am pulling out intermediate stunts and looking to move beyond the basic rolls and unhooked maneuvers.

The Problem: having tried a few boards, the current one that i thought would be the bomb is not performing...

Started on a LF Recoil 133x40 (LF Comp straps), sweet board
Rode a borrowed Best Spark 127 x 40, nailed loads of new moves and blind
Currently on a LF Concept 135x41 (LF Comp straps), struggling to get the fun factor and progression back that the spark had. Plus, can't settle into the straps on this board ie it keeps falling off like a kook. Even on some boosts the board comes loose.
Unsure if the recent tard-ness is because the boards heavier/longer, straps aren't set up right, something just feels off. And we're a fair way away from kite shops to try demo's...

vital stats are 73kg flying C4's now in every condition possible (waves, chop, gusty nuking, smooth seabreeze, the whole lot) and current stance is at 20" inner bolt to inner bolt.

Ideas? Boards with ultimate pop and fun feel?

The Concept is a very technical board, stiff as but you can generate a lot of pop from it. The Recoil Comp would be the next step to go from the Recoil, we still have a few in stock from last year. You should also try this year's Influence - my favourite board to date. I can ship one down to you to try for free if you pay for shipping.

If you keep slipping out, are the straps worn? The Comp straps are the best in the market, they should not slip out. You put the heelies on? That may help keep the board in.

harry potter said...

Im now on a 132 ( NHP 666 ) and about 78kg went the bigger size due to the rocker. I still prefer the smaller sizes though especially in the nuking winds .
others more wakestyle oriented prefer this length in their boards so that they can run extra rocker and get out in lighter winds........... so it all comes down to personal preference ......

Yours may be towards a smaller board and at your weight a 127 -128 is probably right on the money

Good post potter. Actually learnt blind on the smaller board and F-16's - am leaning more to wakestyle but found I could do all the stuff on the shorter board easier. I just can't see how having a bigger heavier board is going to help me with the spins etc. Maybe a 128 IS the go?

SurfConnect said...

You should also try this year's Influence - my favourite board to date. I can ship one down to you to try for free if you pay for shipping.

If you keep slipping out, are the straps worn? The Comp straps are the best in the market, they should not slip out. You put the heelies on? That may help keep the board in.

Surfconnect thanks for the offer, standby! Didn't gel too well with the heelies, couldn't make them work but i'll make another effort. Funny thing is, my first board had comp straps too and they were wicked good lock down. I just can't currently make it work!

GalahOnTheBay said...

Is your current board flatter (less rocker) than your previous boards?

Galah no all boards up till now are fairly flat, the LF recoil and Best spark. But the extra rocker did have me spinning out until i learnt to lock more of an edge. I can see it being better for surface handle passes tho.

Try a North Jaime pro.. they are an absolute dream.

A Balance is worth a shot. They dont come with straps so you can pick and choose what you prefer. I demoed quite a few boards before buying one.

I have read some reviews on the North Select - would anyone agree its a lighter more lively version of the Jaime Pro?

Next chance I get I'm taking some advice and going back to try the 127x40 Spark again and compare back to back with the 135x40 Concept. I'm thinking that at 5'6" a pure wake wide stance is not my most comfortable/natural option, and the flatter smaller but wider boards would work better for me for freestyling. Just a thought I'll try out.

Last bit - who is on the gold coast that has a shop with any of these boards about to look at? I'll be up there briefly for work next week.