138 or 143?

[snow2wake]

I am looking at getting a 2011 Ronix District. I am trying to decide between the 138 and 143 (strange it doesn't come in the 140 or 141). I have been riding a 136 liquid force for the past few years. I have been pretty comfortable on the 136, that is until I tried out some buddy's boards the other day. I tried both a 139 and 143 and just felt like I had a lot softer landings and more pop off the wake with both the bigger boards. I know this is totally personal preference but wanted to get opinions on if I should go 138 or 143 with the new purchase. I am about 5'9 and 175lbs. I would say I am an intermediate rider. My initial inclination is the 143 because I felt really comfortable on it, but not sure if the bigger board would hinder my progress as I get into more complex tricks. The sizing chart says its for 170lbs and up. Ultimately i'm sure either would be fine but would like to hear what others think.

I know these board size questions get a bit annoying so thanks very much for your answers in advance!

[ediotism]

the one thing that you'll find with boards that are 'too big' is that your spins (360's, late spins/reverts etc) are a bit slower. for your weight 138 should not hinder your progress, so it's more about how you feel on the board.


try your friends' boards again if you can, and take out any removable fins. this way you'll have to rely on proper edging technique to carve/ build tension in the rope etc. a board 'too big' will be the one that you struggle to keep the board biting in water properly when you build a strong progressive edge, or that its response is too slow for what you wanna do. don't forget one thing that as boards (of the same model) go up in length, they also go up in width. a board becomes less ideal when its width hinders your edging.


i myself am 158lbs and i ride a 134, although i find most people my weight to prefer a 138. you're totally right in looking for a 140/141 since thats exactly what i'd look for if i were you.

what do you ride most? salt water floats you more which implies a smaller (i.e. 138) is fine, BUT salty water often means more choppy conditions, in which case i'd recommend a 143 (or look for an alternative board obviously). if you often ride glass/cable, a 138 will do you no harm and that's what i'd go for

[snow2wake]

Thanks for your thoughts above. To answer your question, right now we are mostly riding salt water/choppy conditions. We do get out to some glassier lakes from time to time, but it is primarily ocean riding at this point.

[ediotism]

^^ in that case DEFINITELY look at a 142/143 instead of a 138. at any given weight, a bigger board sits higher in the water and is less affected by choppy conditions, which will more than offset the loss in hard edging.

btw when i say the loss in hard edging by no way do i mean you can't edge as hard, just that you will NEED proper technique to edge instead of gettting away with hacking it.


more enjoyable riding in your usual conditions, and building good, proper techniques as you progress (not to mention softer landings when you get big airs). i highly recommend going bigger in your case.

hope you get a board you enjoy and have fun!

[TnR6Rida]

138