ag73 wrote:thanks for all the input, many good points! I'm leaning towards a free race type but must admit davesails7 got me thinking a bit. This board is not the board I'm hoping to use, more of a good to have board. As soon as the wind picks up i will choose my TT or wave board.
I have a windsurfing background so I'm not unfamiliar with riding of the fins so to speak.
Which board will be faster downwind, a big race board or a smaller free race? Will this difference be very noticeable?
The difference will not be noticeable no.
In more wind, the freerace is faster because of smaller fins, but as said, about the same.
It is way easier though, to ride fast downwind on a freeride, and particulary jibing when going fast is easier.
But one could also see this as a challenge instead, going for the full raceboard.
Regarding "not being the board you hope to use" - I can say, that you will most likely LOVE such a board
When I got mine (have had a few), I got loads of good hours on the water, jumping, having fun, touring - and even occasionally riding waves which is a blast too
Earlier, I would just have tried riding on a TT or Waveboard and useless boring and stupid actually...
But with a freerace I have had so many days on this one from the start, or when the wind drops, you just change board and have a great time out there.
That was definitely my next best board investment ever
Beware, the you might need weed fins too, especially with a full raceboard where it is even more critical.
But they dont ride on their fins well, with weed fins
Although still fun and going ealier and especially good upwind.
Peter