Fanatic Freewave 75 TE 2020 review

[GuyT]

Gret info Mark, wish I had that information a few weeks ago, just bought a couple of Tectonics fins

That 11 mm makes a difference, according to the Windsurf UK mag:

https://www.windsurf.co.uk/test/fanatic-freewave-stb-te-105l-2019-test-review/

[mark]

Hi Guy,

I don't think you will be disappointed with the B1 fin in the stock position. I also rode my board with and without the 11 cm Beastie thrusters. They seem to help with the spin out issues. I also ordered a 32 cm Falcon Freeride fin with the fin moved forward 12 mm. I should have that early next week and will comment after I get a chance to ride it.

[GuyT]

Hi Mark

I think the Beasties will be fine too , it's the weed fins I bought that I wish they could have been be more forward.

Just between you and I, it is surprising that Fanatic came out with a board that had such a major flaw. Maybe it would be a good idea if companies tested their prototypes with Average Joes

[dllee]

3 really good sailors I know use the Stubbie 70 % of their windsurfing days. They say it's the cat's meow.

[mark]

Some of those really good windsurfers can make the stock fins work particularly if they have good freestyle skills. It is the rest of us back foot heavy average Joes that need the help provided by better fins.

[dllee]

Kinda like the newbie windsurfer who buys a dedicated slalom board and tells everyone....."it's lousy, turns terrible, is high strung, is very weakly built,and constantly goes out from under me.."

[GuyT]

[dllee]

Seems EVERY good freestyler loves the stubbie.
But I don't like it at all, unless at 75kgs. I use a 75 liter stubbie with a 19" main and 10cm bites.

[mark]

Hi Guy,

Yesterday after a good day at day at one of our local sites I counted 7 2020 Fanatic Freewaves on shore ranging from 75 to 95 liters. I took a closer look at Kevin Kan's board who owns Sunset Sailboards. I noticed he and several others who are also very good sailors have the stock thrusters set at the very back of the boxes. It may be worth trying that and maybe also on the STB. The Tectonics Beastie thrusters do have more rake which in effect moves the CRL a bit further. back. I am not saying that the stock fins are in the same league as the Tectonics but for people on a budget replacing the center fin and keeping the stock thrusters may be a cost effective solution to spinout.

[dllee]

Freestyler's lean on front foot...like windfoilers...run mast base back, use high booms to weight mast base, run small sails, and lean the board, windward rail down to go upwind.
That is a different style from freeride or slalom windsurfing.