At first glance, I notice that the rocker outline and the channel contours on the bottom of the APEX V9 have been updated in comparison to the APEX V8. The design team at AIRUSH has also removed the “spine” that was throughout the board in previous “APEX and DIAMOND” models. After owning both an APEX V8 139cm and the V8 TEAM Livewire 138cm, it would seem there’s some burrowed DNA from the Liverwire’s rocker outline in the new APEX. The APEX V9 however has smoother channels and is lighter in weight in comparison.
The APEX V9 rides smooth. The board is a blast to play with handling chop at speed with ease. The V9 keeps its edge while popping, boosting, and during over powered scenarios. Pressing the tail, the board bites and releases the water at your very command. The landings are soft, clean, and with a splendid ability to bleed off speed.
Driving upwind, the APEX locks an edge well, yet the board desires to be properly powered. The V9’s rocker outline gives performance playful abilities, but this hinders it’s upwind ability in lighter conditions in comparing to a flatter outline board. After noticing the challenges of power needed with the Livewire 138cm, I chose to go with the 141cm APEX instead off the 137cm option . This choice has helped me with unwind ability while not sacrificing the board’s ease of use and playful characteristics.
The APEX V9 likes to ride properly powered, but shines brightest when the conditions are lit like the Beacons of Gondor… Optimistic control of the board’s edge is effortless, subtle, and performance oriented. It’s playful and forgiving style really show when the conditions are optimal. I would say the APEX V9 is an improvement from it’s predecessors and I’m absolutely stoked on it!
Ladies and Gentlemen, the APEX V9 141 by Airush.
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