Windsurfing Equipment Tests - American Windsurfer

Boards: DROPS @ Aruba

Novice Control Speed Race Explore Balance

DROPS Aguera 9' 6".2

Micah Buzianis’ high-wind course race board, the Drops 9’6” .2 isn’t all that wide but it’s surprisingly fast in a wide range of conditions. It has an unusual ability to get onto a plane and unwet in relatively light winds— it’s actually quite lively and sails more out of the water than most conventional boards - and first time riders had some trouble taming its lively ride. Still, Margaret Hepper, no expert, found it comfortable and stable, provided she wasn’t overpowered. Pro testers found it very much comparable to the F2 Thommen 295, though a bit quicker in lighter winds and a little more demanding to ride. The weight on this board is remarkably low, owing to the fact that it’s built in much the way a custom race board is built. The deck shape is super-comfortable, especially for the back feet, and the components are good.

Power Rating 70
Length 9’5”
Width 23.7”
Volume 116 Liters
Weight 13.3 lbs.
Planing 9.0
Reaching 8.5
Upwind 9.5
Tight turns 6.0
Wide turns 8.5
Ding rating 14
Price $1,745
Includes: Straps & Pads

Recommended sail:
Freeride & Race 7.0 to 9.0

Novice Control Speed Race Explore Balance

DROPS Freeride 299

“Cadillac” was the word that came to mind when we first rode the Drops Freeride 299. This board is that smooth. And like a Cadillac, it needs some power to get going. This means it’s not a super-quick planer, and its strength isn’t upwind speed, but it has excellent reaching speed and controllability when powered. Travis Lester’s comment was, “[the Freeride 299] handled well overpowered. It’s fun, easy to jibe, and forgiving.” Unlike many big boards, this one can handle rough chop comfortably. It’s also quite loose in the turns. This means you can do any kind of jibe you want, but also means that there’s more room for error if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you’re an advanced to expert sailor, however, and want a big board for moderate to powered conditions, the Freeride 299 is worth a test ride.

Power Rating 67
Length 9’9”
Width 24.7”
Volume 148 Liters
Weight 16.9 lbs.
Planing 8.5
Reaching 8.5
Upwind 9.0
Tight turns 8.0
Wide turns 8.0
Ding rating 14
Price $1,395
Includes: Straps & Pads

Recommended sail:
Freeride 6.0 to 8.0

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