Need Help Making A Decision

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

OK, I lost my board 2 months ago and havent heard a thing about it.
Now I am trying to figure out what I want to replace it with.
I Know that this question has been asked before but here it goes.

Please provide the following, regarding what:
1) Boad size (length and width) your ride.
2) Your weight (LBS or KG).
3) Your ability level.

I consider my self to be an entry level intermedate rider.
I weigh 175 lbs and ride mostly in the Gorge.

The board that I lost was a 132X39. At times it almost felt too big when fully powered up. I want to start pushing myself more next season and have though about moving to a smaller board, maybe a 128X38.

I just curious as to what other riders have found works good for them?

Thanks for your input and please dont hesitate to poke fun at me.

Just remember

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1873 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

Intermediate to Advanced (Intermediate on tricks, Advanced at riding)
132 LF Drop, use mostly in any condition.
+128 LF MLF and /or 118 Gaastra vision for over-powered conditions..
I weigh 180-85 lbs.

I might have a SX 130 (05) for sale... and the Gaastra.

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

What kind of riding do you do? I too like small boards (for being able to stomp the kite in powered conditions), but little by little I'm getting more used to my Pro-X. Wish they made it in a 120-124 though. Have you looked at all into the '07 SS line? Their new Misfit comes in a 126, and the SX which is probably a little more forgiving out in the waves and stuff comes in a 137 (little bigger though).

For me...
1) 128x38.5cm (tips are really wide too = almost like a baby Glide)
2) 140-145lbs
3) intermediate-ish

Mark · Tue Dec 12, 06 1:28 pm

Go see Hein! He makes some of the best Gorge boards around.
IMHO.

NateDogg · Tue Dec 12, 06 2:11 pm

WARNING: This is the sole opinion of NateDogg and should not be used as a reason to completely go kiteforum on his ass...thank you.

I dunno man...a shorter board will be sick in overpowered conditions but so is a smaller kite. In everything else though, especially when you start getting into rolls, jumps, etc, it might seriously harsh your buzz. Unless we're talking about one of Hein's boards (it's science...), a shorter board is gonna be harder to land, less efficient on the upwind and offer less edge to get some good pop for no-whip stuff.

I'm not saying that shorter boards are inferior or that because you may ride a shorter board your not as good, really what I'm saying is that it just takes some more finesse to make a short board work...or more wind...or a bigger kite. In my experience.

What you should look at is a board in the 130-range with nice sharp rails and medium width. That way you get the bite of a short board and the stability and efficiency of a big board.

NateDogg · Tue Dec 12, 06 2:14 pm

Oh yeah...

1) Cabrinha Custom 133
2) 160 lbs
3) Total kook

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

Dude NateDogg I am so going kiteforum on your ass....

just kidding.

I totally agree, look for something in the 126-133 range. Pay attention to width too, its a huge factor. The new trend is wide tips, and at least 38.5cm in the middle. You don't want a board you have to be lit on to go upwind and stuff. That way when you start unhooking you can go out a little underpowered and get used to the pull, but you won't have any trouble planning or going upwind.

That UG board you had before was pretty sweet JPizzle... why not just get another one of those? Cabrinha Custom is a damn fine board, a lot like your UG. I like Hein's stuff... why? Thin rails with a lot of edging power, soft and easy concave, low rocker, wide tips, super comfy pads.... and he's local you know. Thumb's Up

wakeup · Since 11 Sep 2005 328 Posts always Obsessed

i have a used hein 127 x 39 and it has optional binding inserts
single concave
lightweight
thin
bombproof
great condition

$200

pm i f interested

Inept_Fun · Since 14 Apr 2005 1417 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Im 130 lbs about 5' 8", and I ride a 134 slingshot misfit with bindings. The 127 works for me as well, but I like the 134

Tony · Since 28 Aug 2006 940 Posts Portland Opinionated

1) SX 132
2) 185lb - during the summer
195lb - during the winter
3) Intermediate
4) slingshot kites - bomb proof, I swear they live longer than a cockroach.
5) powered up with speed and a huge ass rooster tail.
6) PBR's baby - They go down smoothly and there cheap.
7) Seinfeld re-runs - still funny as hell
8.) Best late night flick - Pulp Fiction but tommy boy still kicks ass...
9) Chocolate Lab - spoiled rotten...lives better than most humans
10) tool kicks ass - so does natedogg
11) Love blondes but prefer brunetts...It's all good
12) The spaceroom...Bring money for cab
13) Democrat....
14) O.J. did it....
15) occupation - Mechanical engineer/designer by day, bumb by night.
16) And yes, I am also an alcoholic...
Wink

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

I just moved up from a 122 FLX to a 131 Thorn..and never look back.

The length makes a huge difference for throwing some tricks, the board is smooth in chop, yet has a lot of gradual flex. I love it.

Please provide the following, regarding what:
1) 131 07 Naish Thorn
2) About 200 lb (Fucking hell..need to get to the gym)
3) OK.