Gary over at XBC was kind enough to let us test his newest Grom model the 4'9". Jesse stopped by my office and dropped off a brand new board and traction last week.
In looking at the board, the first thing that struck me was the thickness. It's beefy from tail to nose.
I was lucky enough to ride the 4'6" about a month ago and was expecting the ride to be about the same. WRONG! Even more fun!
Everyone on board described he board as fun.
I was able to throw a 3 effortlessly. The fin placement is such that they break loose cleanly and almost at will.
The board is fast down the line, the bottom is flat again a design that is unencumbered with fads. Lean forward and the board takes off. In fact, on my second ride on the board I leaned back just a tiny bit and the board shot out from under me!
Rail-to-rail responsiveness is fast, not as fast as the Walker Project Team, but is faster than Shred Stixx Stixxstreme or Ja Mako.
The only complaint I have about the board is the relatively small nose rocker. It takes some getting used to, unless you come from a skimboard background. This relative shallow nose rocker is part of what gives the board it's speed down the line.
Exceptionally fun board, suitable for small fry's and bigger more experienced folks looking for a fast, nimble and technical surfstyle board.
Lipslides were smooth and easy