The new stick flat spell was not in effect with the New Deal
Gert, TD 10, North Atlantic Stormicane, Jose and more.
It works exactly as I hoped in smaller waves, and much to my surprise is decent in waves up to head and a half. I have owned three other performance longboards and the New Deal is by far and away the best.
I suspect it is because there is more rocker through the midsection, and the pulled in tail with the small stepped wing makes it fantastic when carving on larger open faces.
The nose is still larger than a traditional board, but isn't too bad in off shores up to 10-15 knots. My geezer post Cardiac Arrest rules keep me out of the water in really windy conditions.
Clearly not the best choice in windy super hollow conditions, but it works fine in larger swells.
As soon as you feel the board move take a trip towards the tail. Parallel stance at the handle a BAD idea. Modified Kung Foo Fighter Boy is the best stance.
And the Hayden 2 + 1 with the 7" center rocks. Moved it forward so the leading edge is even with the trailing edges on the sidebites. Turns a treat even with my massive 70 kegs. Sink the rail turn the board!