Well I'm told that the boat with the 12'6 27 boards have finally come in. I am 53. 180cm tall and weigh about 75kg. I like to SUP in the ocean and so I would like to go with a 14' but I tried last years 12'6 and 14' and 12'6 seemed faster.

I think here in Florida most of the old guys like me race on 14s but with my lighter weight the 12'6 seemed great and now with more volume maybe even better for me?

My question is what's the latest word....which board would suit me better?

Thank you for your help.

The previous models were very different in 12'6" and 14'
The new Falcons all share the same characteristics so the 12'6" won't be faster than a 14' of the same width.
At your weight both offer more than enough volume etc so it will just come down to preference.
As you said most of your paddling is open ocean so the 14' should be a good choice.

Jas

Unless you're doing short course racing with lots of turns, go the 14. At your weight there's no need for the 30" width in the Falcon, I'd suggest the 27.5 or maybe even the 25 if your skills/fitness/balance are good.

I certainly agree with the 2 previous comments. I have both the 25 and 27.5 and am 6'1' and 82kg. I use the 25 in the flat and the 27.5 in the ocean. The 14 is certainly faster than the 12'6"

Try to demo if possible but if you're in the ocean alot maybe the 27.5 is the answer. I find the 25 a bit too tippy with lots of swell and side chop when in the open ocean. There are plenty of others ,however, who find the 14 x 25 fine for the ocean.

Hey Nolan,

The 12'6" and 14' arent the same in speed nor stability. The 14's are definitely faster and more efficient.

The 25" in the 12'6" and 14' are quite different. The 12'6" is very stable for a narrow board where the 14' is predominantly a flat water racer unless you are shorter and lighter or a seasoned paddler.

Angie recently won the Doctor in WA on my 25" x 14'. Very impressive in ocean conditions.

27.5" is great in both sizes, speed and stability is good in all conditions.

I love the Falcons and regularly ride the 12'6" x 27.5" and the 14'ers in 25" and 27.5"

Last years 'red rocket', was faster than the 14' Ocean for lighter riders

DM

Thanks all for the input. As is happened the shop did not receive either size in carbon. The shop owner said today he would get a new HRS for me and trade it out for the carbon when the carbons do show up....a couple of weeks so they say. Of course I'll be paying the difference as well. Ok that's cool but.......

But I've been eyeing a Focus Cali thinking I may need to buy something I can actually get my hands on. Didn't know these were made in carbon too and the price is good. Not finding a lot of info on these boards though. Anybody know much about the Cali? Thoughts?