Until last weekend I was convinced that my 2007 Spleene Rip34 was the "non-plus-ultra" for a kiteboard. Admitted, the 2008 version was surely better, but not that much (at least for me) to order a new one.
However, last Friday I had the opportunity to test the new 2009 Spleene Rip35 (high tech line - see www.spleene.com), and I was really impressed to see how much better new kiteboards can be!
The board felt so much lighter on my feet. I don't know if that's the appropriate term for a kiteboard, but it ran somehow "energy saving".
It was a day with a lot of current. Every time I rode a small wave, going upwind afterwards was kind of a tough job with my old board - but not with the new 2009 Spleene Rip35. It went upwind so easily!
First I thought I picked one of the light wind boards by mistake, but the way the RIP 35 carved through the turns showed me that it was the right one.
The board has got loads of pop and jumps are pure fun.
And last but not least: The pads and straps are extremely comfortable (still not a matter of course, even in our days).
Man, I've just purchased two new Q-kites, so I'm really out of money, BUT I NEED THIS BOARD!! (Feed the addiction...
)Take care!
Rainer (not the one from Spleene)
