i had the same decision to make a couple of yrs ago, when i used to sail at elwood and middle park - execpt i was tossing up between the x-cite 105 and a carve 99.
i bought an x-cite epoxy version, it was a great board for getting on the plane and turned ok but I found it slow and it took on water in the tail after 9 mths - I exchanged if for the jp super-x wood sandwich and the speed problem was solved, I've still use it now BUT that one took in water in the tail aswell, SHQ exchanged it for a brand new one - (great warranty and customer service) and so far so good. I think i must have been unlucky with the water thing.
Anyway, I have had a try on the carves and think they are an awesome board. If i had to choose between x-cite and carve then i'd go for the carve. The carves are faster, turned better and seemed to be a better all round board for the bay, remember that I am comparing the 99 vs 105 though.
What ever you get try and go for the wood version - it's worth the extra $ - stonger and lighter.
Thats my 2 penneth worth.
good luck
