Sport Today

I am looking for a new light wind board. I am ~195#, and sort of
intermediate level, can plane well in straps & harness with good wind. I
typically use sail ranges from 6.5 - 8.5 depending on wind.

I have a Bic Techno-283, which I love for wind 12+ mph, but where I live
(inland, Iowa), winds are often light (8-12), and it is just a slogger. (I
am still learning on it; still need some basics like gibe and waterstart!)

I also have a long board (Mistral Equipe), but it is very heavy to move, and
doesn't plane well.

I tried a Go Start (~95+ cm), and didn't like it so much. On the other hand
I tried a friend's Starboard 2001 F-155, and loved it. I almost bought a
2001 F155, but it was sold already.

So, options/suggestions??!

I am looking at a Bic Techno-II 160 board, but it is very $$, and I am not
sure how different it is from my current Bic; it is comparable volume(
150 -> 160), wider (69 -> 80 c.m.), and shorter (283 -> 250), but have
comparable areas (T160 = 8% larger area). I think it would plane and sail
easier in light winds, the main goal.

I am also hoping that a wider board would be a good step up for my wife, who
sails the Equipe , to learn planing and oter areas.

So Questions;

1) How does older (200, 2001) F155s compare to newer boards.

2) Any other recommendations for good used boards?

3) How would hte new Bic Techno-II 160 compare, a good choice?

4) How different is this from my current Techno-283.

Thanks,

Gregory

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to answer your questions
1) The F155's were one of the first forays into lightair Formula style
boards and I'm going out on a limb here and saying that at this point
any used F155 is going to be soft (kills light air planning)
Newr board will obviously be stiffer (beacuse they are unused) but
shorter & wider is a GREAT thing because not only will they be earlier
planning but they will be easier to sail (a nice thing for your wife)
Shorter adds range and handling to the equation (something you don't
have with the Equip)
2) Used board I have only one in that size range a GO 170 in Excellent
condition (used to be Ellen Faller's a frequent although not recently
poster) $759 A condition comes with fin & straps and a full factory
warranty. As far as other used Formula type boards be careful of older
ultra light construction age even 2 yrs will show in its performance.
3) The Techno II is a completely different (and IMHO not as good) as
the original 283 Techno which will go down in the histroy of board
design as one of the CLASSICS...less the nose breaking issue. The T2
has more rocker (bend across the bottom) for better turning but
decreased early planing they beefed up the T2 nose in thk & width for
durability.

OTHER/Better options

1) Starboard F-type 158 & 148 Wood is by far the best performance but
Dram is better than most other epoxy sand if you must.
2) The GO I offered or a new one I don't think (but do not know for
sure since you said you tried a GOstart those are 2 different models)
you tried these most everyone LOVES them.
3) If you think a centerboard would help (early planing/increased
stability) on a wide board The Starboard RIO might be the best plus is
is priced VERY competitively!
4) As far as other boards The Fanatic Shark 160 & the Mistral Explosion
160 are goood as well but these would be more for you your wife might
find them to challenging.

Lastly, I'm sorry but I'm not allowed to quote prices on new board on
newsgroups like this but if you contact me directly I'm sure you'll see
our prices will be the lowest and service after (and inthis case
before) the sale superior.

Let me know what you think

JimK
www.extremewindsurfing.com

Greg,  I own a f155 and love it. However,  I weigh 185 lbs  and
sometimes wish that I had a bit larger of a board.  I find in the light
stuff that the board does plane well, but in swiss cheese wind (isn't
all wind at  that speed)  I'm wishing for a bit more umph.  My minimum
planing threshold with a 10.5 sail was really 10 - 11 mph in perfecly
flat water.  I do not have a large fin however, and certainly that
would help.  I have a 55cm with the 10.5 sail, the fin is undersized
(imo)  but,  with a tuttle box,  I've not seen too many places that are
selling a 65+ cm fin that fits a tuttle box,  most are exclusivly deep
tuttle at that lenght.    If I were looking to buy a board now for
light wind,  I'd go with something with a little more width / size,
(the 155 is really only 135+ litres displacement as you prob know) and
something with a deep tuttle box so I could find larger fins for it.

having said that,  if you tried it and loved it,  thats what important.
 If you can find a good deal on one,  buy it.  You surf for fun right?
or for the gear?

Dave

Thanks for the input and information!

The two deals I found for it fell through, and I've heard that older boards
(2000-01) of this Formula type are softer than new boards. I'd still get one
if I found a good deal, but lacking that I am now looking for a perhaps
newer board, a Stargoard GO 155 (0r 139), or a Carve 163 (or perhaps 144) -
I am hoping for something like a 2003-2004 model.

Anyone know of something like this on the Market?

A Mistral Explosion 161 also looks similar, but I know less about it.

Best,
Gregory

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Gregory,
those large freeriders will not get you much if anyting above your
F155's performance. You're right to be wary of soft spots and general
fatigue on older production Formula boards. Instead, look for Roberts
and Mike's Lab boards - anything from 2003 or so onward will blow away
your F155 both in terms of performance and ease of use (there has been
a lot of refinement on how those wide outlines work with different
rocker lines in the past 3 years or so - you wouldn't believe the
impact that makes on ridability). The reason those boards will hold up
better is based on how they're built. Rob and Mike are master
craftsmen, handmaking boards, and using very good materials (lots of
carbon - as opposed to the anemic amounts you'll find in the production
boards). Check the iwindsurf classifieds, as well as the CalCup and
GorgeCup sites.

/Andreas

Gregory,
     I have 2 F155's, never raced, sailed by 120 lb woman
recreationally for a couple of years.  Lost interest in light wind
sailing, they have been stored for 2 years.  Not soft, no water inside,
excellent condition, pads are faded from sun.  Email me if interested.
Oh, also have big carbon boom, 100% 490 mast, etc.

                             Cindy

Hi Cindy,

I need a very big carbon boom.  I bought Ellen's 9.5 retro and I need
something with a midpoint about 254 cms

Will I be seeing you in the Gorge this year?  I suppose you've heard about
the Doug's Beach parking issues caused
by the Railroad, yes?

-Craig

Hiya Craig,
     The plan is I will be in the Gorge most of the summer, Lisa back
and forth.  YEA!!!  I need more practice out there then she does
anyway.  We subscribe to NW Windtalk, so have been folowing, and are
going to donate for Doug's, Lisa also volunteered laywer services,
although don't know if a FL lawyer can help in WA.
     The boom, yes, it's big, I will take a good look and email you a
photo if you like.

      Cindy