I rode 4 days on my new WARP 8R...
This is simply the best icy, lumpy, crappy, spring, frozen groomer board I have ever ridden. As it has been said before, no need for a plate to make crappy conditions fun and very rideable. This is the most edge engaged board I have been on, set it and forget it. Even when I was set up completely wrong for a turn , the board sorted itself out and me and keep on railing. It really prefers you to stay centered over the board and do not pedal. If you do it will not really care but the best performance comes staying centered over the board. It also likes to have you standing a bit more upright and not necessarily super low compressed body position. Because of this it is a very efficient board to ride all day long.
The Thirst design will really open the door for folks trying to progress their riding, there is just so much less to figure out. Do not be intimidated by the 185 length, it is pretty light and turns a medium sized turn. It rides like a regular 11-12m SCR board. The blend of length, flex and sidecut is spot on. This combination is amazing. With a little more pressure and board tilt you can really get the board to come around fast...good times! For the more advanced rider they will be blown away by the edge hold and quietness/dampness of the board, but you can also get springy out of the turns if you please.
The construction and build quality is beautiful like we have all experienced from our niche builders. It is wonderful to have another board builder who is advancing the sport.
Johnasmo took two runs on mine and ordered one the next day...