“Completely reworked this year maximising the critical freeride characteristics of quick planing, top end speed, manoeuvrability and comfort.” The 105 still features a little tail kick and relatively early nose lift but has a much faster rockerline than previous FXRs we have tried. The 105 is the smallest of three widely spaced sizes (105, 125 and 145).

On the water:

Relatively wide in both nose and tail and claiming the equal highest volume in test, the FXR 105 does feel slightly bigger than most and feels stable. Early planing is about average for this line-up, as is speed once up and running. It is principally a freeride board with good performance for straight line sailing and gybing and is comfortable and controllable when blasting. While its forte is its secure and dependable behaviour rather than maximum responsiveness, it still gybes very nicely with good bite in the turn. Suitability for bump-&-jump is quite good and the board is loose enough to allow reasonable riding in smaller waves. However, the inboard straps are slightly but significantly further outboard than normal which prevents you from being able to easily apply toe side pressure. Although this position is probably slightly more comfortable for blasting it was found to rather compromise performance for freestyle and, to a lesser extent, waveriding.

Fittings:

A nice G10 fin that suits the moderate to medium wind performance well. The straps are comfortable with decent pads over reasonable dome. Sail sizes Can happily take up to about 7.0m and down to 5.3m with ease. Popularity Not a favourite but widely enjoyed.

Overall:

The 105 offers very sound freemove performance that tends towards the freeride rather than wave / freestyle side of the spectrum. Rather than an expert’s versatile all-rounder, its ideal markets would be as a good smaller board for advancing intermediates, or a reliable medium wind burn-&-turn blaster for competent sailors.