HARDGOODS 25/26

[Alkasquawlik]

Going to ride some of the 25/26 boards this weekend and will get some ride time on the new Kazu to see how the 'new' camber profile compares to the old version with the camber through the tail. I'm already planning on buying next year's Kazu to replace the Aeronaut as the DD, but we'll see how much I like it. Worst case, I'm back on my old Kazu.

let us know your impressions of the new Kazu

They didn't have my size, so unfortunately wasn't able to ride the Kazu. I'll still probably end up getting a new model next year.

[Msteff]

Rode the arbor Elston over the weekend. Really great sidecut, amazing hold, but very directional feeling and super super stiff, especially between the feet. A great board but not the right fit for me at all.

[Vanni]

Going to ride some of the 25/26 boards this weekend and will get some ride time on the new Kazu to see how the 'new' camber profile compares to the old version with the camber through the tail. I'm already planning on buying next year's Kazu to replace the Aeronaut as the DD, but we'll see how much I like it. Worst case, I'm back on my old Kazu.

let us know your impressions of the new Kazu

They didn't have my size, so unfortunately wasn't able to ride the Kazu. I'll still probably end up getting a new model next year.

as you know I have a 2025 Kazu, but unfortunately I have waxed and never rode, so far. Let's see in the next season...

[jclinares]

Going to ride some of the 25/26 boards this weekend and will get some ride time on the new Kazu to see how the 'new' camber profile compares to the old version with the camber through the tail. I'm already planning on buying next year's Kazu to replace the Aeronaut as the DD, but we'll see how much I like it. Worst case, I'm back on my old Kazu.

let us know your impressions of the new Kazu

They didn't have my size, so unfortunately wasn't able to ride the Kazu. I'll still probably end up getting a new model next year.

FWIW, I have the 2024 Kazu as my daily driver, and really enjoy it. I made a post with my first impressions last year: viewtopic.php?p=10726#p10726

The only downside I've found so far is that it doesn't do great in icy conditions, but other than that, it's a beaut.

[mildly_high]

let us know your impressions of the new Kazu

They didn't have my size, so unfortunately wasn't able to ride the Kazu. I'll still probably end up getting a new model next year.

FWIW, I have the 2024 Kazu as my daily driver, and really enjoy it. I made a post with my first impressions last year: viewtopic.php?p=10726#p10726

The only downside I've found so far is that it doesn't do great in icy conditions, but other than that, it's a beaut.

I would agree with this, I have the 2024 kazu and the 2022 Kazu and the only difference I really found was that the 2022 was a smidge stiffer and slightly better in icy and hard pack conditions. But otherwise still just as fun.

[KMWBG]

The Last HPS Takaharu Nakai.

https://shop.queststore.co.nz/products/ ... e3ef&_ss=r

Wonder why he quit Salomon.

[michaelangelo]

[KMWBG]

I follow the Welcome and Hello YouTube channel where Nakai and friends travel around Japan checking out resorts. I’ve never seen him use the new HPS models with the eco base and recycled sidewalls. He pretty much rides the 23/24 Taka EP. Makes me suspect he doesn’t think much of them? Maybe? Maybe he didn’t want to compromise the setup he’s happy riding? Would explain him wanting to make something on his own? I’ve tried the 23/24 Taka and 24/25 Taka back to back and they do ride quite differently. Rode both with 24/25 Union Force. New model seems heavier, has slower base, it’s damper and less lively, sidecut feels more aggressive. Both are really good boards though. But clearly different rides in my slightly humble opinion.
I’m no internet wizard so there might be more info out there, but just wanted to check if the EL knew anything.

[tp1_kenobi]

I follow the Welcome and Hello YouTube channel where Nakai and friends travel around Japan checking out resorts. I’ve never seen him use the new HPS models with the eco base and recycled sidewalls. He pretty much rides the 23/24 Taka EP. Makes me suspect he doesn’t think much of them? Maybe? Maybe he didn’t want to compromise the setup he’s happy riding? Would explain him wanting to make something on his own? I’ve tried the 23/24 Taka and 24/25 Taka back to back and they do ride quite differently. Rode both with 24/25 Union Force. New model seems heavier, has slower base, it’s damper and less lively, sidecut feels more aggressive. Both are really good boards though. But clearly different rides in my slightly humble opinion.
I’m no internet wizard so there might be more info out there, but just wanted to check if the EL knew anything.

I haven't ridden the new ABS sidewalls and just heard on YT reviews that the newer model improved on the old ride with more pop and dampness. For me that'd be enough to get the updated model. Maybe the base just needed a fresh coat of wax?