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THE HYPE:
There's a completely new Jaime Pro Model line for 2007. The new asymmetrical outline and bottom concave now offers something for everyone. The relatively straight heel-side edge delivers the classic freestyle performance you would expect from the Jaime; speed, pop, upwind ability and grip. The new asymmetrical concave is perfect for choppy conditions and reduces sticking as well as splash on the rider. The rounder, more forgiving toe-side edge is perfect for carving turns. “We wanted to design a board that would work for a wider range of riders without compromising performance. I'm confident that this board will suit almost any rider in almost every condition. I'm super stoked with this new concept!” - Jaime Herraiz
TEST TEAM NOTES:
GEORGE: I think the board this year is much better than last year's which wasn't as good as the year before, if you get me? That was a great board. This year's has got interesting concave on the bottom with half a flat section and half a concave section, with the concave under your heels. It makes it more comfortable on the heels and I think the flatter section under the toes is easier to influence. It's definitely not an out-and-out freestyle machine. It's capable, but it's more cruisy. A nice comfortable package and goes upwind easily, too.
WILL: Yeah it's sort of halfway; it feels quite aggressive - it's got pop and sharp rails, but it is comfortable.
NEAL: It's a very good intermediate board. Does everything nicely, isn't amazing at pop, isn't amazing at dealing with chop, just an all-round pleaser. Good toe- ide, too, but still quite stiff compared to some.
WILL: It's funny because it rides smooth, but then when you try something it feels stiff, like you'd want it to.
NEAL: You can load it up and it deals with power well.
GEORGE: They've sorted out those foot straps. They were always really comfortable but were just a bugger to get on the board. They've got a really easy plate system now so you don't have to get all your weight on the screwdriver to get the screw to bite and you don't end up screwing through the boards any more!
GEORGE: Thumbs up overall for me.
NEAL: Yeah, it's definitely good. WILL: Mmmm
SUMMARY:
North have produced a lot of ‘pro models’ this year. There is a bit of a problem in kiteboarding with people buying the ‘most advanced’ board they can before they’re ready and as a result their progress is being hampered. This is a pro model that will do everything you need whatever your level, bar out-and-out pro. Excellent all-rounder.
SIZES:
125 x 36.5, 128 x 38, 131 x 39.5cm
www.northkites.com
This test is in issue #26
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