New Kode or 'old' Kombat

[Unregistered]

Hi

I was wondering if anyone can provide advice on what is a better allround board for fast bump and jump sailing -the new 86l Kode or a 2008 79l Kombat.

I weigh about 84 kgs am a decent sailor and would intend to use the board in 20+knots of wind, from decent chop to rolling ocean swells and moderate waves. I'm not really into waves but i want to be able to push the board hard in those conditions and jump the odd ramp with confidence. I can get my hands on an 'old' Kombat for less money but can also get a 'new' Kode.

Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on this.

thanks

JC

[Ola_H]

By coincidence, I had both these boards (still have the Kode). The Kode 86 is clearly a one class bigger board a few centímeters wider and with a wider tail and of course more volume. For non wave use, I think you will find the Kode 86 still small enough at your weight. Both the Kombats and Kode can take a lot of power and chop. At 5.3 and above I think the Kode 86 will prove a bit easier than the smaller Kombat 79.

But if you want the best possible high wind feel and will not use it with sails above (say) 5.5 the Kombat 79 may be more fun. It is still very effective, meaning that the lower volume shape will still provide good planing and glide through lulls.

Construction wise, the Kode 86 wood and Kombat 79 wood are similar. And both are very fun boards to ride, with an amazing jibe and just a nice feel overall. So in the ends its more a matter of size.

[Unregistered]

Thanks OLa

[Screamer]

Hi JC

I thought I could add a thing or two since I'm 85kg and use Kombat86 a lot. I haven't sailed K79, but I've tried similar boards in that volume range (fsw). I think that at your weight, Kode86 is much more allround board, better for 20 knots and 5-6 m sails, and better for lulls/easier to bring you home schlogging if you might need it. I use it mostly in solid 18-20 to 28-30 knots, but it goes more now and then. It can take overpower very well for its size as Ola says (read gusts of 30+ with 4.x sails). I guess K79 makes more sense only if you sail mostly in very windy, very consistent spots (Tarifa, Columbia gorge?).

Good luck with your K