Fanatic FreeWave 2006 Board Test Review, All you need is wind
FreeWave 78: The new toy in the range is the 78, perfect to go wavesailing or just blast down the speedstrip, no limits on wind or waves!
FreeWave 88: For the 88, the very succesful features from the previous FreeWave are combined with the new CAD FreeWave rocker and power V, to maximize performance in both wave and flat water – the ultimate allrounder!
FreeWave 98: The 98 is also a clean progression from the previous design, focusing even more on early planing/flat water performance, without losing any of its manoeuvre/freestyle capabilities. Loves to play in moderate wave conditions too!
Shorter, wider, faster and easier! Those are the main features of the new FreeWaves: - CAD designed and CAM machined - Shorter and wider outlines for more low-end performance and better high-end control - Thinner deck volume equals more comfort and control, with increased manoeuvrability - World Cup approved rocker line re-tuned for super early planing/acceleration and control
Fanatic shaper Sebastian Wenzel explains: “A new rocker line has been CAD designed to combine the earliest planing and speed with ease of sailing and manoeuvrability. This rocker features a short flat section for early planing and speed, combined with some tail kick and a higher entry for turning and waveriding. The performance of this rocker is just unbelievable in every aspect. The clean power V bottom is kept simple but perfectly balanced with the rocker line, providing control and manoeuvrability as well as a lot of freestyle potential.”
Dimensions
FreeWave
78
88
98
Length cm
237
239
241
Width cm
56
59
62
Volume ltr
78
88
98
Weight kg (+/-6%)
5.8
5.9
6.2
Fin cm
23
25
27
Sail range m²
3.7-6.0
4.2-6.5
4.5-6.7
Finbox system
US Box
US Box
US Box
Technology
Carbon Kevlar Double Sandwich/Light Finish
TEST RESULTS
Fanatic Free Wave 98 Planchemag 280/2005 (France): "…Nervous at the first contact, feels like a fat waveboard... Fast planing, nervous in low end, delivers a great slide feeling. Stiff under feet, it compensates by a very pleasant & soft "water touch", like on a air cushion (we all have this feeling!!!). Fast on flat water, Fanatic Free Wave really makes the difference in waves and offers the best carving of this test! Very stable in bottom turns and great acceleration in slack waves : great qualities for an excellent onshore waveboard, also sideshore for heavy guys." The +: Carving, lightness under feet, reactivity, surf, speed…”
Fanatic Free Wave 78 Windsurfers 04/2005 (Germany): "…No matter which sail size you use – this board always reacts super fast and active. Like that it also offers enough power in more difficult conditions and chop. Manoeuvers work without delay fast and easy on any impuls… …A very early planing and direct Wave/Freestyleboard. A fast allroundboard for leight sailors as well as a nice small funboard for heavier sailors will have fun in sideshore conditions with!...”
Fanatic Free Wave 78 TEST FAVOURITE!!! Windsurf 09/2005 (UK): "…Happy at any capacity, the FreeWave is a stunning versatile high wind platform, handling any sea state and enabling the rider to make the most of any conditions.It comes very highly recommendet by us!...”
Fanatic Free Wave 98 Windsurf 11-12/2005 (UK): "…Combining ease and practicality with masses of accessible performance, the FreeWave 98 is a fun and exciting board to use, particularly in a marginal wave environment, where its carving potential can be fully appreciated!...”
Fanatic Free Wave 78 TEST FAVOURITE!!! surf 1-2/2006 (Germany): “…Sportive direct and aggressive on the rail like a radical Waveboard, this board is just perfect for all Wavesailors and most spots. Testers Favourite and for sure first choice for Freestyle-Wavesailors at German North- and Eastsea…”
Fanatic Free Wave 88 NEW - TEST FAVOURITE!! Boards 1-2/2006 (UK): "…A classic fast tail allrounder; the perfect partner to a wave board for maximum fun and excitement in 5.36.0m weather. Slightly less wave oriented but more agile and faster than most similar boards - it¹s a great bump-&-jump board with a very classy, “buy me” feel. Guesters¹ Response: Very highly appreciated by all the more advanced guesters….”
Fanatic Free Wave 88 NEW Windsurfing 1-2/2006 (USA): "…Light, lively and fast – a jumping favourite. Expert testers were split as to whether it was best for bump and jump, waves or freestyle – a great sign for sailors who like options. Excellent upwind performance and in spite of its impressive speed, most testers liked its carving prowess for waves….”
