Kalama Performance

Apologies for going off topic .. 1Fox would love to hear your thoughts on 9x26 Starboard

Select to expand quote

JonathanC said..
Apologies for going off topic .. 1Fox would love to hear your thoughts on 9x26 Starboard

To set the baseline, let me refer that the board I ride the most is a sunova custom longsup 9x26.5 90lts. That board is just. perfect!I bought the starboard as a backup board. what appealed to me? the low rocker line and the starboard reliability/ finish quality.

What I found out afterall:The board has a very easily perceived quality.the deck is quite flat which i'm not fan.
The rails are relatively thin and the fin placement is good. Added to the diamond tail, translates into a very lively off the tail behaviour. That's one of the best things about the board.
The major drawback of this blue carbon construction is the lack of flex. This is a relevant problem for me.
Maybe it's because i'm spoiled by sunova.

During last week I had the chance to test the board, both in small waves and punchy point break.
It worked great on both.

The volume is a bit too much for what I'm used to: 120 vs 90lts. You could surf with your office suit and still come out relatively dry :D
The problems I found in the new deal are not present here. the rocker is well balanced, the tail is thin enough for a incisive bite, but still large enough to carry out the proper volume.
If you stomp on the the tail in a big bottom it will follow nimble (for a 10')
The setup I enjoyed the most was quad, like my nalu LE.It has proper flex, is light and looks reliable.
The board is definitely a keeper.

Select to expand quote

1fox said..
During last week I had the chance to test the board, both in small waves and punchy point break.
It worked great on both.

The volume is a bit too much for what I'm used to: 120 vs 90lts. You could surf with your office suit and still come out relatively dry :D
The problems I found in the new deal are not present here. the rocker is well balanced, the tail is thin enough for a incisive bite, but still large enough to carry out the proper volume.
If you stomp on the the tail in a big bottom it will follow nimble (for a 10')
The setup I enjoyed the most was quad, like my nalu LE.It has proper flex, is light and looks reliable.
The board is definitely a keeper.

Sounds awesome 1fox!!! Still frothing for mine to arrive.... hopefully within the month.

Good things take time so they say....

Any reviews or Pic's of the new Kalama's yet?

Select to expand quote

fester said..
Any reviews or Pic's of the new Kalama's yet?

August Fester.. Fingers crossed

Jesus is the ship going via Rotterdam? Vietnam to Australia shouldn't take that long even if it's going via Singapore. What Freight Forwarder are you using ?

Select to expand quote

Rossall said..
Jesus is the ship going via Rotterdam? Vietnam to Australia shouldn't take that long even if it's going via Singapore. What Freight Forwarder are you using ?

Well the time has come.. No fault of Dyl and the crew but it has been exactly 365 days since I first enquired about getting one of these weapons.. And it arrived tonight.
So, an early review on the first impressions.

the board was packed awesomely for shipping. double boxed. Polystyrene sheets down both sides and wrapped in a soft fabric sleeve! Prefect condition on arrival.

First thing.. It's light!! I got the 10x28 @121 ltrs and baked it weighed in at 7.4kg. It's tough!! You can feel the outer skin is tough as and there is not one blemish on the board. superb finish!

The nose rocker is there but not too abrupt. classic longboard style.. The kick in the tail is quite pronounced so I am picking this thing will turn on a dime with the smallest amount of weight on the back foot. The nose and tail have been well thinned out so I am expecting the response to be epic.

Fin placement is interesting.. I will try as a thruster first but the quad configuration sees the trailer fins set close to centre and almost parallel.. First time using the FCS2 system.. I'll hold judgement on that for now.

The underside has a smooth single concave right through the full length of the board and only flattens out right back at the rear fin box.
I've got the rail tape and deck grip on (Van der Waal hex traction.. Good gear) so we are good for launch early tomorrow... I'll post my thoughts on how she goes once I have a few waves on the clock.. But for now I am epically stoked to have this beauty in my quiver!!!!

Select to expand quote

Emeboy said..
Fin placement is interesting.. I will try as a thruster first but the quad configuration sees the trailer fins set close to centre and almost parallel..

That's what is called a "McKee setup". Basically it provides a kind of hybrid between a thruster and a quad.
It allows using either 80/20 or 70/30 rear fins for better grip in turns, or go with symmetrical (50/50) rears for a smoother rail to rail (my preference).

www.mckeesurf.com/wp/?page_id=267

"Mckee's 'Width between back fins' formula, is calculated to give the most fluid and redirectional interchange between turns while maintaining drive, eliminating tracking, rail grab and the need for baby back fins, all associated with having fins too close to the rail. In the past l have placed fins in hundreds of different positions all over the tail."

Select to expand quote

colas said..

Emeboy said..
Fin placement is interesting.. I will try as a thruster first but the quad configuration sees the trailer fins set close to centre and almost parallel..

That's what is called a "McKee setup". Basically it provides a kind of hybrid between a thruster and a quad.
It allows using either 80/20 or 70/30 rear fins for better grip in turns, or go with symmetrical (50/50) rears for a smoother rail to rail (my preference).

www.mckeesurf.com/wp/?page_id=267

"Mckee's 'Width between back fins' formula, is calculated to give the most fluid and redirectional interchange between turns while maintaining drive, eliminating tracking, rail grab and the need for baby back fins, all associated with having fins too close to the rail. In the past l have placed fins in hundreds of different positions all over the tail."

Thanks Colas....
Even more keen to see how it goes as a quad now....

Only had small (but clean) waves on the weekend but can definitely feel the performance factor. brilliant deckpad with plenty of grip and feels super solid up on the nose.... loving it!!!

Select to expand quote

pohaku said..
Amazing Paul. I used my 9' x 28 at 108L yesterday in one foot rip bowl. Let's just say my mind is blown. I called DK straight after he was frothing. My board weighs under 7kg and is bulletproof

I was so tempted by the 9'0 but got nervous about the 28" width and the low volume for my 5'11" @ 85kg lump of human flesh so I went with the 9'2x30. Stoked to receive it!

I see you went 2+1 or thruster - what sizes did you run? How did they go? I've read reviews of people insisting this board is a bummer as a thruster but mind-blowing as a quad. Let me know!

I just ordered the 9' x 28" / 108L and I too am looking for fin suggestions.

I weigh 170 #'s.

I did FCS Shaper Series AM in MED.

Select to expand quote

nShoreSlider said..

jrc22ski said..

It looks like your rails have a brushed carbon look where the orange/red was sanded down to reveal some of the carbon beneath. Did it come like that or did you sand it down? My rails are solid orange/red. I ask because I just put my first little paddle ding in my right rail (behind where I put the rail tape, bummer) and I see the black carbon beneath it. So now I'm wondering if I should sand it down so I'm not bothered by future dings/chips in the topcoat. I should probably not care, but it's my first new board so I'm babying it right now!

No sanding. This is how the board arrived.