Xenon LaLuz 135 x 41cm 2014
Reviews / Twin Tips
4,724
At A Glance
Xenon have been making excellent kiteboards for years now, it’s been a while since we have had one on test though so we were keen to see how it performed. They now offer three twin tips in the line-up alongside two surfboards; the LaLuz is a high performance freestyle/freeride model. Immediately you will notice there is plenty of attention to detail with this board, and that’s just at face value. Neat tricks like colour-coordinating the fins and even the small plastic deck protectors for the fin screws show the team have really thought about everything with this board. Beneath the deck you’ll find an asymmetrical laminate with a wood core and a carbon layup on the heel side of the board to give it a more lively feel. The underside features a single concave in the middle of the board which washes out towards the tips into a double concave with pressed slight channels.
On The Water
The LaLuz is very lively underfoot with a crisp feel and purpose about it, especially when powered up. It has a flattish rocker line compared to some of the more extreme freestyle/wakestyle boards on the market and this makes it fast. It is also very early to get planing too, the wide outline and fast rocker line really helping to get the board going. In terms of pop it is explosive, the stiff mid section allows you to load up the flexible tips and generate lots of power off the water. The landings are smooth as well, the clever design on the tips really helping to soften hard fast landings from height. Upwind is very good, the 5cm fins and sharp rails providing plenty of drive. It definitely leans towards the freestyle end of the spectrum a little more than a thoroughbred freeride board. If you would rather carve turns and cruise then perhaps look for something with a more carve orientated rail shape and outline. If you have the skills though you can really dominate the rails and carve some impressive arcs. The thin rails cut through the chop and provide a pleasant ride in rough conditions. Get the LaLuz on some flat water though and combine the high speeds with impressive grip to get some serious pop!
Overall
Beautifully made with plenty of care and attention to detail, both in the visible sense and what is under the hood! The LaLuz is a lively and quick board underfoot, eager to be pushed to the limits and it will reward the intermediate to advanced rider with blistering performance.
Videos
This review was in Issue 42 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit XenonRelated
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!
