I am 175lbs and I am riding a CWB Ride board. I am a beginner to intermediate rider. I have a 07 mastercraft X2 with a decent wave. I am interested in more surfstyle than anything but it is hard to just keep in the zone with this board. I am looking at a XBC Fish or an F-18. I am wondering if there will be a noticeable difference between these and my Ride based on my experience level. Are these boards noticeably faster? My Ride has very short fins and it feels very loose. Will the longer fins on these other boards give the board a more planted feel? Thanks for any info or opinions!

James the longer the fin the more stable the ride. I cant tell you what the F-18 is like but I can tell you the fish is a very bouyant board and at your weight I think you will be very happy with the way the board handles on a smaller wave. Jeff Walker can give you some feed on the walker board..

Jon is correct that the longer fin will noticeably improve the stability of the board. Both the F-18 and the XBC Fish come with removable fins. The XBC comes standard with Future's fins. This brand is my favorite, plus you can get fins from as small as 3.25" up to 5 something - larger than you'd ever need behind the boat. The XBC Fish also is configured as a thruster with three fins, whereas the F-18 is a twin fin. <BR> <BR>The F-18 is more comparable to the XBC Grom in 4'9". I would suggest that probably the Composite X in 5'0" is a better choice than the F-18 in your situtaion. The issue with the F-18 is that EVERYTHING is custom. The rocker, length, width, fin boxes, etc. It's pretty tough to make those determinations at a beginner to intermediate level. The Composite X in the 5'0" length will come in stock size and shape. <BR> <BR>Two additional boards I would recommend you consider are the Shred Stix Piranaha and the newly reconfigured Inland Surfer Blue in a 5'4" <BR> <BR>The XBC fish and Comp X will be considerable faster than the Ride. With the the removable fins you'll be able to customize the feel with different depth fins, starting with longer ones and working down to shorter ones. <BR> <BR>If you've truly limited yur choice between the F-18 and XBC Fish, you'll be happier with the XBC. If you're still in the descision making phase, the XBC Fish, Walker Composite X, Inland's new 5'4" Blue or Shred Stixx Piranaha are all decent boards worth your consideration. <BR> <BR>I think I may have done a product review on the XBC Fish, I'll check in a moment.

I think this is the URL to the XBC Fish product review: <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87668/315704.html" target="_blank">http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87668/315704.html</a>

Are there any demos or blems of any of these boards? I'd like to try out surfing but dropping $500 on something I might suck at is hard to swallow.

Yeah, I hear you Evil. I noticed last year that there were a few Shred Stixx on eBay at quite a discount. You might try that. Most of the manufacturers do have blems and returns, but typically you won't see those available until the end of the season. <BR> <BR>I'm trying to help Ken W in the TX area set up a demo day/gathering - but TX is a distance from you. <BR> <BR>I think that Nick is thinking about putting together a gathering in NV. If he can get that organzied, I'd bet I can get a few boards from various manufacturers out to him. <BR> <BR>Also, Ed Sullivan in the Ohio area is organizing a few gatherings and demo days. <BR> <BR>Other than that...you pretty much have to be in the manufacturers area or check with your local shop.

Thanks to Jon, <BR> <BR>I'll have a fish for demo'ing at the Supra/Moomba Jamboree. <BR> <BR>Actually the fish is going to live in Clermont, but will be available for demo'ing for anyone in Central Florida. <BR> <BR>The caretaker goes along for the ride <IMG SRC="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0>

Thanks Jeff, I am putting together some demo days in the Texas area this summer. Until then if anyone in the area is looking to try out some new boards let me know.

We don't take kindly to them fancy pants Las Vegas types around here.<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/wink.gif" border=0> SoCal is much closer to evil than I am. However evil, if you want to drive 6 hours to come ride, you are more than welcome. I'll show you how we do it up in NorNev. I know all the spots.

Evil, <BR>The Walker Composite X is only 299.00 plus shipping at <BR><a href="http://www.thewalkerproject.com/category_s/3.htm#" target="_blank">http://www.thewalkerproject.com/category_s/3.htm#</a>

I decided to go with a shred stixx piranha due to some good insight from jerry and good reviews. Also I was a little dissapointed in the fact that I called XBC two days in a row during business hours and left messages. No one answered and I am still waiting to get a call back. If it takes this long to place an order it seems it might take a while to get a board. Seems shocking for boards this price. Anyway, I'm stoked to get my new board.

Good choice James. I currently have 3 Shred Stixx, and would'nt ride anything else. Jerry's a great guy, and full of knowledge. You will be more than happy with your new board.