I would say flx has a little more pop (only really a concern if your doing freestyle), is looser (slides around more).

the protoy is a smoother ride and not as power hungry doesnt have as much pop but is solid and predictable on landings unlike the flx which can slide out a bit..

for general free riding i would go for the protoy.


(have ridden 07,08 protoy 129/135, 08 Flx 138/128)

just got the new 2009 protoy 135 and loving it - didnt like the 2008 and I have been riding the 2007 switch 144 when not in the surf. The new Protoy is awesome - noticeably more pop making tricks (not that I have many :|) much easier and the flicks in the tips do seem to make a little difference.

Sure the FLX is a great board too though - demo both?

It has been all one sided so far so I just want to put forward a vote for the FLX, I absolutely love my 135 Underground.
However the only Protoy I have ridden was an 07 and I'm sure they have improved heaps.
Don't know if you can get a demo Underground from SOS or Kite Addiction but if you can I would grab one then head up to Pinnaroo and try it alongside AKS's demo Protoy.

sk1nner said...

Thanks for the insightful comments here guys...Might pop in to have a chat next time at pinnas, Kite Hard.

Would really love an 09 Protoy but they come at a premium price compared to some of the other similar boards. ($1280rrp compared to $990 for an FLX) I guess its because the Undergrounds are made locally (NZ) But hey if its worth the extra $$ why not.

Hey Sk!nner, better guess again UG are made in good old China now!! They sold and the new owner moved it straigt over.

Cheers Dan

It should be noted that our 09 boards are yet to be released so Carbines comments about riding an 09 Underground are not correct.

Thanks Adrian Roper

Adrian, are you able to tell us when the retailers will have the 09 boards then? i was pretty sure that one of the local dealers here was saying that they were expecting their shipment mid Dec 08, would that be true?

I picked up an 09 underground FLX32 last week and had my first real ride on it yesterday. It is a very nice board. Soooo smooth. Only rode a protoy once about a year ago so won't really comment on it as I dont remember and didn't really have much experience then and the only thing that stands out in my mind is how different it was to my board.

The FLX doesn't have any of that spray in your face I've heard so much about and is noticably easier to release with the quad-concave bottom over something like a twin concave.

I had a Cardboards freeride prior to that (before losing it ). I don't think one is better than the other, but the different concaves certainly have a different feel. I would have gone for another Cardboard but they were a bit backed up at the time with orders and I "needed" one immediately - I happened to get the FLX basically new for a very good price.

Like someone else said, I did notice I bounced off my butt after some jumps (more than usual), but I'm confident I'll get used to it.

Sk


EDIT: Umm maybe it's an 09 model... it was new in November 2008 so I assumed it was an 09 inline with kitesurfing equipment marketing...

I'm pretty sure this is one of the only two 2009 FLX's in Aussie at the mo ,
Thanks again Adrian!!! can't wait 4 the new straps and pads..............