Time for me to contribute to the site. ;) So I've had the 5'8" Fone Rocket Wide V2 for about 30 seshes now, here's my observations.
1. Weight/Durability. Pretty darn light at 13.2 lbs and after 30 sessions in tons of beach break, it's very durable. I'm impressed.
2. Getting on Foil. I was a little skeptical. It has a flattish rocker but it's continuous throughout, much like a Groveler Surfboard. No flat to speak of. But it works. Board releases very early, especially if you're active and get your hop on. Release is greatly aided by a middle of the road rail bevel, middle of the road tail kick, and nice double concaves.
3. Re-Boink after touch downs. Very nice. I usually touch down on purpose a few times to see how it reacts.
4. On Foil. It's very balanced and very reactive.
It actual measured a inch shorter and half inch narrower than advertised. It feels like the 105 liters as stated though. I went w 105 liters as I wing way too much in 11-14 kts, when the wind dies, it dies. It's been nice to Shlog home.
5. Other Notes:
a. The pad feels great for lots of shifty footwork, it's different than most brands as it has parallel grooves and overall, it's flattish w no raised bumps or grooves. The adhesive however, is an issue. Mine's come up in two spots and I've had to clean the booger balls off and apply my own adhesive. The adhesive felt uncured and too sticky. I've also noticed in pics of some Fones on the beach, the pad coming up in places. So far, so good after my repairs.
b. I don't like the small amount of rocker in the foil box area. From an engineering standpoint, it's not the thing to do. So far no problems, but w a flat mast mount, something is bending. Some foil brands have adapters for this type of thing.
c. No Footstraps. I know it saves some weight, but I would like a pair, in case I start to get the urge to jump down the road.
d. There's a bottom handle. I personally don't use them as it's easier to put my hand at the mast base and carry turtle style over my back. When I get to the shore-break I do an overhead extension, which is easy w a light board like this.
Co
nclusion: This is a great strapless, no frills wing board. There's some things I'd tweak, but FOne went middle of the road in the shaping which guarantees you don't get an extreme design that may, or may not work.
Cool review . Re board length being shorter , measure on the bottom and keep the tape flat on the board , you'll find it's longer than measuring on the deck . This is the way manufacturers determine full board length including the rocker .
I have the 6'0" 120 liter version and am satisfied with the board. For learning to wing, it was a good board for the money. Not too expensive, and marketed as a wing specific board. I found the lower board weight helped in getting up on foil. My only complaint is I wished I'd chosen the 100 liter. For a 90 kg guy, the 120 is too floaty. The bamboo construction gives it that corky feel.
Schlogger, thanks for the review. Board being abt 71cm wide, do you find it to limit anything when turning? And how long mast do you use?
I have the 5,"0" V3 prone board, in addition to my Normal 6'0 sup.i love it and it paddles like a dream at 38lts. They put the foam in the right spots.
I did notice some rocker towards the back near the tracks, interesting you mentioned that as well. It doesn't seem to affect the angle of the mast plate/ mast or maybe it does? Is that what you were thinking? Interesting to get some thoughts on that. I think it might be because they put more foam under where your front foot(Sup), chest (prone) that it makes it look like there is some "rocker" near the tracks as the foam tapers thinner towards the tail? My friends Sup foil these Fone so I see what you talking about for sure when they up flying as well.