Hi guys.. Can any of you give me some input: <BR> <BR>I have the Watson 2006 now, but its getting pretty banged up and im looking for a new one. <BR> <BR>I know the 2008 Watson is the same shape but someone told me that the new one is lighter &amp; stiffer giving more pop but with much harder landings killing the knees.. <BR> <BR>Can any of you confirm this "rumor" ? <BR> <BR>Thanks

i personally havent ridin the new one but those rumors are true <BR>same shape same pop just lighter board

for 2008 there is a carbon fiber x through the middle making it stiffer and the shape will last longer. <BR> <BR>everything else is the same. the langings arent harder. it still has the huge double concave.

The landings are AWESOME! But then again, I am coming from an 04 substance when I say that. First time I cased the wake though, it felt like landing in the flats on my substance. So no, I wouldn't say it's harder on the knees.

I'm kind of skeptical if the carbon x actually makes any difference, but it's an awesome board either way.

I just went from a 06 Watson with 06 Watson bindings to the new 08 Watson with 08 closed toe bindings and it has the same feel, but I think the 08 is snappier and feels a little lighter. This could have more to do with the bindings though. I think the closed toe bindings make it feel a little different (in a good way) but it's hard to explain. The landings didn't feel any harder to me. I'd actually say the Watson is one of the best landing boards I have been on as far as the impact on landings is concerned.