Coreban Dart vs. Naish Glide 14 (2012)

[laszlo]

I can add my experience with both boards at this time. I own an original (2010 model) Glide 14 AST, which I have been using here in the Gorge for downwinding exclusively. I don't race, so flat water performance is not relevant for me. When I got the Glide, it was considered the ideal downwind board for the Gorge, as the exegerated nose rocker fits into the short period swell we get here perfectly.

When I heard about the Dart, and the reviews that described how stable it was, I was intrigued, because the Glide can be a little tippy in bigger conditions. I did a brief demo of both the carbon/kevlar and the Pure construction Darts and decided to order the carbon/kevlar version. Without going into details, when the carbon board arrived it turned out to be defective, so I did not take it. That left the option of buying the Pure construction (which had been delivered first, by mistake). Tyson, the local Coreban rep, was kind enough to let me borrow the Dart Pure for a Viento run, in what turned out to be medium conditions.

My conclusion after all that was that I prefer the Glide! The Pure Dart is very heavy, 34lbs., and even I, with my limited experience, felt the difference. It is noticeably more stable than the Glide, no question, but it is also heavier, slower and harder to catch swells with. I found myself moving so far forward on the nose to try to get into swells that I was submerging the tip of the nose every time, which also slowed it down. The carbon versions of the Dart probably perform differently, being so much lighter, but they share the identical shape. I found that I was missing the nose rocker of my old Glide.

My next downwinder on the Glide totally reinforced my impression. I am staying with my Glide for now. When conditions get really big I will switch to my old SOS Big Red, which turns out be a great downwind board in hairy swell.

[panamacitybeachsurf]

Try the Dart in Carbon Fiber and it will weigh less than any out there that I know of.  A great board, and definitely the best looking board on the water in my opinion.  If you downwind, consider the handle, please.  It could save you hundreds in ding repairs.