Shinn's 2014 thread - news, reviews and info

[Mike B]

Welcome to Shinn's new 2014 Thread



Over the years Kiteboarder has been home to a good chunk of national and international banter about the brand, from release (sometimes pre) info, all the rider reviews, feedback, suggestions, advice and anything else you could possibly want to know. If we don't know then it won't be long until we find an answer! Shinn is a great brand to work with, not only at the cutting edge of design but from a personal point of view, a very happy company and customer base alike. There are a few golden rules we have all stuck by in the past years, and they have served us well. Our boards are all made in the most skilled and reliable factory we know, bringing a level of quality, engineering, skill and longevity that attests to nothing but positive experiences wherever it goes. With the addition of the two year warranty on the Monk forever's we have seen our warranty rate drop to levels never seen before..

Shinn doesn't have a completely new release of entirely new product once a year - instead we have staggered releases. There are many advantages to this, but most relevant to you is the fact that the R+D does not get shoe-horned into a few months of the year - it's ongoing right the way through the year. Better for Mr Shinn the designer, better for the factory who can take their time and get things right, and better for logistics - no temptation to cut corners when things get delayed. Though we are calling this the 2014 thread it actually marks the release of only 4 board ranges; Monk, ADHD, KingGee and Ultrasonic. Many of the boards that we see now (Dundee and Red for example) continue in until well into next year.

The Last year has seen a solid performance from the brand. As far as the UK goes I'd say that from it's inception 4 years ago Shinn is now at the core of the UK market. While it's certainly not king of the budget boards It's certainly right up there with those who value their riding and are prepared to search for an advantage. Mark's passion in the sport is undiminished, still based in his testbed of el Madano, the Atlantic continues to test his work year round. Never short of tenacity (I guess that why he did so well in his competition career) means that he's motivated and working as hard as ever, pushing forward at the rate we have all come to expect. No pressure there then mr S!

The first 4 boards you'll see posted on this thread will be the;
- New Monk Forever - updated spec
- New Ultrasonic - entirely new board
- New ADHD - entirely new board
- New King Gee - entirely new board

As I have mentioned in my introductory post last year, my personal history with the forum and the products I represent is based very much around neutrality, and while I will express opinions, they will be truthful, for recommending something that is not ahead of the curve is no way to encourage future trust with the people who listen, or build the successful brands that we want to be a part of.. It's also true that brands make equipment that suit some parts of the world and not others, that said, as Shinn came from the UK, and having a chief testing location that is very similar to our UK conditions, we are blessed in that the vast majority of the range is ideally suited to the kind of riding and conditions we encounter all year round.

The past threads? They are still in the Forum archives, and when you search for Shinn product within the BB they will arise, and I will build links to the more relevant parts through the first few pages here, but it's time for a new thread as in late April 2013 we will have a number of new boards in stock, and the new season needs a new start. Shinn don't release all boards in one go, with 2-3 releases a year, but this is the time to start the thread again..

Finally, below is an image showing the entire range as it stands today at the start of September.

sept'14range.jpg (189.58 KiB) Viewed 5637 times

[Mike B]

Shinn MONK FOREVER - it's a punk

The Monk Forever returns with a few key tweaks. The first thing you'll notice is the graphics. This year there are two versions, both share the same deck graphic, but the two varients differ in base graphic. The first, named 'punk' (middle image below) and the second named 'star' (furtherst right below). It's been a few years since the gorilla first adorned the Monk, and it seems time has not been too good to the old fella, but he's back on the new 'punk' graphic. Perhaps a few too many late nights, the odd take-away, but don't let the ruffled hair and stubble fool you, he's still got a glint in his eye!
http://www.shinnworld.com/#!monk-forever/c1reb



Shinn's official text,

Sticking to our principle of "if it ain't broke don't try 'n fix it" we introduce the 2014 Monk Forever. Shamelessly similar to the 2013 version but when Kiteworld magazine testers described it as "just the ultimate weapon" can you blame us?
Narrow tips combined with a straighter exit 3rd in the outline work together to provide masses of grip and edging ability which when combined with our constant curve rocker and bi-lateral tip flex make this the fastest, most controllable and easiest to handle board on the market no matter how tough the conditions. If high speed charging, slashing and jumping is your thing then look no further.

- Ultimate control in all conditions
- Effortless performance
- High speed riding and carving no matter the water conditions
- Fantastic range
- "Try one and you'll buy one" awesomeness!

For those of you who are new to the Monk and perhaps reading this for the first time, you'll find a weath of reviews online about this board. Famed for it's ability to swallow huge amounts of power and build incredible speed in total control and comfort it allows riders to ride at speeds previously impossible. It's kind on the knees, ballistic around heel side carves, and an absolute weapon the choppier and nastier the water state becomes. Immune from throwing water in your face it's the one board you'd go to war with. There is little else on the market that matches the Monk's ability to turn you into, what many people will end up describing you as; a hooligan, and a happy one at that! For many it's what your riding will naturally evolve into if you spend time on these boards, and don't think that life here is hard - it's easy, and you can ride these things for hour after hour. Even pressure on both knees rids all leg exhaustion and the rocker and flex just eats up the chop. The Monk forever (last years board) added more light wind and upwind ability to original design, without removing any of it's high power attributes. The update also weight proofed the larger sizes, so they were more dialled into the heaviest weights using them. The response over-whealmingly positive.

For 2014, the new Monk Forever has further upgrades in the fins and footpads. The newest generation fins are moulded versions, which are much lighter and more resistant to impacts and general grinding, bringing a performance and durability advantage. The second update is the footpack. The Sneaker X is to be replaced by the new SneakerX'14, a newly engineered update to the sneaker X;

You want comfort, adjustability, secure connection and light-weight all in one package? Sneaker X 14 delivers them all.
Our buckle system allows for the re-sized strap to achieve a huge adjustment range yet still makes micro adjustments a breeze, from petite chica’s to elephants in booties – we’ve got you covered! Our memory foam heel insert ensures the pad is perfect for every foot no matter the shape and size and our new Zoned traction surface means grip to stomp your landings yet easy entry and exit when you need it.
Combine the lightest pad and strap set on the market with the lightest board ranges on the market and what do you get? It’s a Shinn, of course!

- New one size fits all progressive geometry
- Plush pro memory foam heel bed
- Micro adjustable tuning buckle
- Adjustable stance angles
- Ergonomic 3D bed shaping
- Zone specific traction pattern

[Mike B]

Shinn ULTRASONIC - new for 2014

The Ultrasonic is a board that quite a few people behind the scenes have been talking about for a while now. It's all new, and the most eagerly awaited new shape of this year from where I sit.
However, before we go forwards... lets take a step backwards...
The Monk is for sure the board that Shinn is famous for, and rightly so, it was a paradigm shift when it first came out - there was nothing like it. I remember the chat about it when it was in development back then. There was a lot, all positive, and justified, talk of the most influential and exciting board that had come out to date, so I was indeed impressed when the backroom chat matched my assessment of it on the first 4 runs - there was no doubt, then and there, I knew. There was talk of "more than the sum of it's parts" and it being a bit of a "lucky bullseye" in it's ability to do what none of it's predecessors could do. There have been many good shinn boards since, boards that added something specific that the Monk could not do, and they themselves found praise and recognition, but it's a safe bet to say that nothing else since has really lit a fire like the Monk did. Well, I'm sticking my neck out a bit here, but the chat I hear is along the same lines. It's been 4 years since I have heard noises of revolution and it's the Ultrasonic that is making them. Sadly, this year I've not been out to take part in the testing, but I follow it closely still.
We'll have 3 new Monk forever's and 3 Ultrasonic's at the office on Friday, and they will be coming with me to the demo at the Scottish Windfest (Troon), for which we have some serious conditions forecast on Sunday. They will get ridden and thoroughly trashed by all, and there will be no doubt as to what this new board will be on Monday morning. I'm secretly hoping the news is as good as the chat...
http://www.shinnworld.com/#!ultrasonic/c7n6




Ihear is that the U/S is different to the Monk, enough to make it appeal to two different styles of rider, but in terms of wide ranging mainstream appeal, they are very similar. I know it's got a lot of pop, full on freestyle level amounts of pop. I hear it's a lot sharper, more precise whist still being able to hold the kind of power and speed a Monk can. From what I understand, if you are a monk fan but want more, then this is a significant next step in performance and feel. Asking the question, which immediately came to mind (and will to every other monk rider who reads this), "why would someone still buy the monk" the answer seems to be that the Monk forever is an easier more compliant and smoother freeride board, so the two boards are different. The Ultrasonic is something else entirely, something new and something very impressive, just as relevant to the mainstream as the Monk. Hard for me to say more until I try it myself.. Roll on Sunday...


Shinn's official text,

If you’re one of those riders that can mix up the styles there should be a board to help you perform. Ultrasonic features the most parallel sided outline we have ever used which when combined with the constant curve rocker gives tonnes of grip and amazing control through both chop and during hard landings. More POP than a Monk yet more rail grip than the ADHD the Ultrasonic will adapt to your ever changing freestyle needs no matter the conditions.

- Hydro Flo conduits for improved POP
- Hybrid flex for both comfort and control
- Amazing range and upwind performance
- Smooth controlled landings
- Dedicated Boot and strap inserts

The new board comes with the new mouded fins, and the new Sneaker X'14, a newly engineered update to the sneaker X, as described in the Monk Writeup above..

[-rfx-]

Hi Mike,

See the street's been discontinued, what's it's nearest replacement? The U/S?

Cheers

[Mike B]

See the street's been discontinued, what's it's nearest replacement? The U/S?

Both the ADHD and the U/S are on the cards if you wanted a Street...
The street had the most pop of all last years boards when you gave it beans, so if that's you then the ADHD, for plenty of wakestyle pop..
yet if you valued the civility of it, but still want pop then the U/S is the one.
Sounds like the U/S is much crisper, more drive, more top end stability and the same pop.
I'll have more info on Monday..

[-rfx-]

No worries Mike. Not looking to upgrade yet, but I do love my street and was just curious. I'll keep my eye on the thread. Cheers

[Ice]

And the ADHD?

[Mike B]

Shinn ADHD - all new shape

The ADHD is an all new freestyle / wake board for 2014. Due for release at the end of September/ Early Oct it boasts the highest rocker in the range with the most carve pop. It's a board that is designed around those who want the most possible low kite freestyle potential and the softest controlled landings. Based around an aggressive freestyle PKRA type teamrider influence... From what I hear, though it's rocker is higher than everything else, it's still an acceptable board for getting around, that constant curve rocker refuses to stick even at extremes, but the range will not be as good as the other boards I imagine.. We'll know more when they land, but from where I look they are pretty specialist, unless you are the freestyle addict of the beach..

Wakestlye/New School/Un-hooked
If the ultimate, kite low performance is what you seek then you better choose a tool suited for the job. In a world where POP and landings are everything the ADHD combines features to let you really exploit your potential.

- Explosive POP for kite low tricks
- Extended rocker for softer, more controlled landings
- Dedicated binding inserts
- Hydro Flo 2 conduits for more grip with less fin
- Designed with both PKRA and wake aficionado influence

137x41
137x43

[Mike B]

Shinn King Gee - all new shape

The King Gee replaces the King George III as the light wind twin tip, and is due out at the same time as the ADHD late Autumn. Unlike the last two King Georges, the new board is not a change of outline or new graphic, but an all new board... It sounds like mark has been working to make the board a bit more responsive, capable and agile at higher loads, without killing off the light wind performance. Demo Days have long been the King George's territory - for one - it goes upwind with anyone, and two, it is an easy light wind weapon - they are very good at not being dragged sideways, and with big kites like the zero, they hammer along far earlier than anything else... I'm looking forward to trying this one as last years board was far from boring to ride - infact it was good good fun, and very soft in the chop too - used to get nicknamed "magic carpet".

Whilst Gee shares DNA with the outgoing George he has a few new tricks up his sleeve. This ain't no door that only works in light wind and flat water, this is a real twin that performs in lighter conditions and won't have you running to the beach the second the wind hits 15 knots.
- New SQ Flo top mould for better torsion control
- Smooth featured base for minimized friction XL and XXL sizes for riders of all weights Powerful Outline for easy upwind
- Extreme flex tips for improved range

Sizes
146 x 46
150 x 50

[waverider]

King George the second has not been a compromise for me in any way other than it's the only Shinn that gave me elephant legs. otherwise it's been all the things that Mike mentions. My hips don't cope well with hard edging and I don't need to edge in order to gain some pop. I don't pop, i'm smooth and the KG is smooth.

I'm riding the the 46 wide, it never feels like a big board and I don't have to work hard to go upwind. I'm keen to have a go on new KG Mike, I wonder if the tips are pulled in a little. I really do think that changing the tip profile changed the board in just the way I wanted without reducing water-line too much.

King George the second, ten-out-of-ten.

King Gee step up to the mark.

[waverider]

King George the second has not been a compromise for me in any way other than it's the only Shinn that gave me elephant legs. otherwise it's been all the things that Mike mentions. My hips don't cope well with hard edging and I don't need to edge in order to gain some pop. I don't pop, i'm smooth and the KG is smooth.

I'm riding the the 46 wide, it never feels like a big board and I don't have to work hard to go upwind. I'm keen to have a go on new KG Mike, I wonder if the tips are pulled in a little, it does look like it. I really do think that changing the tip profile changed the board in just the way I wanted without reducing water-line too much.

King George the second, ten-out-of-ten.

King Gee step up to the mark.

[cowboy]

Hey Mike, would love to get a demo of the U/S after windfest if you get the 137 in the shipment. Be good to compare against the street which has been as great for me as the original monk

Out of interest any reason the U/S only comes with 53mm fins? Found the Street just as easy to throw around and control on the smaller fins

[Mike B]

Hey Mike, would love to get a demo of the U/S after windfest if you get the 137 in the shipment. Be good to compare against the street which has been as great for me as the original monk
Out of interest any reason the U/S only comes with 53mm fins? Found the Street just as easy to throw around and control on the smaller fins

Should be no problem..
Not 100% sure on fin sizings yet, but you can have it with whatever you like - I carry stock of all. 35/43/53/57mm fins..
Personally I can't deal with anything other than 53 or 57, but many swear by 35 and 43... it's all personal taste...

[John.B]

I like 43mm - you get grip when you need it but you can very easily break it loose and slide the board about. I'd imagine 53mm are stock as it would deliver what most people expect?

[cowboy]

I like 43mm - you get grip when you need it but you can very easily break it loose and slide the board about. I'd imagine 53mm are stock as it would deliver what most people expect?

Agree with you john on slightly looser with the 43mm, that being said don't think I would go smaller.