JP Australia Radical Wave 2006 Review and board test

SURF, Germany
March 2006, p 30

JP Radical Wave 74
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 jibe.

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, France
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.

Boards Magazine

October 2005, issue 216, p 48

JP Radical Wave 74
Recommended all-round waveboard for control in stronger winds & decent cross-shore conditions

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. 

Alex Mussolini riding high on the JP Radical Wave 2006

Specifications:

More info : www.jp-australia.com