F-ONE Kiteboarding TRAX 137 x 42cm 2021
Reviews / Twin Tips
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At A Glance
The TRAX has developed somewhat legend status among the F-ONE board range; it is now available in three different guises and constructions. This is the basic version that we have on test here, this version of the board also comes in 2 colours. The smaller sizes in Glacier and the bigger sizes in Papaya, both of which have a real tropical look to them, so even if you are kiting in the cold and wet UK, you’ll feel like riding in the warm Caribbean waters with one of these under your feet!
The board features a V Double Concave on the base of the board, which basically splits the board from the centre with two channels providing a comfortable ride. A 3D shaped paulownia wood core gives the board its durability, good flex and resilience, allowing it to return to its original shape.
The middle section and tips were inspired by the ‘WTF’ board. With three distinct stages within the rocker line, a flat centre with thinned out tips, this gives the board great upwind ability. The rails of the board have been inspired by F-ONEs HDR technology with thicker/taller sections around the foot placement, enabling you to drive the edge of the board and have plenty of grip. With the V Double Concave base, this will provide plenty of control and comfort when powering through all types of water state.
You can see from the shape of the board it doesn’t quite taper in as much by the tips as say the F-ONE TRAX HRD Lite Tech model, which is why that board performs better for freestyle. However, the TRAX is a freeride thing of beauty and a lovely board for beginners to blast around on all the way up to your intermediate-advanced riders.
Sizes: 132x37cm, 133x38cm, 136x40.5cm, 137x42cm
On the Water
I was impressed with how easy to use this board was. I found it great in the flat lagoons and very smooth when the waters became a little choppy. It’s a very comfortable ride, and with it having a slightly broader shape, it was smooth on the landings, had good glide and good pop. I did prefer the F-ONE TRAX HRD Lite Tech model when it came to loading up an edge and popping off though, but I guess that’s why those boards are a little more premium in the F-ONE range.
I think the concept of having a 3D rail shape where your foot straps are placed is a unique feature that F-ONE offer. The freeride capabilities of this board were amazing, with that big V concave on the base paired with the 3D rail, blasting upwind felt like second nature. You can see why it’s been designed like this, and the water just easily passes through underneath due to the shape.
The board is best paired with the UniBox F-ONE fins and Platinum3 Bindings.
Overall
I enjoyed my time on this board, an upwind machine which is astounding for freeriding but also has a fantastic level of performance when jumping and sticking tricks. For those riders who enjoy blasting back and forth and throwing a few jumps and tricks, this would be a great fit. For others who do the above but want something with a little more performance and better for freestyle then the F-ONE TRAX HRD Lite Tech board would be the choice for you hands down. However, this board is packed with performance and is great value for money if you don’t want to spend a huge amount on a twin tip.
Videos
This review was in Issue 84 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit F-ONE KiteboardingRelated
By Liam Dredge
Liam fell in love with all Watersports after completing numerous seasons aboard, he then picked up kiting whilst in the warm tropics of the Carribean and has been obsessed ever since! Anyone that knows him would say it's near the only thing he talks about (which drives some crazy), and he loves to keep up to date with all the latest news, equipment and events that kiting has to offer. Liam also runs his own Watersports Centre along the south coast of the UK, LOOP Watersports, which is where our IKSURFMAG Test Centre is located!
