This is the second T1 board that we have tried, the relatively new brand founded by legendary shaper – Peter Thommen. The X-Series is their main range of eight boards, each designed to offer a broad cross-section of characteristics to suit any sailing style or condition; the company’s slogan “One man. One Board” emphasises this one-board only philosophy, of which the X95 is said to epitomise. Designed for ‘real world conditions’, it has a slight double concave in the hull and a particularly even volume distribution, looking relatively thin next to some others in the group. Dressed in T1’s familiar silver finish, it is exceptionally light and comes provided with high quality North Shore fittings.
With a fair amount of rocker flat in the hull, the X95 pops up onto the plane with little persuasion, accelerating rapidly to an electric pace. With such a flat deck, you automatically adopt an upright stance, but are instantly aware that the board is hungry for more power and drive. Such is its efficiency, it could easily be paired with a freerace sail (a second, more upright fin would also help) and taken down a speed course, as this is the only place you could potentially challenge its seemingly limitless top end. In this respect, the X95’s speed comes as quite a surprise, since the stance you are encouraged to adopt is not the conventional locked-down posture, as there is no real rail to drive against. Partnered with a more manoeuvre-oriented sail and the T1 shows its second personality, being light and responsive underfoot. Although not and obvious freestyle candidate, it nevertheless pops easily from the water and slides with instantaneous response on its wide shoulders; yet it is in the carve that the T1 comes into its own. Biting incredibly confidently, it will take as much pressure as you care to apply, right up to a full lay-down gybe, where it catapults you out of the corner with such a force that it will leave all but the most athletic behind! As such, it is best suited for experienced sailors who are looking for a unique, versatile all-rounder that can used in any environment, from flat water through to waves.
Verdict
The X95 is a fantastically versatile machine, being light and agile underfoot, yet possessing a deceptively impressive turn of speed. Well recommended for experienced sailors, prepared to pay top dollar for a top quality product.
Intermediate: Its speed might take the nervous by surprise, but the ambitious will relish the challenge.
Expert: Does exactly what it says on the tin – one board fits all!
Plug and Play: A unique feeling board, it is easy yet exciting to sail and will not disappoint, irrespective of your sailing style.