I´ve been hearing talk that the new 3DS has some pretty hard landings and is hard on the knees?

nope

TFD had the softest landings of any board i've ever ridden... 3DS is based off the same board.

I ride the 3DS and have had an ACL reconstruction and this board definitely lands soft. I rode the TFD before my accident and then demoed several boards when I started riding again to see what was easiest on my knees and the 3DS and the Marius landed the softest. Both boards were great, but I get a deal on Hyperlite so it made the decision easier for me. You won't be disappointed.

The 06 3DS is the same deck as last years, sweet board.

I've heard alot of good things about the 3DS. Just curious, how does the 3DS compare to the LF substance? And if anyone knows the new Watson? I'm looking at buying one of them just can't decide. I have only ridden the substance of those 3 boards. I just can't find a friend or a demo shop with those other boards to try them out.

For starters you are comparing a continuous (3ds) and then a 3stage (substance, watson). I have yet to ride the substance or watson but you can't go wrong with a 3ds.

I'm new to this so explain the difference b/n a continuous and a 3 stage.

Jerry - As others have said, the 3DS is actually known for SOFTER landings as compared to some other boards. I've been on one for the last year and have really enjoyed it...with the .8 P-wings that I put on it though. This is coming from 4 seasons on the old Premier shape which I loved.

billie- it's kinda self explanatory. a 3 stage has 3 stages to it ( the bottom of the board)... where a continuous rocker doesnt neccessarily "break", but stays continuous. lol...did that make sense?

Billie an easier explanation of the difference is this.....a three stage rocker if your looking at it from the side is more like this: \__/ <BR>A continuous rocker has the same curve from tip to tail. So in other words the 3 stage has a a flat (or flatter spot) in the middle.

To further explain.... 3 Stage bucks harder yet more unpredictable, generally slower board as well. A continuous rocker board has more of a mellow 'out in the flats' pop to it that is more predictable and it rides faster!

so for an intermediate rider which would be the better board?

Billie, as Paul said continuous rocker boards in general are more predictable and easer to ride for a intermediate level rider, lots of pros ride continuous rocker boards.

Alright, well I guess the rumour´s busted!!.. How´s the pop? I´m coming from a 2005 Belmont.

Theres no such thing as a 2005 Belmont..

Sorry about that.... I meant the 2003, the last year they were made.

its going to be faster, land alot softer, and with the 0.7 or 0.8 fins its going to be looser and alot better feeling on the water.

would you recommend putting P wings on rather than the A's. I found the 3ds far too grippy when i wanted to release it hence a nice bit of wip lash from a simple surface 180. this made me not so keen on this board as i like it a bit looser <BR>

I can butter around my 3DS really easily with the .8 P-wings. Plus they won't put a hole in your hand if you grab them like the A-wings can!

dont grab there!!!

Don't grab nuclear?! <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" border=0> The A-wings that came with my board were so sharp that it honestly felt like the end of a needle when you touched it with your finger. I don't think all of them are quite this sharp but mine would draw blood.