Nobile Kiteboarding NBL 138 x 40.5cm 2017
Reviews / Twin Tips
39,091
At A Glance
When you first begin your kiteboarding journey, you need a board that will help you along the way during those early stages. You also need a board that will let you progress at a reasonable pace and not hold you back further down the line. The NBL from Nobile sets out to be exactly that board. It’s pitched at a affordable price point, yet still, packs in some cool technology such as their Click’N’Go system as well as an Elliptical Concave on the underside to help the board get going upwind quickly. The Hydrodynamic Rocker combines with the softer flex to keep the ride smooth, while still allowing good performance for popping when the time comes to jumping!
The shape of the board itself is fairly square with a step cap construction offering thin rails perfect for getting grip in the water. The Click’N’Go system allows you to connect the straps, pads and fins without using a tool, very handy when you are travelling or for adjusting the stance quickly on the fly when you don’ have a screwdriver to hand.
On the Water
Straightaway I was early planning and flying along at a good speed on the NBL. The thin rails and Elliptical Concave offer plenty of grip and the board feels very poised comfortable. It has a nice medium flex which helps soak up any chop also helps cushion those landings. This flex offers a really comfortable ride for the more novice rider who might not be adept at riding a board over rough water just yet. Set the edge on the NBL and let the board do the rest, it takes the lumps out of the bumps and puts a smile on your face as you cruise along. I
It's a forgiving shape, which enables smooth swooping turns and very relaxed non-aggressive feeling throughout your ride. If you make a mistake during your turns or some of those early manoeuvres, the board helps iron out the issues and keeps you planning and pointed in the right direction. Upwind is good, those thin rails really bite and let you drive the board with good control, especially in choppy conditions!
The NBL from Nobile covers all the basics, fundamentally it's everything you want from a beginner to intermediate board, it's super stable with lots of grip early planning and easy to use. It's quite spritely looking, a nice bright board with striking orange components which will make it easier to find while body dragging, especially after a big wipe out and you’ve now got an Olympic distance to cover
One of the features that sets this board apart from its rivals is the Click’N’Go system; you have the option to use traditional screws or the quick release system which you can tighten by hand allowing you to adjust on the move. At first, I thought this was a bit elaborate, but while building the board, I realised it's potential. For example, if you're new to kitesurfing and you’re not sure exactly where to position your feet for the best comfort and ride position, you can simply stop mid-session flip up and twist the Click’N’Go nuts, adjust your stance nip them back up and your off. No need for all the faffing having to search for your kite bag on the beach to find you've left your screwdriver at home! Or perhaps you’re sharing your board with your girlfriend or your kids, and you want to change the stance, the same rule applies just Click’N’Go.
“It's everything you want from a beginner to intermediate board.”
The pad set that comes with the board has a good amount of adjustment; you can get the pads right to the heel edge of the board allowing smaller riders to ride a slightly bigger board but still maintain a good amount of edge control. The handle is made out of a supple material, which encourages flex in the centre of the board, which is great to see.
For
The NBL is a very versatile board, perfect for your first forays into the sport but it will also offer plenty of performance as you improve your level. It certainly worth considering if you are looking for your first kiteboard. We also love the bright colours and the day glow orange components; you won’t lose this when you fall off! The Click’N’Go system is a joy to use a hugely versatile board.
Against
We did have a few of the Click’N’Go tabs snap on us; we’ve been using these boards and this set up for years and never had issues before. Fortunately, you do get a few spares in the box.
Overall
Nobile make some amazing kiteboards, and while the NBL isn’t aimed at the crème of the crop in terms of performance, it is still a fantastic twin tip. It’s a great board for learning to kitesurf on and equally, offers lots of opportunity regarding progression too. If you are in the market for a board like this, the NBL should be on your wish list!
Videos
This review was in Issue 63 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit Nobile KiteboardingRelated
By Rou Chater
Rou has been kiting since the sports inception and has been working as an editor and tester for magazines since 2004. He started IKSURFMAG with his brother in 2006 and has tested hundreds of different kites and travelled all over the world to kitesurf. He's a walking encyclopedia of all things kite and is just as passionate about the sport today as he was when he first started!
