Aboards 3D progressive boards

Original post: Kitemovement in Boards, Gear, Reviews
Posted on : 25. August 2008

Aboards 3D progressive boardsLast week I was finally able to test the boards that drawn my attention in 2008 season.



The first question that came to my mind when two weeks ago I received the 2008 Z- and X-series models of ABoards was what does 3D progressive boards mean?
But soon I was able to discover the answer to that.

Construction
 

Together with the boards I have received some technical information about the way they are being produced and that was when the mysterious term “3D” came all clear.
 

It turns out that the boards are actually being produced with the use of the special technology that allows them to be profiled in 3 dimensions. Thanks to that it has various flex levels that provides outstanding pop and ensures the absorption of all possible vibrations.
The boards core made of the combinations of materials such as airex, abs and wood is being thermo-pressed under the pressure of 68 tons. This provides its extreme strength and durability but at the same time keeps them ultra light.



The Aboards R&D team focused their efforts on making a board that combines perfect stability and control with an easy upwind. They put extra attention on the boards shape.
Both x- and z- series, have a single concave on the bottom and a shape that ensures the maximum edging potential. The so called “up-winders”, the symmetrical extensions on each tip of the board results in fantastic up-wind performance.


And as I have proved myself that does not compromise at all the board’s maneuverability. But let’s leave the technical jargon to the designers and get to the point.

On the Water

As I have tested both Z-series and X-series I enjoyed great weather and water conditions witn slightly choppy water and some little waves. The wind speed was about 18 knots. Sun, warm wind. I’m 1.68m tall and weigh 53kg- this information might be useful if you are searvhing for the right size of the board for yourself.


X-series 134 X 39.5 cms

My first choice was the X-series size 134 cms. It is surely a great board with an excellent pop, very strong and perfect for powerful wake style tricks. It looks very solid and it really is. Perfect for a rider that wants to learn and improve some freestyle moves and tricks. It is almost indestructible.



By the way, X as well as Z-series have a strong ABS plastic rail protection and an anti-scratch cover that protects the core and the graphics (top and bottom) from all kinds of bumps, crashes, scratches and even UV sunlight.



In case of the x-series designers have created a board with the huge wake potential; very strong, durable but at the same time they have improved the comfort of riding. Even though the X-series is not the best choice if you will be mostly riding on choppy water it has a great capacity of absorbing unwanted vibrations. Your knees will certainly appreciate that. It has a good slide and goes perfectly up-wind. It is fairly easy to handle and responds almost instinctively to the rider.
The board goes exactly where you want it to go. It allows the rider to perform the maneuvers fairly quickly. It has a great pop and is just magically flexible. Watch the movie below but don’t try this at home ;)