Windsurfing
May 2007 page 80
::2007 RRD Z-Ride 146 LTD::
WHAT WE LIKED: Smooth ride, with a light-weight, exciting, nose-high trim at speed. Loved by all in the jibes, and for its standout G-10 fin. A great upwind ripper, and a favorite of two lightweight testers in early planing and speed.
BUYER BEWARE: Some heavywieghts felt other boards planed a bit earlier; the foot-pad cushioning was awkwardly placed for comfort.
BETTER THAN THE FLEET AT: Offering lightweight testers a board that felt tailor-made for their needs.
BEST SUITS: Lightweight to middleweight advanced sailors who want a big board with small-board feel.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS: Comes with an extra Tangent Dynamices weed fin; glass/wood construction available.
Windsport
Spring 2007 page 81
::2007 RRD Z-Ride 146 LTD::
Quick responsive speedster
V: 146
L: 257
W: 73
Construction: Wood sandwich
Fin: ZX CNC 46 (Power)
DESIGN BRIEF
RRD's Z-Ride series is intended for maximum fun on the water, putting a premium on accesssibility rather than pro-level performance.
THE RIDE
Even though the Z-Ride has a narrow tail, its light weight and efficient rocker line make it plane as early as most of the wider-tailed boards. The Z-Ride is better off in the hands of sailors who can already comfortably get into the footstraps. It balances out well, but its quick acceleration and sensitvity to trim require finesse. Experienced riders will find the Z-Ride to be a perfect blend of comfort and responsiveness. As with every RRD,. it arrives complete with straps and fins (stock and a Trident weed) that are aftermarket quality.
THE JIBE
For a board this quick, the Z-Ride jibes well both off the nose and tail. It rolls onto the rail with little effort and keeps its speed remarkably well. It also responds well to mid-jibe arc changes, something the more advanced testers rave about.
CONCLUSION
A sweet ride that arrives complete out of the box, the Z-Ride makes lightwind sailing fun and exciting.
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