Does anyone ride or have the laird bark 12'6 race board and can tell me there view on how it functions in flat choppy and ocean paddling.
Now the colour is a big turn off for me (yellowy brown/ maroon) yuck
But despite the colour how does it perform.
Im still torn between this board and a fanatic falcon 12'6.
Any info will be appreciated
Thanks
Hi kickels,
We sell the Laird/Bark 12'6" race boards. I have to assume you are talking about the Tufflite version??? We only sell and stock the 12'6" Elite race (carbon version). Our price list shows them at the same price as the Tufflite. Go the lightweight, apart from being lighter, it's the black/grey/white colour scheme.
The Lairds have the same Bark cutting/displacement nose as all the other Barks. They paddle beautifully, are slippery through the water and are very stable. The Lairds are a bit wider at 30" which makes them easy in rough and surf conditions. Nice wide tail makes kick turning a doddle and the surftech handle makes them easy to carry, especially the Elite construction.
We have sold a few of them and the owners are pretty happy. It may be a bit of overkill for you stability wise, but other than that, they are a great board.
The Fanatic Falcon is also an excellent board. Tough choice. But no bad picks really so you can't lose.
DM
Yeah I was thinking the lighter version as with the width I was thinking that if I was paddling ocean and through wave breaks the stability would be more of an advantage as it takes a bit to get back on a board when you fall in. I definitely am stable in a 27.5' in flat water but want diversity as well.
Its so hard to choose I am drawn to the falcons. I know its how I feel on a boad but I dont see many laird bark race boards in the comps but alot of falcons.
Thanks heaps
I do have the Tufflite edition of a 12'6" Laird bark board. I am happy with it. It is for flat and choppy sea (mind you that in Greece we have more Choppy than flat). If I had to do change something will be to the Carbon Pro Elite edition. It is much lighter...but on the other hand, Tufflite it's more durable.
The colour's are a bit odd.. Maybe we should blame Laird for that.. 
.. I've only seen the grey Laird 12'6" in real life.. I like them better than the other standard shape Bark boards because the forward standing area is not so restricted.. I think it's more suited to flat water than the Fanatic because of the flat rocker and sharp cutting type nose.. Both great boards.. The Falcon is a newer design.
DJ
If you willing to wait a little longer then you should also check out the new 2014 Fanatic!!! pretty sure if you pop in to Roar you can have a sneek peek!! 
They are all good boards you are looking at and what ever choice you make you will be happy with!! the main thing is to get out there!!
