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F2 Axxis 273 compared to modern shape?

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Zena Droid

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Aug 22, 2003, 5:09:42 AM8/22/03
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Hi,

I got rid of my Veloce 278 about 6 months ago and bought big gear to
match the predominantly light winds here but after having a demo on a
short board last weekend I forgot how smooth < 100L boards are on
windy days. There is a F2 Axxis 273 for sale locally and I was
wondering how it compared to my old Veloce for general BAFing in 20+
knots and also how it compares to more modern freeride shapes like the
Starboard Carve 99. Any input appreciated.

Thanks,
Zena

sailquik (Roger Jackson)

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Aug 22, 2003, 10:22:30 AM8/22/03
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Hello Zena,
You seemingly went from your very narrow, relatively small range of use
Veloce 278
to a full on Formula board (100 cm wide) with a much wider range of use,
for you, in
your light wind conditions. But you went completely across the spectrum,
width wise.
And, since you are not racing your Formula board at a really high level
(upwind/downwind
only) you're probably are not getting nearly the range (windspeed wise)
that the Pro formula
racers get.
The F2 Axis 273 will be similar to the Veloce in it's range of use. What's
the volume on
the 273? Probably 95-105 liters somewhere would be my guess. So, it should
be best with
say 6.5m2 down to 5.0 m2, or even 4.5 m2 if it's more in the 95 liter
range.
So, you will get the most from the Axis 273 in 15-25 knots, maybe a bit
more.
The Carve 99, for someone lighter like you, will give you a bit wider
range as it's wider,
so it will plane a few knots earlier, and it can be sailed comfortably in
the same high wind
conditions as the Axis 273. But on the Carve 99 you would get better
range, say 7.5 m2
(12-13 knots) to 30 knots (definitely mid to low 4.x m2 conditions.
The Carve 99 (Wood) will be lighter in weight, perhaps slightly less
durable, and do everything
the Axis will do, plus more range, easier to jump and jibe.
Both the Axis 273 and the Carve 99 are great boards, so you really can't
go wrong either way.
The Carve 99 will be more expensive, and if you don't get high winds (20
knots and up) alot,
spending more money on something you will use only once in a while may not
make sense.
The Carve 99, correctly tuned and well sailed will be faster, over a wider
range of conditions,
and it's design is a bit more "refined".
Hope this helps,
Roger

Bill

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Aug 22, 2003, 11:46:30 AM8/22/03
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I learned to plane on the 272, w. 14 inch fin and 6.5 m North Spectro. I
was 6'3", 180 lbs.

Using a 7.5 on the 272 was a bit much, though it would work, for some
reason.

Then Sailquik would come buzzing by on a Starboard Sonic.

Since the 273 is bigger than the 272 (272 was 90-95 liters, 95 spec, 90
measured in test), you should have fun with a sail larger than 6.5.
Articles below indicate the 273 Axxis volume of 98 liters and suggest a 7.0
or 7.5 might work.

From: Tom Whittemore (vikin...@earthlink.net)
Subject: Re: F2 Axxis....
View: Complete Thread (2 articles)
Original Format
Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing
Date: 2003-01-05 17:07:42 PST


need more info
like where and how you sail and what sail size you plan to use.
My 273 is used for 6.5 sail size but has been used for 5.5 and 7.5.
I consider it my tugboat compared to my new Max2Air wide boards.
Cannot say enough about f2 designs. I will continue to take my Axxis
boards with me where ever I expect to find good wind.

From: rj_...@my-deja.com (rj_...@my-deja.com)
Subject: F2 Axxis 273 with 7.0 race sail (Z1)


View this article only
Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing
Date: 2000-11-03 05:50:13 PST


Hi,

I am planning to buy a new board. I was looking for a F2 ride 277,wich
I have already sailed a couple of times and loved it. But I found an
offer for a F2 AXXIS 273 ( 98L ). I have never sailed this board. I was
wondering if this board can handle a NP 7.0 Z1 ( 99 model ). I am more
slalom oriented, like going really fast ( who doesn't ??! :p ). But
also want to use this board when the wind blows harder with my NP Soul
5.8 . At this situation I know this board would rip, I think it would
be a great manouver board, easy gybes etc...
But how about early planning and top end speed when using with my
Z1 7.0 ? I have never sailed a less than 100 liters board, that's why I
am asking.

Or a more simple question. How does it compare to the RIDE 277 ? (Wich
I have already sailed)

I am 155 pounds and sail in open ocean with knee high waves and only
sail when it is more than 12 knots ( My NP Z1 7.0 is my biggest sail)

Thanks in advance

From: Iain Purrier (ia...@globalnet.co.uk)
Subject: Re: F2 Axxis 273 with 7.0 race sail (Z1)
View: Complete Thread (2 articles)
Original Format
Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing
Date: 2000-11-07 06:57:47 PST


Hi There,

I currently own an Axxis 267 and it works find with my 7.0m2 North sail. On
a 32cm fin.
I'm 70 kg which I think is around the same weight as you.

Have also used 6.0, 5.5, 4.5 and even a 4.0m2 sail on this board. I would
say it's happiest with the 5.5, 6.0 and 7.0m2 sails.

I can also confirm that it is fast (faster than the Mistral Flows) and I
far prefer it to the Rides that I have sailed. It's more lively and easier
to sail in chop. Early(ish) to plain, but I also have a 115 litre board for
the less windy days (F2 Air 265) which is better.

Check the reviews on my site;
www.iainp.co.uk

Have fun out there!
IainP

The 273
"sailquik (Roger Jackson)" <sail...@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:3F462670...@mindspring.com...

Elliot English

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Aug 22, 2003, 8:40:00 PM8/22/03
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I also own a 272 and have tried a carve 99. I was terribly disappointed by
the carve, not only did it have a lower top end speed it didn't even plane
as early. I was also shocked to find that despite its name it didn't carve
nearly as well as my 272. Whenever I went to do some S bends with the carve
it lost all its speed whilst my Axxis kept flying. This is possibly because
it has much wider tail making it difficult to turn. I have also tried a
carve 135 and was much more impressed, leading me to believe that the carve
shape is more suited to larger boards.
If you are sailing in 16-12 knot winds I would go for a carve ~135. But for
higher wind conditions the Axxis is definently a better bet. I was down in
the gorge last week and found initially that it was too big in 4.4
conditions using a 32cm freeride fin but as soon as I switched to a small
22cm wave fin, the board settled right down and kept on going. I weigh ~150
lbs and use an 02 6.5 retro predominately on my Axxis. You really have to
try both boards to get a good feel for them.

--
Elliot English,
eengl...@yahoo.ca
http://windsurf.dyns.net

"Bill" <utthi...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:bi5esk$5gc29$1...@ID-127845.news.uni-berlin.de...

Jack (Sarasota)

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Aug 22, 2003, 9:10:58 PM8/22/03
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Elliot,

I can't speak personally for the boards you are comparing, but have noticed
that folks used to "traditional" boards tend to get their weight too far
forward on the new designs. This happens both while trying to get on a
plane, and while carving. Could that have been a factor in your comparison?

BTW, I think Zena is handling her big board in the windy conditions, she
just likes the smooth ride of the smaller board when she has enough wind.

Jack (Sarasota)

"Elliot English" <eengl...@yahoo.ca> wrote in message
news:AJy1b.811117$3C2.18...@news3.calgary.shaw.ca...

florian

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Aug 22, 2003, 10:35:07 PM8/22/03
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In <XdGcnakbH7a...@comcast.com> Jack \(Sarasota\) wrote:
> BTW, I think Zena is handling her big board in the windy conditions,
> she just likes the smooth ride of the smaller board when she has
> enough wind.
>

Actually, I loved the 1998 Axxis (262 - 85). It doesn't feel too small
but has great control and a smooth ride. The 273 - and the entire 1999
Axxis line - may be a bit more sensitive to catching air with more width
and volume up front, but compared to modern wide boards, it should still
have a pretty good high end.

florian

Campbell

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Aug 22, 2003, 10:44:50 AM8/22/03
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I have owned an F2 Axxis 272, and my wife has a Carve 99 (which I have
sailed quit a bit). If the price is right, the Axxis is a great board.
They have a fast, smooooth ride great for bump and jump sailing. Move the
straps inboard, and they are fairly slashy and make an OK wave board for
beginner to intermediate wave sailors. The Carve 99 will most certainly
plane quicker than the Axxis though. Plus it jumps and jibes noticeably
better (and is much better for learning some of the higher wind freestyle
moves). All in all though, the Axxis is a great board for BAFing 20+ knots.

"Zena Droid" <zena...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:7c5221f5.03082...@posting.google.com...

RMoore 41

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Aug 24, 2003, 11:27:35 AM8/24/03
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I am not familar with the F2 273 so I can't comment on it but about a month ago
my wife got a 2003 Carve 99 to replace her Mistral 268 that had the unfortunate
accident of getting overheated during a very hot Nevada day and delamed. The
Mistral went into the dumpster so we went looking for a good board and she
decided to get a Carve 99 as it was about the same size as her Mistral
(actually a little bigger) and this board was going to be her big board to
compliment her 75 liter wave board. She rides this board with sail sizes
5.4-6.4 and the board seems well suited for this sail range and her weight. The
bottom wind range with these sails for her is about 15mph with the 6.4. She
loves riding this board and her jibing speed exit as well as having the ability
to really charge into a turn in windy, choppy conditions is a plus and she is
sailing it better than her Mistral that she rode for 6 years. I also have
ridden the board a couple of times in well powered 5.9 conditions and I will
concour that this is a board that loves to be driven hard and a board that rips
jibes better and more sure than any other board I have owned or ridden. The
board also has a nice loose ride and has good top speed when it is powered up.
she thinks the only downside of the board is it doesn't slog as well as her
Mistral did probably because of the short length and the volume is centered in
the footstrap area so you can't move around on it much. But she can uphaul it
and tack it in light wind. Anyway the carve 99 is a great board and fun to sail
and like the name says. It will definately "carve" a turn. RON

Bill Kline

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Aug 24, 2003, 1:54:07 PM8/24/03
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Hi Zena


All these boards work great with good rigging. Most owners I have dealt with
are quite happy, especially when they upgrade the fins.

The fin is the biggest variable for all around range for all three. With a good
fin you wil get a great ride on any.

The Carve 99 is an excellent all around board. Many here have written of its
virtues.

Whether you prefer new or old use good fins tuned to the ride you seek. Put a
fast fin on one of the older boards here if in reasonable condition and you
will be faster than new boards with stock fins.

Put a fast fin on a new board and you may well be faster. Why not try all three
with good fins and compare vs. stock or old fins?


>Subject: Re: F2 Axxis 273 compared to modern shape?
>From: rmoo...@aol.com (RMoore 41)
>Date: 8/24/2003 8:27 AM Pacific Daylight Time
>Message-id: <20030824112735...@mb-m28.aol.com>


Bill Kline
Gorge Sport USA
Curtis Performance Fins, Orca Fins, Orca Kite Fins
Hood River, OR USA
www.gsport.com
ph/541 387 2649 fax/541 386 1715

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