Integrity Questions

ozwest · Outlaw Joined: 13 Jun 2006 Posts: 112

Just got into wakeskating this year and bought an inexpensive entry level board (2005 LF Melissa 41 on sale at a local shop). I'm hooked and want a board that won't fall apart as quickly (after just a few rides the Melissa's paint is cracking and it's just a matter of time before water gets in there and warps the board).

Moving forward...I have read many articles and discussion boards about different wakeskate manufacturers and Integrity stood out the most. Yes, they are higher priced but they are made in the USA and I'm impressed with their construction.

If you know anything about Integrity's 2006 line, please let me know which board I should consider and why based on the following:

I'm a beginner wakeskater who skateboards, snowboards, surfs, and wakeboards (although I doubt I'll wakeboard as much now that I prefer wakeskating)

Height: 5'4"
Weight: 125 lbs
Shoe Size: Womens 5.5 or 6

So far I think that the Integrity Team model 39.75" would be the way to go but I want to make sure before I pop down the $250-$270.

Also, could a beginner rider ride the Nick Taylor "Carpe Diem" and grow into it or would it be better to start with Integrity's entry level Team wakeskate and then buy a more advanced board when I get better? The pro level wakeskate is only $30 more so I want to make sure I get the one that would work best for me.

Thank you for your assistance.[/b]

Cornut · Criminal Joined: 07 Aug 2004 Posts: 75 City: Richardson

I have an '05 Team (41"), and I love it. I'm 6'1" & 185 lbs., so I need a deck a bit bigger than the 39.75. For your height & weight, the 39.75 will be perfect. The integ may well be the last skate you ever buy; they are virtually indestructable.

The biggest difference between the '05 & '06 models is that the '06 is one pound heavier (8 lbs. vs. 7 lbs.) The only difference between the Team & the NT is the bottom material; the NT (carpe diem) decks have a dura-surf bottom, as opposed to the PBT on the Team. The dura-surf is tougher, and will hold up better when hitting sliders (rails). I'm still pretty much a novice rider, so I opted for the team model. If you think you may progress to the point of hitting sliders someday, spend the extra $ and get the NT. I have a buddy who is a complete newbie, and he went ahead & got the NT.

The only complaint I have ever heard about integ is that they are a bit lighter than wood decks, so some riders have a problem with the deck "flying away" when doing big w2w type tricks. There's tons of discussion about integrity on www.wakeskating.com for more info. You can also visit the integ website: www.integrity-wake.com.

Further, integ is a rider-owned-company, run by Erich Schmaltz, who has been shredding since way back when (check out the video "Hit It"). You can also find posts on this site & wakeworld from Nick Taylor, who rides for integ (he totally rips).

Needless to say, I'm a big fan. Welcome to wakeskating; you may never ride with straps again. Wink

ozwest · Outlaw Joined: 13 Jun 2006 Posts: 112

Thanks Cornut. Because I want to learn sliders the 1st opportunity I get...I might just shell out the extra $30 and get the Carpe Diem.

Nick Taylor · Posted: Aug 16, 2006 4:54 pm Post subject:

Not only are the base materials and graphics different, there is actually more weight in the core of the NT board, making it perfect weight, as compared to the lighter ones of yesteryear.

ozwest, the 39.75 will be perfect for your size and it's very slider-friendly.

enjoy it

`nick taylor

ozwest · Outlaw Joined: 13 Jun 2006 Posts: 112

Nick Taylor: Thanks for the info about the extra weight balanced in the NT. I'm definitely leaning towards that model and it's good to know the size will work out for me.

Nick Taylor · Posted: Aug 18, 2006 12:00 pm Post subject:

ozwest, It's a really good skate, it's definitely helped me progress alot.

ozwest · Outlaw Joined: 13 Jun 2006 Posts: 112

The search is officially over. My new Integrity NT 39.75 should arrive at my work this Tuesday and why yes, I will be leaving work with an unexpected illness shortly after receiving my new board. Very Happy

Nick Taylor · Posted: Aug 18, 2006 4:30 pm Post subject:

ozwest, Good choice Razz

ozwest · Outlaw Joined: 13 Jun 2006 Posts: 112

Thanks Nick. So far this board has been a HUGE improvement. I know I hit some debris yesterday and it still looks new...not a scratch or ding on it. I'm very pleased with my purchase and love how it rides.

Nick Taylor · Posted: Aug 30, 2006 3:05 am Post subject:

ozwest, Good to hear it Very Happy

Beaver · Posted: Aug 30, 2006 9:16 pm Post subject:

ozwest, Glad you like it.