The Exocet Xwave V3 Carbon offers good speed and riding capabilities to suit a range of conditions. The Xwave likes to be well powered either from the rig or a wave with some power behind it, while riding off both the front and back foot is crucial to stay with the pace of the wave to deliver an aggressive or relaxed riding style. 

Visually, the Xwave holds a punchy almost old school colour scheme with an angular contrasting pink layered over light blue. Up close, the carbon Kevlar layup is visible on the deck, achieving a nice balance between weight, stiffness, and impact resistance. Its overall outline is a little fuller than others in the 85-litre wave board category with its widest point sitting further forward. The Xwave also carries a decent chunk of volume too, most likely with the aim of allowing the hips of the board to work for you on a wave. Some width is kept in the tail before it gently tapers in at the back strap, which is placed on a thin double-density pad for comfort. Standing back from the Xwave, it’s reminiscent of a big wave gun surfboard that you might find at Mavericks. Rolled over and examining the rocker line and overall bottom shape, the nose kick is more apparent on the underside than on the deck. At the opposite end, the tail possesses a slight kick, but overall the Xwave generally has a flatter rocker line than others in the 85-litre category – with the purpose of hopefully providing more speed and mobility. The Xwave is provided with a set of MFC fins for a thruster setup, while slot box covers allow you to ride it as a single fin as well. The Xwave potentially offers one of the more forgiving rides in the 85-litre category and it aims to be fast, while having to ability to handle a variety of conditions. 

Light in the hands, the Xwave feels nimble before hitting the water, while with its newly adjusted outline and volume, it requires the rider to be stood well forwards when non-planing and floating out. The Xwave’s length provides solid upwind ability off the plane, while once you are ready to get going, the Xwave responds well to being nudged off the wind to pop up on to the plane. Finding the straps with ease and now comfortable, the Xwave delivers good speed; its quick, narrow shape is reminiscent of a big wave gun surfboard, powering you out through the line-up and unsettled waters. The Xwave remains agile, allowing you to find your path of least resistance. Moving the volume distribution and wide point further forwards is especially welcome when making critical time-pressured tacks, while allowing you to cruise upwind more efficiently. Feeling locked in when riding, the Xwave’s personality really comes out when it is well powered and being ridden with passion. On the crest of your chosen wave, the Xwave powers down the face, carrying ample speed to play with. Playing the front and back foot through the turns is crucial to match the pace of the wave. The Xwaves speed makes performing well-rounded bottom turns easy, but keep a watchful eye on the wave, so that you don’t miss that all-important section, or outrun the waves natural pace. Putting a little extra pressure through the back foot, the Xwave will tighten its turning radius, allowing you to hit that critical section, while also going more vertical. Just be poised and ready to get that power back on to keep the Xwave working for you. Off the top and sending some spray, its tapered pinpoint nose has enough nose kick to avoid any unwanted interaction with the wave, while allowing you to carry the speed that the Xwave loves and desires. The Xwave is capable of sailing in smaller conditions, but it really comes to life when greeted by a larger wave with some power and punch behind it. 

Test Editor: James Hardy 

Second Tester: Tris Best

Photos: OTC

Location: Hayling Island, Portland Harbor & Emsworth Harbour

https://www.windsurf.co.uk