Freerace vs Transport vs Sector

[Daniel_B]

Hi,

I'm looking to replace my old Airush Converse board. The new "freerace" category seems to right for me. I ride strapless, mostly cruising around in lighter wind with a high AR kite (FS Speed 3 12).

Among the major brand, I've found:

- North Freerace
- Cabrinha Transport
- Airush Sector

What's the different characteristics of these boards? Is the Sector designed more for strapped riding? Would be great to hear from anyone who have tried (or at least seen) several of them.

Thanks,

Daniel

[kitegrommet]

Good question
I'm looking at the same boards for distance kite "sailing"

[SO_FL_Kiter]

I have the Sector... While you can probably do some stuff strapless on this board, I think it is for sure designed to be ridden with the straps, especially if you end up doing any sailing downwind as part of your cruising. The fins are pretty long, and if you are used to doing any small hops on a strapless surfboard, you are probably getting the fins out of the water when you do it. That will be more challenging on the Sector, and I think you would struggle to control the placement of the board with those long fins dragging as you try to hop the board. I have no experience with the other boards you mentioned.

Maybe you should consider a 2012 Naish Alaia if you are looking for something that is a good strapless option for a lightwind cruiser. It looks a bit old school, but it would seem to fit the bill and you can pick a new one up for less than $300.

viewtopic.php?t=2373004&p=722599

[Daniel_B]

Leaning towards a Cabrinha Transport.

What about:

- RRD Domingo

Daniel

[hudstur]

Got the North FreeRace and love it, tried the Sector and seems the North is smoother. I just wanted a lightwind board, and maybe, maybe get into racing once local events start to arrive around here, which it will with the push from the Olympics.

[Daniel_B]

Just ordered the Cabrinha Transport for €530 / $670 (with a 10% promo code) at www.kingofwatersports.com. That's 45% off RRP. Guess it's not selling well?

Daniel

[Peter_Frank]

Just ordered the Cabrinha Transport for €530 / $670 (with a 10% promo code) at www.kingofwatersports.com. That's 45% off RRP. Guess it's not selling well?

Daniel

Perfect Daniel

There is so much happening in the "raceboard" scene, that noone dare to buy...

Eventhough, IMO, more than 95% of all buyers should opt for a freeraceboard instead - as they got ALL the advantages in one package

But that is not how most think - so that is why these boards get on sale (and good for us users )

You wont be sorry, I am sure - and I did not comment this thread as IMO you could just pick any of these 3

Peter

[davesails7]

Just ordered the Cabrinha Transport for €530 / $670 (with a 10% promo code) at www.kingofwatersports.com. That's 45% off RRP. Guess it's not selling well?

Good deal! Let us know what you think of it when you get it. Not a lot of reviews out for the transport.

[14ToeSide]

Anyone over 210 lbs ridden Transport in Ultra light wind? Report?

[Daniel_B]

Hi,

Sorry for the delay. I have now ridden the Transport a handful of times. Riding strapless in open sea (non-breaking) waves.

Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I didn't feel the significant improvement (compared to my old Airush Converse) that I was hoping for. Guess I was looking for better light wind, upwind and overall handling. The board has more float, so I guess that makes it a bit more difficult to edge and control in high wind.

Since nobody seems interested in buying my old Airush, I might try them side-by-side some day.

I don't mean to sound too negative. It's a nice board. Probably has better light wind. Just not the big "wow" I was hoping for.

I have not gotten a chance to ride the other two boards. Since I ride strapless, I ruled out the Sector.

Best,

Daniel

PS. Frank, I read your helpful in comments in another thread before buying.