Wainman Blunt II Overview
The Blunts are for the people. Getting to the point: these boards
are made for ripping. While some might say that compromising sucks,
every intermediate free rider, for whom those versatile twin tipped
boards are made, definitely would not agree. To come back from every
session stoked, a board needs to handle any condition that the rider may
encounter, and adjust to any mood the rider is in. At the end of the
day, it really is all about the ride. It is so important that the
power and huge potential given by the kite will be utilized properly.
It does not matter what the conditions are when you show up with a
Blunt, because this board handles it all. A true freerider wants to
show up with one board, throw up a kite, and enjoy the ride. A Blunt
always makes it a fun ride.
Wainman Blunt II Includes:
2011 Wainman Deck, 2011 Wainman Straps/Pads/Fins/Handle, Hardware, 2011 Wainman Kiteboard Bag
1. What's physically new about 2011 Wainman Hawaii Blunt II
a. Available sizes:
•125cm x 39.0cm
•130cm x 40.5cm
•135cm x 41.5cm
•137cm x 43.5cm
New Blunts have slightly different sizing available comparing to what
they had last year. There is no more 120 size, as it was not a popular
size. Size 125 and 130 have now bigger brother of a TOTALLY New 135,
which is their scale up, with the identical rocker-line and aspect ratio
(proportions).
New 137 size is a new version of the old 135. To add even a bit more of the planning surface and distinct this different shape of board from its 3 smaller cousins we made/named it a 137. It is proportionally wider than the smaller Blunts and has less rocker. Those 2 different changed parameters, make this board a perfect LIGHTWIND machine or the all-round boards for really big guys.
b. Manufacturer
We changed the factory of the Blunts this year as the old facility due
to its technology wasn't capable of delivering hi quality boards when it
comes to their durability and long-lasting. With new factory we are
starting from the safer end - with the much stronger and bit heavier
board but will be gradually working on the improvements and try to
deliver even a lighter board, same as last years.
c. Core and Lamination
The core in the new Blunt is redesigned. It consists more of the wood
part in it and less foam. Foam in the freeride board's core is generally
a good thing as it reduces the rebound of the board a lot and delivers
lots of stability, however foam used in the whole surface of the board,
with such a thin core as Blunt's brings too much of the breakage risk.
Those risks were still acceptable when Blunt was a limited edition
custom board, but when it entered the global mass market with big
expectations when it comes to its long-lasting durability it needed to
be changed and improved. The new core is still partly made of the foam
(now it is high HD PU foam - high density polyurethane) but only on the
toe and heel side, along the edge. In the center of the board, through
its whole length and thickness there is a wooden core made of the
Poplar.
Lamination in the new Blunt is also redesigned. Without revealing to many of the production secrets we can only say that board's lamination is still done using the epoxy resin and the highest quality European fiberglass layers but now in a new, redesigned proportions, which effects in the proper stiffness and flex pattern of the board with this new core and which as the combined effect provides super durability against any riding/landing damage!
d. Top sheets
New Blunts are made with a bit thicker and way more durable top sheet
materials. Old Blunt's super-light weight was a result of using
different materials, but they were not resistant enough against high
heat or UV rays. With the changed top sheet material this now is not a
problem and board will survive better a long exposure to the UV rays. It
also gained a lot more of the anti-scratch resistance.
The bottom sheet is still, as last year, made in the hydrodynamic, matt finish, which results with better water flow performance. Top of the board is covered with the extra UV protection clear coat lack, which additionally protects the board and also gives a better look to it.
e. Sidewall
We also changed the sidewall in the New Blunts and now the edge is made
of the stiffer ABS material. This will add extra durability to the board
as there is way less chances now that the crack will start on the edge
and follow to the center resulting in the breakage. This change might
probably take away some of marketing effect of a soft flexi edge but it
is a decision of the R&D Department that had to meet big durability
expectations that the mass market demands from the new version of the
Blunt.
Another good news is that this change didn't take away the round shaping of the rail itself, which most of cases takes place when using ABS by other brands. The rail is still rounded and the production department is constantly working on improving the esthetics of how they do it.
One change in rail shaping is that the tip now is not fully rounded, as it used to be. This is because the water flow is better when the water that is released from underneath the board meets the sharp edge of the tip.
f. Fins
Now Blunt is delivered with the new Claw fins, of 50mm size (1,97
inches) and that is the standard for all the New Blunt sizes. New shape
of the fins, developed by WH R&D Department, makes them carry even
less drag and have even better gripping ability with good, quick release
while jumping.
For new fins we changed the diameter of the screws. Instead of the metric 6 thread now we introduced the 5mm thread that let us reduce the thickness of the fin. Please note this change when you are providing customers with the spare parts for Blunt boards!
g. Foot straps
For all new TT's this year we changed the foot straps as well. We still
are making them in the ergonomic, reduced size shape that can well fit
smaller feet and hold huge ones well, but now we improved the mounting
system in them. Starting now we introduce the new plastic piece with the
molded 3D shape that provides much easier mounting and better foot
holding.
The new system includes one more interesting feature, that is the angle adjustment. Depending if your foot's arch is high or low you can adjust that by rotating the mounting elements on the pad before tightening them down. Updated pads have the special gripping surface that will maintain this chosen position, and the properly rotated mounting elements will custom fit rider's arch better and make riding in new straps more comfortable!
h. Graphics
In order to underline the Blunt's Spirit continuation we designed new
graphics close to the old ones and based them on the triangles as well.
However we decided to get rid of the weakness symbols in it as well - in
the middle - imagine a huge fist shaped with Wainman Hawaii's logo that
punched the old graphic with a huge force! Despite this huge impact the
New Blunt is still in one piece, however the well organized triangles
now are in the mess and if you look closer you can see the 3D in them
and some terrains formed! Inside of the gap you can see new dimension
that is uncovered by the punishing fist bringing new, very organized and
well programmed order. Of course Matrix scheme is an old one however we
thought that after that many years it is finally cool to use it. Those
who used it right after movie's success were in our feeling maybe a bit
cheesy and using it now is a bit like a real tribute to its "out of the
box" idea, which we all really liked
2. What's physically same as before?
a. Shape
New Blunts have the same shape as their ancestors. The same outline,
rocker-line (one exception is the above mentioned 137 rocker-line) and
the same 3D shape of the whole board. This shape is the key of Blunt's
character and we of course maintained it the way it originally was
designed.
Continues single concave of the bottom improves the water flow through the board's bottom directing it from its whole surface towards the tip. As the result minimalized drag, upwind and smooth landing are still same features that the new board has.
Thin, chop cutting rails are as well the same, which provides superb edge holding and freeride comfort.
b. Stance
We kept the same stance options with the pre-angle positioned inserts to
provide stance anatomically safe for knees and adjustment option for
those with shorter/longer legs to adjust the width between feet.
c. Fin position
Fin position is still the same, matching Blunt's shape and resulting in
no eye-spray, and nice skate feel of the board that releases the edge
quickly when needed.
d. Full quiver of accessories
As usual, new Blunt comes with the padded board bag, tool bag, screwdriver and set of pads, straps, fins and all hardware.
3. How is New Blunt feeling wise?
Of course the best way to understand the board well is take it for a
good test by yourself and have all your sales staff do the same. Below
you will find our test rider's observations matching R&D's goals.
a. CHARACTER
Those who rode old Blunts a lot when comparing them to new ones will
feel that the new board is slightly softer. This is because this year we
are introducing another TT, The Joke, which is a stiff all-round board
targeted for more of the advanced or wake style riders. That enabled us
to make new Blunt a bit less aggressive with this softer flex targeted
more for a mellow freeriders rather than for the crazy boosters. Blunt
is not anymore our only Twin tip and so this year it rides a bit
differently.
With that softer flex the new Blunt is a bit more forgiving, softer in landings and handles gusts better. However, on the other hand, some riders might feel that it doesn't boost up that high as it used to or provide the wake style pop as before. However those differences are very small and for the average free rider they are unnoticeable. For such targeted customer new Blunt will be a way better, smoother and more forgiving board! For those who will really miss it we recommend to try The Joke board!
b. NEW CONSTRUCTION BENEFITS
New construction of The Blunt is definitely more durable than last
years. This won't be noticed by rider during the first session but after
some time for sure it will be appreciated. What you can feel from the
first touch is that new Blunts are slightly heavier. This is the result
of introducing the new more durable construction. However we all want to
take a good care of our gear but in the reality many customers don't
focus enough on that and that is why we really improved the inside and
outside durability of Blunts. More scratch/ding/damage resistance are
new features that makes New Blunt a safe investment for free ride
customers and this is how it should be explained for those who ask.
c. CHOP CONTROL
New Blunts cuts really nice through the chop and makes no eye spray just
like its ancestor. This feature is definitely well appreciated by all
freeriders that have enough of the salt water in their eyes already from
some other boards that they had! ;)
d. UPWIND
New Blunts have very good upwind characteristic. As they are designed to
be also good landing and chop cutting boards, they are not
"course-racers" and so don't expect the miracles from them and winning
with racing boards, when it comes to going upwind. However even slightly
underpowered, in a gusty wind, you can be sure you will head upwind and
be comfortable on the water because of that good skill.
e. HOLDING EDGE
Due to their shape, flex pattern and thin rails Blunts hold the edge
really well. This famous feature of those boards is of course still
present now and what more, it was even improved. With slightly changed
flex characteristics now the board holds the overpowered moments and
absorbs the vibrations at higher speeds even better.
f. LANDINGS
Because of the shape of the bottom and its flex Blunt lands really soft
and compensates the shock of the landings. It absorbs the energy of the
landing rider really well and that's why it is a great board for the
hooked-in jumps. However it lands really well the occasional unhooked
jumps as well, of course, and all you need to do is to direct the board
more in-line in order not to catch the sharp, thin rail.
g. TURNING
To be a good freerider board needs to turn real nice. That for sure is
the case with the Blunt. With the redesigned core and slightly improved
flex the turning on New Blunts is even better. It holds the rail great
throughout the whole turn and if you need to make a sudden switch and
let go the rail you just have to unlock the edge. This really makes the
Blunt a great all-in-one freeride board with which you can even ride
real waves when your surfboard is not with you at the trip.
BLUNT BINDING SYSTEM
In order to provide safe and complete control over the Blunts, these
lively boards are equipped with very ergonomic, super adjustable and
well padded binding system. Designed from the ground up to complement
the special features of the boards. The Blunt Binding System is made of
super lightweight EVA pads thermoformed on full carbon plates and
adjustable straps made with a memory foam and designed to fit all sizes
of feet really well. Really all. So now, especially those female or
younger riders, who have smaller or thinner feet can ride stoked and
have tight fitting and direct control over their board.
Blunts are designed to be ridden with straps and pads because they are very light and responsive boards. This is why they don’t need any higher, wakestyle bindings, at least this is how they are designed. As the exception to the rule, Niccolo is ripping his Blunt with wake-style boots, but this is a totally different story, as you might guess. He is not quite a freerider yet.
Each board has 2 sets of inserts, giving you the possibility to ride it with either narrower or wider stance, depending on the natural preference and body proportions of each single
FINLESS HEAVEN
The preferred way of riding boards, especially Blunts, for many advanced riders and Brother Lou himself, is finless. This, indeed, is a different dimension of riding. Slicing through the water like a sword through a piece of paper, is really something different. You can try it some time too and enjoy this unique skill of Blunts. Just remove your fins and stick some surf wax in the holes so the water doesn’t spray you in the eye, and go deeper.
JUMPING POP
Jumping is the most fun for many freeriders, so the Blunt Boards are designed like all good blunts. They give a real nice high! Because of their light construction and engineered flex they want to fly by themselves as soon as rider initiates the popping motion. Because of this jumping nature, progression is super fast, and all maneuvers are perfected very quickly. Speed up, hold the edge and just pop the board. The result is a good high.
UPWIND PERFORMANCE
Despite their name, Blunts are not dull. They cut the water like a hot knife through butter. Thin rails and a full harmonically concave bottom ensure good upwind performance and make the whole board work like a hydrodynamic fin. Pointing towards the moving air is not achieved by the typical shortcut of flat rocker. Instead, all Blunts are blessed with a deep rocker that allows soft landings and total chop absorbtion. For the safety of the rider, those thin rails are filled with special elastic silicone resin that protects rider from cuts and bruises.
DIRECT CONTROL
Because of their unique light and thin construction, Blunt boards handle exceptionally well on the water. The drag of the boards is reduced to a minimum so the sensation of riding is really different from other twin tips. Thanks to the engineered balance and taper from the center to the rails, the ratio between the length and width of Blunt boards could be widened. That makes the boards plane much quicker and edge better. This is done without any additional risk to the ankles, contrary to the usual result when widening traditional heavier boards. Reduced thickness of rails and centered weight bias take care of the physics. The wider board along with the close fitting Blunt Binding System result in direct control over the board and gives it instant edge response.
