I say get the 4.3. It will get you out on the most days in Perth conditions. If you're learning just with a mid length and don't have a downwind board to fall back on you will need some power to learn.
Also if you're able to do downwinders a fair bit then you can use the 4.3 overpowered. You can still hold onto a parawing and use it to get going downwind in winds that are way too strong to go upwind. That would effectively mean the 4.3 would cover the majority of Perth seabreezes, normal riding on the light to mid days and hanging onto it to get going on down winders.
Now to throw another spanner in the works. If as with many Perth foilers downwinders are your main focus then is the Power Pack a better option for learning? Maybe the flying characteristics aren't as good as the pocket rocket but it have to be a lot easier to learn the stow and redeploy.

Yeh ya prob right - although i run both and the 4.3 isn't much fun in the wind range he specified - but sure 15-18/20 it would be best probs. You can work the 3.6 a fair bit more than the 4.3. A 4.3 power pack now that could be a really good option.

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eppo said..

BWalnut said..

Jonny316 said..
I think if I like it I'll end up with two! Maybe 4.3m to start then at 88kgs and a relatively small
board? My gut is that generally some power will make it easier at least during the learning stages?

I always prefer to be underpowered, but I think most people prefer to learn with plenty of power.

I'm 86kg and learned on a 3m PR in 25+ knots.

My board progression was 90l, 77l, 68l. All my boards were 5'11"-6'6"

I used a ton of foils while I sorted things out. At least 10. It's just about learning how to match your foil to the swell speed which is different than with a wing where you can ride any foil and different than DW SUP where your foil choice is about what you can paddle up.

If there's one thing I'd say its: Don't buy 2 Pocket Rocket sizes that are next to each other. I had 2.4m and 3m and I really should have had 1.9m and 3m. So if you buy the 4.3m, aim for the 3m next.

I don't necessarily agree with that. I do and i don't and it depends.My mate has that gap but also he's goofy so can take off on his heel side (in WA) running with the bump direction. As a natural footer you are always heading slightly into the bumps in WA and you need that extra power. If it's in its lighter end of the range i'm forced to take off on my toes to use the swell bumps and it's defintely not as easy. Maybe in the smaller sizes you idea holds true but i am finding having the 3.6/4.3 works really well with our winds here. Recon if you are a goofy footer you could have that gap. Kinda depends like everything.

Valid points, and I'd trust your local knowledge over my river riding experience.

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BWalnut said..

eppo said..

BWalnut said..

Jonny316 said..
I think if I like it I'll end up with two! Maybe 4.3m to start then at 88kgs and a relatively small
board? My gut is that generally some power will make it easier at least during the learning stages?

I always prefer to be underpowered, but I think most people prefer to learn with plenty of power.

I'm 86kg and learned on a 3m PR in 25+ knots.

My board progression was 90l, 77l, 68l. All my boards were 5'11"-6'6"

I used a ton of foils while I sorted things out. At least 10. It's just about learning how to match your foil to the swell speed which is different than with a wing where you can ride any foil and different than DW SUP where your foil choice is about what you can paddle up.

If there's one thing I'd say its: Don't buy 2 Pocket Rocket sizes that are next to each other. I had 2.4m and 3m and I really should have had 1.9m and 3m. So if you buy the 4.3m, aim for the 3m next.

I don't necessarily agree with that. I do and i don't and it depends.My mate has that gap but also he's goofy so can take off on his heel side (in WA) running with the bump direction. As a natural footer you are always heading slightly into the bumps in WA and you need that extra power. If it's in its lighter end of the range i'm forced to take off on my toes to use the swell bumps and it's defintely not as easy. Maybe in the smaller sizes you idea holds true but i am finding having the 3.6/4.3 works really well with our winds here. Recon if you are a goofy footer you could have that gap. Kinda depends like everything.

Valid points, and I'd trust your local knowledge over my river riding experience.

Yeh but you could be right to - given will he really be sending it initially in 20-25. i'd suggest not to. Now we have just confused him lol.

4.3 to be safe

3.6 if you def are riding only 18-25

Purchased the 4.3m. I'll start next year but I know I'll end up with two! Like like every wind sport I've done (sailboarding, kiting, kite foiling, winging etc) I get there is no "perfect" size. My gut is with a small ML for my weight more power won't hurt and it would be hard to hide/justify a bigger board at home! Appreciate the advise from everyone though - anyone selling a 3.6m PR cheap to complete my quiver?