Board Suggestions?

mjc · Wed Sep 03, 08 2:17 pm **Board Suggestions?**

So....I need some help from you more brand experienced riders out there. I just broke my only board in half (13538 RRD XX '05) while landing a moderate boost at Stevie. It was bound to happen as I had recently noticed a small crack in the board just off the heel side edge and I'm not exactly light (225lbs) Shocked

and have this tendency to land hard on my rear foot. I liked the feel of the XX but recently had the desire to progress into a better board. Since I can't afford multiple boards at this time....need something which will rock the gorge and be decent at the coast. Eventually, I'll buy a small surf board so not looking for directional at this point. My situation is different from most of the kiters out there cuz I'm 6'2", 225lbs and seem to just sink when I'm not juiced. If you don't know me....I'm the guy riding the 15M when you're likely on a 9-12M. Was looking at potentially buying either LF misson 144 or 135 Lunacy....something along those lines. I appreciate any advice you guys have on the merits of these two boards and any other similars. Unfortunately haven't been able to demo many boards so i'm not really sure what's out on the market. Looking for a board that rides upwind both heelside/toeside comfortably and is soft on landings...

Thanks!!
Mike

ps....any leads on cheap, quality used boards would be greatly appreciated.

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Sep 03, 08 2:26 pm

he lunacy is probably going to be too small.

137 x 44 crazy fly proline http://www.kiteworldmag.com/2007-board-tests/crazy-fly-pro-line-132/

or a crazy fly raptor... http://store.kittyhawk.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=117506&UnitCde=1&Desc=Raptor%20Kiteboard%20137x39&Search=N.

I have the raptor and love it. Its pricey though at around $800.

bajakiter · Since 16 May 2007 58 Posts

I am about the same size as you and I ride a litewave tsunami 133 and it does very well through the lulls and gusts. It has a pretty skatey feel with loads of pop and I know you can pick one up on the cheap!

Sid · Since 31 Mar 2008 83 Posts Right behind you.

I don't have experience with a whole lot of boards but I ride a LF Mission currently and I can tell you a few things I like about it.

-I love the LF straps they really suck to your feet.
-It's forgiving. It lands real cushy. Compared to other boards I've ridden it really soaks up the hits and I feel like I can really stomp my landings.
-It's not the best board I have ridden upwind but I like to ride toe side and it works pretty well on the toes.
-It seems to be pretty burly construct-wise.
- A little easier on the budget than some other boards.
- It's fun in the waves but likes to submarine a little easier that I'd like if I don't keep my weight back.

All in all I dig it.

That's my two bits.

FunShui · Since 16 Jul 2006 146 Posts Really, really Stoked

I saw your broken board at Stevie and was wondering how you did it.

I have a Mission and have had several other slingy boards and don't think you could break them like that, so no worries there. The Mission is designed for bigger riders and does well in the gorge and the coast.

Try them both and get the one you like.

ryan800 · Since 09 Dec 2007 64 Posts Seattle

Dude,

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-10446.html

(Naish Thorn, 137x41)

Bought this same board for my dad a few months ago and had trouble parting with it. Big enough for you/ light wind board for me, and also perfect for those nukers in the gorge.

forrest · Thu Sep 04, 08 9:17 am

Liquid Force Recoil 136 with the Luxury Straps will suit you perfect.

GorgeKite.com · Since 17 Mar 2008 226 Posts Hood River Stoked

I will second the Liquid Force 136 Recoil. I am 6'2 225 and love my Board.

mjc · Thu Sep 04, 08 8:40 pm

Thanks for the advice guys!....

What's the difference between the recoil and mission?

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

get the north sumo.. 185

mjc · Thu Sep 04, 08 8:49 pm

Nice.....I could start riding a 5M with that Very Happy

GorgeKite.com · Since 17 Mar 2008 226 Posts Hood River Stoked

The Recoil has a hard edge . The Mission has a more slippery edge. But I know lots of people ride the Recoil without fins. AKA slippery Be careful if you demo one you will love it.

JMatic · Since 12 Aug 2008 252 Posts Boise, In Dat Ho Obsessed

Same here bro, 6'2" 225 dry no gear...harness and wetsuit on I'm a whale in the water....a lean one at least.

I've been riding the Flexifoil Alpha 144x44 everywhere and in every wind. It rocks the mutha luving world. Perfect for getting up on plane in light wind and it holds steady on mondo boosts and powered up conditions as well.

The local Flexi guy in Boise has a couple new on hand...his website is www.idahokitesports.com.

Lata,