Did note this info in the tech details of the helium evo construction, quote "the new deck skin material creates shallow foot wells which enhance your connection to the board " end quote
Waiting for wind to give mine a run, ive used a tail pad and Nowacs like Topple did so will be interesting to see if "foot wells " develop.
Hoping to pick mine up on Wednesday on the Sunshine Coast, where are you guys getting the Nowacs from? Thanks in advance.
cheers Tony
Select to expand quoteYoungbreezy said..
Is the helium construction a standard surfboard construction ( for paddling ) but strong enough to kite on? Or are they doing them in a helium kite construction?
I am very impressed with the construction on my fst kite vanguard
No helium is a whole new construction. The kite range with helium is this technology ( which is a lot lighter than fat) and then with the extra glass and reinforcement that the kite construction range gets. The helium paddle boards are way lighter again.
Hi Mick
I was surprised that it felt a bit slippery kiting as it's great for paddle surfing.
As I'm mainly paddle surfing this board, I think I might have to wax the nowacs. 
But on the plus side, this is possibly the best surfboard I have ever had. 
Select to expand quotetoppleover said..
I was surprised that it felt a bit slippery kiting as it's great for paddle surfing.
As I'm mainly paddle surfing this board, I think I might have to wax the nowacs.
But on the plus side, this is possibly the best surfboard I have ever had.
Yes mate slippery probably not the correct term.
I paddle surf another Firewire board tail pad and Nowacs with more volume for my size.Its fine.
For kiting a combo of Nowacs and deckgrip imo is more positive for me.
Everybody's different .
Select to expand quotestrekke said..
How does the Evo compare to the Vanguard?
Hey Strekke,
The Vanguard v Evo
both boards have similar traits.The Evo is a smoother, more refined ride.
Tried both boards with quads fins & Tri Fins.
Quad Fins track more.
Tri Fins are looser on both boards, but the Evo is a bit
loser and livelier.
Really like both boards.
Select to expand quoteLeighMajor said..strekke said..
How does the Evo compare to the Vanguard?
Hey Strekke,
The Vanguard v Evo
both boards have similar traits.The Evo is a smoother, more refined ride.
Tried both boards with quads fins & Tri Fins.
Quad Fins track more.
Tri Fins are looser on both boards, but the Evo is a bit
loser and livelier.
Really like both boards.
Thanks for the reply. I only briefly tested the Evo in some chop (no waves), and found that it kind of floats/bounces over the chop instead of cutting through it. It kind of felt like my Nugget CSC, but livelier... Had the impression that my 2010 WAM cut through it all smoother. Does the VG have the same characteristics as the Evo when it comes to chop? And which of these has the best upwind/early planing/low end?
Select to expand quotestrekke said..LeighMajor said..strekke said..
How does the Evo compare to the Vanguard?
Hey Strekke,
The Vanguard v Evo
both boards have similar traits.The Evo is a smoother, more refined ride.
Tried both boards with quads fins & Tri Fins.
Quad Fins track more.
Tri Fins are looser on both boards, but the Evo is a bit
loser and livelier.
Really like both boards.
Thanks for the reply. I only briefly tested the Evo in some chop (no waves), and found that it kind of floats/bounces over the chop instead of cutting through it. It kind of felt like my Nugget CSC, but livelier... Had the impression that my 2010 WAM cut through it all smoother. Does the VG have the same characteristics as the Evo when it comes to chop? And which of these has the best upwind/early planing/low end?
I have the CSC nugget and the Evo, love them both.... the Evo surfs much better than the Nugget. The Evo is much easier to control at speed as well.
I now use the Evo for most everything. The nugget only gets used now when I want to be strapped and use waves as ramps.
Select to expand quotebigtone667 said..strekke said..LeighMajor said..strekke said..
How does the Evo compare to the Vanguard?
Hey Strekke,
The Vanguard v Evo
both boards have similar traits.The Evo is a smoother, more refined ride.
Tried both boards with quads fins & Tri Fins.
Quad Fins track more.
Tri Fins are looser on both boards, but the Evo is a bit
loser and livelier.
Really like both boards.
Thanks for the reply. I only briefly tested the Evo in some chop (no waves), and found that it kind of floats/bounces over the chop instead of cutting through it. It kind of felt like my Nugget CSC, but livelier... Had the impression that my 2010 WAM cut through it all smoother. Does the VG have the same characteristics as the Evo when it comes to chop? And which of these has the best upwind/early planing/low end?
I have the CSC nugget and the Evo, love them both.... the Evo surfs much better than the Nugget. The Evo is much easier to control at speed as well.
I now use the Evo for most everything. The nugget only gets used now when I want to be strapped and use waves as ramps.
What size of the Nugget and Evo do you compare? Is the light wind range just as good on the Evo assuming that the Evo is more narrow than the Nugget.
This is a board i just set up for a customer with the new WMFG Stubby grip, Best grips i have found so far !!!
We have them in stock in a few colour options.
Jason
West Oz Boardsports
Select to expand quotestrekke said..LeighMajor said..strekke said..
How does the Evo compare to the Vanguard?
Hey Strekke,
The Vanguard v Evo
both boards have similar traits.The Evo is a smoother, more refined ride.
Tried both boards with quads fins & Tri Fins.
Quad Fins track more.
Tri Fins are looser on both boards, but the Evo is a bit
loser and livelier.
Really like both boards.
Thanks for the reply. I only briefly tested the Evo in some chop (no waves), and found that it kind of floats/bounces over the chop instead of cutting through it. It kind of felt like my Nugget CSC, but livelier... Had the impression that my 2010 WAM cut through it all smoother. Does the VG have the same characteristics as the Evo when it comes to chop? And which of these has the best upwind/early planing/low end?
I've got a 5'2" Vanguard and 5'1" Evo, and ride both, but lately mostly ride the Evo. I rode the Vanguard the other night in a light NE that snuck up. It definitely has best bottom end of the two boards. I've ridden both in tri and quad and prefer both in quad, mainly for tracking and upwind.
Vanguard will turn as tight as the Evo with a bit more effort and technique, but is easier to stall and unless you are quick to get weight on the front foot you can get frustrated with it, but it excels in small waves and lighter winds.
Once is windy enough to use a 10M or smaller kite and the waves are at least chest high then the Evo is the best board I've owned and ridden for side shore/offshore conditions.
Both board ride through chop well, but I reckon thats a technique thing for riding surfboards, you have to ride with knees bent a bit and use your legs to keep the board in contact with the water, and kite skills to keep speed down (no need to go real fast unless on a wave).
I have some directionals I really like in side on conditions and as yet have not really had a decent go on the Evo in our summer side on, backhand down the line stuff.
Select to expand quotemagnusod said..bigtone667 said..strekke said..LeighMajor said..strekke said..
How does the Evo compare to the Vanguard?
Hey Strekke,
The Vanguard v Evo
both boards have similar traits.The Evo is a smoother, more refined ride.
Tried both boards with quads fins & Tri Fins.
Quad Fins track more.
Tri Fins are looser on both boards, but the Evo is a bit
loser and livelier.
Really like both boards.
Thanks for the reply. I only briefly tested the Evo in some chop (no waves), and found that it kind of floats/bounces over the chop instead of cutting through it. It kind of felt like my Nugget CSC, but livelier... Had the impression that my 2010 WAM cut through it all smoother. Does the VG have the same characteristics as the Evo when it comes to chop? And which of these has the best upwind/early planing/low end?
I have the CSC nugget and the Evo, love them both.... the Evo surfs much better than the Nugget. The Evo is much easier to control at speed as well.
I now use the Evo for most everything. The nugget only gets used now when I want to be strapped and use waves as ramps.
What size of the Nugget and Evo do you compare? Is the light wind range just as good on the Evo assuming that the Evo is more narrow than the Nugget.
I have the 5.2 CSC Nugget and the 5.3 Evo and find them both pretty similar on the low end. In theory, the Nugget should be better due to the additional width, but the Evo just seems to channel the water better (not sure how to better describe it).
Select to expand quoteUgly said..
Any of you blokes with (pads) heard of surfboard wax
Yes and grip ****s all over it for kiting
Select to expand quoteBeerhunter said..Ugly said..
Any of you blokes with (pads) heard of surfboard wax
Yes and grip ****s all over it for kiting
Most of the people I see with (pads) end up putting wax on the pads after a while for extra grip.
just my opinion, extra cost for little results.
my evo is still un used so cannot give a opinion on the board yet.
Select to expand quoteBeerhunter said..Ugly said..
Any of you blokes with (pads) heard of surfboard wax
Yes and grip ****s all over it for kiting
Just to back up your argument
Padded guy (Keahi) delivers waxed guys board back to him yesterday
Had my first decent kite in around 15 knots on my 5'3 this arvo, surfed a little offshore Island reef break - just me & 1 mate.
Even set up as a thruster, these boards fly upwind & as I also paddle surf this board - it felt really in-sync when riding the waves.
Nowacs felt a little slippery at first but I didn't slip once, so maybe it just might take a little getting used to.
Ha ha, used a legrope - as last time I took a new board to this spot, it ended up on the rocks. 
So, a bit of a dilemma here
I weigh in at 95kgs, currently ride an Airush 6'1 converse, it's 26ltrs. I started on a 32ltr board anf found it ok, until the wind picked up, then it was too corky and a bitch to hold down The converse on the other hand is a lovely board, but I struggle on the lighter days. Sub 20
I can't get a demo, on any Firewire boards. But I've seen a 5'5 Vader or a 5'3 Evo in kite build 2nd hand. But still a lot of money. I have also seen a Vanguard in 5'5 FST, not kite build. This is 32ltrs, but am worried I might kill it in the chop, slap, slap, slap, crunch... It's ?200 less than th ekite build boards. so maybe buy it and have another layer put on the top deck?
Anybody have any thoughts on which might suit me for sub 20, on shore winds?
My local is chop city, but can have some wind blown chest high waves. I do visit swell driven spots around the SW UK as well.
Hi sonnyrider, I say spend a little extra and get the kite construction, I have a 5'6 vanguard in fst kite construction and I am very impressed with the build ( and performance) I have had it about a year And rode it a lot, there is no heel dents or any issues at all, definitely a rock solid board and one that I plan to keep for quite a while
Select to expand quotebigtone667 said..magnusod said..bigtone667 said..strekke said..LeighMajor said..strekke said..
How does the Evo compare to the Vanguard?
Hey Strekke,
The Vanguard v Evo
both boards have similar traits.The Evo is a smoother, more refined ride.
Tried both boards with quads fins & Tri Fins.
Quad Fins track more.
Tri Fins are looser on both boards, but the Evo is a bit
loser and livelier.
Really like both boards.
Thanks for the reply. I only briefly tested the Evo in some chop (no waves), and found that it kind of floats/bounces over the chop instead of cutting through it. It kind of felt like my Nugget CSC, but livelier... Had the impression that my 2010 WAM cut through it all smoother. Does the VG have the same characteristics as the Evo when it comes to chop? And which of these has the best upwind/early planing/low end?
I have the CSC nugget and the Evo, love them both.... the Evo surfs much better than the Nugget. The Evo is much easier to control at speed as well.
I now use the Evo for most everything. The nugget only gets used now when I want to be strapped and use waves as ramps.
What size of the Nugget and Evo do you compare? Is the light wind range just as good on the Evo assuming that the Evo is more narrow than the Nugget.
I have the 5.2 CSC Nugget and the 5.3 Evo and find them both pretty similar on the low end. In theory, the Nugget should be better due to the additional width, but the Evo just seems to channel the water better (not sure how to better describe it).
Thanks Bigtone, that's as good description as any. Very impressive that the Evo is so efficient.
Select to expand quoteOzone Kites Aus said..strekke said..LeighMajor said..strekke said..
How does the Evo compare to the Vanguard
Thanks for the reply. I only briefly tested the Evo in some chop (no waves), and found that it kind of floats/bounces over the chop instead of cutting through it. It kind of felt like my Nugget CSC, but livelier... Had the impression that my 2010 WAM cut through it all smoother. Does the VG have the same characteristics as the Evo when it comes to chop? And which of these has the best upwind/early planing/low end?
I've got a 5'2" Vanguard and 5'1" Evo, and ride both, but lately mostly ride the Evo. I rode the Vanguard the other night in a light NE that snuck up. It definitely has best bottom end of the two boards. I've ridden both in tri and quad and prefer both in quad, mainly for tracking and upwind.
Vanguard will turn as tight as the Evo with a bit more effort and technique, but is easier to stall and unless you are quick to get weight on the front foot you can get frustrated with it, but it excels in small waves and lighter winds.
Once is windy enough to use a 10M or smaller kite and the waves are at least chest high then the Evo is the best board I've owned and ridden for side shore/offshore conditions.
Both board ride through chop well, but I reckon thats a technique thing for riding surfboards, you have to ride with knees bent a bit and use your legs to keep the board in contact with the water, and kite skills to keep speed down (no need to go real fast unless on a wave).
I have some directionals I really like in side on conditions and as yet have not really had a decent go on the Evo in our summer side on, backhand down the line stuff.
I find it interesting that you find the VG to have better low end than the Evo.
A few years ago i had the 5'2 VG & also had a 5'1 Nugget that imo had much better low end.
At low speeds (sub planing) my VG pushed water, this isn't going to help anyone get going.
I actually thought the VG did not live up to its hype, just average at everything.
Now i have the Evo, to me it feels like a Nugget on steroids - still has great low end but really holds a rail & can take late drop-ins in steep sucky waves.
Also the 1st kiteboard I've had that I prefer to ride as a thruster over quad.
Select to expand quoteSurfer62 said..
Did note this info in the tech details of the helium evo construction, quote "the new deck skin material creates shallow foot wells which enhance your connection to the board " end quote
Waiting for wind to give mine a run, ive used a tail pad and Nowacs like Topple did so will be interesting to see if "foot wells " develop.
This is similar propaganda that surfboard shapers were using to discredit epoxy resin usage before it caught on to keep you buying boards every 1-2 years
