GONG Cruzader FSP Pro Review / Downwind / Flatwater / Light Wind Winging

[@averageplayer4673]

Finally someone honest

[@hoppline]

✌... taking the chance for a slightly longer reply. First of all, I try to be as honest as possible and stay away from paid reviews. I will ALWAYS let you know if I bought the product from my own money, got a discount, got it for free and if or if not I can keep it. These days it's very hard to rely on reviews as they become the new way of advertising products not only for small companies, but also the big players. Suddenly there's a lot of money involved and trust me, that's tempting for sure !! I started this channel because I love surfing, foiling and gear and that's still my main motivation. In terms of GONG I am not biased and don't hate GONG. Most of the time they offer good products at a reasonable price. I do own a few more GONG products and they are fine and don't cost a fortune, but the quality of (maybe my) GONG Cruzader was not the best to be polite. The new GONG board line-up (2025) looks very slick and I hope they fixed the problem !! One of my main questions with GONG is that they are a B2C company, mainly selling directly to the customer. That gives them a lower price tag, better margin and they can push new products a lot faster without respect to a dealer and surf shop network. You are not seeing GONG at festivals, pushing the local youth, supporting shops or anything like that, at least not in the amount that the other big players do. Anyone can decide if that's good or not and if we still need it or not. Pretty similar to online shopping and dying retail stores. The point is: GONG is successful, maybe even more than any other surf company out there and the quintessence will be, that more and more companies will shift to a similar business model !! A lot of people think it's a decision made by the company, but it's actually our decision. With every purchase we make, we make a decision. If you want a surf shop around the corner it's up to you to support them. If you prefer chasing the best deal online, well you probably know where this will lead to. We do have a lot more power over brands than we think and once we are aware of this it's up to us to make a call. Sorry, thought this needs to be said (-:

[@kyledanielson4288]

Thanks for the review, you basically addressed all my concerns. I know SUP boards of any type especially this made for these uses need to be of a super strong construction, they just take a beating when learning.

[@hoppline]

Every board is a compromise! I due prefer lighter boards for SUP foiling and flat water paddle ups and I am willing to sacrifice the carrying handle and strap inserts, but they should withstand a little impact. As a beginner you are definitely more likely to crack your board, but from the feedback I got it seems it happens to almost everyone on the GONG Cruzader.

[@watercrazylion]

I agree on the fulnerability of many ultralight boards with a very thin layer of carbon on the outside. Even my buddy's Sabfoil Torpedo cracked open two times after a fall, in just a few sessions.......

[@hoppline]

Sorry to hear! The Torpedo is holding up really good for me so far. I think it's a different construction I don't have a single dent or crack yet. The Duotone SLS is a light lighter but also still in pretty good shape. For me it was only the Gong that more or less failed.

[@OrelQir]

I got a Hipe Cruzader 7'0. Incredible in flatstart & wingfoil !

[@hoppline]

Thanks for your input! I keep hearing that a lot. The Hipe seems to be going good, both in surf and in sales 😉. And the best: No problem with cracking carbon!

[@rndlab2]

I had a similar breakage with a Gong Lethal. The wing handle fell on the nose while climbing on the board and cracked it 4mm deep. As I repaired it, I saw how thin the actual carbon layer is. It is super light, but I now go with more durable constructions.

[@hoppline]

I think a light construction on a board like the Cruzader makes sense, but the Lethal should be more durable!

[@frankt4554]

Same here. Got the Cruzader 6'6 XL. After 3rd session normal usage have a two inch crack in the board. This is my 6th WingFoil Board and the first with a crack ...

[@hoppline]

Yeap, sad to hear. I actually had a lot of people that got back to me with similar issues. I think it's DW boards in general, as they are build to be very light and Gong in particular.

[@windaddict]

Thanks a lot for this honest review. I think I might still get one for light wind winging just because it is so affordable.

[@hoppline]

Can't beat the price (-: ! I still had a lot of fun with the Cruzader and being the board that led to my first paddle up ever it will always have a place in my heart ...

[@windaddict]

@@hoppline for sure. Also I weigh 88kg, so the extra volume and thickness which was annoying for you might be ok for heavier guys like me

[@hoppline]

@@windaddict Could work! Let me know how you went!!

[@jimmymckay4209]

Have a 7’ crusader. Light winging, absolutely love it. Surprisingly stable for me. Strong recommendation. (I have no affiliation with gong).

[@hoppline]

Thanks, always good to hear other people!! I do see a lot of Crusaders here on the lakes in light wind and people seem to enjoy it! But like I said, I don't do much light wind winging anyways (-:

[@jimmymckay4209]

Wonder if the 6’3” is less stable. Agree thinner would be interesting. Windy river waves sound sounds good, something we do here. Do you have a video of that? Gotta love foiling!

[@hoppline]

@@jimmymckay4209 Video coming soon. I think if the Cruzader was a little less bulky it would work better for me.....

[@piotrbubak2854]

very helpful review thanks man :)

[@hoppline]

Thanks, appreciate !!

[@fluiditynz]

`Looking at the bow going under when you are paddling, I'm assuming that's your position for riding on foil. So I'm thinking if you brought the mast foot back about 30mm then your riding stasnce would also move back that much and then you wouldn't be burying the bow so much.

[@hoppline]

Thank! Good observation, I was (and still am) playing a lot with mast position and actually ended up a little further back like you said. Still every minor change, like a longer or shorter fuselage or a different stabi makes me almost start from scratch again. I started to put some marks on the board where to mast is to see it from above as an orientation and that helped a lot. I played with the COG and found a few good tips I will put in a video soon....

[@IRWE905]

Thanks for your Honest Review (that's what gets Subscribers). Have you had a chance to compare Cruzader FSP PRO vs HIPE? I have the 7'6" 130 L HIPE (72 kg Rider). I can WingFoil in 8 kts (freshwater). I am working on Paddle Ups and DownWind SUPF. Like you it was 'tippy' at first but I am use to it now. I also have a narrow Race SUP which made the transition alot easier. I don't mind the length or volume. On any small Lake Wave just the push and the board wants to rise (AXIS 1310). With the price point, durability and ability to travel I am happy with my purchase. I enjoy your reviews!

[@hoppline]

Hey, thanks for your feedback. Unfortunately I did not get the chance to test the HIPE yet. I think it was a great move to make an inflatable SUP / Wingfoil / Flatwater board and a lot of people seem to enjoy this shape, especially for traveling. I prefer more rigid boards and usually as small as I can barley handle (-:

[@mbyrnes3346]

Online pictures make the HIPE bottom look a bit flatter than the Pro. So I wonder if it's a bit more stable. I have a board that is similar to the Kalama and it took me a couple of sessions just to stand on it. I figured out I had to kinda treat it like a sinker and paddle on my knees to get it moving before standing up. So Hopeline, that might help? That dent reminds me of my first windfoil board that I got for free. The previous owner has started writing on the board with permanent marketer describing each crash that caused a dent or a Crack in the board. Eventually started putting check marks because he had damaged the board so much. It was mostly uv epoxy by the time I got it lol

[@IRWE905]

@@mbyrnes3346 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnmpY32aaZaaqLM In this comparison the Rider felt the HIPE was the least stable. Now I am thinking a hard top will be 'easier'

[@AdamsHadEnough]

I love the 7'6" Hipe version for winging, my Hipe Pro barely sees use anymore. It is so easy to ride in all conditions I've had it in. Paddle-ups are a different story, but that's likely user error.

[@joshk94]

I think on gleiten tv they tested an expensive board that was also very fragile (not sure if it was axis/ Armstrong/ kt) he said he put his heel on the nose while sitting down and it had a dent. Saving weight on the cost of durability/ stability

[@hoppline]

Yes, I think that's exactly the point!! My Slingshot Wingcraft V2 is so durable, but it's almost the same weight and half the volume. Always one death to die....

[@fredericlaude2506]

6.3 is really small. I have a similar board (from AFS) and like you very frustrating except for light winging. where it is really good. But I agree with you, not so much fun. Very honest review

[@hoppline]

Thanks for your feedback! I more or less got used to the small size, but I really think the shape is perfect. In my video I said I wish it was slightly longer, wider, with a Kalama shape and 20 liters shaped off at the top. I look at the internet if I could find a board like this and found something very close: The Duotone Downwinder SLS. To proof my thoughts I ordered one and it will arrive on monday (-: . I agree, learning to flat water start is really tuff but I learned a lot and will share my learnings soon. Once you have mastered the basics, it's getting more and more fun. I think a system like FoilDrive 2.0 would be the best and easiest way to approach this new sport but than it's getting even more expensive (-:

[@youdigsurf]

hello very good review, i had some people telling me that thickness make them sold their hard version for an inflatable version which is thinner ! i think the same about the gong construction, it's fragile i felt on my gong lemon 2022 while i wasnt straped and i had similar dent then yours with the pvc showing out , fact is gong board are very light if you compare other board of same volume, my 120 liter weighted almost the same weight than 88 liter carbon board of other brand ! if you think about it inflatable version is the best products of gong and it's their best seller, because it's indestructible doesnt take space especialy with long board like cruzader. I was about to get a kalama e3 dw 6'3 as my unique board , but i wouldnt be able to jump and do other stuff that probably impossible with a dw board, i think the best middle ground is +10 +15 liter above weight and 5'3 etc and around 25 -26 inch ( which is exactly what my new board is, im repairing it , i will show it soon i hope) .

[@hoppline]

Hey, I am absolutely with you when it comes to GONG inflatables. I think they are among their best products, good quality and shape, nice price and I know a lot of people that have an inflatable GONG as their daily driver. To come up with the large HIPE was a genius move as there is almost no competition. From what I learned in the comments here, most DW boards are fragile because of the reduced weight. If you watch the trailer of the new DUOTONE DOWNWINDER SLS they explicit mention that the board is more fragile and needs to be treated with special care!! They even left the carrying grip on the bottom to save a few more grams. I think it is very interesting to watch how the sport and equipment is evolving and I guess from next summer on we will have a good second hand market as a lot of people might have figured out, that downwinding and flatwater paddle ups take a lot of practice (-:

[@philmindburst]

Thanks , you just confirm what i was thinking. Wait and don’t waste your precious fun time with this company. Others are soo good quality and each minutes on real consumer products you enjoyed what you paided for. This is just for kids. Sorry guys.

[@hoppline]

I think Gong does have a reason for existence and their success and rapid growth shows there's a market for their products. A lot of people can't afford the high prices and margins the major brands are asking and therefor Gong offers gear at a reasonable price. The thing I do struggle with is that every broken board or damage item might end up as toxic waste. I always try to buy high quality, long lasting gear I can use, fix and enjoy for as long as possible. I still surf some Firewire surfboards I have bought more than 10 years ago. That's my main concern with cheap gear.....

[@andybarber7563]

Brilliantly review, digging your T-shirt can I ask where you bought it from.?😊

[@hoppline]

😂😂....If you happen to be on Lanzarote / Canaria Island head to the Teguise Sunday Market and you will find the shirt....

[@andybarber7563]

@@hopplinecheers, heading to Corralejo in March, might have them there I will keep and eye out 👍🏻

[@hoppline]

@@andybarber7563 Good luck 😂

[@marbodl6318]

Bad Quality: I also own a Cruzader 7.0 and it already has two deep cracks in the upper edge from my shin and needs to be repaired. I only fell on the edge with my shin during a jibe spot. GONG writes: It is therefore not surprising that this can happen during a jibe or a simple bad fall where the forces exerted remain quite significant. This is therefore not a product defect covered by the warranty but a case linked to use.

[@hoppline]

I did not even bother to fill a warranty claim 🤣🤣

[@marbodl6318]

@@hoppline I would have expected better service from GONG, no store and bad service is not a good argument. 900€ given to waste.

[@hoppline]

@@marbodl6318 Totally agree! I hope they have learned a lesson and the new boards have a better construction. The PVC wrap with a thin layer of carbon was more like an egg shell. In the end you get what you pay for, but like you I was expecting a little more for my money. I sold my board to someone who is going to fix it himself, so it did not go to waste and will hopefully have a happy and long life (-:

[@Wasserhase]

I also have a Cruzader FSP Pro 7.6 XL. I haven't used it for paddling yet. But unlike the SLS Duotone Downwinder, the mast has to be further back. In the middle of your video, it looks to me as if you have the mast too far forward. So whenever you have to put your foot very far forward after climbing, it's a sign that the mast is too far forward. Excuse my English.

[@hoppline]

Hey Wasserhase, THANKS for your advice and you are absolutely right !! Usually I have the mast further back what makes it easier for getting up. Once I am on foil, it feels better with the mast a little more forward, as the weight seems to be more centered resulting in easier pumping. It's all easy as long as you are not using straps (-:

[@kieransammon666]

Super review 👌

[@hoppline]

Merci ❤️

[@vim55k]

It looks similar to a race sup. The race sups were easily cut by paddle. So I would expect it here as well...

[@hoppline]

I don't have any SUP race experience, but I think big boards with light weights have to sacrafice durability somewhere....

[@holgerschwarze3925]

I scanned the whole net for everything about DWs and it looks a bit like in the sup scene in the early days! Lots of people come from other watersports with more or less experience and seem to think that they can quit the beginner stuff and start right with the advanced ones because they are already trained watermans and get angry pretty quick because everything isn't that easy than it looked like and complain about the material or the shape before they ask for longer, wider boards with way more volume! A good windsurfer told me once he wanted to start winging but right with a sinking board because he knows already how to waterstart from windsurfing! Haven't seen him on a wingboard yet! And like in sup surfing the other brands promote mainly pro material for Hawaii and the likes of! In sup surfing they killed the sport with the way they promoted the sport! In windsurfing it was the same in the 90s! In wing it took them a year before they stopped telling the world that you only need a 4qm wing for everything because they have 20+ knots on Maui everyday! Gong was always the company for European conditions and normal users! And they wrote that a Cruzader is for pros and when you plan to start a new sport with material for pros than you should at least take the biggest and work you down to the small sices! And maybe write a review after you have tried the other shapes if they are really any better and can take more beatings and not just look better for your suppositions! There are way more expensive companys that build much lighter boards! Don't know why those should be less fragile!

[@hoppline]

Hey Holger, thanks for your input. I agree with most of it. I think with DW the industry is chasing the next "big thing" and it surely is not for everyone. I tried several DW boards and the Gong had the most volume but the most unsuitable shape for my PERSONAL preference. Further it cracks like an egg. I got lots of replies and got sent dozens of pictures similar or worse to my cracks. I mainly do flatwater paddle ups and for that I prefer shorter and lighter boards. For DW I agree on longer and higher volume boards. Take a look at my Duotone Downwinder SLS review. Roughly 20 liters LESS in volume but much easier to ride. The only good thing about this DW hype is, that we will probably get a solid second hand market once people realize how hard it is 😜

[@frasershaw]

What do you weigh? I have the 7’ and I sink it! You must be 50kg ! A really important metric

[@hoppline]

Hey, I am 68kg with wet winter wetsuit (-:

[@dgraffe]

Hello Nico 👋 :).

[@hoppline]

😄😄😄😄😄

[@socialwebwiki]

Maybe your board is to short? And the Volume is to small!?

[@hoppline]

Hey, I went shorter and smaller in volume right after and it was far easier. Finding the right board involves a lot of personal preference, but this one did not work for ME.

[@philipp3529]

You say it has to much volume and it's to short and not wide enough. Instead saying it's bad you should say you've picked the wrong one. They offer 20! different sizes, easy to go for the wrong one.

[@hoppline]

Hey, thanks for your comment. Like with all boards it's pretty personal, but I think the shape just did not work for me. Maybe a different size would have been better, but I think Gong went with a new outline for 2024 for a reason. Besides the shape it was mainly the built quality I am complaining about. Like I said in the video, you get what you pay for. Other companies charge double of what Gong is asking and from the feedback a lot of downwind boards are weak due to being built so light.

[@cefirmeza]

You are paddling way too far back. Try catching the water as far as possible and not passing further than your front knee. It will be a lot narrower range but generate much more forward power and not down force as you are generating

[@hoppline]

THANKS !! Definitely will try next sessions, but already makes sense!! Where have you been 10 weeks ago (-:

[@hsy23]

… I’m sorry, but I’m not agree with your review. I’ve been supFoiling for 3 years, tested many boards and on my opinion, the cruzader has one of the best, most efficient shape which you can find right now on the market. But it’s not a beginner friendly board. I’m agree about the volume. It could be a little bit less (the longer shapes could be less thick -> more stable)

[@hoppline]

Hey, always happy to hear other peoples feedback! Glad you found a board you like. What size are you using and what's your weight If I may ask.

[@hsy23]

… 6‘0 and around 75/80kg (with a long sup racing background)

[@hoppline]

@@hsy23 WOW !! That's were I want to get one day! I guess my next board will have roughly 85 liter. It really takes some time to get used to narrow SUPs, but I am having so much more fun than I thought!!

[@kolpakoffalex2043]

@@hoppline Crusader has 2 versions. Narrow and wide. Narrow for the wing, and wide for the padle. Perhaps when you bought the wider version it was not yet on sale. I'm building a replica of the Crusader for next season

[@hoppline]

@@kolpakoffalex2043 Would love to try the wide version in direct comparison. I know have a Duotone Downwinder SLS and see how this goes