isonic 86 or futura 93?

[Pete van Black]

Hi...help !

Final decision to make between is86 ('09) and f93 ('08). Both wood, similar price, similar state.

I weigh 83 kg, only other board is 125l rocket, have 4.9, 5.4, 6.9 camless sails.
Conditions go from severe to chop to near flat, gusty.

I can handle a slalom board, so is86 doesn't scare me too much, but few questions -
(1) will the extra volume and width of f93 really make a difference in lower-medium wind range?
(2) i do need another sail, since gap in 6m range, but are my current sails that prohibitive (no cam) for an is86 ?

Basically, I want an is86 to charge...but suspect the f93 will allow me more sailing time on it, and without having to buy an extra 2-3 sails.

Thanks in advance for your comments !

PvB

[Ken]

Pete,

I think it is a big jump going from the 125 rocket down to the iS 86, so just looking at your "quiver" of boards, the F93 seems to fit better. However, a lot depends on your typical wind conditions. If you have a lot of very windy days (over 25 knots), the 86 may be a good choice. If most of your days are under 25 knots, then the 93 would be a better choice.

As for sails, the answer is similar to the boards, what are your typical wind conditions? A 4.0-4.5 sail may be a good addition if you have a lot of 25 knot + days iS86). Or a 6.0-6.3 would be a good addition if most of your days are under 25 knots (F93).

I have a small Tiga with 80+ liters of volume, but I don't use it much because of the gusty conditions I sail in. It sinks quickly in the holes and lulls so I prefer a 105 liter board which is a little too big in 25 knot+ winds, but I don't fall off or sink in the holes and wind shadows. I weight 78 kg. I was out on my 105L HiFly last week in winds gusting to 28-30 knots with a 4.5 sail. Most of the time, it was great fun, but in the gusts, I had to sheet out and hang on for 10-30 seconds, then back to controlled sailing.

I have an iS 111, but no experience with the 86. The iSonics are a bit technical to sail and take a while to get dialed in and comfortable. The Futuras should be more comfortable to sail from the beginning and probably a much smoother ride.

I hope this helps with your decision.

[agrelon]

All I can say is that my Futura 93l Wood 2009 feels really, really crisp on the water. I remember the first time I engaged the rail for a jibe on that board, it simply felt too easy.

Sadly, I'm now at university in a different country and couldnt bring my board out with me this first semester... but I ride a lot of different boards throughout the year and I know that the Futura feels fantastic for sure.

[BelSkorpio]

Hi Pete,

I understand your worries. I've asked the same question not that long time ago.
Take a look at: http://www.star-board.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9604

I think I will follow the advice of Remi.

Good luck.

[Pete van Black]

Thanks for your comments, chaps. Yeah, my sails are all free ride (space dog sails). And I only use the 7m2...silly to put the others on the 125 L.
So a second board to see me happy and comfortable with 15 kts+ is imperative.
We do get wind down here (mediterranean, france) so I know the board will get used.
I just don't want to start having to buy more sails (except for a 6ish) because is86 is so power hungry...or is it?
Ken - I understand the operational gap between 125 l and is86 is big, but is it that much bigger than 125 l and F93?
And the other thing....going fast and doing some big jumps is good fun... but I just read on Belskorpio link/thread that its maybe not too hot an idea..
Thing that set me off on this that the is86 is apparently exceptional whereas F93, nothing special (agrelon comment notwithstanding..) : obviously coming from the guy selling is86....

Oh dear, what to do, what to do..

PvB

[agrelon]

If you want to jump the Futura might be more appropriate. That thing pops so easily... sorry for my bias towards my beloved board

[Remi]

Hi Pete

This is a question I like

In Vietnam in windy condition and very choppy water during our 2011 development I can tell that the Futura 93 with is production fin was my favorite board to do slalom particularly if you use no cam sails. The Ncx pro it's just amassing on it and can surprise a lot of guys on full slalom equipment

So for you who have already no cams sails go for the Futura

Also I don t recommend so much no cam sail for the iSonic 87 that need full racing sail to push her to the max

Hope this help

All the best

[Ken]

Pete,

Since I haven't been on the iS86, I can't be sure of how it will jump, but for sure, the iS111 is NOT a jumper (at least at my skill level). With the outboard foot straps, it feels really awkward to get air. I have only tried a couple of times and gave up on the idea. I use my 105 liter board to chop hop instead. This is where the futura will excel.

[dan e]

I have both the IS86 and Futura 93. I agree with Remi, go with the Futura 93.

IS86 likes cambered sails.

Dan
Isonic 133,111,101,94,86
Futura 93
Kode 86,74

[agrelon]

Originally Posted by Ken

Pete,

Since I haven't been on the iS86, I can't be sure of how it will jump, but for sure, the iS111 is NOT a jumper (at least at my skill level). With the outboard foot straps, it feels really awkward to get air. I have only tried a couple of times and gave up on the idea. I use my 105 liter board to chop hop instead. This is where the futura will excel.

The Futura 93l is perfect to chop hop with the straps in the outboard position as the toes of your back foot are right over the center line, so when you push down on your back leg to get the board airborn, the balance is just right. I find it easier to chop with the straps in the outboard position rather than in the center position as the board stays level when you push down, making it pop more easily and with more control.

Bigger boards like the IS111 can be chophoped, but as you say it is really difficult to control in the air and if the board doesn't land the way you want it to thanks to perfect take off you generally finish with a catapult or massive loss of speed.