Hi all,
I currently have an 8'8" SPEEED, and while I love it, can't help thinking I should've got the 8'5".
Has anyone got opinions on how different the two are, really only interested in SPEEED responses at the moment as it gets too confusing with other brands and shapes.
Thanks

Hi BRodd

I had an 8.8 Speeed and changed down to an 8.5
To be honest it wasn't that much different but slightly smaller and a bit more responsive/quicker etc etc
Stability wasn't an issue for me changing down but just feels like a slightly smaller board and is now my favourite Speeed
Better to travel overseas with as slightly smaller in the bag
I have had a 9.2/8.8/8.5

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BRodd said..
Hi all,
I currently have an 8'8" SPEEED, and while I love it, can't help thinking I should've got the 8'5".
Has anyone got opinions on how different the two are, really only interested in SPEEED responses at the moment as it gets too confusing with other brands and shapes.
Thanks

Depends on your weight at 105kg I can ride the 8 8 no probs but the 8 5 is a step too far it sinks. 8 8 is a nice board.

Hi ya Hilly,
Just on 70 kg's so after DHUSOUTH's comment I am considering.

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BRodd said..
Hi ya Hilly,
Just on 70 kg's so after DHUSOUTH's comment I am considering.

I am 77kg's and have been riding the 8'2" for a couple of years and really like it. If you have the 8'8" you may want to consider going down to the 8'2" as well and using it on the glassy days.

I'm 6' x 180 lbs (80kg). Started with the 8'8" and then picked up the 8'5". I use both boards depending on conditions. The smaller is slightly less stable but has more drive and maneuverability. The larger is slightly more stable and is more cruisey/flowy. I guess another comparison is that the bigger feels more like a longboard and the smaller feels more like a short board. If your competent on the 8'8" you would be fine on the 8'5", it would come down to your personal surf style.

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BRodd said..
Hi ya Hilly,
Just on 70 kg's so after DHUSOUTH's comment I am considering.

Try the 8 2 at that weight

Im 80 kgs and use the 8.5 in all conditions easily
I also have an Infinity BLine 8.5 which is stable as

Interesting topic, I've got an 8'10 Speeed and am thinking about an 8'5 Speeed now..

I like the board, but I've come to the conclusion I should have gone smaller to start with.

DHUSOUTH, What's your take on the B-Line? I'm guessing it would be apple's vs orange's when compared to the Speeed since they are different shape/style of board, but interested to have some feedback on the board. I almost pulled the trigger on a B-Line but decided on the 8'6" Flash instead, should be here next week.

Recently demoed both the 8'10" and 8'5" Speeed back to back (Flow 8'4" as well, if only I was wealthier), i'm 85kg and narrowest board i've owned up until now is 30". Walked away with the 8'5"! Way more stable than I expected and surfs sooo nice. The 8'10" felt not really much more stable but picked up waves so early it wasn't funny. Much less responsive though. I thought the 8'8" would've been the one (wasn't one to demo) but stoked I tried the 8'5" as I reckon it's one of those boards you will never outgrow in terms of usable performance.

Have had the 8'10" Speeed, now ride the 8'8" but prefer to use my wife's 8'5" though. Just as stable for me but turns better. 80kgs and medium ability surfer.
Have riden the 8'2 in choppy water, took a bit of effort but not as easy as an 8'5".

at 70kg id say the 7'11. go small and find the benefits to these boards. they ride like shortboards yet you can still get onto waves when fat and make it thru sections from the speed they generate and hell throw in a few toes over the nose for giggles in between. if not go 8'2.
8'8 woudl be huge for ya.

I ride the 7'11 at 82-85kg. I will admit it is a handfull if the ocean has morning sickness, or lumpiness or if a bit of wind is in, but then i either paddle it on my belly then stand up to catch a wave, OR grab my shortboard. There are times i wish i got the 8'2, just for the times paddling out to outer reefs, tho once in the rhythm of paddling it she goes along ok. Get onto some good waves and link some nice turns toegeth and i forget about changing boards and smile again. I actually recon Bert should have a size between the 7'11 and 8'2, so around 8 foot and 27 at around 98l. Just little bit more width thru middle for stability and tad more volume.
such a fun board the speeed is.

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DaHammerBDA said..
DHUSOUTH, What's your take on the B-Line? I'm guessing it would be apple's vs orange's when compared to the Speeed since they are different shape/style of board, but interested to have some feedback on the board. I almost pulled the trigger on a B-Line but decided on the 8'6" Flash instead, should be here next week.

B-Line is awsome , real short board feel to it
Still use my Speeed and still love my Sunovas
Can you review the Flash once you get it please

A slightly different perspective just to balance out the discussion. Before talking board specs, first my specs: 5'11", 75 kilos, 66 yrs old with bad hips, back, etc. I have been riding an 8'10" Speeed for a couple of years and continue to love it. I tried an 8'5" in slightly messy conditions and waist high quality waves. Yes, it turned slightly better, but the small difference was not close to being worth it to me for the loss in stability. I love the somewhat longboard feel of the 8'10", with easy wave catching, tons of speed down the line even on slower waves, and still great turns with tons of drive. If I want more of a shortboard feel, then I go to my 8'7" Flow which carries a bit more width in the shorter lengths. I can ride my wife's 7'11" Fanatic with no problems, but it is 31.5" wide which works well in my "less length requires more width" formula. for my age and busted up parts.