JP Boards - Full Wood Sandwich vs PRO Editions

[KC7777]

Hi,

I have a question about JP boards....Full Wood Sandwich (FWS) vs PRO Editions.

I have owned a full-wood sandwich JP but I have never seen the PRO version (Carbon Kevlar Technora stuff?).

Is there an issue with the PRO version of the JPs (the 2006 or 2007 models) being not popular and/or not recommended as they are EXTREMELY FRAGILE - dings, cracks and holes = no resale and huge frustrations?

Does anyone know? Are they durable enough for the recreational sailor?

The reason I ask is that in 2006 models there are PRO editions available for low prices. Just wondering why?

Thanks,

[ozy]

if you go big dont get a pro

[KC7777]

Ozy,

Have you owned a Pro version?

I don't go big. I am more worried about dropping the nose on the beach at Nitinat and then getting a crack that takes on water?

Isthmus Sailboards say they sell JP Pro Versions and have had no problems.

Thanks,

[downwind dave]

It broke clean in half at the mast track after a short but hard life (my guess, it looked pretty new!) You can read about it in the logs for april (friday the) 13th. a big day no doubt!

I think your have to consider a few factors like how cheap are they (maybe you can get 2 and have a spare)
also will it be your marginal planing board where every gram counts or your nuke board that you might want tougher. Will your sailing site be nice sandy beach or slippery barnacle rocks! finally will you be trying tricks and jumps or just gently ripping around with style and poise.

[Windsurfish]

Hi KC

I posted a while back on the JP durability issue

http://www.bigwavedave.ca/phpBB2/viewto ... ght=#10172


How Cheap are the pro editions going for???

[KC7777]

Windsurfish,

Isthmus is setting up in Hood River has a new 2006 JP 93 FSW Pro Edition that they would sell for $1,100 US. Not bad for a new board that weighs 12 lbs or so.

After much research...even talking to the JP distributor in Maui....here is what I think is the difference between Pro Edition and Full Wood Sandwich (FWS) JPs:

Pro Edition boards are strong for sailing, but easily damaged by rocks, etc. Think of them having a single layered shell around them. This single layer is made of carbon and technora, so it is very stiff and light for great sailing performance and strength. But, one stiff layer is easier to poke through than more layers.

Think of the FWS (Wood) JP boards as having two layers, plus wood reinforcement. Good sailing strength, and much better ding resistance.

Most really good sailors would clearly prefer the Pro Editions for sailing...just need to take care not to ding the board.

Given I would use mine at the Nat....rocky shore to drop the nose on etc.....and I am not that good a sailor who is likely getting launched onto the nose by the new Sailworks Huckers I am going to stay away from the Pro Editions.