ikite4life said..
I wanted to add a little color to this conversation. I'm an advanced rider weighing in at 228lbs dry. I'm riding PTM 926 wing usually on 5.5 slick. My light wing summer board is a 115L Quatro. I've been wanting to step down significantly in size, but have been very reserved about doing so.
I tried a 95L Naish. I found this board to be tricky to get on. Not exactly sure why, but I think it was the volume to length ratio. I rode this for a day and got comfortable. Next I tried an 85L Fanatic Sky Wing. This board felt significantly shorter, which it is, but it also felt easier to climb on and stinkbug start. After a few hours I found myself comfortable riding in high winds. 20-30MPH. But I still wanted shorter.
I had talked to a number of shops about volume for my weight and many of them kept trying to steer me to a longer board around 85L.
I watched PeapleCreative videos and has decided this is the one. Again, I'm 228lbs dry riding a PTM 926. Yesterday I rode my new 80L wing craft V2 with PTM 926 and 7M slick SLS. Wow oh wow!!!! This board was very easy to stinkbug start and planes up crazy fast. This was most definitely the right decision. I even think I may learn to ride a smaller version at some point. I had on full winter gear, 5mm wetsuit, gloves, booties, life jacket, helmet, and neoprene vest. I bet all in that close
to another 15 lbs of weight. Wind speeds 18mph-25 on inland lake This is a sweet board, very well balanced while riding and plenty of volume in just the right places to get going. Don't hesitate and go get one! Slingshot got this right.
I'll add picture soon. I'm a new user so I'm unable to post right now.
Great to hear the 80L worked out for you. It's definitely my go to when the wind is consistent.
also great that the 105L worked for you JakeDawg, I have not tested that size but know of someone that had the same positive experience that you explained.
I have been testing the 90L recently because we sometimes get very light onshore winds or gusty west winds and it means taxing to the wind line but as you guys have shown the 80, 90 and 105 the board sizes are working for you for your locations.