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WT72 - Initial Impression's

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Created by FNQBilly > 9 months ago, 29 Sep 2019
FNQBilly
QLD, 110 posts
29 Sep 2019 8:52PM
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Alright, my first crack at a review. Please, Im not a professional and these are just my simple views on why and how I ended up with a WT72 as well as my thoughts on sailing it.

Firstly to why I purchased one. After having hand me down larger boards over the past 5 years - AHD Diamond GT (circa 2008) & AHD Diamond (Circa 2000) I wanted to support a local Aust Manufacturer, but I didn't want to spend the kind of money I did when I purchased my CASL108. I wanted a well built board that will more than likely see me out to the end of my sailing days, hopefully in 20 yrs time.
Fortunately, Fangman had one of the previous models going back 20 plus years and still going strong and had just taken ownership of a new WT64 and I was keen as mustard to hear what he had to say and if the build quality was everything it was 20 years ago. So with Ross's comments and a 50th B'day almost around the corner, we stepped up to the plate, dropped the payment into Neil's Bank account and awaited with baited breathe for the new toy to arrive in FNQ.

Great service. Left Perth on Friday and was on my doorstep the following Thursday, in pristine condition. Wrapped and boxed sensationally. A truck could have driven over the box and I don't reckon it would have been damaged. It in fact took me 15 minutes to finally get it out of the packaging and finally get a good look at the decals - very impressive. I like them. And the ATT (Active Trim Technology tab) , just sitting on that HUGE bare back side, just staring at you. The second impression I got from the initial unboxing and with out footsteps at this stage was the initial weight, or lack of it. For a 132lt board, it was surprisingly light weighing in at just over 10kg's - that's on my scales at home, so unless the bride is lying, Im happy to run with that .

I was expecting a pretty reasonable build having come from the Kinetic factory and I wasn't disappointed. From the paint work, recessed feet areas, both front and rear to the thick foot strap pads. The width, 72cm, allows plenty of floaty stuff under your feet and this runs right through from the mast track down the ATT. The only "raised eyebrow" I have and still have to a degree, is the placement of the vortex vent - smack bang behind the mast track - about 10-15mm behind. Right where my toes tend to sit if Im just dredging along. Ive actually had to change my stance to avoid sticking my big fat toes on top off it, just in case I do the vent damage.

A very noice light wind weapon that I was keen to try out at my local - The Mud Pit (Holloways Beach). Open Ocean, very tidal, incredibly rough at times when faced with an easterly breeze on a SE swell. What I very quickly realised that this board could handle its self every bit as well in 12-13 kts as it does in 20-25 kts, but Im going to leave that for another night to tell that story. I believe the best 2 Sec Peak on a 72 is 35Kts. I've busted 30kts, just, and it was an incredible ride. I cant wait to really press it hard down wind, but that's tomorrow nights adventure.

Enjoy the read, feel free to ask questions - I can only answer with a smile

sboardcrazy
NSW, 7917 posts
10 Oct 2019 2:03PM
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You can stand on the vent. Neil says you can't damage them.

FNQBilly
QLD, 110 posts
10 Oct 2019 1:54PM
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Select to expand quote
sboardcrazy said..
You can stand on the vent. Neil says you can't damage them.


Confirmed, yes, I believe you can...I just didnt know that at the time . I will have to update my blog on the actual sailing of the board. Might be a little more usefull than the wrapping it came in .

FNQBilly
QLD, 110 posts
10 Oct 2019 1:54PM
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Select to expand quote
sboardcrazy said..
You can stand on the vent. Neil says you can't damage them.


Confirmed, yes, I believe you can...I just didnt know that at the time . I will have to update my blog on the actual sailing of the board. Might be a little more usefull than the wrapping it came in .

sboardcrazy
NSW, 7917 posts
10 Oct 2019 3:03PM
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Select to expand quote
FNQBilly said..

sboardcrazy said..
You can stand on the vent. Neil says you can't damage them.



Confirmed, yes, I believe you can...I just didnt know that at the time . I will have to update my blog on the actual sailing of the board. Might be a little more usefull than the wrapping it came in .


Yes , what's the latest? I've ordered the Magic Bullit 85 which is a bit different but any feedback on the Silver Bullit will be interesting.

Rob11
240 posts
10 Oct 2019 4:44PM
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FNQBilly said..
I wanted to support a local Aust Manufacturer... come from the Kinetic factory

For a 132lt board, it was surprisingly light weighing in at just over 10kg's


Thought Kinetic was Vietnam manufacturing?
Also, your scale may be off, 10kg for that volume board is about 2+kg more than other equivalent volume boards

FNQBilly
QLD, 110 posts
10 Oct 2019 7:23PM
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Rob11 said..

FNQBilly said..
I wanted to support a local Aust Manufacturer... come from the Kinetic factory

For a 132lt board, it was surprisingly light weighing in at just over 10kg's



Thought Kinetic was Vietnam manufacturing?
Also, your scale may be off, 10kg for that volume board is about 2+kg more than other equivalent volume boards


Yep, reckon your right about that to. I was corrected earlier by the Windtech lads in another thread. I was out by 2kgs, which doesn't bode well for the bride ???? . Just more of her to cuddle now ??

CrimsonFlash
WA, 71 posts
15 Oct 2019 9:24PM
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If any other Windtech 72 Silver Bullet (or 64 / 57) owners are watching this thread, I've just sent Billy one of the new Windtech fins (43cm) which have been developed over the last year or so specifically for the Silver Bullet range. We have a full range now available from 25cm up to 46cm in 3cm increments. Let me or Neil know if interested on info@windtechwindsurfing.com or windtechwindsurf@gmail.com.
Will be good to get your feedback Bill when you get a chance to try out the fin on your 72 SB. Hopefully the doldrums will be over soon!Dan P

CrimsonFlash
WA, 71 posts
21 Oct 2019 6:21PM
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Select to expand quote
FNQBilly said..

Rob11 said..


FNQBilly said..
I wanted to support a local Aust Manufacturer... come from the Kinetic factory

For a 132lt board, it was surprisingly light weighing in at just over 10kg's




Thought Kinetic was Vietnam manufacturing?
Also, your scale may be off, 10kg for that volume board is about 2+kg more than other equivalent volume boards



Yep, reckon your right about that to. I was corrected earlier by the Windtech lads in another thread. I was out by 2kgs, which doesn't bode well for the bride ???? . Just more of her to cuddle now ??


A quick follow up on the Aust Manufacturer vs Kinetic comment, spoke with Neil a few days ago and he said:
"WindTech is Australian owned , registered and based with all R+D done in Australia by Australians. Like the 1990's we get our production boards made by Kinetic as it's not financially viable to set up facilities to produce the smaller volumes that we do. All money for overseas sales ends up in Australia and this is an expanding business model which can only be good for our economy. "

Gestalt
QLD, 14123 posts
21 Oct 2019 8:34PM
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if its built overseas its not australian made.

how much does it weigh?

CrimsonFlash
WA, 71 posts
21 Oct 2019 8:11PM
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The 72 Silver Bullet is 8.7 kg without straps.
No argument about "built overseas its not australian made". Windtech doesn't make any secret of having it's production boards manufactured O/S and has done since the early 90's. The initial comment about wanting to use a "local Aust Manufacturer" was likely made in good faith by the original poster of this review, not knowing at the time the boards are made in the Kinetic factory. No harm done.

Gestalt
QLD, 14123 posts
21 Oct 2019 10:57PM
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yep no harm done. was just responding to the idea the boards are australian made. not sure why the post above says all money from overseas sales comes back to australia.
i'd guess thats just not possible either.



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"WT72 - Initial Impression's" started by FNQBilly