The text below comes from the last SURF of 2012, in shops now:

On land:
The new Kode Waves were designed around the German wave elite, embodied by Philip Köster and Dany Bruch, who helped a significant part in the development cycle. Positioned as quick allround wave-boards, the Kode Wave comes in three technologies, of which we decided to test both the Technora and the Carbon version, since they're about one kilogram apart, which sets them clearly apart when weighing up on land.

The Kodes come with a slotbox twin-fin setup, and its possible to close up the twin slots and put in a single-fin as well (not included). The plugs that close the slots come with the board as well, and the straps are a dream come true for anyones feet.

On the water:
First things first - any difference in board construction relates to riding sensations - on a straight and in the air. Both boards will start planing very early, with the Carbon version always being a tad bit earlier at the lower wind limit and gusts. On a straight, the Technora feels a little more cushioned, which is not necessarily a disadvantage, especially in choppier conditions with strong winds. And in the air, the Technora version its mass is felt on your feet as well. On the wave however, the difference is neglectable - both boards just seem to be made for the North- and Baltic Sea. THis is because they manage to convert sailpull and wave thrusts so well into momentum (the lighter version seems to have an advantage here as well), that by the time you are ready for your cutback, you've gained some serious speed. In addition to that, the Kode turns smoothly with a wide variation of arches, slashes very aggressively through cutbacks and allows for superior control through different new-school lip tricks. Only when the waves get seriously big or conditions turn nasty, you might want some additional grip and control.

SURF-verdict:
The exemplifying planing characteristics and radical turns of the Kode Wave make it the perfect toy for the North- or Baltic Sea, regardless whether you're just beginning to wavesail or you're sharpening your skills on takas and 360's. Top level riders who seem to spend a considerable time in perfect conditions might be better off with the additional grip and rail control the NuEvo offers.

The difference in construction is there when you get planing or accelerate, but a top-waveboard doesn't suddenly become a dud when the construction is different. This mirrors our vast experience of years in windsurf testing; the performance of a freeride- or slalom boards is closely related to its construction,whereas with wave boards the largest part of its performance is a result of its shape. And weight doesn't affect a turn as much as. In the end, it comes down to the individual who decides whether he or she is willing to spring a little more money for a little more agility under their feet. In Starboard's case the choice might be a little easier, withe the CarbonWood version of the Kode Wave 78 centered right in the middle of the two, both in weight and price.

Carbon
Weight: 6.85kg (measured by SURF)
Length: 227cm
Width: 58cm
Fins: 2 x 16.5cm

Technora
Weight: 7.8kg (measured by SURF)
Length: 227cm
Width: 58cm
Fins: 2 x 16.5cm

To go the the Kode Wave Product page, click here