Large parts of the Naish board range have recently been redesigned, with the Stratos model representing the new freeride board and a fusion of the two predecessor models Galaxy and Starship. The Stratos is available in a total of four sizes with 105/115/125 and 140 litre volumes - we tried out the 125 litre model.
On land:
The Stratos 125 comes with a classic stretched outline. A tuttle box has been installed in the rather wide rear. This means that the 125 and 145 litre sizes are "foil ready", while the smaller 105 and 115 litre sizes come with a power box. While the 125 and 140 litre sizes are rather wide at 77 and 82 centimetres respectively, the two smaller models at 105 and 115 are much narrower (63/67cm). The scope of delivery includes four straps, which are quite comfortable and are all simply screwed on, as well as a 44cm fin. Two rows of plugs are available on the flat deck for mounting the straps - a sporty, far outboard position and a manoeuvring position further inboard. The pads have a good grip and a large surface area, although they are rather thin.
On the water:
The Naish Stratos is already very stable when dampening or sheeting, the flat deck in combination with the generous overall length stabilise the board noticeably. The board performs the planing phase more like a luxury saloon car than a powerful sports car, in other words: the board quickly enters a semi-planing phase and enables an early change into the loops, but then accelerates rather leisurely and less powerfully. Nevertheless, the Stratos achieves a free planing position when powered up and impresses with a good average speed on half and full wind courses - with a high-quality carbon fin, the Stratos can get even more out of this. The overall feeling on the straight is characterised by control, the Stratos is not a free-flying board with a slalom feeling.
When jibing, the Naish novelty is primarily suited to medium radii. Then the Naish Stratos pulls through the turn with good edge grip and also offers less experienced surfers enough safety to finish the power jibe dry. The fact that the radii are not particularly tight and the glide at the exit of the turn is only mediocre may bother surfers with racing ambitions, but is less relevant for many intermediates and freeriders. On the other hand, the shape also offers a large portion of stability when turning. We have not yet been able to test the foil suitability, but with its wide tail, experience has shown that the Stratos should work well in combination with typical cruiser and freeride foils.
Naish Stratos - the conclusion:
The new Naish Stratos 125 scores highly as a board for freeriders thanks to its harmonious planing behaviour, good control and safe cornering when jibing. The Stratos is ideally equipped with camberless freeride sails or maximum 2-cam sails between 6.0 and 8.4 square metres. If you surf primarily with camber sails and are looking for a board with a sporty, free ride or even a "slalom feeling", you might find the Stratos a little too well-behaved.
Control, comfort, "foil ready"
Acceleration
Technical data Naish Stratos
- Available sizes: 105/115/125/140 litres
- Lengths: 236/238/240/244 cm
- Widths: 63/67/77/82 cm
- Price: 2299Euro
- Web: www.naishsails.com
