TAS
463 posts
Had a couple of good wave sessions where I was doing some minor launches off the top of waves, maybe 2 meters max. Was feeling pretty stoked until afterwards when my ankles started complaining.
I'm 6'7 and about 93kg riding a 2013 North Gonzales TT (134.40) with the stock vario bindings. The board is good but the bindings are pretty ordinary, the heel section is hard and you feel it whenever you fang through the chop. That and the grip glue started giving way after only about 50 hours of use. I went into a kite shop today and had a feel of the Shinn sneaker bindings and they feel a lot more forgiving.
I'm thinking of going up a board size anyway to improve my bottom end (those 134.42 Monks look alright), so if it's gear over technique it makes that decision a lot easier. Anyone else experienced that sort of issue with the Vario bindings or is it just me being old and kook?
QLD
800 posts
Hey Mate,
Check out the North Entity bindings.
I find them soooooo much more comfortable than most other bindings I have tried as they have three settings on the heel/foot section with an easy slip in soft, medium or hard pad.
Another great feature is the width of your foot adjustment for the strap which is also an easy slip out/slip in plastic lug.
IMO one of the best bindings on the market.
Cheers
TAS
463 posts
Been doing a bit more research and it may be the actual shape of the Gonzales that is contributing the harsh ride. I've got a set of Dakine Warlocks on my Spleene monster door, might put them on the Gonzales if I can and take it out into the surf see if it still makes me feel club footed at the end of it.
Thanks for your reply those Entity bindings look like the business on YouTube.
WA
8407 posts
yo , you need to ride the shinn monk , if you find a smoother board ill buy you a carton, also the kites a contribution as some kites bring you down a lot more relaxed than others, was on north boards for a few years, not bagging them they are good but a long way short of the shinn in every department,
TAS
463 posts
What do you reckon about the Dundee? Seems to have a bigger range than the monk but still keeping most of its monkiness good bits for bigger riders.
WA
8407 posts
ive been keen to get a good run on the dundee, unfortunately i live 4hrs from any demos, ive a pro mate in the uk that froths over his, pretty good in the waves, but saying that i have a ball with my monk,the dundee sounds a bit stiffer in the tips so maybe a bit more freestyle dna in it than the monk, but again my jumps are effortless on the monk, a good indication of how smooth a ride the monk is how you pull up the following day, after a 3 to 4 hour session on any other board ive owned id be pretty tender the following day,on the monk you feel a lot fresher,ive owned my monk since its release and i still come off the water frothing over it , i get around half a dozen emails each week from people wanting to know about the ride and ive only had very positive replies , in the chop its a standout board with zero spray and holds an amazing amount of edge , see if you can demo one i heard kitethrills have some in qld
TAS
463 posts
They only have a 132.41 monk beast in store at the moment. Given my proportions and some discussions with some of the UK guys I think I'll go a 134.42 monk forever. A bit more length to compensate for my height and enough width to give me a good range, hopefully on smaller kites. Think I'll just pull the pin and order one. Looks like by the time the Aussie stock arrives the summer season will be just about over.
Thanks for the advice cauncy, much appreciated.
WA
8407 posts
might be worth trying phil at kss in wa , not sure on the freight though , im on the 135 42 gorilla monk, ive heard the beast is very similar, with the forever monk being tweeked a fair bit , for the better? i cant see how they could improve on a very nice bit of kit,
WA
8407 posts
sweet 666 the number of the beast sounds like you got a bargain, let me know what you think.
WA
524 posts
How much do you weigh cauncy?getting the 132 41 monk forever at 85kg. They say the bottom in is better and that size would be perfect for my weight.
WA
8407 posts
dont want to piss on your parade but they are saying the next size up at your weight, im 88kgs and would go for the largest in the range as im so confident in the boards edging ability, with a steady wind the board youve chose will be fine its only when its marginal that you may wish you were on the bigger board, but hey who wants to ride the monk in marginal winds,
WA
524 posts
I hear you mate,that's what I thought,but all the advice I'm getting is go the 132 41 as it's a wide board.I got the 133 39 xride 2010 at the moment,and she goes well.thinking of the knee saving on the monk,old age,ha!
