F-ONE Kiteboarding TRAX HRD Lite Tech 137 x 42cm 2021
Reviews / Twin Tips
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At A Glance
The TRAX HRD Lite Tech has a long and successful past with F-ONE, it is also one of the more popular twin tips on the market today. There are heaps of technical features within this board that make it special and I’ve had some really good sessions already!
F-ONE’s unique Helical Rail Design or HRD for short is a construction process which benefits the performance of the board in all conditions. Unlike other twin tips where the board has the same outline throughout the whole shape, HRD means you get a shaped rail that offers insane grip and improves the carving capabilities of the board.
You’ll see from the images that the board is thin in the centre, the tip and the tail, however where the foot straps are placed becomes thicker and inverted allowing you to really edge hard with the utmost support, carve easily and cut through chop like butter. The thin tips of the board are why this board is great for freestyle as it creates great pop.
The Lite Tech construction has no performance advantages, however, gives the board its unique look. It allows light to pass through the board as you can see from the images within the review. A nice feature for those who are keen to turn heads when wandering down to the beach! This technology is exclusive to F-ONE, so you’ll only see it on their products.
A 3D shaped paulownia wood core is at the heart of the board, and the construction mixes unidirectional and bi-axial fibres at 45 degrees to achieve a unique balance between flex and torsion.
The board is best paired with the UniBox F-ONE fins and Platinum3 bindings. The TRAX HRD Lite Tech also comes in 2 colours; Papaya and Glacier, both of which defiantly stand out from the crowd!
Sizes: 135 x 39cm, 136 x 40.5cm, 137 x 42cm, 140 x 45cm
On The Water
Having never used an F-ONE board before I was very impressed with how user-friendly this board was, but also the major performance aspects to it. I’ve been a huge fan of the kites for quite some time, so it’s no surprise that the board delivered too.
It has a really smooth feel on the water. The semi channelled base of the board helps with softer landings from your jumps and allows you to quickly regain control and carve back onto your edge. The flatter base is also really playful when it comes to popping around to toeside, and I found it was really nice to glide in and around the waves.
This board has a good flex feeling to it also. The tips have more flex allow great pop and the HRD technology allows for a forgiving ride. Perfect for beginner/intermediates all the way to advanced riders. If ever you lose an edge and lose control, this board is great for regaining your balance and getting back to locking in hard.
The rail design also gives you great upwind performance. With a great set of fins, powering upwind is super easy. Lean back, edge hard and just watch how you glide upwind from where you started!
Overall
Overall, I am one very happy kiter! This board is great for freeride/big air with the option of also performing well for freestyle. Not only does it look the part, but it is also packed with performance and delivers a smooth ride and is a board that’s super easy to get along with. Playful, forgiving and responsive the 2021 TRAX HRD Lite Tech board is one I could easily have in my quiver. Great for beginners all the way up to your Liam Whaleys, this board shreds!
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!
