AZTRON LIGHTSPEED 2.0 14’0 TEST REVIEW 2024
Verdict
The Lightspeed 2.0 from Aztron is an exciting challenger in the race board segment. It is built for competitive paddlers with a flat-water bias yet goes great in exposed, open water. It combines advanced construction with a design optimized for speed and stability, suitable for ambitious racers and speed enthusiasts who want to disrupt their circuit’s top 10.
Overview
Aztron’s Lightspeed 2.0 is a competitive, contemporary board with its carbon sandwich construction and a CNC cut EPS foam core. This updated version features a new nose profile with a shedding bow and flat nose entry. A carry handle and two race-start handles are clustered around a race-deflector which limits water entering the deck.
From above, the nose has a pleasing slow taper into a fine point. High side rails run alongside the recessed deck to mitigate water flooding, while side drainage holes deal with any ingress. The deck is lined with a comfortable EVA pad that ends with a pronounced kick over the tail. The tail is pulled in only slightly and squared off for maximum water release. Underneath you have Aztron’s 8.3-inch Astronaut fiberglass race fin.
Brand Claim
“For 2024, the best race board in the business gets a makeover with a new outline that improves speed and comfort for the ultimate flat-water racing and long-distance paddling. The re-designed standing area with more recessed depth and high rails help to give you more stability and control. The newly added deck drainage system accelerates your riding to the highest speed.”
Performance
The Lightspeed 2.0 presents as a flat-water board. At 23” and catering to a rider weight around 70-85 kg, it is a fabulously stable base on which to really put the hammer down and test the limits of your energy systems. If you are new to recessed decks, we can say this one is a very comfortable place to be. Despite the 23” beam, the Lightspeed 2.0 will accommodate taller riders no problem. In open water coastal conditions, the Lightspeed 2.0 exhibits accessible performance that defy its flat-water pedigree. The board impresses with light, rapid acceleration and a displacement nose that effortlessly maintains speed while slicing through chop. The perfect balance of challenge and speed it offers in ‘real world’ coastal conditions makes it rewarding to paddle.
We combo’d the Lightspeed 2.0 with Aztron’s Sonic race paddle. This taught, muscular pairing was excellent at transmitting the power delivered by the paddler into acceleration and speed.
If you’re looking to ‘go for it’ this year and break out of the main pack, the Lightspeed 2.0 will ensure that you are competitive and keep the elite honest. This board is also an excellent training companion across all waters; there won’t be many days you can’t get out for a thorough paddle. The Lightspeed 2.0 is a fast, light board with broad appeal that has the potential to slingshot ambitious intermediate racers into the lead pack.
Vital Stats
Price: £1499
Length: 14’0
Width: 23”
Thickness: 6”
Volume: 290 litres
Weight: 12 kg
Fin: 8.3” fibreglass