Bic Wing 12-6 - shape of bow

[rkdjones]

I am interested in the Bic Wing 12-6.    I want a tough fitness board for lakes and protected marine waters that is stable and is relatively efficient.  I am currently paddling a Ron House 12-6 race board, but want something a little more stable and a board that will take some abuse.  I think the overall volume, stability, and weight of the Bic are fine with me, but am concerned about  the shape of the bow.

Even though I can buy it at my local REI store, I do not think I will have an opportunity to test paddle.  But I went to look at the board at the store and make some measurements.  I'm concerned about the "fineness" of the bow.  At the widest point the Bic is only an inch wider than the House, but the Bic is much wider near the bow.  For example at 36" from the bow the Bic is 24" wide while the House is 21" wide. 

My question is did Bic get it right? or did they make a nose that plows rather than slices the water?  Any experience insight into the shape of the Bic Wing?

Robert

[AirJunky]

I really doubt the Bic will compare to any good race board. But I've never been on a good race board either so I don't know. I just think that Bic is trying to build a good all around, stable, durable & relatively fast board.

[Pierre]

really good reliable confortable and easy in all conditions including downwinding for medium to heavy -weighed.

[MaineSUP]

Tracks really well.  Not quite as glidey as more narrow boards but very stable.  Virtually indestructible and pretty lightweight.  Solid board for the price.

[rkdjones]

I finally got to do a test paddle of the Ace-tec Wing 12-6.  I weigh 165lbs and usually paddle a Ron House 12-6 race board.  I found the Wing to be kind of sluggish.  It's only a half inch wider than the House but extra width at the tail and near the bow makes it feel much more stable.  The inset deck is a bit high for me, though I think it might be right for someone heavier.  I do wish that Bic had given the board a "finer" bow; it would reduce stability and volume up front but might make the board feel much faster.

The rental board I test paddled had a soft spot near the nose where it had clearly been treated harshly.  But the skin was completely intact which is a testament to the durability of the board.  I'm happy to accept a few extra pounds for that kind of durability.

Now I'm wondering about the 11' Wing.  It is narrower, with a mere 200 liters of buoyancy.  Anyone have a chance to paddle one?

Robert

[Ichabod Spoonbill]

Thanks for the info. I agree with the point about accepting a few extra pounds on the board for durability. I've nothing against racing, but most flat water boards seem to be designed for just that. They're Porsches when I'm more interested in a reliable Honda. Nothing wrong with a Porsche, but they're not for everybody.

(I still drool over those 1980s 911s with the whale-tale spoilers. Oh my God, what a sexy car!)

[AirJunky]

You guys seen the new Wing for next year? Appears to be the same board, but with a little color.

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[Ichabod Spoonbill]

Drool!