're prone to knocking the nose of
your board, I would definitely go w/ a Full Wood Sandwich model, as it
is more ding resistant, or you could get a Pro and add a nose
protector.

FYI, I'm about 160 lbs (although I'm about 175 right now :-( and use
the FS 100 w/ 5.7, 5.2, and sometimes 4.7.  I've had the 2004 FS 101
Pro and the 2006 100 Pro, and these are among my favorite boards of all
time... and this is coming from a guy who didn't like big boards (my
big board before was a Naish Wave Quest 248 x 78l).  Now, I love going
out in 16 MPH w/ my freestyle board and an Expression 5.2 or 5.7.

BTW, the Mistral Syncro's are really good boards too, but they have a
much different feel.  From the ones I've ridden, they have a really
smooth ride and handle well overpowered, but they're not that turny in
the 103 size and they aren't very lively and free which is not as fun
when you're lightly powered.  

kev

 
 
 

Exocet 117 or JP FreeStyle 109 II?

Post by Will » Thu, 30 Mar 2006 00:19:49

Richard,

A key difference in many of the boards you'll see at this volume/category is
the Exocet Cross's rear center-strap option - a key item if you want to ride
waves DTL and stay in the straps....  Also, why would you drop down to 109L
from 123L?  Did you loose weight?  If you're thinking lighter-air sailing,
you're gonna want all the float you can get in a package that will work in
the desired conditions no?   I did drop from the Carve 131 to the Cross 117
so I suppose it can be done - but the Carve 131 didn't float me and my gear
either - so I was in the same boat with either board and the Cross planes up
easily the same as the Carve 131 did for me.

The total amount of volume of the Cross, the DDSA (shock absorbers), the
chamfered (sp?) rails, and Wardog's fin, all add up to changing the board to
the ultimate light-air wave/B&J board for me at 250lbs (ok, I use it in med.
air - 6.8/6.2 and 5.7 sails).

If you are looking for max speed in B&J conditions and are willing to have
to come out of the rear strap to do an off the lip, then perhaps the JP
would better suit you....I don't know...

The Cross can be sailed like a wave board, railed into the wind so as to use
smaller, more wave-oriented fins - and will go rail to rail unlike the Carve
you have right now - much, much tighter turning capability.  I also find
that no matter how overpowered, you can crank the Cross very tightly
in-between swells when you need to at high speed.  Of course, it will also
sail fast, flat to the water and even leeward railed in flatter water...
Never have I pearled the Cross - so that's a non-issue.

I sail the Cross at the highest speeds I can - not quite scary-fast but fast
enough to have my undivided attention - and it can handle all the speed -
which as you know is key to getting the biggest jumps possible :))

Talk to Wardog - we're just up the road from you so come on up on some
weekend and give the Cross a test drive...either Wardog or myself should be
around to help you out...have you seen the latest pic's Wardog posted at:

http://surfingsports.com/santa_barbara_windsurf/slides/sb_randy3.jpg
http://surfingsports.com/santa_barbara_windsurf/slides/sb_willv.jpg
http://surfingsports.com/santa_barbara_windsurf/slides/sb_willv11.jpg

Can you say fun? :))  This board has increased the "fun-factor" tenfold over
the Carve - not much more you can say - it's awesome!  With your 6.6 you
will be planing, with little effort - able to hand-out in the harness for
that puff of wind and just let it go off the wind - then cruise upwind, thru
the chop with no problems and with the shock absorbers, no bad jarring on
the joints...sweet-ride for sure.

"Be sure to budget for one of my [Wardog's] fins...it expands the range of
the
cross, especially in the waves..."

http://surfingsports.com/santa_barbara_windsurf/slides/freeweeds1.jpg
http://surfingsports.com/santa_barbara_windsurf/slides/freeweeds2.jpg

http://surfingsports.com/santa_barbara_windsurf/index.html

Bottom line I think:  Exocet nailed a timeless shape - the most compact,
fun, versatile, all-around board being made today - as evidenced by the
variety of conditions we sail around here:  serious waves, B&J, on-shore
wavesailing, open-ocean swell riding and lake sailing (although I'd prefer a
dedicated slalom board for lake sailing) - the Select fin that comes with
the board is a great flatter-water fin - very fast and reliable.  You may
find yourself not sailing other board much - it's that good.

Good luck with your search...and hope to see you up this way this
Spring/Summer.

L8t,

WillV.


Quote:
>I am considering replacing my Carve 123 with either an Exocet Cross 117 or
> JP FreeStyle 109 II.  I sail Cabrillo about 25 days a year on a 6.6
> Infinity
> and prefer to use my RealWind 271 (103L).  However, about half the time it
> is a lot of work to get the board planning and keep up wind.  I have
> switched to the Carve 123 to improve planning but the loss of looseness
> significantly reduces the fun.

> So will the Exocet or the JP be better for what I am looking for: early
> planning and looseness?  I have never sailed an Exocet but have sailed the
> JP FreeStyle Wave in the 98 and 84L sizes and really liked them.  In fact
> they both felt like they were bigger boards than the volume would
> indicate.

> --
> Richard
> Huntington Beach, CA

 
 
 

Exocet 117 or JP FreeStyle 109 II?

Post by Nord Ro » Thu, 30 Mar 2006 01:33:55

Yes it is a sweet board, but surely the freestyle wave got a lot of speed, a
lot of foostrap insert and also good in waves....very hard to beet, it is a
favorite of all time for me anyways.  Freestyle board tend to be really fast
also, flat rocker, but the FSW has a flat section from tail to mid of the
board...usually not really good in handling and wave..but with the outline
and other magical trick...the board is quite good everywhere...well for a
one board do it all, can't beat the FSW...in my point of view
anyways...nothing wrong to take the freestyle...but be sure you already
tried both(both are very good anyways).

nord_roi



Quote:
> The interesting thing is that the JP Freestyle 109 II was tested
> against other "freeride" boards in the windsurfing magazine test, and
> though not techinically a "freeride" board, the testers really liked
> it.

> http://www.windsurfingmag.com/article.jsp?ID=41378

> The one part of the board that wouldn't really be suited for blasting
> would be the strap position.  If you like your straps really far out on
> the rail, this board isn't really set up for that.  Then, a board like
> the X-Cite Ride 120 or Super-X 116 would be more suitable

> kev


>> yes, that was my recommandation.

>> the freestyle is not as comfortable as the FSW on freeriding....and the
>> FSW
>> is better in chop and waves also.  The Super-X is also more fun to ride
>> on
>> freeriding...the freestyle is more slidy...and not really lively..it just
>> slide and not really catch rails...so less directionnal ride I guess.

>> Can't compare the exocet I never tried it, but that was a good remarks!
>> nord_roi

 
 
 

Exocet 117 or JP FreeStyle 109 II?

Post by m--newsgu » Thu, 30 Mar 2006 03:55:22

The JP 109 does not sail like a pure freestyle board...it does not
slide around, it is not squirrely or overly loose.    I bought mine
(and am quite satisfied) because I was correctly told that it would
plane exceptionally early, jibe turns at any radius I'd like, jump
well, and be a lot of fun.    The Windsurfing Magazine review was spot
on.   Also, I saw a British review that said "if you took the word
"freestyle" off the board and presented it as a general freeride,
nobody who sailed it would have a complaint.

It's a great board.   Imagine early planing on a 7'11" platform...light
wind becomes exciting!

 
 
 

Exocet 117 or JP FreeStyle 109 II?

Post by (PeteCresswell » Thu, 30 Mar 2006 04:47:11

Per m--newsguy:

Quote:
>The JP 109 does not sail like a pure freestyle board...it does not
>slide around, it is not squirrely or overly loose.    I bought mine
>(and am quite satisfied) because I was correctly told that it would
>plane exceptionally early, jibe turns at any radius I'd like, jump
>well, and be a lot of fun.    The Windsurfing Magazine review was spot
>on.   Also, I saw a British review that said "if you took the word
>"freestyle" off the board and presented it as a general freeride,
>nobody who sailed it would have a complaint.

>It's a great board.   Imagine early planing on a 7'11" platform...light
>wind becomes exciting!

Could somebody venture a comparison between the JP and StarBoard's *** 110?

I bought the Starboard last year as a demo.    Size is about right for what I
have in mind, but I'm starting to suspect the shape isn't what I really want.
Way slide-y... which I can live with... but it just doesn't feel right in the
straps - kind of out of balance like something isn't where it's supposed to be.

The shop owner had some reservations about it being the right board too and
sounded like he might be amenable to some kind of swap/trade-in on a different
board.

What I'm looking for basically is a slightly-too-large 4.7 board for somebody
who weighs 220#.    It hardly ever blows 4.7 where I sail, so I want something
that's doable but not optimal for those conditions - figuring that I'd more than
make up for the "4.7/not optimal" part by being able to sail it up to, say, 6.6.
Carve 111 was my kneejerk, but the *** was available....
--
PeteCresswell

 
 
 

Exocet 117 or JP FreeStyle 109 II?

Post by m--newsgu » Thu, 30 Mar 2006 05:59:32

Pete,

     The *** is what I consider a pure freestyle ride.   If you
read Nord Roi's description of what he thinks the JP freestyle rides
like, that is what the *** sailed like, for me, anyway.   No fun if
the desire to blast on a beam reach takes you. (Nord, you're wrong
about the JP 109...I suspect you haven't sailed one.   Though I agree
with you about the characteristics of the FSW...I own the 91 and love
it but it needs a lot more wind than a JP Freestyle of comparable
volume.)