Wow.. :-*
DJ
(http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/djp-3/DJ%202013/7427174_zps48457d2c.jpg)
(http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/djp-3/DJ%202013/7427164_zps19628d87.jpg)
(http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/djp-3/DJ%202013/7427162_zps424f9924.jpg)
Fantastic. It's like Naish have read my mind, so they have clearly listened to feedback from customers and dealers. If you are an ocean paddler in particular, you are surely gonna want to try one of these. If it performs as good as it looks, and if the pricing is similarly competitive as the 2013 range has been for the basic construction models, I reckon they are gonna sell a lot of these. Can't wait to hear the first reports of how it performs in the rough stuff.
Maybe downwind vids where we see DJ fall will become a thing of the past :)
Whyyyyyyyyyyyy ;D
How does the rocker compare to the 2013?
Glossy finish top and bottom?
Wow, looks good! I like this new design. We can always count on DJ for the latest naish info! Can't wait for your review.
Curious as to what the price will be. And that's was the deal breaker for me. Locally the 2013 14'carbon was $2600. For downwind I'd rather buy a 14' Bullet for that much. Want to hear more about this
Drooling badly. More pics, info and review puhleeeeze!!! What's the price for AST and Carbon. Weight, width, rails,....how does it compare to the current shape? When will they be available??
A few more pics and chatter can be found here;
http://www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/Review/2014-Naishs/?page=-2?src=rss (http://www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/Review/2014-Naishs/?page=-2?src=rss)
Thanks!! I wonder why they went wider to 29 inches wide? I was happy as a clam at 27.25 inches wide, just wanted a bit more flat water speed. Changing out the nose and flattening the rocker would speed it up, but hard to believe that would overcome the additional width. The reviews will be really interesting. I am sure DJ will give us a good one. Hey, I blame him for me being a Naish fan anyway!!
Quote from: Rideordie on July 20, 2013, 01:48:45 PM
Thanks!! I wonder why they went wider to 29 inches wide? I was happy as a clam at 27.25 inches wide, just wanted a bit more flat water speed.
I think in the context of the full range it makes perfect sense. This board will be the 14ft equivalent of the popular wider 12-6 Glide. If you want more flatwater speed or are an advanced downwinder, then get a Javelin instead.
I also think that there will be an increasing separation in design and widths between "ocean flatwater" and "inland flatwater" designs. Ask yourself why Mark Raaphorst (surely the worlds leading ocean-specific SUP race shaper) made his ocean flatwater 14 (X14) 29.5" wide. It certainly isn't because he wants to make slow boards. Often in ocean conditions the dynamics of the moving water mean that ease of handling translates to speed.
Naish are probably also recognising that the larger paddler also needs to be catered for, and that for a lot of people who can only afford one 14, flexibility of use for all conditions and all applications (race, tour, fishing, fitness etc) is a really good selling point.
That's my guess, anyway.
Quote from: DavidJohn on July 20, 2013, 07:09:14 AM
Wow.. :-*
DJ
What he said. High time Naish recognised that not everyone is Kai Lenny. A 14' board more like the 12'6 x 30, offering more stability and capable of carrying a larger paddler in a range of conditions has got to be a good thing. Itching to see DJ's when it lands.
Quote from: Area 10 on July 20, 2013, 02:15:04 PM
Quote from: Rideordie on July 20, 2013, 01:48:45 PM
Thanks!! I wonder why they went wider to 29 inches wide? I was happy as a clam at 27.25 inches wide, just wanted a bit more flat water speed.
I think in the context of the full range it makes perfect sense. This board will be the 14ft equivalent of the popular wider 12-6 Glide. If you want more flatwater speed or are an advanced downwinder, then get a Javelin instead.
I also think that there will be an increasing separation in design and widths between "ocean flatwater" and "inland flatwater" designs. Ask yourself why Mark Raaphorst (surely the worlds leading ocean-specific SUP race shaper) made his ocean flatwater 14 (X14) 29.5" wide. It certainly isn't because he wants to make slow boards. Often in ocean conditions the dynamics of the moving water mean that ease of handling translates to speed.
Naish are probably also recognising that the larger paddler also needs to be catered for, and that for a lot of people who can only afford one 14, flexibility of use for all conditions and all applications (race, tour, fishing, fitness etc) is a really good selling point.
That's my guess, anyway.
Well maybe they'll also try some middle ground and make a 27" version... Or make an AST version of the Jav or even the super skinny LE Jav. Not every one wants to fork out a ton of $ for the carbon versions - especially the LE construction that is pretty fragile.
That said I'm glad Naish has listened to the market and made a board for nastier conditions and bigger taller people.
Guess I'll start saving up for a Jav.
Thanks, DJ, for the photos, and all the comments here and on seabreeze were interesting. I hope you get a chance to do a side-by-side review some time, like you did the last time the Glide changed.
The more you learn about boards, the more exciting it is to see the new designs, and how they reveal the thinking behind them--since you can bet that everything about the board was the result of an intentional decision.
I bet they'll have them at the Naish Hood River race next month.
This board should reassure people who've been worried that board makers' entire focus seems to be making narrow rockets for lightweights with freakish balance,
I was a bit surprised they went wider, but it makes sense. I could see Naish coming out with a narrower version later, like they did with the Javelin. It's a bit more polite to make the standard version wide, then offer a narrow version for people who can handle that, vs. making the standard very narrow, then having to come out with a "Fatboy" or "Orca" version for people who can't manage the standard model.
Yeah, I have both a 14 Javelin and a 14 Glide, but honestly in confused water,and cross wind chop, I can go nearly as fast with much more confidence on the Glide. I also much prefer the Glide downwind versus the Javelin. I agree that if the offered a complementary narrow version, say 27 or so, that sounds to me like an ideal board for me in the conditions I ride. 29 just sounds a bit too wide for my taste. Nice blending of shapes though. A Glidevelin. Or is that a Javelide? Javelide, I think!!
Quote from: Rideordie on July 20, 2013, 04:30:12 PM
Yeah, I have both a 14 Javelin and a 14 Glide, but honestly in confused water,and cross wind chop, I can go nearly as fast with much more confidence on the Glide. I also much prefer the Glide downwind versus the Javelin. I agree that if the offered a complementary narrow version, say 27 or so, that sounds to me like an ideal board for me in the conditions I ride. 29 just sounds a bit too wide for my taste. Nice blending of shapes though. A Glidevelin. Or is that a Javelide? Javelide, I think!!
Sounds good to me. ;). I'll take a Javalide as well. Though I'd like mine to be a mix of the new 29" Glide and the 23" Jav LE.
Muskoka, if you are really leaning toward a Javelin in AST, you can buy a brand new 2011 14 for $1097 US from California Kiteboarding. I think that is the same shape that is being produced today in carbon. Hard to beat that deal. I could not resist. ;D
That is indeed a great deal... There's just that little issue of the border..duty and tax and... (There's not much "free" in NAFTA! >:( )
To be honest, I think I'll hold out for a narrower Javalide. I have to be a bit more cognizant of $ the next few years as both my sons will be in college... A quiver would be nice, but.....
Thanks kindly for the temptation... Nothing wrong with sharing the knowledge.
DS
I feel ya' on the college thing. My third collegiate one is about to start her sophomore year. Three more years and we are done!! Hang in there bro!!
Jumping to 29" wide is awesome for the bigger guys, but I hope they still keep a narrow Glide 14' in their range (for the smaller guys).
Just found this link that shows all the new 2014 Naish boards.. http://www.windgenuity.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=51&Itemid=101 (http://www.windgenuity.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=51&Itemid=101)
DJ
It is sad that Naish deleted the glide 27" from next years line. It sold out of both GT an GX when the still have most all other models.
Gorgebob - there is a very exciting replacement waiting in the wings......sssshhhhh
Dang! If that doesn't pan out, though, my 27" Glides (old an newer shapes) are still for sale for $5,000 each.
I wonder if Naish will have anything about this secret replacement--info or actual boards--at the Naish Hood River race coming up. Previously, they had the new Glide and Javelin boards there before I saw them anywhere else, even in photos. It does make sense to me they'd first release the wide version, then come out with something narrower, like they've done in the past with the Javelin.
Quote from: DavidJohn on August 07, 2013, 02:40:27 AM
Just found this link that shows all the new 2014 Naish boards.. http://www.windgenuity.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=51&Itemid=101 (http://www.windgenuity.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=51&Itemid=101)
DJ
Your new Glide must be due in any day now..........You going to set up a "live" report? We're all anxiously waiting ........... :D
DS
Makes total sense that Naish would build a 29" board. It will be a great teaching board for downwind newbies and a great board in general for heavier/bigger paddlers.
There is, however, a trend for narrower, flatter rocker line downwind boards that is also showing up. There is a big jump (hole?) between a $3000+ Javelin LE at 23" and a Glide at 29". Wish they'd fill that gap with a true downwind race board. There are plenty of paddlers out there (at least in places with reliable and good downwind conditions) that would be interested I think.
Quote from: covesurfer on August 07, 2013, 01:50:48 PM
Makes total sense that Naish would build a 29" board. It will be a great teaching board for downwind newbies and a great board in general for heavier/bigger paddlers.
There is, however, a trend for narrower, flatter rocker line downwind boards that is also showing up. There is a big jump (hole?) between a $3000+ Javelin LE at 23" and a Glide at 29". Wish they'd fill that gap with a true downwind race board. There are plenty of paddlers out there (at least in places with reliable and good downwind conditions) that would be interested I think.
Not to mention the gap between the very light and delicate LE construction and the way burlier GX/GS layups. Looks like the new 29" glide is being built for the masses. Which is a good thing . I hope the board Peter P is hinting at will fill the void - and be more than a one season race board.
Quote from: Muskoka SUP on August 07, 2013, 11:35:58 AM
Quote from: DavidJohn on August 07, 2013, 02:40:27 AM
Just found this link that shows all the new 2014 Naish boards.. http://www.windgenuity.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=51&Itemid=101 (http://www.windgenuity.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=51&Itemid=101)
DJ
Your new Glide must be due in any day now..........You going to set up a "live" report? We're all anxiously waiting ........... :D
DS
They said the end of July or early August when I put my order in..
Called the shop the other day and was told it will now be about the 20th.. [2 more weeks]
DJ
Exactly how many Glides of various lengths will you have at that point DJ? ;D And I don't think for a second that whatever number you say will be too many.
So we have the 2014 14 Glide which is 29.5 wide. Two and a quarter inches wider and about 2-3 lbs heavier than the 12/13 model Glide. The next more narrow Naish 14 board is the Javelin at 26.25. No doubt some bigger guys and real downwind types will like the shape, but there seems like a huge gap left here. Why abandon such a successful shape, i. e. the 12/13 model? I think my 2012 just went up in value. Maybe I should buy another as an investment. Very interested to see what DJ thinks about this board.
Quote from: Rideordie on August 08, 2013, 07:57:44 AM
So we have the 2014 14 Glide which is 29.5 wide. Two and a quarter inches wider and about 2-3 lbs heavier than the 12/13 model Glide. The next more narrow Naish 14 board is the Javelin at 26.25. No doubt some bigger guys and real downwind types will like the shape, but there seems like a huge gap left here. Why abandon such a successful shape, i. e. the 12/13 model? I think my 2012 just went up in value. Maybe I should buy another as an investment. Very interested to see what DJ thinks about this board.
IMO the 14' Jav is not a DW board so the gap is even bigger because the next size down from this new Glide will be the LE14 at only 23" wide.. Maybe there's a new big boy version of the LE14 coming.. I think I would rather they did the 14' Glide in two sizes like what Starboard do with their AllStar boards.. We have a gale warning here today and I'm all loaded and ready for a big downwinder.. It's only 7am and its already gusting to 35 knots.. Woo hoo.
DJ
Quote from: Rideordie on August 08, 2013, 07:57:44 AMWhy abandon such a successful shape, i. e. the 12/13 model? I think my 2012 just went up in value. Maybe I should buy another as an investment. Very interested to see what DJ thinks about this board.
If Naish is changing the board after only one year, isn't it more likely that they were dissatisfied with the new shape?
I used to work in the outdoor retail business and most times something new only lasted a year it was because it was a flop. Not sure if this is the case here or not - maybe someone more "in the know" can chime in.
Current shape (not the newest) has been around since summer 2011, so it lasted 2 years, not 1.
My "not-in-the-know" impression is that Naish is expanding its line of 14' boards. They still have 2 basic boards, the Glide and Javelin, but at first (pre-2011) there was one Glide and one Javelin (apart from different constructions). Then in 2011 (I think) there were still those 2 boards, but the Javelin also became offered in the narrow version.
Now they still just have the same two basic boards, but you have the 2 widths of Javelin in various constructions, and the new wide Glide, plus the rumored something else. It doesn't seem like anyone really believes they'll leave people who want a Glide with no options other than the wide one.
Plus, I don't think anyone would say the current 27" Glide is anything but a great success, so the flop idea makes no sense to me even if the current design had been around for only one year instead of two (although I agree a fast model change often does indicate that).
At OR a couple of weeks ago nobody said anything about a new model to come.
They mostly responded that it was odd that the 27 was dropped and replaced with
a much bigger board. I paddled the 29 and it was big to me.
Naish essentially have 3 race boards (talking 14's):
Glide: Ocean, mainly downwinding/touring board now comes in 29.5" wide only
Javelin: Flatwater shape with piercing nose and low rocker - 26.5" wide, round rails all the way through for speed. Can be used in flat ocean conditions and smoother low wind downwinders but is known to be somewhat tippy.
Javelin LE: Hybrid shape which is designed for any racing conditions flat or downwind. The 23" wide version is as fast as Javelin in flatwater provided paddler is less than 75kg - in ocean/downwind its way faster - provided paddler is light. Super lightweight construction. Is also going to be coming in a 26" version to cater for heavier riders that are serious about racing.
I guess the 26" LE will be the logical replacement for the 27" "current" Glide. If you have a 27" and are comfortable on it then you could upgrade to the new LE26 and expect to be much faster in all conditions. If you are a bit unstable on the 27" Glide then the new 29" Glide will be a nice comfortable board for all conditions.....
Quote from: peterp on August 14, 2013, 10:00:17 PM
I guess the 26" LE will be the logical replacement for the 27" "current" Glide. If you have a 27" and are comfortable on it then you could upgrade to the new LE26 and expect to be much faster in all conditions. If you are a bit unstable on the 27" Glide then the new 29" Glide will be a nice comfortable board for all conditions.....
Bummer. Seriously, I think Naish has "missed it by that much.."
I am looking for a board for open water and downwind... I have and love a 2012 Glide 14. It is an great board for most conditions if your predominantly heading downwind or paddling flat water. It's not a good choice for upwind chop on the days you might be inclined to "earn" a downwinder (light to moderate winds)
Hence my desire for a similar board but with a lower hybrid nose.
A LE 26 would be a perfect fit...except... The stupid light construction - I have no desire to pay $4000 for a
"one season" race board that you have to treat with kid gloves. Sorry Naish. And I do not require a fat 29+" Glide. (I understand the intent, tall paddlers or a wider demographic who might be balance challenged or don't want to commit to the learning curve).
Good thing Fanatic and Starboard have stepped up.. (2014 25" Falcon and 25/26" Allstar. Carbon and a bit spendy, but more like Naish's GX "working mans" carbon. )
End of rant. Can you tell it's 5:30 AM prior to my daily commute.. >:(
Quote from: Muskoka SUP on August 15, 2013, 02:40:28 AM
Quote from: peterp on August 14, 2013, 10:00:17 PM
I guess the 26" LE will be the logical replacement for the 27" "current" Glide. If you have a 27" and are comfortable on it then you could upgrade to the new LE26 and expect to be much faster in all conditions. If you are a bit unstable on the 27" Glide then the new 29" Glide will be a nice comfortable board for all conditions.....
Bummer. Seriously, I think Naish has "missed it by that much.."
I am looking for a board for open water and downwind... I have and love a 2012 Glide 14. It is an great board for most conditions if your predominantly heading downwind or paddling flat water. It's not a good choice for upwind chop on the days you might be inclined to "earn" a downwinder (light to moderate winds)
Hence my desire for a similar board but with a lower hybrid nose.
A LE 26 would be a perfect fit...except... The stupid light construction - I have no desire to pay $4000 for a
"one season" race board that you have to treat with kid gloves. Sorry Naish. And I do not require a fat 29+" Glide. (I understand the intent, tall paddlers or a wider demographic who might be balance challenged or don't want to commit to the learning curve).
Good thing Fanatic and Starboard have stepped up.. (2014 25" Falcon and 25/26" Allstar. Carbon and a bit spendy, but more like Naish's GX "working mans" carbon. )
End of rant. Can you tell it's 5:30 AM prior to my daily commute.. >:(
The Fanatic and Starboard brushed carbons are about the same durability, I'd say. The LE is delicate but if you look after it it will last no problem, you just can't bang it into things and expect to hold up, but with normal use it really isn't that bad. Kai Lenny is riding a 1year+ old one and it's still in perfect nick...and trust me, his LE gets used....
Muskoka, You wrote what I was thinking. Agree 100%. Current 14 x 27 Glide is a damn good board at a reasonable price, but could be tweaked a just a little. If Peterp is correct on their plans, I think that Naish may alienate a large part of their 14 Glide fan base, who will look elsewhere to fill their next board needs. Next board in my head right now would be a Starboard Bark, Fanatic or Infinity, which saddens me because I am (was?) a huge Naish fan. However, there is no way I will sell my current Glide. It is a keeper and looks like it may become a "Classic".
Quote from: peterp on August 15, 2013, 04:56:45 AM
Quote from: Muskoka SUP on August 15, 2013, 02:40:28 AM
Quote from: peterp on August 14, 2013, 10:00:17 PM
I guess the 26" LE will be the logical replacement for the 27" "current" Glide. If you have a 27" and are comfortable on it then you could upgrade to the new LE26 and expect to be much faster in all conditions. If you are a bit unstable on the 27" Glide then the new 29" Glide will be a nice comfortable board for all conditions.....
Bummer. Seriously, I think Naish has "missed it by that much.."
I am looking for a board for open water and downwind... I have and love a 2012 Glide 14. It is an great board for most conditions if your predominantly heading downwind or paddling flat water. It's not a good choice for upwind chop on the days you might be inclined to "earn" a downwinder (light to moderate winds)
Hence my desire for a similar board but with a lower hybrid nose.
A LE 26 would be a perfect fit...except... The stupid light construction - I have no desire to pay $4000 for a
"one season" race board that you have to treat with kid gloves. Sorry Naish. And I do not require a fat 29+" Glide. (I understand the intent, tall paddlers or a wider demographic who might be balance challenged or don't want to commit to the learning curve).
Good thing Fanatic and Starboard have stepped up.. (2014 25" Falcon and 25/26" Allstar. Carbon and a bit spendy, but more like Naish's GX "working mans" carbon. )
End of rant. Can you tell it's 5:30 AM prior to my daily commute.. >:(
The Fanatic and Starboard brushed carbons are about the same durability, I'd say. The LE is delicate but if you look after it it will last no problem, you just can't bang it into things and expect to hold up, but with normal use it really isn't that bad. Kai Lenny is riding a 1year+ old one and it's still in perfect nick...and trust me, his LE gets used....
Your point is taken....and understood. However that doesn't explain why an LE costs a $1k more than a Starboard Carbon or Fanatic Carbon. I think Naish's regular carbon construction is bomber, and I would have no issue paying the premium for that over the even more bulletproof AST to save 4 or 5 lbs without sacrificing much durability, if any. Come on Naish, give us a GX or GS version of the new 14' x 26" "LE" shape. I'd put a deposit on it right now.
The problem seems to be the perception that SUPers are either "racers" or balance challenged newbies/non-athletes. I paddle because it's fun. More water time is my objective. A fast efficient board is fun, a challenge, and makes me want to paddle even more. I don't need or want a 29" wide board. (Maybe if I was into fishing). Just because someone doesn't choose to compete, doesn't mean they should compromise with a board not suited for their needs or ability - or have to pay a premium.
There. More rant. Nothing personal, PeterP.
David S.
Quote from: Rideordie on August 15, 2013, 05:44:07 AM
Muskoka, You wrote what I was thinking. Agree 100%. Current 14 x 27 Glide is a damn good board at a reasonable price, but could be tweaked a just a little. If Peterp is correct on their plans, I think that Naish may alienate a large part of their 14 Glide fan base, who will look elsewhere to fill their next board needs. Next board in my head right now would be a Starboard Bark, Fanatic or Infinity, which saddens me because I am (was?) a huge Naish fan. However, there is no way I will sell my current Glide. It is a keeper and looks like it may become a "Classic".
Me too. We should start a club. ;D We could sit around all day hanging out on a dedicated discussion forum...... ;D Betcha DJ would join. Maybe PDX too, but he wants to corner the market in the now classic Glide.....make a fortune.....retire so he can move to Hood River and hang with Pono....and downwind with his Glide....oh wait, there won't be any more to buy. Nevermind. ;D ;D ;D
I better get back to work..
DS
DS
Quote from: Muskoka SUP on August 15, 2013, 07:06:34 AM
Quote from: Rideordie on August 15, 2013, 05:44:07 AM
Muskoka, You wrote what I was thinking. Agree 100%. Current 14 x 27 Glide is a damn good board at a reasonable price, but could be tweaked a just a little. If Peterp is correct on their plans, I think that Naish may alienate a large part of their 14 Glide fan base, who will look elsewhere to fill their next board needs. Next board in my head right now would be a Starboard Bark, Fanatic or Infinity, which saddens me because I am (was?) a huge Naish fan. However, there is no way I will sell my current Glide. It is a keeper and looks like it may become a "Classic".
Me too. We should start a club. ;D We could sit around all day hanging out on a dedicated discussion forum...... ;D Betcha DJ would join. Maybe PDX too, but he wants to corner the market in the now classic Glide.....make a fortune.....retire so he can move to Hood River and hang with Pono....and downwind with his Glide....oh wait, there won't be any more to buy. Nevermind. ;D ;D ;D
I better get back to work..
DS
DS
;D
With this talk about the Glide, and on the other thread about Starboard changing the noses back and forth on their boards, I could see board designs moving from a period where there's linear progress (i.e. the newer models evolve logically from the old ones, and are almost always improvements) to a period where new models are different, but not necessarily better. The changes will make the board better for some people, but the older ones will be better for other people.
So there really could be boards that become "classics", where the company hit the design just right for certain people wanting certain things. There already are some like that (PonoBill's 12-2 Starboard, the old Glide, etc.). And the idea will be that if a board comes out that you like, you get it, because waiting for the new model doesn't mean a guaranteed improvement. Of course you'll never know what the change will be until it comes out.
It's also why I have
19 20 21 old Glides in my living room.
Hey Cove surfer,looks like my wish came true.
A two inch wider Glide ,Happy Happy
Hahahaha, Lee! You would be fine either way. Think you'll be faster on a 29"? You go pretty good on a 26".
For those who are wondering..
My new 14' Glide was due at the beginning of this month.. then they said middle of the month.. and now they say the end of the month.. So (fingers crossed) I should have it this time next week.. Can't wait.
DJ
Well it's not like you don't have other (yellow) boards.... ;)
You must have a huge garage to store them all in....or are you like that Mike guy in Portland
and keep them in your living room.... ;D ;D ;D
Can't wait for your review DJ!! Bet it will fly downwind!!
Looks like Naish has released their 2014 product line. http://naishsurfing.com/2014-naish-stand-up-paddleboards/. (http://naishsurfing.com/2014-naish-stand-up-paddleboards/.)
Trying to find more pics or videos of the 2014 glide.
You can see the 14' Javelin LE, now in 26" as well as 23", so looks like anyone unhappy that the 14' Glide went from 27" to 29" now has this new option.
Have you guys seen this...from our friend in South Africa
http://www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/Review/2014-Naish-Glide-14-GX-first-test-run/ (http://www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/Review/2014-Naish-Glide-14-GX-first-test-run/)
I'm waiting for the shop to call today to say that it's in.. ;D
Didn't sleep much last night with the howling wind (30 knots the perfect DW direction) and I wake this morning and it's gone.. Looks like it will be awhile now till we get good DW conditions again.. :-[
DJ
We got the new Glide 2014 and some of you may have seen the post on Seabreeze but here is a short recap.
In flatwater it smokes the old Glide, like, by a lot....it's super stable, easy to turn and very directional. It's only marginally slower than a Jav or LE in pure flats - for anyone who feel the LE23 or Jav is too unstable - this board will be faster.
Rocker is virtually identical to LE23 looking at them side by side which makes me think it should work very well downwind as well.
For those who were worried that the demise of the 27" Glide would leave a void (I was one of them) - no worries, this one already feels better, at least in the flats.
Hopefully we get some wind in the next week so I can beat DJ to a report on how it goes downwind - first impressions are excellent and I'm pretty confident that it will be as impressive as the LE23 on a downwind. The LE23 is amazing on a downwind - as long as its clean or you have cat-like abilities - the new Glide should allow us old cats the same sensation!
peterp--thanks for the reviews and the info earlier in the thread. What a lineup Naish has now with the Glides and Javelins. I guess the question now is, with the Glide being fast for how stable it is, and the new 26" Javelin LE being stable for how fast it is, how would someone choose which would be best for himself?
It seems like it could be a tough choice for someone of non-extreme size in non-extreme conditions.
Quote from: pdxmike on September 05, 2013, 12:11:00 AM
peterp--thanks for the reviews and the info earlier in the thread. What a lineup Naish has now with the Glides and Javelins. I guess the question now is, with the Glide being fast for how stable it is, and the new 26" Javelin LE being stable for how fast it is, how would someone choose which would be best for himself?
It seems like it could be a tough choice for someone of non-extreme size in non-extreme conditions.
The LE26 is aimed at serious racers wanting the lightest fastest possible - so its light and more fragile than the Glide GX...the Glide won't be far behind from my first outing experience and if you are heavier its a no brainer - the Glide will be tough, comfortable and quick enough for all but the most discerning racers.
I will use the Glide GX in a 12km flatwater race this weekend - unfortunately it looks like it will be glass so the JAvelins and Sprints will probably kill me - but lets see how long I can hang on for!!
Any one get to try out the Naish 14 x 26" LE?
price point kind of a bummer though. curious if the hard rails in the rear help better stability than the Jav 14'? shape looks great though
PJ - I don't think anyone has seen one yet but from my experience with 23LE (which I find as stable as Jav) the 26 will have to be more user friendly for sure. In the 29 1/4 Glide, which is essentially the same shape, you have unbelievable stability.
Raced the new Glide GX this weekend in a 12km flatwater race in Johannesburg 1600m above sea-level. No wind, no current - flat as.
Kept up with the racing snakes on their LE's and Sprints for 6km where they were cruising at 9.1km/h - I was just hanging on in their draft and then had to complete last 6km in no-mans land to finish in 1h23 something - ave. speed 8.6km/h ca. 4 minutes behind the lead bunch. Had to stop trice to de-weed despite using weed-fin - bloody stubborn weed up there!
Quite impressed with the speed, board being 4 inches wider than the lead guys boards - I might have done a little better on the MC but really not that much in it.
Board definitely doubles up as a flatwater board.
Wind is building for a dwd today, latest tomorrow!