Own both the 2012 and 2014. had the 2012 about 2.5 years and the 2014 about a year.

Yep the 2014 is better in the surf. even better again when you chuck a set of mulcoy future fins in it. I feel more comfortable strapless on the 2014. Can't quite put my finger on why tho.... maybe it sits deeper in the water than 2012?????

I haven't had a problem structure wise with either of them ( that wasn't blatantly my fault) .

I mainly ride the 2012 strapped as a light wind free ride board and have thrashed it. I bought it second hand for $600 and have had at least 200 sessions on it. (a lot of those would of been seriously boring if I didn't have the board in my quiver as well due to light conditions) I did smash a fin box out when I run aground sideways into the beach one day - stupid rider not fragile board.

The 2014 I ride strapless 100% now and love it. Don't think you will find anything else that's so easy to ride and stable or has the same bottom end with the same carving/wave ability. One time, I ran into a shallow patch of reef head on and smashed a fin out and seriously damaged another but again stupid rider.

I will always have one in my quiver......... cant complain when you having a ball in 13-14 knots on a 12M.

85 kgs mate.

Its fine in higher winds............ how good it is really depends on your own personal kiting skills.

I've been out on it in 25 on a 9 and 30+ on a 6 and I'm nothing special

the 2014 is the better board IMO

My nugget 2012 had cracks on the deck. The board doesn't like strapless jumps as landings can be painful for the board. I repaired it, epoxy ..., but I don't use it much anymore. It's still a very fun board to play around in light wind and small waves, It has a playful feel. Cannot speak of the new ones.