Jimmy Lewis Kwad 5'11

[Baz]

Jimmy Lewis Kwad KT 5'11 x 18.5 x 2 1/8
Rider: 100kg, intermediate.
Style: Surf.
Weather: 10-25 knots so far.
Build Quality: 9.5/10 (straps)
Satisfaction: 9.9/10 (not quite perfect)
Disclosure: non-affiliated every day kite boarder.

The board has extra volume in the nose with a longer outline, fish style tail with a slightly moved forward waist. Construction is stringer less, framed with Coremat rails. The deck and bottom are bridged with high density PVC foam. The result of this technical stuff means the board is light and strong. On top of that in my opinion it just looks right.

Have been enjoying the Kwad for the past month, have ridden Fingal Bay, One Mile beach and Currumbin Alley. Conditions ranged from 1-2 foot mush in 10-12 knots up to clean 5-6 footers in a solid 25 knots. The Kwad is proving to be an extremely versatile board and comfortable in all conditions. In particular it offers a bounce free and very smooth ride in a variety of conditions. When transiting from rail to rail on a wave face is again smooth and the tail breaks free virtually on command. When carving during transitions the board can hold a tight line almost like it’s on rails. I did find initially the board seem to require power to make it get up and go but with time on the water and moving the straps slightly forward it now planes quite early and is at home with a 12M kite. The combination of the Kwad and the Slingshot Rally means getting upwind and out the back particularly in onshore conditions is never a problem. Jumping is quite easy with good control in the air and landings are smooth. Fitting the straps is a pain and after some time on the water they seemed to have softened a little but remain below par with other brands.

Links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndqfdVQOLuo
Alex Aguera riding the new Jimmy Lewis 5'11" kwad at Lanes, Maui on a 2011 8m Cabrinha switchblade.

http://jimmylewis.com.au/Boards/Kite-Boards/Kwad-KT

[hudstur]

Hey Baz: Great words on the Jimmy. I have been riding the Slingshot Celeritas 5'8" and like it, but upwind seems could do better, but overall great board. Been thinking bout the KWAD 5'11" and wonder if you could shed any more light on what you rode before and other boards you have ridden. Do you ride straps? Thanks, H.

[Baz]

Started as most do on twin tips, including Underground FLX's and a TB Kiteboarding Haura. I also rode Slingshot mainly SST's and then again onto Underground this time the Kipuna (great board). Managed to demo the occasional Naish and Slingshot directionals, fine boards but with a feeling of fragility. The Kwad ticked a lot of boxes, looked right, felt right and without the sense of snapping it on the next hit through the whitewater.