FEEDBACK: CRUZADER POINT 5’6 XL

News
Wing

13 february 2024 0

Transitioning to the Cruzader Point XL for François, GONG ambassador, seeking a board that excels in wave riding and takes off in a flash.

Wing foiler: Malo, GONG team rider, on the Cruzader Point XL with a Droid UPE Aramid.

From the Lethal to the Cruzader Point

“I started with a flat-water session on Curve XL-H with 3.5m2 in 12/17 knots and then a session in 20/23 knots with 3.5m2 and 900 Curve H and “waves” (waves ranging from 50cm to shoulder high).

Honestly… I’m just as enthusiastic as usual but there’s something different this time… I’ve been a Lethal surfer since the beginning, and now I’m switching to 5’6 instead of 4’10… On paper, one might think… yeah… OK… but why would you take a larger board to replace your Lethal… (which I love…).”

A shape insensitive to touchdowns

“I wanted a board with less width at the tail so it would not catch in tight reaches and turns. The 21 inches wide instead of 23 is a game changer. The hull… is a game changer. In short, it takes off super quickly, and paired with my 1300 Curve XL-H, 3.5m2 and 12/17 knots max, I flew with ease while my heartrate never spiked at takeoff. It glides. You touch the water… painless. Tight reaches are demonic…”

The Cruzader in the waves

“We’re talking about waves? WTF!!!!! 😱😱😍🔥🔥 Hyper lively, 0 inertia, ultra precise, no touchdowns… Exactly what I was looking for….💕✔️✔️✔️🙏”

Takeoff and stability

“The takeoff is undeniable… but special balance is needed, indeed, the board tends to dive forward. However, my straps or foil may have been too far forward, to be confirmed. That was the only downside at takeoff… but I gained a disconcerting ease at takeoff compared to my 2023 Lethal 4’10.

Overall, it’s a toy to have for those who don’t prioritize jumps, but fierce turns and early takeoffs.

On another note, the 87 liters feel like 80. The less buoyant tail is (in my opinion) the cause. I don’t regret this volume choice, but I expected it to be more buoyant… However, stability is at least as easy as on my 2023 Lethal 4’10. The length at 5’6 seems to help a lot as I had no issues for the transition from knees to standing.

At 5.500kg, it’s fantastic… (soon to be) a best seller, I’m sure of it.”

Conclusion

“In short, in light wind and waves it’s fantastic! And in this size, I think it could be great in surf foiling too. I carved like never before!! People might say, you can do that with any board… but this time, the 21 inches wide is the key (creating a noticeable difference in performance) and (it feels like) I have nothing in front of my front foot.

The only negative point, in my case, is the balance of the board and foil when carrying it. It’s not comfortable for long distances because of the feeling of imbalance… but it still works.

Ultimately, my turning radius was shortened, and never…. did my rail touch the water!🔥🔥😍 A best seller I tell you… I’m sure of it… really. ✔️🔥🙏🙏”