RRD Freestyle Wave V4

RRD shaper Aurelio Verdi re-designed the Freestyle Wave range adding to this Version 4 a COTAN touch on the nose. The new outline with Cut Out Nose helps to make this new shape even more compact than the previous version. This feature combined with the refined and thinner rails on the tail and the new thruster fins set-up make those new shapes much more free, alive and responsive to rider’s input no matter if ripping on waves, boosting a jibe or pulling out some trick. The “Power Box” fin system in combination with the 2 side slot box fins, allows finding the perfect trim of the board depending the conditions or the rider’s style: Single Fin for freeride or freestyle oriented session, Tri-Fins looking for more grip or waves to ride!

[simonbouliane]

I bought a brand new 84 liters version of this board this spring (spring of 2019). I bought a 2017 board since I cannot afford a 2019 board price.
I have been using the board all summer here in the Saint-Laurence River (condition similar to the George but a little bit smaller swell).
The board get's pretty fast on the plane and is also a board that goes fast although it is not a rocket.
The board turn very well on the wave, short and long radius equally (back side riding here always).
It like to jump and keep it's speed going up the wave face for good air time.
I have been using mostly the thruster configuration since the single configuration did feel uncomfortable with a 5.3 sail. As if the sail was too big for the board.

I have found two downside on this board.
The first being that the pads and footstraps are a little bit too stiff. I put an additional layer of neoprene on the inside face of the footstraps so that the top of my foot doesn't become bruised.
The second problem with this board is that the ride is too rough on choppy waters.
I bought this board to replace my old rrd freestyle wave 87 liters 2003 and I am disappointed to realise that in 14 years, yes the board has got smaller and larger but it does not ride better than my old board.