I need a new twin tip, what do you suggest?

aksurfer · Since 30 Aug 2010 92 Posts Anchorage, AK

I'm looking for a new twin tip approx 135cm in length and don't have much access to demo new ones. I'm an average kiter doing basic tricks, jumping, riding in smooth to choppy water and need at least average upwind performance.
Bring on the suggestions please....

Nak · Wed Apr 20, 11 4:53 pm

IBTL

PDXF · Since 10 Sep 2008 116 Posts Stoked

My old board, it is for sale.

Demo, demo, demo, or buy cheap so you can off it if you don't like it. Have you thought of going south for a demo trip?

hoarhey · Since 20 Jul 2008 63 Posts the corridor

As a beginner, just buy something you can afford and you can resell until you start doing tricks that might break your board. When you start pushing the limit, buy a new board if you want the warantee guarantee. Otherwise, just make sure it has a wood core versus foam. Wood will flex and help your boost. Foam won't hold up to too many F-16s.Buyer B ware... One time an un-named shop in the hood marketed me a "wood core" board that I bought, broke, found out it was a foam core, but warranteed. I'm still riding the upgrade 3 years strong. Bottom line; find something up like and ride the s___ out of it.

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

Hit up the guys putting on the Kitefest Alaska 2011. There good friends of mine and can hook you up with some awsome demo's from F-one and others. It is a awsome event and lots of fun. Plus they have some great kiting in Homer. Probably 5 hrs for you im guessing but it will be worth it.

heres the link for info and how to contact George or Traveler.

Contact: Traveler Terpening (907 299 1119), info@kitesurfalaska.com, www.kitesurfalaska.com

Nak · Wed Apr 20, 11 10:26 pm

Cool! I thought this would degenerate into a brand vs brand thing. My apologies. Very Happy

Lots of good advice here.

How much you weigh matters too. If you're over 200, look for 135 to 140, 41 or 43 wide. An outline that's a bit more square will help you go upwind, tapered in will help with the chop in general. If you're under 200, you have more options.

aksurfer · Since 30 Aug 2010 92 Posts Anchorage, AK

I was actually looking for feedback on boards people like. I tried a few boards in SPI a few weeks back and I plan on being at the kite fest in Homer. Hopefully the wind will blow this year....

jperry · Since 07 Nov 2008 190 Posts Stoked

2nd winds has a good selection to demo. I just also gave them my 135 2011 Xenon la Luz for them to demo and if you asked i bet he would let you demo it. I personally dont care.

But some Good boards i think you should try are

Slingshot Misfit.
Xenon Laluz
Airush Protoy
Liquid force influence
Any of the F One boards are sick

But i have rode all of those boards and i hands down like the La Luz the best. It pops hard and lands smooth and rides smooth. I cant say one bad thing about the board. But then again i do ride for them. But really! There Rad!

jperry · Since 07 Nov 2008 190 Posts Stoked

Oh! The Crazyfly raptors are pretty cool to!

MKHR · Since 28 Aug 2007 116 Posts Hood River Stoked

I had a North Jaime Pro for a year and it was more oriented towards freestyle. It was a little skaty (tended to slide-out, rather than carve) in the swell and with the low rocker, had a tendency to pearl if you got at forward.

Last year, I switched to a North X Ride and it is an amazing board. It has more rocker and is more flexible than the Jaime. It is incredible in the swell - carves really smooth turns. The flex makes it really easy on the knees and it cuts through chop. The footpads are really comfortable. It still has plenty of pop for jumping.

I tried a Mako last year for a few minutes and it was pretty interesting. It was very carvy in the surf, but I think it lacked the versatility that one looks for in a twin tip. It would be a fun board to own if you had a quiver.

....for what it is worth.

hoodkiter · Since 10 Jul 2010 95 Posts Hood River, OR

I have a 2010 Airush Protoy for sale in the classifieds section.

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-21706.html

I you want to give it a try sometime 'll be in Hood River

The board is just sick all around, really a nice ride.

Bettyboarder · Fri Apr 22, 11 8:12 am

He's in Alaska so demoing in HR might be tough.

I think Nate hit it on the head if you can hook up with those guys in Alaska and demo. Although the board now are all pretty good so you will probably be happy with any newer board.

pdxmonkeyboy · Sat Apr 23, 11 11:07 am

Rode a slingshot sx for years. Good board nothing notable, some years were prone to breaking 2007. Had a Jimmy Lewis as well. Probably the best free ride board I had, very stable at high speed and yet very carvy and loose when you wanted it to be, not the best pop due to narrow toe/tail. Downside- more fragile than a super model at a fat farm. Currently riding the crazy fly raptor. Strong as hell, super poppy and the carbon fiber makes it light. Truely an awesome board. Tested allot of boards since then but nothing really caught my fancy. The waiman boards ride pretty sweet but they are soooo fucking thin I am certain I would break it.

Don't be afraid to spend big coin on the board you want. The board you ride has the biggest affect on how you ride and what you can do. The best kite will never overcome a poorly designed board.