STARBOARD FREERIDE 2S CARBON TEST REVIEW 2024
STARBOARD FREERIDE 2S CARBON TEST REVIEW 2024
STARBOARD FREERIDE 2S CARBON TEST REVIEW 2024
The Verdict
A real contender as the ultimate freeride foil. Not positioning itself into a specific camp, the Freeride 2S encompasses exactly what you would expect from a freeride foil; ease of use, stability, comfort, ample speed, good angles upwind and a rewarding gybe. What more do you want for pure freeride foiling fun?
The Lowdown
Part of the new Freeride series from Starboard, the Freeride 2S is provided in a padded bag with plenty of extra room to build a quiver of wings, fuselages, and masts, the front and tail wings are in snugly fitted sleeves which allow you to leave them on even when completely put together, keeping the wings protected until the very moment you want to hit the water. Putting the Freeride 2S together, all the components are well-made and all slot and screw together cleanly. The wings and mast blend into the fuselage with smoothness and exactness. The mast is Starboard’s new Solid Carbon Core, where C400 Carbon is pressed and then layered up with High Modulus Carbon on the outer layers to offer stiffness, speed, and performance. The fuselage is also a new development from Starboard, the MKII Jumbo Fuselage has a streamlined nose section. It remains compatible with all Starboard masts, the tail is more streamlined and most noticeably, the fuselage is much more substantial, and a vertical stabiliser is present on the underside to help with directional stability, which is something we haven’t seen on wind foils for some time. Looking over the wings, the tail wing is a classic shape from Starboard with dihedral wingtips. The mid-aspect front wing, however, has a subtle bow shape, with an anhedral downturn that is then swept up to a flatter plane. This is a shape we are seeing in more performance foils, so it’s nice to see it filtering down into the mainstream market. A set of shims is also provided to allow the rider to tune and widen the window of its use. As a whole, the Freeride 2S is a well-finished and well-engineered foil that looks to offer stability with a sprinkle of performance.
Brand Claim
“The all-new Freeride front wings include all the latest development from the SLR series, giving them new levels of speed and acceleration. Compared to the SLR, these new Freeride wings have just a slightly reduced aspect-ratio to add comfort and control.”
Performance
Build enough speed and the Freeride 2S generates lift comfortably and gently, easing the rider into gaining flight with an easy transition from planing to foiling, fostering a comfortable confidence as you rise up. The Freeride 2S works and feels at its best with both feet in the straps, where it generates plenty of lift, while giving you more to work with. Instantly, the Freeride 2S feels very stable, both nose to tail and directionally. Controlling ride height is simple, and the foil reacts accordingly, never overreacting or feeling twitchy at any point while riding in a straight-line. Driving hard, the Freeride 2S is capable of delivering good top-end speed – not medal-winning speeds – but enough to keep you engaged. The Freeride 2S also offers decent angles both up and downwind if you want them, while again maintaining rider engagement and pushing their own performances, which can open up a much broader sailing area. Entering into a gybe with the back foot across and maintaining pressure to manage the carve and overall radius, the Freeride 2S remains stable. Let off the pressure, and the Freeride 2S takes advantage of this and directs you back onto a flat axis. The Freeride 2S likes to be engaged throughout the gybe – engage with it, and you will be rewarded with smooth gybes that others will envy. Carrying speed and a very decent amount of glide on the exit, you can pause on the power if absolutely necessary and still remain flying and in control. With good all-around capabilities, the Freeride 2S keeps the rider’s enjoyment, comfort, and ease of use at the forefront of its mind.
STARBOARD FREERIDE 2S CARBON TEST REVIEW 2024
VITAL STATS
Price: £2299 (Carbon) £1279 (Aluminium)
Head: Deep Tuttle
Mast Length: 90cm
Mast Material: Carbon
Fuselage Length: 97cm
Fuselage Material: Aluminium
Front Wing Span: 84cm
Front Wing Chord: 14cm
Front Wing Area (Quoted): 900cm2
Tail Wing Span: 59cm
Tail Wing Chord: 7.8cm
Tail Wing Area: 330cm2
Tail Wing Shims: Yes (+1 to -1 in .5 degree increments)
Wing Material: Carbon
Weight: 6.4kg
OTHER FOILS IN THIS TEST
GUNSAILS HY-FOIL FREE FR – 1050 & 1350
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