I hate the decorative graphics of most recent boards, while at the same time I appreciate riding Thommen shaped boards, having spent most of my windsurfing years on his F2 designs.Above: old loved Peter Thommen F2 boards
Having followed closely Thommen’s departure from F2 and the initiation of his own T1 brand, I realized that T1 not only produces the most aesthetically appealing to me boards, but is also the most ecological oriented brand, mainly thanks to their BambO2 construction, which is something that fits perfectly to the Veggie-Wedgie vegan & raw food blog approach of my daughter (2016 – unfortunately her domain was lost and no longer corresponds to her work & ideas. Only her book published in English is still available) .
I contacted T1 asking for a CX87 board in black (it is the color of the STYLEX freestyle board), instead of the standard white. Marije from the office in Holland responded immediately stating that “with us anything is possible”.
They needed 7 weeks for delivery and 10% surcharge over the standard board price, with the remark that the foot straps could not be black like the STYLEX photo, as these were a photoshop creation.
Considering this a fair deal, I placed my order.
The board arrived 10 weeks later, marginally in time to take it along for the usual Paros windsurfing vacations.
The classy board bag in which boards of this high category are packed, gives a very good first impression. Having read in the windsurfing magazines reviews about the exceptional T1 boards finish, I must confess that the CX87 is impressive (especially in black), but upon closer examination, finish is not always something to rave about.
Above: My new T1 CX87 black board
As you can see grass hoppers love the bamboo board
This is the first time I ride such a short board – 2.42m (my short board has been a 2.67m), while wind was strong enough only 3 days to test the CX.
I can say it is a light, fast & responsive board, relatively fast planning. The high stiffness combined to the firm pads are ideal for slalom use, but landings of even medium height jumps, are hard to the rider.
The foot straps offer average comfort, while the one screw fixation system is not very effective.
I used 3.7m, 4.7 & 5.5 sails and I think the CX87 should be offered with one more fin (30), as the standard 27 fin barely accommodates the pressure of a 5.5 sail, not to mention the 6.8 indicated by T1.
I asked Arnaud Deschamps who again this year was in New Golden Beach testing all the 2012 material for the French Planchemag magazine, to have a go and comment, but unfortunately, his schedule was very tight.
Upon return, while rinsing the board, the automatic valve just fell off, broken in half.
I contacted the willing & communicative Marije @ T1, and she told me that replacement valve was send immediately.
The valve together with the special tool arrived one week later although they were send by courier.
The very nice and helpful T1 Greek importer Zois Theoharis fitted the new valve easily & fast, while I noticed that the material of the broken one was rather fragile. Without knowing if it is technically feasible, I think the valve should be made out of Teflon or metal, while I have my doubts about the trouble-free operation of the valve for sea use.
Above: broken valve removed, new one ready to be fitted with special tool
As with most products, innovative solutions need time & care to be perfected, but if you fancy a T1, go to the local dealer, check the available boards, choose the one that satisfies your standards and take it home with you, being sure it will ride exeptionally.
Glad you had the valve issue addressed so soon. My own experience with T1 warranty took more than 2 months and many emails to get sorted. It looks like they got their act together.
I own a 2006 Class X95 (replaced my 2004-5 X95 under warranty) as my biggest board and although it looks kinda dated compared to the latest very short shapes, it’s a solid b&j board with a great range and very rewarding gybe characteristics. The CX is an evolution of this shape so I’m sure it’s just as good, if not better.
Anyway, your new board looks killer, I hope you enjoy it as much as possible!
Thanks Mits for your kind comment.
Your silver x95 is a very nice board and & it’s extra length is a desirable feature to me,especially for upwind blasting.
I like to keep my equipment in mint condition, but this was almost impossible with the black beauty, so I traded-in the board, without any further testing.
On the other hand, I got a T1 Experience 165 for my not very experienced son. This is a very interesting progressing board and I plan to review it this coming summer.
Damn that is a good looking board, specially like the silver straps also.
Damn right Haas, but unfortunately did not live-up to my finish expectations. Also T1 marketing branch (based in Nederlands), has decided to change the clean graphics on the current boards , while they did not send me any new board at cost value to have it reviewed…