Hi,

I've been kitesurfing on and off for a fair long time now and have just started upgrading old gear with the intention of using it a lot more often.

My current board is a liquid force drop 130 (2006). I like how this carves, holds a lot of power and rides through chop, but really can't stand it's inability to go upwind and how heavy it is. I'm in Perth and ride in all conditions but mostly at the beach (with all the chop that goes with it). I'm 72kg and mostly interested in old school freestyle, just beginning with new school freestyle.

I don't really have any experience with how modern boards compare to older boards, so my list of questions are:
Does anyone have any advice about how modern freestyle/freeride boards compare with my LF drop?
How have sizes changed - what would be a similar size freestyle or freeride board?
How has comfort in chop changed? Would a freeride or freestyle board be as comfortable (or I'm willing to go less comfortable to improve in other areas)?
How has upwind ability and light wind ability changed? Again, would a freeride and/or freestyle board give more upwind and light wind ability?

I guess I'm trying to decide if I should be looking at freeride or freestyle board to be better upwind and in light wind to the drop, boost and pop good, and would accept it being a bit less comfortable at the beach.

Thanks,
Mal

That is the obvious answer. I've had a go at one local shop already and wasn't entirely satisfied with what they told me so wanted to find out some opinions before trying another.

I'm also fairly lousy at trialling stuff, for me it's fine for an immediate opinion, but it takes me more then a couple of sessions to get to know new equipment well enough. For example, if I rode the old drop in well powered conditions I'd think it was great with no drawbacks!

Afraid not, mine came with me from Newcastle. If you want to make an offer on it for old times sake I'd probably sell though...

Or just send it to Ep. He'd be happy to demo it for you.