Odo Kiteboarding Compact Series 5’2 2019
Reviews / Surfboards
2,688
At A Glance
The Compact Series from Odo Kiteboarding holds 3 different sized boards, and have been designed as your all round go to board for both small waves and freestyle.
The Compact Series we have on test is similar in design to the Pro version, however, does not have the carbon. The board is a bit heavier compared to the Compact Pro because of a double layer of bamboo and is ideal for beginners to intermediate riders. Furthermore has a bit more volume than the Compact Pro, forgiving the mistakes of riders learning strapless riding. It has been designed for those riders who value ease of use over having the lightest or highest performance board.
The Compact Series has an EPS core sandwiched between double bamboo layers for added robustness. The structural beam, named ‘Donkey Back’, runs along the length of the board to increase the strength and add integrity to the overall flex of the board. There is a prominent rocker line to the Compact Series, and the bottom of the board features a concave which generates speed both on the wave and flat.
The board has a thruster fin set up for loose and pivotal turns, and uses the FCSII fin box system should you wish to change the supplied hexa core and carbon fused fins. A full deck pad comes as standard for additional grip and deck protection.
Sizes: 5’0, 5’2, 5’4
“The Compact Series has a very lively feel with incredible pop!”
On The Water
From the outset, this board felt buoyant and stable; perfect for learning and mastering tacks and gybes and getting comfortable with cruising. It rides upwind very well, and more importantly, efficiently. Through the turns, the board accelerates well and due to its well-placed volume, keeps you up above the water even if things are a little slow at first.
The board likes to be ridden fast, and it holds the speed well. Cutting through chop and popping over waves is no problem, and the rocker line makes this comfortable and easy. Heading into some waves is brilliant; the board loves to be carved aggressively across a face. Smaller waves are where this board feels at home; on the big days, a board such as the Classic Series from Odo would work better.
The thruster fin set up and bottom concave enable a fast and driving turn which propel you out the other side. And there is a great rail to rail carve on the face.
Starting with your first few air tricks is excellent fun. This board feels indestructible! It has a very poppy, lively feel, and its short stature aid the ability to get it up off the water. Landings are absorbed well thanks to the rocker and Donkey Back beam, and the grab rail on the nose helps with grip and enables you to hold onto the board for even more radical moves.
Overall
A brilliantly fun board from Odo, the Compact Series is an excellent option as a first wave or freestyle board. Its volume and forward momentum make learning those first few moves easy, and there is huge accessible performance for airstyle moves. Don’t be put off by the smaller length, it works brilliantly for a board to throw around and improve your strapless riding.
This review was in Issue 74 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit Odo KiteboardingRelated
By Robin and Sukie
With years of kite sport experience combined, you can be sure you’ll be receiving the highest quality of knowledge on the best equipment the industry has to offer.
