Fanatic Fly Race 12'6

[BossManD]

I've been riding a Starboard Blend 11'2 for the last year and am looking to get a board more dedicated to flatwater cruising/fitness paddling.  I've been reading a lot about the Bark Surftech which sounds like a great board, but has a paint job that I cannot stand.  Also been trying to find information on the Hobie and the new 404s.

Now I'm learning more about the Fanatic Fly Race and am very intrigued - sounds like a great board thats more stable than most, at a very competitive price.  I'm curious if anyone has firsthand experience with the board - specifically wondering about durability as its built by a company that doesn't necessarily have the reputation of Joe Bark or Surftech.  I know the Bark Surftech 12'6 is constantly praised for being nearly indestructible.  Can any owners of the Fanatic Fly speak to its durability in terms of dings/drops?

Thanks

[JillRide45]

I had a Fanatic Fly Race Carbon, no problems at all with the board.  Seemed as durable as the Surftech Bark, but way lighter!  The Fly Race Carbon with Fin weighed 24 lbs, the old Surftech Bark weighed 31 lbs.  The new Surftech Bark is not nearly as durable.  The only reason I sold the Fly Race was to get a less stable, narrower board.  I am 110 lbs with narrow shoulders so the Fly Race was just too much board. I could have a picnic on it! The Fly Race is a very stable fast board. I really liked the painted carbon (white) so it was light weight but did not heat up like a dark board.   Have fun.  Jill

[BossManD]

Thanks for the input. Sounds like you had a great experience with the board.

[balance_fit]

Hi ! I've had the pleasure of paddling my Carbon Fly Race for several months.
I consider it a great board, versatile, stable, light and fast. I'm 5'11" 170 lbs and paddle in flatwater, ocean, downwinds and small surf.
PM me if you got any questions.

jd

[boardlady]

my Fanatic Fly was built by the exact same folks that build the Surftech Sups: the Cobra factory in Thailand - which is still the very finest builder of high-end composite production boards in the world.
My Carbon Fly has a few paint nicks on the rail, but is otherwise perfect. I am the second owner, don't baby it, have it on and off my car at least 3 times a week, and loving it! As Jil said: this board is barely 24lbs, so you are much less likely to drop it while loading etc.
can't go wrong here!
Eva

[windup]

I have paddled the Fanatic Fly Race in flat water and found it very stable for my size 6'2" 220lbs. the one i borrowed still looks brand new after months of paddling.

[highlander51]

Bossman,  I have the non carbon and it's very well built. Fast and stable, tracks great and the price point is good for a board of this caliber.
One other thing to consider is that for a 12'6" it has a lot of volume. I'm 210 lbs. and the board floats me very well.

[BossManD]

Thanks everyone for the responses. 

Ended up buying the Fanatic carbon on Saturday and so far I love it. 

[Water Monkey]

Glad you like the board! Check out the new FLY race that just came out in a narrower 12'6 and 14' model. Stoked on the new designs! Want to give full disclosure as I am a team rider for Fanatic. Enjoy!

http://www.fanatic.com/content/products/sup/index_eng.html

[balance_fit]

Glad you like the board! Check out the new FLY race that just came out in a narrower 12'6 and 14' model. Stoked on the new designs! Want to give full disclosure as I am a team rider for Fanatic. Enjoy!

http://www.fanatic.com/content/products/sup/index_eng.html

Excellent job from the guys and gals at Fanatic. I am in bliss with my Fly Race 2010 and it seems that the new 2011 Fly Race models will certainly sell fast !

[supman11]

looking to buy a fanatic fly 12'6 carbon race board for sup..... anyone interested?

[930chas]

Bumping an older thread, sorry. But any thoughts on the new red 27.75" carbon race board vs the white 30" version? Durability? Stability? etc... I am having a difficult time deciding between the two. Thanks much.

[DavidJohn]

Bumping an older thread, sorry. But any thoughts on the new red 27.75" carbon race board vs the white 30" version? Durability? Stability? etc... I am having a difficult time deciding between the two. Thanks much.

The current red 12'6" Fanatic's are hand made pre production models and although super light and faster they are much more tippy and much more fragile.

DJ

[BossManD]

Bumping an older thread, sorry. But any thoughts on the new red 27.75" carbon race board vs the white 30" version? Durability? Stability? etc... I am having a difficult time deciding between the two. Thanks much.

Just a minor correction - the white model is 31". And I still love mine.

[Boludo]

I have the new 12'6 Fanatic Fly (narrower red one).  Yes it's super light and I understand it's fragile so I'm doing my best to be careful with it.  It does feel fast, but what do I know, it's my first race board.  For me at 165 pounds it feels extremely stable.  I absolutely love the board but time will tell how it holds up.  I just did one local race on it and I will do another one next Saturday.  So we'll see how I continue to do.  Having fun though.