On 2nd September we launched the new 2011 RRD Hardcore Quad; RRD Cult Quad and the RRD Hardcore & Cult single fins at Crouchers Hotel with Jem Hall, Jon Skye, Wouter and Jai from Seasprite.

Jon had some really interesting comments to make about the two different boards – in particular he really stressed the importance of the shape rather than the amount of fins in the board – so however many fins the way the board is shaped and the rocker line will still make the biggest difference as to how the board will perform.

Jon who has been heavily involved in the development of these boards explained that he tends to use the Cult 75 as his all round board in most locations and recommended this board for most sailors on the UK coastline. He felt the Cult 75 and 83 are modelled on similar rocker lines to the 82 Twin Fin and have the added advantage of the 4 fin set up which increases the turning performance and grip of the board.

The real benefits of the Quad over the Twin are the board grip in the top turns and the extra drive/speed in bottom turns; real positive feel when you take off jumping and extra control when you are seriously overpowered.

With regards to fin set up on the Quad – Jon’s set up was 33cm from the tail of the board to the leading edge of the fin and then the side fins are either 2 or 3 finger spacing forward of that. The further forward you put your side fins the more control over the board you will have in turns.

Jon also explained that the Hardcore range of boards has more rocker in it and sits deeper in the water so is slightly harder to get up onto the plane and requires bigger, cleaner waves to get the most out of this board.

With regards to the new 2011 Single Fin board – with RRD, these are the same shape but just with a single fin option – it depends on whether you are after that “drivey feel” which handles flat, chop, waves without any problems or if you are looking for something which is more biased towards wave riding in the UK, then the Cult Quad is your option!

Thanks to Lloyd @ Crouchers Hotel for letting us use his mighty fine bar area to launch these boards – http://www.croucherscountryhotel.com/

Emile:
I tried this in the week. I have to admit to being sceptical at first. I was, however, hugely impressed.

Sailing out, the board seems to grip a lot more than modern mono-concave singles or twin fins and I was getting a lot more floaty airs than I normally do (on a 5.3, fairly well-powered). It seemed to cut into wind on take-off a lot better than other boards I have tried, making it ideal for rocket airs or backloops in onshore conditions!

The board is slightly later to plane than my New Wave single fin but not annoyingly so and it was getting going fine in the marginal wind that I started my session in. I found that this was remedied by pointing slightly deeper downwind than normal to unstick it. Once going, it sailed through the lulls very well and was really happy popping over the messy stuff.

On the way in, it is very playful and definitely loves full rail carves more than the back foot twin fin style. The waves were not great by any stretch of the imagination but I did have a few magic moments getting the odd nice smack.

I am really looking forward to checking out the RRD quads to see how they compare. However, on the back of that session, I am DEFINITELY buying a quad this year!

If you want to try the Fanatic this weekend, and I highly recommend you do, be sure to give Chris or Roscoe a call on 01243 513077

JEM:
Psc, baja all good and just sailed my quad 92 for first proper time and it was really damn good, i am very happy. Was full power 5.5 and then gusty 5.0 with some chest high sets coming in.

FEEDBACK SO FAR
Felt quick to plane, very controllable and good speed, went upwind very high. Easy to sail and secure through the gybe and you could really drive hard in the exit, more like a single fin.

In riding it was pretty loose, still working on the riding, but it good grip and drive through the turns.

Jumps were good too, off small chop and waves and it rotated well through forwards, with a short and compact feel to the board.

Tacks were also very stable.

COMPARISON
All in all it feels bigger and easier than the twin 90 so far.

COMING UP NEXT
I will play around with fins and other things and give you more feedback when we get bigger waves and i m more tuned into the riding.

Simon Bassett enjoying his first outing on his brand new Custom Quatro Quad 79 straight off the plane from Maui!