Some days ago we could test Nobile kiteboards for 2010. As previous years the design and appearance of these boards is amazing but also performance, from the basic model to the pro-model…. each one focused to a particular riding style and level.

All the boards are full woodcore with other reinforcements. This provides better flex and vibration absorbing properties and also increases durability. The NHP if the only model that comes with a combined wood and honeycomb core for lightweight and a lively feel.

This year all models come with the IFS Pro system mounted, the integrated Nobile footstrap+pad. We think this is a great improvement as the new system is much more comfortable than previous year’s. It is a triple-density moulded pad that provides incredible shock absorbing properties while still giving a direct feedback from the board. Outer surface is very grippy and the footstrap is easy to adjust.



The first consequence of the absence of Mark Shinn in the team this year is that there is no specific model for waves, nor Shinn promodel of course. However they continue to produce the Skim board, a funny board for light wind days and small waves. Instead, Mike Blomvall has been added to the team and for the first time at Nobile we have a promodel focused to wakestyle and newschool freestyle: the 50Fifty.





The 50Fifty uses the most important innovation introduced by Nobile this year: the 3D channels, also present at NHP model. This construction allows to control flex properties both longitudinally and laterally (along the width), this way we can have a stiffer board longitudinally while keeping comfort with lateral flex. The result is a board with less probability to sink the tips at hard landings and better performance at high speeds.



We tested the 50Fifty and it is quite stiff in all the length including tips but definitively the 3D rails must work because it is surprisingly comfortable when riding it although it’s a pure freestyle board. Top sheet has been improved to be more resistant to the abuse of kickers and sliders and no handle inserts are provided. 3D shape also allows to have longer sizes and a redesigned rocker line that provides several benefits: almost no spray at all, better ride through chop and waves at high speeds, smoother carve for pop and softer landings. Anyway the board doesn’t feel any big when you ride it as we could check by ourselves.



You can read a full review of every Nobile board in our site. It’s in Spanish only but anyway you can see the pictures ;)

http://www.kaimaleon.com/blog/2009/10/tablas-nobile-2010/