Ben Van Der Steen by Ben Welsh
The 2021 Proton Pro is all about speed, power and flow. The new board comes in four sizes, 97, 112, 118 and 137 liters, each carefully tuned to its designated application and conditions.
New features include a more balanced deck flow on the 97 and 118, more forward reaching cutouts on the 97, 118 and 137, V-Bottom shapes on all sizes, a new comfort deck on all sizes, a size specific custom construction on each size, balancing stiffness and flex individually, a more compact shape on the 97 and the 118, as well as Power Pads on all sizes, allowing you to step into boost mode confidently, when you need to.
The 97 is a new and completely redesigned high wind small slalom board, utterly well balanced. Designed to be a fast and comfortable board for slalom racing and long distance. With its new sleek outline and slightly shorter length the new 97 became more comfortable and easier to ride. The rocker line has been redesigned with a slightly higher rocker in the mid nose area and but still a low nose for least wind resistance when going for speed. Additional to the rocker line and the outline, the thickness profile of the board has been evened out and with slightly less depth in the deck concave and a thinned out back of the board is feels much more natural under your feet. With all this added handling comfort, the bottom could receive slightly less V than the previous board, to gain speed.
The 112 is based on the very competitive 117 from last year, and is an extremely comfortable board to ride. The wind-range of this board is very big due to the larger cutouts that make the board very easy to control in the higher wind range, but give it power and release in the lower wind range. The parallel outline and low mast base position make this board outstanding to handle when the conditions get less then perfect.
The 118 is an all new launch in the range. As it is a bigger medium board, we wanted to have this board ride especially well in a wide range of conditions, from 6.6 powered up to 8.6 nicely powered this board works extremely well. It features the new balanced deck flow, meaning the back of the board is slightly thinner and the rails stay fuller further forward, making it easier and faster to gybe. The cut outs are more forward reaching, providing better release. More curve in the bottom outline adds additional railing power to the board and makes it gybe even better.
The 137 is based on the already super fast 137 from last year. This size received substantial updates on the bottom shape and cut outs, making it gybe better and have a little more railing power, especially in lighter winds, where it shines the most. The bottom shape features a new slightly open V with a small but effective tail kick making the board ride slightly higher and more free.
Pro Full Carbon Hull Construction.
Available in 97, 112, 118, 137 liters.
Sizes 112, 118, 137 come foil ready.
Tuttle / Deep Tuttle center finbox.
Neon Lime on Metallic Moss Green.
The space below is yours to share your thoughts. Find existing reviews below. Asterisks denote required fields.
Hi Tato,
I would recommend a 45/ 46 fin, if possible, a carbon fin as this gives you a more wind range normally. If you go for the G10, go for 46.
The MarkII with Cams will have less backhand pressure. This really helps to be comfy on the foil and works better on FreeRace slalom as well.
Best regards
Ben
Hi guys,
I'm an intermediate sailor, weighing 75kg. Just bought a Proton 136 2019 for Free-Race in light winds (no competitions) with a 9.5.
I plan to add an 8.0 and a foil in his quiver and would like to buy a fin (only one) to pair the 8.0 and the 9.5.
Having all that in mind, I'm buying a Mark II 7.8 + H1 46 fin, but I think that I might need a bigger fin for the 9.5 and that a Mark 7.8 (without cams) will work better for foiling.
I thought it would be better to consult with you for the pros and cons so I can make up my mind.
Thanks,
Tato
Der 2020er 137 ist das beste Brett, dass ich je gefahren bin. Gleitet super früh, sehr frei und gut zu kontrollieren! Bitte bringt ein Board zwischen den 137er und dem 117er raus.
Attractive and bold graphic design.
The board flies high and free over the chop and feels light on the feet, but remains always good controllable. Downwind reaches and jibing were also no problem and comfortable.
It is great fun to ride for a hobby surfer!
Ben van der Steen (Goya Windsurfing) rekindled his racing flame today as the Flying Dutchman enjoyed his best day in quite some time on the world tour. Van der Steen won every qualifying heat he sailed today to deservedly book his place in both winners’ finals and is currently ranked third.
Current Ranking 2019 Hvide Sande PWA World Cup - Men’s Slalom
*After 2 Eliminations
1st Pierre Mortefon (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / Chopper Fins)
2nd Matteo Iachino (ITA | Starboard / Severne)
3rd Ben van der Steen (NED | Goya Windsurfing)
4th Ross Williams (GBR | Tabou / GA Sails)
5th Basile Jacquin (FRA | I-99 / Point-7)
6th Taty Frans (NB | Future Fly / Point-7)
7th Sebastian Kornum (DEN | JP / NeilPryde)
8th Enrico Marotti (CRO | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Maciek Rutkowski (POL | FMX Racing / Challenger Sails)
10th Antoine Questel (FRA | I-99 / S2Maui)
I drive the 116 Proton and the 105 Bolt and I'm so happy with them. Meanwhile I completely switched to Goya and also the sails. Thanks to the Goya team for the great work. Regards Peter
https://www.windsurf.co.uk/test/goya-proton-pro-115l-2018-test-review/
Congratulations – Proton 136
I own your Proton 136, which I use for foiling purposes. I have other foilboards, but I must say that your board is exceptional and a real joy to sail. I treat it like a slalom board in the air and it really lets me press the foil and not just merely ride it. My first Goya board and I will buy more.
wade aust
136 Proton with 10.6 NX custom: https://youtu.be/UfBm0XyTdJc
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