Posted it in newbees but did not get much response:

My beloved Shinn Dundee 135 x 44 cracked (both ends) while I was on a kitesurfing holidays in Sri-Lanka . I got it repaired but it is probably not going to last long - hence time to look for another board.

I read a lot and wanted to try Shinn Monk for a few months, even had it as a demo twice, but there was no wind to try it. When I broke my Dundee I organised purchase of Monk 135x42 and had it delivered to Sri Lanka. I went against the manufacturer recommendation (should have bought 137 x 44) and lived to regret it. The board is nice when I am fully powered but too power hungry at my size. My Shinn Monk is currently listed for sale. I don't want to keep repeating the same mistake as it cost you every time you buy and sell a board. Also, the demo gear I can try from local stores is usually medium size for guys around 70-80 kg, so it is hard to select a board after demo of what is too small for you.

I am 100 kg, 183cm tall, mid 50s, looking for a reasonably comfortable ride board, not too hard on the body. I like riding at Penguin Island, so need something that excels in flat water and in small chop. I ride only hooked in, love boosting big, and I am getting into some basic tricks (back roll, rotations, heli-loops, transition jumps, etc.)

Would love to hear your recommendations of board models and board size for the above conditions (ideally from someone of my size).

Two boards that I tried in Sri Lanka for few minutes were North Jaime and X-Ride. They felt good but almost anything feels good when you are well powered in a butter-flat water (rode Shinn Toyboy 129 x 37 too while waiting for my board to be repaired and I was fine).

Local kite shop also recommended to me North Jaime and North Select or North X-Ride from a lower shelf.
There is another Shinn Dundee listed for sale (exactly the size I broke) but I am reluctant to buy an older board as it may be about to crack soon (???)

So far I am considering:

North Jaime 142 x 43 or 139 x 42
North Select 141 x 42
North X-Ride 141 x 42
Shinn Monk 137 x 44

Which one do you think should fit the bill or what other boards should I consider?

Mate, if it's a new board and a warranty the shinn brand have amazing customer service, I've not heard of one issue in regards of this fact, nobile make a sweet board, crazyfly,xenon, these have been standouts for my conditions, currently on the original shinn browq, it's bomb proof, I've flogged it for 3 seasons and treated it with little love, if your struggling with said weight to board size it isn't the board, I'd look at kite size and especially model, in the past I've heard people complaining until I've highlighted they've been riding a surf specific kite on a twiny
some models have aggressive rocker, which is great in chop and whitewash, and really let's you engage your edge and maintain a manageable speed compared to a flatter board or bigger board, but ease of control drops off when winds increase
also going into a shop in your local spot and getting advise is priceless, they would know their stuff and give you a demo, it'll save you money in the long run

Select to expand quote

Swavek said..
Posted it in newbees but did not get much response:

My beloved Shinn Dundee 135 x 44 cracked (both ends) while I was on a kitesurfing holidays in Sri-Lanka . I got it repaired but it is probably not going to last long - hence time to look for another board.

I read a lot and wanted to try Shinn Monk for a few months, even had it as a demo twice, but there was no wind to try it. When I broke my Dundee I organised purchase of Monk 135x42 and had it delivered to Sri Lanka. I went against the manufacturer recommendation (should have bought 137 x 44) and lived to regret it. The board is nice when I am fully powered but too power hungry at my size. My Shinn Monk is currently listed for sale. I don't want to keep repeating the same mistake as it cost you every time you buy and sell a board. Also, the demo gear I can try from local stores is usually medium size for guys around 70-80 kg, so it is hard to select a board after demo of what is too small for you.

I am 100 kg, 183cm tall, mid 50s, looking for a reasonably comfortable ride board, not too hard on the body. I like riding at Penguin Island, so need something that excels in flat water and in small chop. I ride only hooked in, love boosting big, and I am getting into some basic tricks (back roll, rotations, heli-loops, transition jumps, etc.)

Would love to hear your recommendations of board models and board size for the above conditions (ideally from someone of my size).

Two boards that I tried in Sri Lanka for few minutes were North Jaime and X-Ride. They felt good but almost anything feels good when you are well powered in a butter-flat water (rode Shinn Toyboy 129 x 37 too while waiting for my board to be repaired and I was fine).

Local kite shop also recommended to me North Jaime and North Select or North X-Ride from a lower shelf.
There is another Shinn Dundee listed for sale (exactly the size I broke) but I am reluctant to buy an older board as it may be about to crack soon (???)

So far I am considering:

North Jaime 142 x 43 or 139 x 42
North Select 141 x 42
North X-Ride 141 x 42
Shinn Monk 137 x 44

Which one do you think should fit the bill or what other boards should I consider?

Im not very experienced, but am roughly 95-100kg. And have 50 year old knees. I would definitely go the 142 x 43 in the jamie out of the two. Having the cab custom at 140 x 42 i think roughly similar rockered board and it is real power hungry. For me struggled to enjoy the cab custom unless right at the top end of my kites wind range, my technique may be part of the problem but i dont have same problem with my new board.

i looked at x ride and the cab ace, i only got to demo the cab ace at 139 x 42 which was nice but i bought the 141x43 to make sure of a wide wind range. Only bought a week or so back and limited rides so far but think it is fitting that really well. Just havent ridden yet at top end of kite. Im only starting to jump and it launched me first time compared to my other boards, haha sh.t myself!

That size board is harder on the knees than a smaller board. Lots of sideways drag against your joints.

I have a mate who also had a monk that had the ends crack after a couple of years use and he replaced with another monk, but the first one was out of warranty. It was clear that it was constant heavy loading on regular basis in that area of the board... he also does a lot of big boosting. My monk has got surface cracks for the same reason, but so far not an issue. I guess the lightness of the board has inevitably got to have a con side being limited durability especially when it's being relentlessly hammered.
The brownq to me feels just like a monk but a little harder under foot.... the carbon construction should/may make it more durable

I have a mate who also had a monk that had the ends crack after a couple of years use and he replaced it with another monk, but the first one was out of warranty. It was clear that it was due to constant heavy loading on a regular basis in that area of the board... he also does a lot of big boosting. My monk has got surface cracks for the same reason, but so far not an issue. I guess the lightness of the board has inevitably got to have a con side being limited durability especially when it's being relentlessly hammered.
The brownq to me feels just like a monk but a little harder under foot.... the carbon construction should/may make it more durable

I'm a similar age and weight living in Perth. I'm pretty happy with my Ocean Rodeo Mako. I never see flat water, but i know its pretty but good in chop and mushy stuff... My old x ride sits at home now.

Never been on a monk so couldn't comment, but people seem to love them.

Select to expand quote

kkiter said..
That size board is harder on the knees than a smaller board. Lots of sideways drag against your joints.

Havent noticed as yet, smaller board would definitely be easier on my knees in the sense I wouldn't be able to kite as often. so might be a required con.

Not trying to suggest that there is something wrong with Shinn boards just because mine cracked after 3 years of heavy use. Even though my board was outside warranty I got a good discount organised personally by Mark Shinn for my new Monk board (had to pay for shipping to Sri-Lanka so it cost me full price in the end). Very nice gesture and excellent customer service - no complaints whatsoever.

I wish I listened to Mark's advice and bought the right size (137x44).

135 Monk is good for me in well powered and better than larger board in overpowered conditions but I want one board only and I am underpowered under lower end conditions. I could star jumping on my 135x44 Dundee from 17 kn on my 11m Pivot - need 20 knots on 135 x42 Monk (I am100 kg).

Monk feels as soft as I would want to go (almost too soft) but I would not enjoy a really stiff board either (not that I have bad knees, I simply prefer a bit more comfortable ride).

Ocean Rodeo Mako has so different shape - I would forever wonder if any slow/ lack of progress is due to my skill level or the board.

So please fellow kiters, please name for me the board models and sizes you think I should look into

I've tried heaps of boards and have a jimmy Lewis model3 , ocean rodeo mako and an axis division. I still find the jimmy Lewis the best board in waves and chop

Select to expand quote

Nathe said..
I've tried heaps of boards and have a jimmy Lewis model3 , ocean rodeo mako and an axis division. I still find the jimmy Lewis the best board in waves and chop

Thank Nathe, I think the best description of the board class I need is freeride/freestyle - Jimmy Lewis shape does not look very freestyle or suitable for boosting, or the looks are deceiving?

The looks are very deceiving best free ride board but if your looking at full freestyle it won't have enough flex for you. It's actually a great board. This best board for boosting crud is a hoax . I'll never get rid of the jimmy. If you believe all the hype on every board you'll buy the lot. Best thing to do is demo, go see Jase at west oz boardsports he'll hook you up with a sweet ride

Select to expand quote

Richoa said..

Swavek said..
Posted it in newbees but did not get much response:

My beloved Shinn Dundee 135 x 44 cracked (both ends) while I was on a kitesurfing holidays in Sri-Lanka . I got it repaired but it is probably not going to last long - hence time to look for another board.

I read a lot and wanted to try Shinn Monk for a few months, even had it as a demo twice, but there was no wind to try it. When I broke my Dundee I organised purchase of Monk 135x42 and had it delivered to Sri Lanka. I went against the manufacturer recommendation (should have bought 137 x 44) and lived to regret it. The board is nice when I am fully powered but too power hungry at my size. My Shinn Monk is currently listed for sale. I don't want to keep repeating the same mistake as it cost you every time you buy and sell a board. Also, the demo gear I can try from local stores is usually medium size for guys around 70-80 kg, so it is hard to select a board after demo of what is too small for you.

I am 100 kg, 183cm tall, mid 50s, looking for a reasonably comfortable ride board, not too hard on the body. I like riding at Penguin Island, so need something that excels in flat water and in small chop. I ride only hooked in, love boosting big, and I am getting into some basic tricks (back roll, rotations, heli-loops, transition jumps, etc.)

Would love to hear your recommendations of board models and board size for the above conditions (ideally from someone of my size).

Two boards that I tried in Sri Lanka for few minutes were North Jaime and X-Ride. They felt good but almost anything feels good when you are well powered in a butter-flat water (rode Shinn Toyboy 129 x 37 too while waiting for my board to be repaired and I was fine).

Local kite shop also recommended to me North Jaime and North Select or North X-Ride from a lower shelf.
There is another Shinn Dundee listed for sale (exactly the size I broke) but I am reluctant to buy an older board as it may be about to crack soon (???)

So far I am considering:

North Jaime 142 x 43 or 139 x 42
North Select 141 x 42
North X-Ride 141 x 42
Shinn Monk 137 x 44

Which one do you think should fit the bill or what other boards should I consider?

Im not very experienced, but am roughly 95-100kg. And have 50 year old knees. I would definitely go the 142 x 43 in the jamie out of the two. Having the cab custom at 140 x 42 i think roughly similar rockered board and it is real power hungry. For me struggled to enjoy the cab custom unless right at the top end of my kites wind range, my technique may be part of the problem but i dont have same problem with my new board.

i looked at x ride and the cab ace, i only got to demo the cab ace at 139 x 42 which was nice but i bought the 141x43 to make sure of a wide wind range. Only bought a week or so back and limited rides so far but think it is fitting that really well. Just havent ridden yet at top end of kite. Im only starting to jump and it launched me first time compared to my other boards, haha sh.t myself!

Thanks Richoa, let me know how you go on your new board.

Hi

Don't reckon one board is going to cut it to be happy in all conditions.
I've not kited in Sri Lanka but WA wind is different to other parts of the world- when the seabreeze comes through it is really powerful, given that you have not ridden your 135 board in the WA summer breeze yet, why not wait a while ? The Pivots are pretty powerful kites - you may need to trim it for more power than was needed on the Dundee.

I'm 97kg and ride the Monk 137x44 and reckon it is a bit too big in the 25 knot plus range where I would imagine the 135x42 would be more suited.

I've recently bought a Shinn King Gee 150 x 46 as a light wind board and it is awesome up to around the 18 knot range when I swop to the 137 Monk with a 10m Pivot. I also kite down around Penguin Island so very similar conditions and weights. I thought about buying a Mako King(165) as a light wind board but could not find a local demo so went with the King Gee. I see that WestOz kitesurfing in Safety Bay now do Shinn and Ocean Rodeo boards - perhaps they have a demo of the 137 Monk or Mako King 165 for you to try. Having a larger light wind board gives me many more sessions during the fringe seasons.

Swavek I managed to demo a 132 Shinn monk. I am 108kg decided to buy the 134 Monk. Boosting and freeride powered up is my riding style. I feel the 132 was better for me.

Swavek

I have a 2014 shinn ultrasonic 137 x 42 in very good condition - used about 20 times for sale

will sell it for 50% rrp

let me know if you are interested

I am 100kg and struggled to find anything worked for me except doors. Got a Nomad Wave 150x44. Best of all the boards I tried (speedball, twin wave, tronic, mako).

Similar concept to Mako's but much better. Jumps all right but surfs brilliantly.

Select to expand quote

WindWaterSailAU said..
Hi

Don't reckon one board is going to cut it to be happy in all conditions.
I've not kited in Sri Lanka but WA wind is different to other parts of the world- when the seabreeze comes through it is really powerful, given that you have not ridden your 135 board in the WA summer breeze yet, why not wait a while ? The Pivots are pretty powerful kites - you may need to trim it for more power than was needed on the Dundee.

I'm 97kg and ride the Monk 137x44 and reckon it is a bit too big in the 25 knot plus range where I would imagine the 135x42 would be more suited.

I've recently bought a Shinn King Gee 150 x 46 as a light wind board and it is awesome up to around the 18 knot range when I swop to the 137 Monk with a 10m Pivot. I also kite down around Penguin Island so very similar conditions and weights. I thought about buying a Mako King(165) as a light wind board but could not find a local demo so went with the King Gee. I see that WestOz kitesurfing in Safety Bay now do Shinn and Ocean Rodeo boards - perhaps they have a demo of the 137 Monk or Mako King 165 for you to try. Having a larger light wind board gives me many more sessions during the fringe seasons.

I do have North Spike 153 x 46.5 as my lightwind board but don't like to use it much anymore. Seems too wide to ride toeside or do much with it at all other than mow the lawn. I use it as a session saver from 14-17 kn when my 135x 44 Dundee could comfortably take over.

So what I really mean is I need a 'do it all board' from 17 knots up. My 135 x 42 seems small until it is at least 20 kn on my 11m Pivot. Perth seabreeze is so often around 18-22 knots. Would love to try your 137 Monk just to be sure that it works for me. Happy to swap with you if I like your board and you think yours is too big for you - pls let me know.

I am leaving overseas next Friday (back towards end of October) - we could look into it then.

Cheers,
Swavek

Select to expand quote

ice said..
Swavek

I have a 2014 shinn ultrasonic 137 x 42 in very good condition - used about 20 times for sale

will sell it for 50% rrp

let me know if you are interested

Hey Ice, I tried Ultrasonic in flat water and loved it. Not sure how it would do in chop though. Pitty you are not in WA - would love to try it in Perth chop. Seems a bit too rectangular for chop...

Select to expand quote

bigtone667 said..
I am 100kg and struggled to find anything worked for me except doors. Got a Nomad Wave 150x44. Best of all the boards I tried (speedball, twin wave, tronic, mako).

Similar concept to Mako's but much better. Jumps all right but surfs brilliantly.

I have a feeling that width is the key. Shorter wide boards will have a good low end and are still quite manouverable at high winds. 150cm sound so long to me, don't think I would enjoy a board this long myself.

I can demo you a 138 x 42 Flysurfer Radical 4. It's a pretty refined design and I get good feedback from the guys I've sold them too. They are up to radical 5 now , I don't have one of those in stock unfortunately.

flysurfer.com/project/radical4/

Select to expand quote

jamesperth said..
I can demo you a 138 x 42 Flysurfer Radical 4. It's a pretty refined design and I get good feedback from the guys I've sold them too. They are up to radical 5 now , I don't have one of those in stock unfortunately.

flysurfer.com/project/radical4/

Good recommendation , forgot about that one, nice board, fast, sufficient flex for our waters, standout was high powered carving , felt a bit big underfoot for its size but didn't detract from it being a nice bit of kit, unsure of model it was the one showing a glimpse of the timber core in its design

Just wait and go to the Midwest Windfest
Sounds like every piece of kitesurfing equipment known to man will be there on demo

Select to expand quote

EastCC said..
Just wait and go to the Midwest Windfest
Sounds like every piece of kitesurfing equipment known to man will be there on demo

Accommodation booked, registered, going!

Have a long list of 'do it all boards' to demo thanks to you guys (100 kg rider going into hooked in tricks, chop and flatwater).

Thanks for your recommendations - surely will find the right board for me
Some of the boards below made the list based on messages I received from some seabreeze members and my conversations with local shop staff, not only info in this post.

Core Fusion 144 x43 (or 141 x 42)
Shinn Monk or Bronq 137 x44
North Select 141x42
North Jaime 142x43
North X Ride 141x42
Xenon Laluz 138x42
Nobile NHP 138x43
Axis Vanguard 139x43 (or 141x44)
Flysurfer Radical 138x42
Carver Imperator 139x42.5

be very interesting to see what you like and why. Good list.

Select to expand quote

Swavek said..
Have a long list of 'do it all boards' to demo thanks to you guys (100 kg rider going into hooked in tricks, chop and flatwater).

Thanks for your recommendations - surely will find the right board for me
Some of the boards below made the list based on messages I received from some seabreeze members and my conversations with local shop staff, not only info in this post.

Core Fusion 144 x43 (or 141 x 42)
Shinn Monk or Bronq 137 x44
North Select 141x42
North Jaime 142x43
North X Ride 141x42
Xenon Laluz 138x42
Nobile NHP 138x43
Axis Vanguard 139x43 (or 141x44)
Flysurfer Radical 138x42
Carver Imperator 139x42.5

Last one should probably read Carved Imperator. Carved are awesome though VERY expensive boards. Same company as Core. Usually made to order I believe, and you can choose your size, type of inserts etc. Not sure you get one in OZ, I have only seen overseas visitors (mostly German as you would expect) riding such boards.

Just try as many boards as possible and don't be guided too much by what conditions marketing suggests they will perform best in. I found off label use can work very well for some. I use a Cab Custom, 2 years old, normally targeted at the wakestyle folks, and I find it works very well in chop and for some aggressive freeriding as it is loose enough while you can hold your edge very well and it goes upwind very well too (not the older models though) despite medium rocker. Just as an example...