That's a pretty good price for an 8/10 board.

I just read some reviews of it, seems to be a decent enough board. It should do the job nicely for you.

It may be a good idea to make a nose protector for it as well.

just to expand on Mark's comment about earlier freestyle boards, if you get a 2007 or later model they are generally very user friendly and it's surprising more people don't buy them just as an all rounder. i think maybe the "freestyle" label scares people away

I had the 90L version of the '03 Cross, and only updated last summer. They are a good allrounder, slightly narrower than the modern equivalent, but for what you want, and for that price, I reckon you'd be happy with it.

Thanks for the feedback people's, Sailhack can you enlighten me on a couple of things. At your weight, whatever that may be and would be good to know for reference, what strength wind and what sail size till you started planing?

When you say that it isn't manoueverable why is that so? Looking at its thinner rails I thought it could be and some of the blurb from testers say it is. I'm NOT expecting this to be a serious wave tool but was hoping it could at least be comparable to a wave longboard where it could go down the line and do very basic surfing moves on small waves eg. bottom and top turns without tripping over itself.

Regarding the rear strap, is it a case of you being accustomed to 2 straps or it's badly positioned? I'd probably use the outboard straps for flatwater and blasting only and switch to a single if there was any remote chance of playing in waves.

Also what size fin did you use the most with what sail? I read recommendations to using a longer fatter base and more flexi fin (tip) than the standard 42cm to get the best ride/handling/planing. There have been no pics anywhere, I've looked for hours on the 'net, of what the standard fin looks like.

Thanks again, your feedback was helpful.

After much much much deliberation I bought the Fanatic Cross CX140 and took it home. Ok it's not new, but I've made a commitment to the sport, as they say in seppo speak, "Bring it on!". No excuses now, I'm just going to go for it, let's see where the sport takes me from here. It's either going to be really good or get very ugly!

Squid Lips said...

Good luck with the new board, should be a lot of fun in 15-20 with the Kult.

I think the issue with using a single rear strap on modern wide tail boards is fin size. With a 40cm fin you really need to be out on the rail to counteract the fin, pushing sideways on the board. When you stand in the middle with a single strap you end up sailing with your toes pointed because of the flat deck shape, trying to push sideways which is really uncomfortable. If you want to use a single rear strap you may need to drop down to a 30cm fin, or even smaller, to be able to use a more upright stance.

Hey Squid Lips how ya doin, how's Vic treating ya?! When I bought this sail off you I already had in mind that this sail was destined for a shorter board one day, just didn't know it was going to be this soon!

Good brain fodder with the fin/strap relationship, thanks for that. The board came with a 42, the Kona has a 46 and I have a spare 32 which was originally destined for use on the Kona for longboard wavesailing on little waves. All fins are Powerbox and Freeride-ish which is a convenience as I can swap 'em around on the 2 boards. I don't have a 30 as you recommend but the 32 is the closest so will try that on the Cross for higher winds 18+ with the 6.4 Kult or whatever smaller sail I end up getting for even more wind. The taller fins for use with the bigger sail. But definately the 32 to start me off in waves...well it's all I got at the moment. I think this is the correct theory anyway.

As the board is set-up with a pair of outboard rear straps, I was advised to fit a single rear in the front most position (as with the front straps) to get used to the board first as this is what I was used to back then. Then start to consider using the twin rear outboard straps for flatwater blasting to get the most speed out of it when I get some skills back. The single rear strap is the only configuration I should consider for waves though. However I'll be aware if my feet/toes start to hurt that it could be what you are suggesting.

I'm just going to start myself off with single rear strap, 42 fin and the 6.4 Kult on flatwater. If I start involving the sciences behind fin sizes I'll get too confused, too much info too early! I sorta got an idea, just have to put it into practice and see what feels comfortable first.