Inside issue #54 of IKSURFMAG you will find a bad to the bone review explaining all you need to know about the 2016 Signature 5’8” kitesurf board.
For 2016 this board has been turning heads all over the globe, fine-tuned over the years this is Raphael’s “Signature” model surfboard created for traditional top-to-bottom kitesurfing. Featuring a high performance outline; pulled in nose, rounded pin tail, HD Foam Flex Construction, Futures quad fin option, and F-One proprietary shock absorbing deck pad, the Signature Series surfboards by F-One is ready to charge any wave you have to put in its way! Thank you to IKSURF Magazine for yet again another awesome F-One Gear review for you to check out this holiday season. Remember if you’re in the market for a new shred sled, make sure you check out all of IKSURFMAG’S Gear reviews to make your decision a little easier!
Source: IKSURFMAG.COM – 2016 Signature Surf 5’8” Review
At A Glance
The Signature series of boards have been in the F-One line up for a few years now. These carving machines are the favorite piece of hardware for Raphael Salles to go and shred the waves. While the Mitu Pro Model might catch the limelight, the Signature should not be overlooked. Built using the new HD Foam Composite technology the board offers great flex while being exceedingly strong too. A quad fin set up delivers plenty of drive both upwind and when carving on the wave and new for this year is an improved rocker line and a new bottom shape that sees a concave at the front develop into a V at the rear. The board also features the Camel Deck, which allows better contact with your foot and a heel shock absorber to keep things comfortable.
On The Water
The 5’8 is a pocket rocket on the water, fast and smooth through the chop this board will suit the smaller rider looking for a high-performance weapon on the waves. For 2016, the team wanted to make this board more user friendly and have a little more versatility. Previously it was highly regarded as a great board for fast, powerful waves, but since we don’t all get to ride One Eye all the time the new shape aims to enable it to handle sub-par conditions with ease.
The new bottom shape is where the magic happens, the more pronounced V at the rear improves the rail-to-rail carving ability, helps with upwind performance, but also makes the board even smoother through the chop. If you are looking for classic surfboard feel, then the Signature comes very close to that, especially with the flex and construction techniques used. It is however far more durable than a traditional board and has a more kitesurfing orientated shape to it with less volume than you would find on a traditional surfboard to help keep control in windy conditions.
On the wave the board is smooth and controlled, a feature welcomed when the waves are fast and choppy. The short dimensions allow you to crank the Signature through the turns and the grip and drive offered here is immense. Expect to be slashing those waves and chucking buckets with the best of them!
Overall
Often overlooked in favor of the Mitu Pro Model, if you want a board that is smoother through the chop, can handle anything you throw at it, including 20 foot One Eye, and rip big powerful turns on the wave, the Signature is well worth a look. Sometimes the simple more classic shapes are the ones that work the best! – IKSURFMAG ISSUE #54
Learn more about the 2016 Signature Surfboard offered in 5’8 & 5’10 sizes.