(Taken from Boards magazine 06)

In previous seasons Thommen made allround boards at 10L volume breaks from 65L upwards. Now they have a two board dedicated wave range featuring the X Wave 74 and 83 before going on up to the X Cross range of more allround boards.

On the water

The X wave is quite unusual for matching heavy quantities of tail rocker with a relatively late take off of the nose rocker, and low overall nose rocker. It therefore tends to sit relatively flat in the water in a freeride way, and feel very engaged. Its early planing performance is heavily influenced by that high tail rocker; it likes a good bit of power before it really comes alive. With plenty of power it gives a pleasant, medium grip ride, good for staying in contact with the water and slowing things down when it gets hectic. The rails feel chunky but quite soft, engaging rather than releasing cleanly which allows easy turning. If your technique is good enough to ensure consistent planing exits it gives reliable and tight gybing.

The lowish nose and less than dynamic acceleration mean that best jumping is had in strongish winds with well formed waves. It is not a natural for clocking maximum air miles, and struggles a bit in slow and mushy onshore or in faster turns when its high volume becomes apparent. It is clearly happiest when well powered up. Best riding is frontside with reasonable speed and power.

Fittings

The pads and straps are nice with double screws preventing any twist in the straps. The fin is fine.

Popularity

Not a favourite due to its relatively unexciting feel, although this could have been different if we had been massively over-powered for the entire test trip! Everyone agreed it was safe and reliable.

Overall

A very worthy and accessible high wind/wave board with relatively high volume. It lacks a bit of dynamism in marginal-medium winds for either riding or jumping compared to the competition, but comes more into its own in the stronger stuff. Thommen confirm that this is very much what is intended of the design - it is the smallest wave board they make so is very much meant for the big days! As such it would definitely make a good high wind board for heavier sailors (80ˆ90kg).

Price: £999 With 21.5cm classic box fin.

Top or Back to test reports