new Rio,s

stevejean1@hotmail.co.uk · 8th May 2008, 01:01 AM

I am concidering buying anew Rio L or M 2008 model
Has anyone got any thoughts or comments on how these boards handle
compared with the 2007 model
Thanks Steve.

Roger · 8th May 2008, 02:03 AM

Hi Steve,
The 2008 Rio's are completely different from the 2007 models.
The 2007 Models were simply Starboard Starts (w/o The Wheel).
They were short and wide, so not much "glide" in light winds, but
very stable making them a very good entry level board.
The 2008 Rio's are significantly different.
They are longer, narrower and have some of the underbody shaping that
worked well with the 300 cm Phantom last year.
I have the 2008 Rio M and I like it alot.
It's pretty good in displacement mode, and well as being also pretty good
in planing mode.
It's a compromise, but a better "mix" than any board I've sailed that's both a low wind (< 12 knots) displacement "glider" and a higher wind (> 12 knots) "planing board".
Depending on your weight, I'd suggest the Rio M as it's still small enough to be a fun planing board, bit haas the shape/volume/centerboard to do quite well as a longboard in
displacement mode.
In conclusion the 2008 Rio's are totally different than the previous Rio's and deserve a good look and a test drive.
Hope this helps!

stevejean1@hotmail.co.uk · 8th May 2008, 02:12 AM

Thank,s Roger I weigh 192llb and only have early intermediate experience
Steve

Roger · 8th May 2008, 08:20 AM

Hi Steve,
At 192 lb. (87 Kg.) you might get away with the Rio M.
I feel it has plenty of float, and I'm at around 175 lb. (79.4 Kg.).
You might get a little less light wind performance, but you would get better
high wind performance from the Rio M.
I think the Rio L would be just a bit large to give you the big shortboard feel that I'm
getting on the midsize Rio.
Hope this helps!

8th May 2008, 01:01 AM	#1
stevejean1@hotmail.co.uk New Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 8	new Rio,s I am concidering buying anew Rio L or M 2008 model Has anyone got any thoughts or comments on how these boards handle compared with the 2007 model Thanks Steve.

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8th May 2008, 02:03 AM	#2
Roger Dream Team - School Guru Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 2,060	Hi Steve, The 2008 Rio's are completely different from the 2007 models. The 2007 Models were simply Starboard Starts (w/o The Wheel). They were short and wide, so not much "glide" in light winds, but very stable making them a very good entry level board. The 2008 Rio's are significantly different. They are longer, narrower and have some of the underbody shaping that worked well with the 300 cm Phantom last year. I have the 2008 Rio M and I like it alot. It's pretty good in displacement mode, and well as being also pretty good in planing mode. It's a compromise, but a better "mix" than any board I've sailed that's both a low wind (< 12 knots) displacement "glider" and a higher wind (> 12 knots) "planing board". Depending on your weight, I'd suggest the Rio M as it's still small enough to be a fun planing board, bit haas the shape/volume/centerboard to do quite well as a longboard in displacement mode. In conclusion the 2008 Rio's are totally different than the previous Rio's and deserve a good look and a test drive. Hope this helps!

8th May 2008, 02:12 AM	#3
stevejean1@hotmail.co.uk New Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 8	Thank,s Roger I weigh 192llb and only have early intermediate experience Steve

8th May 2008, 08:20 AM	#4
Roger Dream Team - School Guru Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 2,060	Hi Steve, At 192 lb. (87 Kg.) you might get away with the Rio M. I feel it has plenty of float, and I'm at around 175 lb. (79.4 Kg.). You might get a little less light wind performance, but you would get better high wind performance from the Rio M. I think the Rio L would be just a bit large to give you the big shortboard feel that I'm getting on the midsize Rio. Hope this helps!