Windsurfing Equipment Tests - American Windsurfer

Boards: Pro-Tech @ Aruba

Novice Control Speed Race Explore Balance

Pro-Tech CAT 290

The CAT 290 is a development of the AVS idea but without the flap. Instead of a flexible flap describing a semi-circle behind the fin, Pro-Tech designer John Parton has simply left solid planing surface. So, does this CAT purr? It's quite possibly the quickest-planing board on the market. Being longer and flatter than the Seatrend Allstar 80 AVS, and being wider than the Mistral SLE 311, it planes off with slightly less effort than either of these boards. While it's slightly slower and more in the water at speed than the Allstar 80, it’s also easier to keep on the water and less likely to tail-walk in a big gust. It beats the SLE 311 in every respect. As for turning, the CAT is quite easy to turn for its width though getting used to stepping so far to leeward takes some getting used to - and it maintains speed well through a jibe. Non-skid is the best, and optional footstraps have narrow range but great comfort and ease of adjustment.

Power Rating 88
Length 9’5”
Width 30.1”
Volume (manufacturers estimate) 169 Liters
Weight (manufacturers estimate) 17.5 lbs.
Planing 10.0
Reaching 8.0
Upwind 10.0
Tight turns 6.5
Wide turns 8.0
Ding rating 6
Price $1,550
Includes: Pads & Delivery

Recommended sail:
Freeride & Race 7.0 & Up

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