Thanks Guys. Love the board. Works much better for me than previous models. Especially on the smaller bumps.
I think it's a combination of things that makes the board stand-out from previous models. It looks like Naish finally solved the boards split personality by introducing the new Javelin and make this board come to its own as a downwind/surf racer rather than the all around racer it used to be.
As such, the more suitable outline coming to a round pintail along with the refined rails makes the board more maneuverable. In addition, the board is lighter and stiffer than previous models. That along with the higher volume makes the board much more responsive on small bumps.
Added nose rocker/ volume makes the board behave better in the bumps, it pops out quicker than previous models thus missing fewer connection due to slow downs. The new nose and the added stiffness makes this board much better upwind as well.
It's the combination of all these things that made me pull the trigger on one.
As for the construction, to be fair, I'm very hard on equipment. This board held pretty well so far. It get hit by my paddle a lot. Carrying it after downwind sessions introduced its nose and tail to the ground few times without dings.
Outside this kamikaze attempt on a beach break that landed me flat on the nose paddle first, the board is ok. I'm not saying it's a bomb proof construction like other boards on the market but under normal usage I think it will hold just fine.
Well I am playing at, "if I had some $4,500 CAD to burn......"
I like the sound of what you said on the new Maliko.
That said I am hoping to soon try a Sunova Torpedo 14x25.5 and that board wins on aestetics big time.....our Sunova distributor just brought in here fro a friend of mine that is a racer and part of teh Sunova team so I stand a good chance to try it (COVID aside...).
Yes I checked the web page and the Search is AUD 2,500 so about CAD 2,200 that leaves some room for custom and shipping if local distributor OK to have in his container.....
I was not planning to sale my 2018 Maliko ever but now I am starting to think......
Finally seen the Torpedo in the flesh.
Hard rails all the way to about two~three feet from the nose.
Spine on the deck subsiding back of the standing area which likely gives a lot of stifness.
Light.
How much of a priority is it to you that a board is light, if it's primarily for downwinding? I'd prioritise durability and strength over weight, within reason. Sometimes it's not so great if a board will blow away easily on a beach or when you wipe out, and a heavier board seems to maintain its momentum and give a smoother ride in a strong blow.
For downbreezing, light is certainly a boon. The 2020 Maliko is a lot lighter and more buoyant than previous model. Much better downbreezing machine. Especially if you're doing upwind/downwind sessions.