FEEDBACK: HIPE DIAMOND

Review after several sessions from Yohann about the new HIPE Diamond, which, along with the HIPE Cruzader, Lethal, and Stunt, now makes up our Pro range of inflatable wingboards.

Wing Foiler: Malo, GONG team rider, on the HIPE Diamond, Plus wing, HM85 mast, Ypra Surf-Freestyle, and Freestyle stabilizer.

The HIPE Diamond 5’10

"With the HIPE Diamond, we're not in the same league as the Cruzader Diamond; it's much more stable. Beginners should definitely try it out, but I expect that for someone who has already managed a few take-offs, it will work very well with +15/20L. However, it's less sharp than a Cruzader Diamond—the wider nose is more noticeable, and the width and nose make it less effective in light wind. So far, I've only used it in waves that aren't very hollow, but I expect the nose to be more prominent in steeper waves.
When compared to the HIPE Perf 5'5", it feels like an improvement in every aspect—perhaps just slightly less stable laterally, but significantly more stable longitudinally.
Compared to the HIPE Pro 5'3", it's much easier to handle. It doesn’t feel more cumbersome in the surf and requires less energy to take off."

A Surf Foil Session with the HIPE Diamond

"I used it for surf foiling on a deep-water wave spot that I’ve tried over the years with the HIPE Perf 5'5", then the HIPE Pro 5'3", and last year with the HIPE Cruzader 7'6". It's by far the best suited for the task; it's ultimately the easiest of the four to catch these waves (the HIPE Perf and Pro struggled to catch them, and the bulk of the HIPE Cruzader made take-offs very difficult)."

Low Wind Range

"Definitely not a replacement for a Cruzader Diamond of the same size, but a great compromise for someone going on a trip who isn’t aiming to ride in wind below 12 knots, taking it around +0. I’m really eager to hear feedback from beginners with +15-20L; I wonder if it might even outperform the HIPE Perf for them.

In choppy water with winds under 12 knots and a Curve XL-H wing, I can’t take off, whereas with the Cruzader Diamond, it’s possible (though each time I wonder how I managed). The difference in minimum wind between the two is small, but it exists. Waiting for the wind is much more comfortable on the HIPE Diamond. On my choppy water spot, as I gained confidence, I even managed to turn jibes while floating with one hand on the boom, something unimaginable on the Cruzader. From 12-13 knots, it takes off. It doesn’t glide as well as the Cruzader Diamond 6'0", but pumping is freer than on the Cruzader Point 6'6" XL. It's very forgiving on jump landings; I was able to land flat without any speed and had no trouble staying upright.

I’ve taken it out on two sessions with waves that push without being very steep (basically, I have a nice swell over a lot of depth that runs along a reef, with the wave rising on one side with 45° rebounds, and I go back and forth between these two power zones). In these conditions, it performs well and gave me two top sessions. It’s even likely that I wouldn’t have had the first one with the Cruzader because I wouldn’t have had the patience for the wind to pick up on a less stable board.

In summary, I’d say it’s a great board for traveling or for someone who doesn’t want to overthink things—whether it’s balance or take-offs—without aiming for ultra-light wind, and who prefers easy foot switches to an ultra-responsive board.