Just hired the Naish Odysseus 9’8” x 34” x 4 7/8” – 200L – 11.8kg & Odysseus 11’2” x 32” x 5” – 220L – 15.36kg

Really enjoyed both and they seemed equally stable but the 11’2 did glide better and faster.

Based on that experience I like the look (on paper) of the Fanatic Fly HRS: 11’2” x 34” x ?” – 236L – 13.5kg but I can’t demo or hire one.

The Odysseus has the chines or whatever you call them on the bottom that is supposed to improve tracking but has an extra 2kg/15% weight. Obviously the extra 2kg is not great when you’re carrying the thing but is a heavier board better once you’re in the water?

The Fly is 2” wider, 16L more volume and 2kg lighter all of which seem an advantage for a beginner (6’1”, 95kg). However, I wonder if the extra width will compromise the glide, also the Fly doesn’t have the ridges on the bottom so I wonder if it won’t track as well?

There’s also about $500 premium for the Fly which makes me wonder if it’s got better materials or construction to shed the 2kg.

I'm probably over-thinking it because I realise I can't go wrong with either but does anybody have experience they can share?

IMO the Odysseus will paddle flat water better and the Fly will surf a wave better.. Both are good..