Just coming back from a dramatic slalom session.
Wind cross-off.
In the beginning it was a lot switching and gusty.I felt I was not right motored by my rs:r 7,8 and 111 so I've asked for a board change to my friend as he was a bit lazy.So I've started my session in "full power" mode for sail set up and F2 L '07 with 42 fin.
I expected a huge speed difference in that light air (12-14) but,althought different sets up tested (different mast base points,different out haul,different boom height),it wasn't so much faster compared to my 111.But,of course,F2 menaged the wind holes a lot better.Till now no control problem at all.
After a while the wind increased to solid 18-22 gusty and things started to be interesting.The flat water (with some chop) gave me the confidence to push hard the fin but,as the sail got to much wind inside due hte data number down haul,the nose came up reducing confidence and speed.
For a fast re trim I've tried to put a cm down the boom and the board wasn't agreable in gybe.To balance everything I've done a risk action and reared a cm the mast base.Gybes got better,speed increased but control wasn't a joke....
Honestly I have to say the that wind requested a bit more downhaul and a few cm of outhaul but,what here I'd like to advice is that isonic,maybe,doesn't make we feel the speed but it surely is fast!
Wind increased a bit more (20-28) and I switched for my board.
After some re-trim (36 fin and more dowm/out haul) I showed everybody how sailing a 7,8 in that condition was possible (please remember we were in something like flat!).
My GPS wrote 35,2.
Then again wind decreased still a bit and I continued to enjoy the day....
I was thinking to change slalom board brand for that lack of feel so much adviced by other boards owner but,now,more than before,I'm sure to stay on board!
If new 111 will have the same range with a better light air attitude (for this kind of days) I'll be a Starboard fan for another season!

P.S. I continue to ask myself the reason of 75 cm wide one.I mean,if light air a wider board powered enough to make us fly (and Starboard surely warranties about control!),if a bit windy a mid size should be faster and easier.Am I wrong?


Yesterday I had a session on my Copello and 6,8 in a pretty windy day (another 20+ stady windy) in my home spot where chop is the rule and push hard is not a joke.it was better a 6,3 but wanted test this combo.Right,in this condition or I sail the 111 and 6,8 or copello and 6,3.I haven't the confidence to make the difference with the bigger sail.
Now I can say that the warp has a much more direct feel in hands and RS:R is a bit softer.Maybe warp has a bit more low end.Same high end.
Both don't stress you too much.

hi Giu,
i see that you have some experience with RSR and Isonic111.
Please can help me to match rigth sail for my isonic111 and condition.
My weight is 75kg, and i have isonic 122 too. I use Isonic 122 with V8 8.0 2007 from 11kt to 16kt to cover ligth wind.For serius condition i wish to use 111. I love RSR, but i haben't tried it.
Now my trouble wich sail buy? 6.7 or 7.2 RSR?
RSR 6.7 at 16kt is full powered with isonic111? RsR7.2 at 22-26 kts is good for slalom ?
Can i cover 16-26 kts with 7.2 and 111 good?
Thanks for cooperation.


p.s. Please how is your weight?

hallo,
in my opinion you should change your 8,0 for a more dedicated racing sail such as 8,4 RS:R (which is a great size) or a RS:S mk II.It will help you to lift up better the board and make it fly without sticking.
Isonics look easy but if you wanna be really fast you MUST big powered up the board and use a "power style".Don't worry about your weight,they never will make you in trouble.
I'm around 83 and use to go in 7,8 easy.
RS:R are enough soft and 7,8 is right powered in 16 kt and it can menage 25-27 easy at your weight (with 111).
Don't go under 7,2,it's the smallest NP for 111.I use '07 warp 6,8 but it has lot more low end than Pryde and use it over 18/20 kt.

just my 2 cents

Thanks Giu,
great advice, i looked confirm for size of sail. I think about 7.2.
Bye