Finally got to use the new board at Lake of the Ozarks over the weekend. Disclosure: I'm comparing to the only other board I've ever used (Hyperlite Broadcast), so put stock in my post at your own risk.
The Carbon Thruster is very fast and reacts quickly to weight shifting. I've tried with three small fins in the rear-most position and more recently with two long fins in the middle position. With two fins it has a tendency to break loose a little and be less stable, but controlling it is not a problem and that is currently my preferred set up. The board's spinability (if that's even a word) is incredible compared to the Broadcast (probably an obvious statement). I was able to get around on a 360 with the first try; something that was impossible for me previously.
I intend to work with different fin set ups in the future to figure out how to gain more speed to get some airs, etc. I see that as a challenge as my wave is somewhat limited in length thus shortening my window to pump. At this point with limited exposure to the new board I am very happy with the purchase and look forward to getting some late-summer and early-fall surfing in.
If anyone is still reading this thread I'm still interested in more fin configuration and general surf board feedback.
Another observation: my wakeboard/surfboard racks are stiff and do not "clamp," you simply place the board in the rack and tie down the bungee cord to secure boards. Someone in our crew wedged the Carbon Thruster into one of the narrower racks and it left some small indentions on the bottom due to the soft material. It was 100 degrees out so I'm not sure if the indentions were temporary or not, but something to keep in mind if you have older board racks like me.
The Carbon Thruster is very fast and reacts quickly to weight shifting. I've tried with three small fins in the rear-most position and more recently with two long fins in the middle position. With two fins it has a tendency to break loose a little and be less stable, but controlling it is not a problem and that is currently my preferred set up. The board's spinability (if that's even a word) is incredible compared to the Broadcast (probably an obvious statement). I was able to get around on a 360 with the first try; something that was impossible for me previously.
I intend to work with different fin set ups in the future to figure out how to gain more speed to get some airs, etc. I see that as a challenge as my wave is somewhat limited in length thus shortening my window to pump. At this point with limited exposure to the new board I am very happy with the purchase and look forward to getting some late-summer and early-fall surfing in.
If anyone is still reading this thread I'm still interested in more fin configuration and general surf board feedback.
Another observation: my wakeboard/surfboard racks are stiff and do not "clamp," you simply place the board in the rack and tie down the bungee cord to secure boards. Someone in our crew wedged the Carbon Thruster into one of the narrower racks and it left some small indentions on the bottom due to the soft material. It was 100 degrees out so I'm not sure if the indentions were temporary or not, but something to keep in mind if you have older board racks like me.
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