S-Type : 104 vs 93

[Terje]

Dear all,

Looking for a freerideboard with good speed ability, I checked the S-Type caracteristics.
The 104 and 93 seems to have very closed dimensions compared with the bigger volume of the same range.
The recommanded sails are also very similar (4.5 to 6.5).

What are the main differences of the two boards ?

Thanks in advance for your help,

Terje

[DaveQ]

Terje,

I have sailed both boards in same conditions with same sail(5.4 MauiSails Global) on same day and I can say that the 104 feels like it has a lot more volume in the middle of the board, is more floaty and can handle a lot less rough water than the 93 can. I am 71kg, 180cm, so I am a relative lightweight. If you are bigger perhaps the 104 is a better fit for you in rough water.

There is not a big difference in low end planing ability, so the 93 would be a great board if you have consistently 16+ knots wind.

Dave

[Ray Timm]

Terje,

Totally agree with Dave on the characteristics of the two boards. I own the 93 and he has the 104. I'm 83 kg and also sailed both of them on the same day that he did. The 93 planes up nearly as quickly as the 104 for me and I preferred the ride of the 93 in rough water. If you were sailing mostly 6.5 and bigger, I would actually take the next size, the 115. I find it rides as smoothly as the 104 and carries anything larger than a 6.5 better. We both sail in the Arabian Gulf which gives us a bit of extra buoyancy due to the high salt content.

Ray

[Terje]

Hi Dave and Ray,

Thanks for your feedback on the S-Type. Very interesting as you have tried the two boards.
I am 68kg and I sail on lake most of the time (non salted water) so not really rough water.

I expect the S-Type to be used mostly with 6.6 and 5.4 if the wind raises up .
The S-type would be the board between my Ft-138 (8,4) and my Fish 76 (5,4 - 4,7 - 4.0) in waves.
I suspect the ST-93 to be to closed to my smaller board.

Cheers

[Ray Timm]

Terje,

Considering the boards you already have, your weight and the sails you plan to use, I would opt for the ST-93. You'll have no problem with the 6.6 on it and when it gets really windy, it will still handle the small sails you have.

Ray

[Terje]

Ray,

I was just about to go for the ST-104 but all your experiences make me more considering the 93 now.

Terje

[Ray Timm]

Hi Terje,

Choice always makes it difficult, but at least it is two good choices. You won't at all be disappointed with a ST-104. If you're 6.6 is a race sail I would opt for the 104, but if it is a camless sail, the 93 will handle it very well especially at your weight.

I'd be interested in your impressions of the board you end up chosing once you have a few rides on it.

Sincerely,

Ray

[Terje]

Hi Ray,

It's great to get inputs from others windsurfers all over the world.
I appreciate your help for choosing the appropriate board.

Just have to make up my mind after checking the availability.

I would be happy to let you know my impressions on the S-Type .

Cheers,

Terje

[Ian Fox]

Hi Terje,

A great discussion..

OK, I would really highlight what Ray has commented above, it's definitely good info and even the comments on the sail type vs ST size. The sizing is perfect between your other boards - more so with respect to actual usage/range rather than just acedemic Lt numbers.
Yes, you could also use the ST104 and it would not be far off, but with 68kg no worries on the 93..

I'm 95 kg and using the ST93 as a perfect mid wind open water blasting board, favorite sail S-2 6.4m. It's a very sweet (and very fast) combo with a really fun jibe (far less technical than the full race gear).

Cheers ~ Ian

[Terje]

Hi Ian,

Thank you for your opinion on the above info.
Just have to make up my mind on the size now. Should be a great board any way !

Terje