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Review- Skywalker Riders 135 x 43

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rodeoclown
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Review- Skywalker Riders 135 x 43

Postby rodeoclown » Sun Apr 05, 2009 1:51 am

http://www.skywalkerkiteboarding.com/2009/rider.htm

I think this Riders 135 x 43 is one of the coolest looking boards out there this year.
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I love the grahics and finish work, and just like all the skywalkers the construction is A-1 and first class all the way.
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This is a light board too, the low swing weight is a real pleasure on the water.
Foot beds and straps are comfy with no pressure points or fit problems that I could find.
There are some unusual aspects to this hull that stand out at first glance.
The bottom has 4mm of elliptical concave, centered over the middle of the board, with flat sections towards each end.
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I wasn't sure what to expect from this shape, but time on the water has revealed to me that this shaping gives this board a smoothness and upwind ability that is quite outstanding, maybe the best of any twin tip I've ever tested.
It really shines when you throw a lot of pressure into the rail as you ride, which I've found just makes you ride more aggressive with a lot of commitment.
This is a good thing.
I'm a big fan of the elliptical concave now.
Another aspect that I noticed was the shaping of the rails, they've been inverted.
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This softens the edging to a certain degree, making the board very forgiving in sloppy conditions.
But rail it hard and the opposite effect kicks in and you can really load up the platform for some huge jumps.
For my weight, 200lbs, the 135 x 43 is perfect for all conditions.
From 15kts up to 35kts plus. Flat water to chop and waves...it seems to be able to tackle it all, along with something extra you don't find everyday...the energy to propel yourself as high as your courage can handle!
The Andy's at BKB were right about this board, it is one hell of a jump machine!
On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give this board a 69.
Its really that good! 8-)
(Skywalker 135 x 43 and 16m Rise at Carkeek in Seattle. photos by Vinny)
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ed257
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Re: Review- Skywalker Riders 135 x 43

Postby ed257 » Sun Apr 05, 2009 2:57 pm

Rodeo,

I thought you were into makos?

What size fins are on your skywalker?

Is yours the pro-comp or the regular?

Which do you like better, the makos or the skywalker - and why?

Ed

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rodeoclown
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Re: Review- Skywalker Riders 135 x 43

Postby rodeoclown » Sun Apr 05, 2009 3:54 pm

ed257 wrote:Rodeo,

I thought you were into makos?

What size fins are on your skywalker?

Is yours the pro-comp or the regular?

Which do you like better, the makos or the skywalker - and why?

Ed
I am totally into Makos Ed.
The 150 x 40 is my core board.
BKB gave me the Riders 135 x 43 (which is just the regular line) to try out this winter and asked me for an honest review.
It has the stock 5mm (2") fins.
At first I didn't get much out of it, then I started riding it really loaded up with a lot of leg/rail pressure.
I adjusted my form and amazing things started coming back to me...
the smoothness, (very close to the Mako), the edging, the board speed, the upwind performance
and the spring board like pop that launches you vertically.
I gotta be honest, this board is a work out for your legs compared to the mako,
but for someone who wants to just go out and jump your guts out on a very fast smooth board,
this Skywalker is a very good fit and seems to compliment my surfer style Mako perfectly.
I really like them both very much, and it feels like I have the perfect board quiver right now.

Skywalker 135 x 43...freestyle all conditions
Mako 150 x 40...freeride all conditions
Mako Surf...surf style
Windydevil 5'10" race...awesome lite wind board and ass kicken thrill ride in all conditons

The Andy's at BKB warned me I'd like it...man, they were soooo right!

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Re: Review- Skywalker Riders 135 x 43

Postby gibsonandpickett » Mon Apr 06, 2009 7:19 am

Whats the board like in choppy water :lol:

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rodeoclown
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Re: Review- Skywalker Riders 135 x 43

Postby rodeoclown » Mon Apr 06, 2009 1:49 pm

Its smoother than I thought it would be.
Its gotta be internal structure,and the rail shaping combined with 4mm of elliptical concave when the board is loaded up thats doing it.
I catch my sessions after work and can't carry a lot of gear with me, so I've been focusing on all conditions boards.
This one is a very good freestyle match for this criteria at my weight, 200lbs.


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