2005 Boards
North Jaime Pro Large
| KITEWORLD SUMMARY: 2005 was the first year that North really found their way with their now legendary snowboard construction method. This is the biggest in the Jaime range, and was even comfortable today, and that’s really saying something. It had a cruisy feeling, even sailing in full-on conditions and as the larger size would have been perfect for heavier riders. Not really a wave board - it’s lightning quick and made for tricks. MANUFACTURER'S HYPE: Jaime tried hard to outdo his popular pro model range from last year, but he thinks he’s done it. The new model rides faster and more smoothly with better pop. New construction techniques derived from snowboards result in a very stable, strong shape for softer landings and control at maximum speed. The core is completely CNC-cut and positioned between the ABS sidewalls and the resistant top sheet. They whack it in the oven at 95ºC under a pressure of 85 tons. The Quadriflex fiberglass and X-carbon Kevlar stringers provide for the clear definition of both flex and torsional rigidity. North’s absorption flex tips allow for the higher speed and control to be maximised. The flatter scoop rocker line bends at the tips at high pressure. What you get is a board that planes very quickly, doesn’t lose edge and grip and so kicks the kiter straight up with huge pop. Very light and extremely durable. TEST TEAM NOTES: DAN: Best straps I’ve seen, no doubt. You can change them at two points. It’s got quite a fin in it too. It was a big board for today and that rail isn’t rounded at all. It’s definitely a fast freestyle board. NEAL: In a straight line it was really comfortable and controllable. Even with such big tips and fins you could still push the back end out for control. It was only when you bottom-turned that you noticed you couldn’t really put enough pressure on it to change direction mid-turn. I couldn’t suddenly make it flex some more or turn some more. What we’ve got to remember is that this board would have been so different on 14 metre kites and bigger. A stiff 130 with stacked 7 metre kites isn’t ideal. DAN: I could really kick it round in transitions. Those fins really bite which is why it tracks so well. Point it and go. NEAL: If we had one of the smaller ones today it would have been a joy because you could have more effect on it. A heavier rider would have been OK; you just have to get the right size, which is always going to be a problem with testing. DAN: In between the waves the Jaime felt beautiful. It’s a pro model though; you can tell because you have to commit to doing something and really mean it. Be aggressive and it will reward you. There’s heaps of pop and it seemed to land OK when coming in hot. SIZES: 128 x 40 cm 126 x 37.5cm 123 x 35.5cm www.northkites.com  This test is in issue #13 |
   |