JP AUSTRALIA FUSION WOOD EDITION TEST REVIEW
JP AUSTRALIA FUSION WOOD EDITION TEST REVIEW
Verdict:
The Fusion is a smooth, glidey board that goes well across a broad spectrum of conditions. A versatile purchase for riders who want a board that will give them a good wave count when there’s surf, but also any member of the family can jump on for fitness or exploration. At 9’8, it’ll stow in most vans too.
Overview:
Forming the more accessible end of the JP Australia surf line up, the Fusion is an easy riding board to get people into waves and it won’t murder your knees and ankles on a flat water cruise. The 9’8 Wood Edition is the second smallest in the range which offers a lighter Pro build and a heavier glass version. Mast foot insert, FCS GoPro mount, 2x FCS inserts and 1x US fin box complete the socket set.
Brand Claim:
The combination of a surf board outline, subtly curved rocker line and generous volume thinned out on the rails through a step deck is a winning concept that fuses glide and stability with great surfing characteristics. Bottom shape has concaves running to a V at the tail to help ‘rail up’ when going down a wave.
Performance:
At first glance the 9’8 Fusion is a big board with volume and surface area spread fairly evenly throughout, though the tail is nicely thinned out which hints at its surfing aspirations. Clearly designed with the larger or less aggressive rider in mind, it carries lots of glide and smoothness through the water and feels very surefooted leaving you free to scan the horizon for incoming sets.
With its increased float and volume, the Fusion prefers to be paddled into waves from the deep, giving you time to set your line. Later take-offs are not so suited, requiring aggressive paddle use and foot pressure on the rail to maintain a high line or there is a danger of the board running away. Wave size isn’t a limiting factor though and the Fusion rolls down a large open face and into smooth, drawn out bottom turns. Once you’ve set your line, it’s capable of holding considerable speed.
Paddling into surf is made quite easy and this board tracks well even with less than perfect surf-paddle technique. You’ve got a big platform to work from and there’s time to catch the wave standing well forward before stepping back to business end.
In between waves the Fusion is not a demanding board to paddle; it offers the rider good mobility for moving around their surf zone, and it would cross-over as a nice family cruiser or for weekend riders that still enjoy the simple act of going for a paddle. Where it won’t excel is in shorter, choppier swells and sucky waves due to its length, or for holding the attention of ambitious riders with opportunity and ability to rapidly develop their surfing skills. But for a bigger guy who wants to lay down some good carves without totally losing touch with the shortboard feel, the Fusion steps up nicely.