AT A GLANCE

The CrossX is Thommen’s three-board crossover line-up, replacing the X-Series. The 97 is the middle sibling, and like the rest of the boards in the range sees a subtle alteration to its base rocker to improve its speed potential. With manoeuvrability also highlighted as a major consideration, the CrossX is said to set new standards for versatility and performance, displaying a bottom shape from flat to pronounced vee between the straps and a subtle bevel throughout which becomes pronounced in the tail. Supplied with “Dunkerbeck/Thommen” labelled straps and a 30cm CNC milled G10 fin, it has a wide rounded outline with a very even volume distribution, and weighing in at a respectable 7.63kg, it would be very interesting to see how it fared against the rest.

RIDE & HANDLING

On the water the 97 seems in a rush to get out the blocks, jumping onto the plane very quickly and easily and accelerating rapidly to an impressive speed. It’s certainly not one to hang around on or sail at half speed, preferring to be loaded and driven energetically around the water. In comfortably powered conditions it handles chop and rough terrain well, and even in the harshest environment it still remains controllable despite its speed, albeit requiring a more decisive approach. Such is its speed and character that in overpowered conditions, we found we needed to make the straps smaller than usual so that we retained a connected feel with the board. The footstrap plugs are placed 15.5cm apart as standard, yet the strap shape and deckpads don’t hold the rider’s feet onto the board too firmly, so the easiest method we found to control the speed was to make the straps smaller, as you would on a slalom board. Thommen are now supplying their footstraps with plates to narrow the footstrap width. A great light wind board for coastal blasting for the light/medium weight sailor, the CrossX is best suited to the larger sailor looking for a board on which to express their powerful sailing style.

MANOEUVRES

Carving into the gybe, the 97 cuts a smooth clean turn, yet requires constant firm pressure through the back foot to exact a tight purposeful arc. Again, the heavier sailors in the test team got on with it much better and managed to get the board to bite convincingly, whereas the lighter rider really had to concentrate to keep the pressure on, otherwise the board began to bounce or straighten up. Tried in freestyle, the 97 popped easily and slide smoothly on the nose, providing the time and composure for the rider to finish off the manoeuvre. That said, the CrossX is undoubtedly more at home in fast sweeping carving transitions rather than tricks or short sharp changes in direction.

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