FEEDBACK: LETHAL 4’5

Very detailed feedback from Valentin who chose to equip himself with a 55-litre Lethal FSP Pro for its featherweight

“Feedback of the Lethal 4’5 55l. Rider 1m67, 44kg and 32 years old according to the latest news ? Regarding the gear, I used it with: 85HM, 92HM masts Veloce LH, Ypra MH, Ypra XSH Veloce 36 and 40 stabs Neutra 2023, 4 and 5m I had a few boards before this one, I had the Zuma 6’3, Flint 5’6, Mint 4’8, Mint 4’6.

First assembly of the foil on my Lethal 4’5, I first thought to myself that the SCS GONG rails are more of a gadget than anything else and that the time saved is anecdotal. Well, as a percentage of time saving it’s not crazy ?(it must be a difference of less than a minute) on the other hand, no longer having to look for the nuts at the bottom of the rail and putting them in front of the hole of the top plate is the ultimate comfort ?. If I have to find a downside, it’s that you have to be careful with the rod of the SCS nuts during storage because you can bend them. Regarding storage of the board, no worries ?, it does not take up space, that’s for sure. Regarding transport on the beach it is light so, it feels like I’m not wearing anything. On the shape, it changes a lot from my Mint 4’6 of 2022, much narrower. You can feel the inch down in length. Complicated to compare two shapes that are not intended for the same thing.

“It takes off super easily”

When launching, I just have one thing in mind, getting past the shorebreak just in time for the foil to sink, a magic point ?. It gets through the waves without wanting to rise to the surface so if you hold it well by the handle or the straps it does not tend to follow the wave, it is much safer and you can focus on the wing. It doesn’t make getting past the shorebreak super simple, as it can be complicated as it is, without any gear? .

The take-off phase, I have a lot to say about it ? :

Standing up on the board, on calm water or inland spots, you have to get used to it, but it is not out of reach. Don’t kid yourself, the weight distribution must be very precise in the light wind conditions before having the wing in hand. On a rough body of water, I haven’t had many opportunities to test it yet, but it’s complicated for me to find my balance on the board before taking the wing in hand. The bulb allows a certain balance (same principle as balancing on a beam versus the ground). I don’t think the volume really bothers me but rather the minimalistic length and width. Then it’s my choice?. Once the wing in hand, happiness is fast approaching, I can stand up quite easily (the stronger the wind, the easier it is), if there are ~ 5 knots I sink and find the longitudinal balance is simple, for the first few minute after it gets more complex with lost energy ?.

Once upright with a little wind in the wing, the board floats, it takes off super easily, 3 calm pumping strokes in 5m in 8 knots and I take off. In the air the magic operates❤️ , same thickness as my Mint 4’6 with a more direct feel. The counter heel is pure happiness, the board never touches the water, I can see the tips of the foil breaching in front of my eyes. As the feeling is more direct in the speed phase, on curves, in jumps, in reception, everything becomes easier.

My first astonishment was on my first jibe with the Lethal, I thought that during the change of feet phase, they should be placed to the nearest micron but not at all, no change compared to my Mint 4’6.

I felt no difference in the wind resistance in flight compared to the Mint 4’6.

In jumping it’s lighter so it’s a real treat.

In jump landing, the bulb takes on even more meaning. When pearling the boards pops back out while keeping your lateral balance.?

On the touchdowns, it is reassuring and magical. You can fly with the hull slightly touching the water without losing speed, no bouncing effect???

In conclusion, I love this board. Regarding the solidity, it landed in a mussels shorebreak and not even a scratch while the rider…. For my practice and my level a little longer and wider would be magic. From my point of view, with a +10 volume for my size, the Lethal 4’5 is not made for beginners unless they want to be disgusted quickly.”