Depends on the type of JP or Starboard?

There are 2 basic styles these days: Wide Style and Traditional. What you have looks like a traditional. A more modern traditional, will be slightly wider and shorter, and lighter, so a bit more zing? These are still considered the best for down-the=line wavesailing!

JP has the Radical Wave and Starboard the Acid, now Pure Acid, I think?

The wide style boards, are wider and shorter again, better floatation/planing, and for more all-round conditions. In my opinion which doesn't count for much here, slightly easier and more user friendly? JP has the Real World Wave and Starboard the Evo.

Won't say too much more before the forum nazi's jump on me for having a personal opinion other than comedy!

I sail at Mettams & think that either the JP Realworld wave or the Evo would suit the place perfectly considering it can get a bit holey inside & it's not a real down the line style break. The difference you'll find between one of these new stlye boards & your F2 will be like comparing a WRX with a courier van (an old clapped out diesel one at that). I have a JP FSW which is spot on for me at Mettams.

In regards to Hardy worrying about the forum Nazis - keep doin' what you're doin' mate. You make the forum worth reading.

AB....

racycoot
Your board is a 98 model, and 8 years old. There have been many changes since then. Mostly newer model boards will be shorter and lighter for a start. This gives you more control of the turning radius and control in the air on jumps. You will also be able to ride a smaller volume board for your weight (around 75 lts. The newer boards are more responsive to foot pressure and steering.

Most new boards are excellent but they are not all the same in the way they ride. You need to know what you want the board to do and the main conditions you sail in then ask those sailing around you what they use and why.
Like Big Al said some boards work better at some locations but also consider whether you want a controlled turning board or a loose skater style, a down the line or pocket wave style.

Coming off your f2 every board should feel easier to sail ( the f2 was a great entry to waves board) and you will get used to any style easily and qickly these days as long as you are realistic about the size you need and your sailing skill level. It is no good buying a perfect board for Gnarloo waves if you aint going to go there, or a board designed in hookipa maui if you sail one foot slop.

Paul

Ok, my next question is do the shops have demo boards so I can figure out what I like?

alot of shops have second hand boards for sale, and most will let you trial one if you are interested...

racycoot
we at 2ndwind have a couple of fish, evos sizes and traditional wave sizes you can demo, just give us a call to take a ride.
Cheers
Jez
9317 2916

Don't worry about the evo Comrade, get the Jp Real World Wave
One board made for just about anything Huey will throw at you.
A little sharper through the rails with a bit more tuck see's it perform closer to a wave board than a freestyle wave cross over type board, while still being super forgiving
Don't get me wrong, the EVO is a slick bit of kit and was the benchmark for the new type of waveboard design... the JP Real World Wave just lifted the bar slightly

anyone tried a 2005 rrd hardcore wave?

hey Dunedinite was the synchro the 2006 model? did you get it out in the waves? I was thinking of getting a fish board for lite wind days.

cheers

Here is a mag test of the Evo 083 http://www.star-board.com/products/testresults/view_test.asp?Number=83

The 2006 83 Evo boards are hard to get in OZ now such is their popularity. The Evo 80 from 05 and 04 see review here: www.star-board.com/products/testresults/view_test.asp?Number=65 can still be got and the general consensus is that if you bias wave riding , looseness and top turns over jumps then the 80 will be your preferred board - although it does take an extra knot or two to get the looser wave rocker planing. FOr subplaning floating around and picking up waves - especially in cross off (think margies on a typical day) the two models are quite similar in mobility.

If you are a jump freak try and track down an 83 OR just go for an Acid - www.star-board.com/products/testresults/view_test.asp?Number=64 the 06s are ridiculously quick and deliver supreme mobility and height. Great for apparent wind driven tricks like shove its.

The Evo 74 (review here : www.star-board.com/products/testresults/view_test.asp?Number=63 consistently gets rave reviews too and many other brands get close but Starboard have the edge as , with Scotty driving , they developed the concept and have a seasons lead on the rest of the pack. Evo 74s can still be got brand new here in OZ - but not for long..

Rosey...

Yes. If you want a traditional DTL board the RRD Harcore is the shiziit.

Was it 10 knots onshore?