THE HYPE:
For 2008 Nobile adjusted the sizes of their highly-praised 555 range to achieve the perfect board for riders of all shapes, sizes and abilities and included a board specifically for women. Light wind planing, control at speed and phenomenal upwind ability are trademarks of the 555 range. An ability to perform in all conditions, inspiring confidence in all levels of rider are what sets it apart from the rest.New for 2008 is a UV stable textured top foil ensuring your ride will continue to look good for its entire life, and retained from 2007 are the industry first technologies that Nobile introduced to kiteboards, such as anti-vibration technology and elliptical progressive concave. The wider sizes have been tuned to work in lighter winds and for heavier riders, whilst the women’s addition (apart from featuring a unique colour scheme) has a flex pattern suited to lighter riders and narrower stance options.
TEST TEAM NOTES:
NEAL: Very good looking and up-to-date board shape. Straps are easy to adjust and fit and the strap simply removes for travel by releasing the Velcro strap. Comfortable pads - perhaps a bit stiff - but the responsive feel of the board through your feet is lovely.
CHRIS: I found it really comfortable. I like the pads a lot, they're not as fat as some but I wouldn't say they're lacking in softness. The connection to the board is so good. This will sound weird but I think it's the quietest board I’ve ever ridden. It is so smooth and holds its speed well when you're going fast. Behaves really well. Popping isn’t its greatest attribute, but it’s doable.
WILL: Hard to add much really, just really, really smooth and easy to get to perform. There was loads of chop today and it coped beautifully and you don’t have to put much into it.
NEAL: Just sits up and goes, like driving an automatic car. One of the top performers in terms of being a lively, exciting but easy to use ride, with good speed and great upwind ability.
CHRIS: Threatened to be a face splasher, but isn’t, but that's the issue with wider tips. It changes direction without blinking and for an intermediate this board is an absolute joy and more than adequate for virtually any rider wanting to take things to the next level. I'd be happy riding this all day.
SUMMARY:
A slick little mover with connections in all the right places to get you moving up the progressional ladder.
SIZES:
122 x 36cm
125 x 38cm
128 x 39cm
131 x 40cm
134 x 41cm
137 x 42cm
140 x 44cm
a women's 125 x 38cm
www.nobilekiteboarding.com
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