Kicking ideas around, but looking for suggestions for something to replace my current 2014 Falcon, 14 x 27.25", predominately down winding bay type chop. I am 80kg and am reasonably happy with the Falcon, but thinking maybe something else or even a newer model may see an improvement, but if anything I don't really want to go any less stable.
Any potential changeover won't happen for a few months, so I am probably thinking it will be something secondhand from 2016. Thinking along the lines of a 14x26 Maliko or 14 x 26.75 Falcon, I haven't really researched too much else.

Open to suggestions!

Thanks,
Scott.

Scott you need to demo a few boards.. The 14x 26 Maliko would be a perfect choice and a step up from your Falcon IMO..

I have made the switch from the 2015 falcon to the new 2017 model. Super stable and jumps on the bumps real easy. 26.75 would be the best option for sure on the 2017 model. The 2016 version not as stable from what I understand though I never tried it. Save a few more $$$s and get the current model if you can as you'll be future proofing your riding in the years ahead.

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DavidJohn said..
Scott you need to demo a few boards.. The 14x 26 Maliko would be a perfect choice and a step up from your Falcon IMO..

Thanks David, do you know if there is much difference between the 2016 and 2017 Maliko? Reading the Naish spiel the 2017 is a bit more of an allrounder, offering better flatwater performance, but in real terms do you know if that is the case?

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PeoplesChamp said..
I have made the switch from the 2015 falcon to the new 2017 model. Super stable and jumps on the bumps real easy. 26.75 would be the best option for sure on the 2017 model. The 2016 version not as stable from what I understand though I never tried it. Save a few more $$$s and get the current model if you can as you'll be future proofing your riding in the years ahead.

Thanks mate, food for thought. Will just see what the "few more $$$" actually is when the time comes, but realistically I don't think it will be an option.
Are you saying the 2016 model is less stable than the 2015 or the 2017 models?

There is not much difference in the 2016 and 2017 Maliko Jav's.. I have both.. Besides the graphics the newer 2017 board has a more defined chine and sharper edge on the rail in the nose area.. The 2016 board is noticeably softer.. and as far as being an all rounder they mean you can also race it on flat water and be competitive with flat water race boards even though it's designed for open ocean downwind conditions.. It's a serious race board..

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DavidJohn said..
There is not much difference in the 2016 and 2017 Maliko Jav's.. I have both.. Besides the graphics the newer 2017 board has a more defined chine and sharper edge on the rail in the nose area.. The 2016 board is noticeably softer.. and as far as being an all rounder they mean you can also race it on flat water and be competitive with flat water race boards even though it's designed for open ocean downwind conditions.. It's a serious race board..

Thanks mate - that was definitely what I was implying with the 'allrounder' tag, being capable as a flatwater board also.
Have you got the same width in 2016 and 2017? If so, comparing apples with apples, is one a better DW board or are they both comparable?