Old Board vs New Board?

[ntaramorris]

I learned how to wake board back in 2002-2004 with friends. I then didn't board again until 2009 when I bought my own boat for my family and got back into it with my son.

When I got my boat, I bought one of the boards I used back in 03-04 from my old friend who moved to Colorado and didn't board any longer. It is a 2003 Hyperlite Parks Bonifay 143 with Option2 boots.


My questions are:
1. I think am interested in a new set up for me to ride. This has been a great board and I have never road anything else (except silly trainer board). Are the newer boards (2010 -)truly lighter and better designed?

2. This board seems like it could be a bit big for me. I probably would want something slightly smaller in a new set up? I am 5'10 170 even and 41 yrs old. I think I would be classified as an intermediate rider. The board seems hard to slide and a bit heavy, but I wouldn't know as I haven't experienced other setups.

I am interested in everyone's thoughts and I appreciate your time.

[TheHebrewHammer]

The new boards are definitely lighter. There's been a big improvement even in the last 3 years. As for better designed, I wouldn't necessarily say that. I haven't ridden a lot of older boards.

As for the size, most boards nowadays come in three sizes. There's usually a small size (134-136 depending on the board), a medium size (137-140), and a large size (141-146). For your size, I'd go with something in the medium range.

Finally, the old Hyperlite Parks boards had a reputation for being very tracky and aggressive. I'd encourage you to try something with a looser feel on the water. I like a loose board. It's super fun for surface tricks and I think it really improves your edging over time because you're controlling the board, not the fins. It's like taking the training wheels off of a bike.