Kode 86 vs 80 for 90kg guy?

[Larsonaut]

Oh Team Starboard! Please share your wisdom. I need a board for epic days.

I weigh approx. 90kg, 190cm, and am a reasonable intermediate - nail most but not all jibes, and love speed. Learning to bump n jump. Sail mostly off Cape Cod in waters that get pretty choppy in high wind, with rolling swells/chop but no breaking waves. I love drag racing in flat water, but need a solid all-round board.

Current Rides:

Futura 133 that I rig with a 9.0 - 7.5 - 6.5
Kombat 105 rigged with 7.5 - 6.5 (happiest size) - 5.6 - 5.0 (board is not happy, unbalanced. Maybe the sail, maybe my skill, my size, I dunno, it just doesn't feel good with 5.0.)

I need something for those (rare) days calling for a 5.5 - 4.x where the K105 just gets unbalanced and knocked around.


Curious what overlap in sale range makes sense. Is that the right thing to think about?

Board Sale Range
Futura 133 6.0 - 9.5
Kombat 105 5.0 - 7.0

Kode 86 4.0 - 6.0
Kode 80 3.5 - 5.5

Would the Kode 86 be my best choice, or would I get more range and not give much up to go with the K80?

Thanks!

[Ola_H]

I would say the difference down to the Kode 80 is a bit big. If you are really good and need the narrower tail for wave performance, then it might be worth it, but since you seem to be doing mode B&J sailing I suggest the 86 will be small enough. With your weight you should be able to sail it comfortably with 4.0 - in any case it will be A LOT easier than the Kombat 105.

SO even though in true nuking conditions, the K80 will be soother, the K86 will overall offer you a better time, I think. It's a very nice board and with a slightly smaller fin you can make it even better in really windy stuff.

[Larsonaut]

Thanks Ola - I appreciate the detailed recommendation.