I'm riding a 2005 JP radical wave 69L. Its a truely awesome board. Everyone i've lent my board to has not wanted to give it back. She is lively in the big stuff and planes really early (hardie can back that up). You can still ride a 5.7 on it with a 9" fin and it feels good. I find it has good volume distribution to allow you to get out through heavy whitewash when not planing aswell. This board has improved my sailing heaps especially doin aerials and holding the rail on bigwave epic bottom turns. the more u push the board the better feedback it gives. it likes to be driven off the front foot. I cant wait to see how she goes at gnaraloo! i'll be doin reos over the bubble in no time(i fuskin wish
).
I've heard some bad things about stoneys first boards when he just started makin them, (like a lack of Vee) but i believe he has improved them now.
For their price theyre a good board.
Lots of shops are going to be doin good deals on last years boards soon, so you might be able to get a production board that has better resale value for just a touch more than stoney's sellin his for.
Some of the wood he used (dunno if he still does) in one board, when he dinged it meant he had to remove the whole strip of wood ( might have been long grain balsa) off the bottom coz of all the water it sucked in.
give mark a call and speak to him.
Also lots of guys who do a yearly board upgrade will be doing so when all the new ones come out in a few months. you might find a bargain.
