LF FISH or Hyperlite drive

sabastianunf · Posted: Jul 11, 2007 1:01 pm Post subject: LF FISH or Hyperlite drive

I am looking at these two boards because they have both have the removable side fins and both are designed for good pop off the wake. The drive has a 3 stage rocker and the fish says that it gets it's pop from the extra width - which is better? I am also looking for a board that will set a good edge but not be too tight to do surface tricks. Final consideration is I usually ride choppy water so if one will perform better in chop that may be the diciding factor. Has anyone ridden both of these boards or have any good input?

Chattwake · Posted: Jul 11, 2007 1:05 pm Post subject:

The fish is unridable without fins. I rocked one for a season before I had my ACL fixed because the landings were so soft. If you want a board that's a lot like the fish that you can ride finless (although it will be crazy loose) try the shane. It's shaped alot like the fish, it's just not as short and wide. It still lands soft though because of its center spine.

sabastianunf · Posted: Jul 11, 2007 1:59 pm Post subject:

I am not really looking to ride without the fins. I ride a HL motive now and it is too loose with the molded in fins and too tight with the center fin. also it does not get much pop off my boat's small wake. I think that actually having fins on the side would give me a little more stability on hard cuts without having to use a center fin. BTW no shops near by to demo boards so I really need imput before throwing down chunk of change.

nickl011 · Posted: Jul 11, 2007 3:12 pm Post subject:

sabastianunf, my trip is awesome, it fits your description. I can do surface 180's, and backside butter slides in the flats easy. It will still hold a good edge. I have the cupped side fins on it, and took the 1.2 off and am planning on putting them on my old Search (Search came with surf fins back in the day).

Rhawn · Posted: Jul 11, 2007 3:32 pm Post subject:

sabastianunf · Posted: Jul 11, 2007 3:38 pm Post subject:

The only thing I don't like about the trip is that it has a continuous rocker - like my motive. my boat throws such a small wake even with the fat sacs - that I am looking for something that will give me a little more pop. I have ridden my buddies CWB with a 3- stage rocker and I could not believe how much more pop that it got compared to my HL motive.

JSebnick · Soul Rider Joined: 15 Oct 2004 Posts: 319 City: Lake City

I rode the 3DS for a year, and then I switched to the Drive. The Drive has alot more pop compared to the 3DS, and with the .7 fins it allows enough comfort for surface tricks.

sabastianunf · Posted: Jul 12, 2007 6:46 am Post subject:

Was the drive an 06 or an 07 model - apparently they made some changes for the 07 model.

Thomas P. · Addict Joined: 16 Feb 2003 Posts: 717

the changes are very small and I doubt that you will notice when riding. they thinned it a bit so it fits in more board racks (the 06 was too thick to fit in the shop's Supra's rack), and made it a tiny bit lighter in doing so.

sabastianunf · Posted: Jul 12, 2007 12:03 pm Post subject:

I think they also went from a continuous rocker to a subtle 3 stage rocker anyone know for sure?

JSebnick · Soul Rider Joined: 15 Oct 2004 Posts: 319 City: Lake City

I know the 07 is a 3-stage, but I'm not sure about last years model.

nickl011 · Posted: Jul 12, 2007 7:57 pm Post subject:

H20orSnowLetsGo · Posted: Jul 12, 2007 8:22 pm Post subject:

I'm rocking my 06 Drive and love it!!!!!!

sabastianunf · Posted: Jul 13, 2007 7:34 am Post subject:

I can't remeber ever riding anything with an abrupt continuous rocker. Anyone know how much difference there is between the AC and a 3 stage as far as the pop goes? From my research it seems like the 3 stage will pop a little better. It looks like I can get an 06 off ebay for $150. 07 looks like it is going to be closer to $300 unless anyone knows where to buy one cheaper.

LakeIolaLuke · Posted: Jul 13, 2007 7:44 am Post subject:

06 drives have a very weird rocker pattern, It's got a very long continuous profile in the center with a late kink at the tip and tail if you look at one you can see it very distinctly

sabastianunf · Posted: Jul 13, 2007 8:33 am Post subject:

From what I have read that kink in the tip and tail is to allow for riding up bigger and steeper wakes - which mine is not. I think I am going to go with the 07 for the 3-stage rocker - to get max pop off my small wake. Anyone seen any good deals on 07 drives - or should I just keep riding my motive unitl next season when the drives go on clearance?

Willy · Outlaw Joined: 01 Feb 2004 Posts: 159 City: Montreal

Agree with 02lightning. I have a Fish and while it is a fun board to ride with great pop, it is inconsistent. Also, I found that the extra-large surface makes landings bouncy some times - i.e. finless, it's very hard to land anything toeside in the flats, because you bounce so much...

I tried the Shane once and fell in love. Super smooth and consistent. Friends say I'm getting a lot more height with, although I don't really feel it because the landings are so smooth.