F-One Trax vs North Select vs Wainman Joke for soft landings

[L0KI]

My pal here bought the 2011 Laluz (was new stock) recently (a month ago maybe?) via mail order for $500
But I think Chris at KiteNaked is maybe close to that number with the Gorilla graphic Monk boards.
So check them out too.

[JMF]

Poor construction ?
Poor costumer care ?
Are we talking about the same Fone ?!
My little brother is riding my 2009 Trax. Board looks like new.
I have a 2010 Trax also looks like new.
The one time i had a problem with an Fone kite (tribal 2006) the guys at Fone replaced the part no questions asked, even though the kite was over the warranty time.

I had issues with my 2011 Trax tip delam. Someone else started a thread on Kiteforum with same problem which I sounded off on (with pictures) no manufacturer is immune to defects it happens. As for customer care top notch, although I'm still waiting for my board (stock issues) but they are replacing with Trax 7 can't argue with that.

But again I'm going to say TRY BEFORE YOU BUY don't take our word for it.

[Mo]

On our choppy spot, we see X ride, Joke, Jaimees mainly. Then a couple got the Selects. Their feedback is immensly positive for the weight. Because the boad is very light (carbon construction), they say that they are able tospot a clean landing easier. Speaking to one, he is happy with the chops control, upwindability and pop of the board.

So I would go for a Select + a premium value leading brand...

MFG

[duloid]

Hi all,

Manufacturers for these boards claim they provide very soft landing and that they cut through the chop. I've met some people that have tried the Trax and the Joke, but know of nobody that has tried the North select. I really need a good board for soft landings and for rough chop because my knees are in a bad shape. I'm willing to spend the exaggerated cost asked for these boards if they will really help. Also looking for good jumping (sending the kite) and upwind capabilities.

Has anyone tried the North Select? Have you been able to compare the three boards or suggest another? Perhaps the F-One Acid, or North Jamie, Team, etc?

Thanks!!

Hi man, had similar problem last year, I was looking for board with similar specifications.... tried Trax, liked the feeling, light weight, had North Jaime 2006, liked it as well ... but the 2010 was much heavier ... so I passed on it .... heard about Xenon Laluz, but nobody was around who had or tried the board ... one day I found good deal on Xenon Laluz 2011 and the board filled my expectations ... very very light, easy and soft landings, screams upwind. First ride was like floating above the water ... great soft feeling like a riding cloud ... I got 129x39 and had better upwind perf then my bigger board CF 132x41 and I don't even mention riding in choppy conditions ... no problem at all ... simple and clean design makes the board different from another stuff on the beach ... I'm very happy with the board and can't wait to try another boards from Xenon ..

[detourpr]

Thanks for all the feedback

Has anyone tried the 2012 North Team?

[eldadgold]

check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWJ4X4Wl ... ature=plcp

[kitezombie]

The choice is obvious, get the Laluz....such a sick board...the only non Shinn board I would buy in a heartbeat! Oh and don't get hung up about the 2012 model..I guarantee its almost exactly the same as the 2011.

I second this comment. Most shops would rather sell a new model year board but now is the time to save some coin, and the 2011 line totally rocked. We still have a few 2011 Xenon in stock including, Laluz 132, Infra and Rayo. 2012 are also in stock.
http://www.kitezombies.com/gear/BargainBoards.htm

[nightwalker]

I had the FONE Acid few years back. it was good freestyle soft board, but a little on the heavy side. Now I have the Xenon Laluz which is basically for the same purpose but much lighter, and I also prefer the straps of the xenon over the soft yet VERY slippery fone.

[AlexandreBorges]

Shinn and Laluz are not using multiple concaves. Why?

[eldadgold]

Single or multiple concave alone don't define how a baord will behave.
From my experience Xenon's boards are better in almost every aspect.
It's a cliche, i know, but if you are concidering buying a new board then you should try out the Xenons.