Wakeboard size 138/142? difference?
 

I am 6'1, 195 lbs, I am currently riding a 142 CWB Transcend, I rode a 138 Hyperlite the other day and really did not notice any difference. What are you guys riding who are similar to my weight and size? I am an intermediate rider...

Was curious if these two size differences really make a difference? recommendations on board size?

4 cm.

OK, had to get the smartass out of the way....
I'm 6' , 170 lbs, and rock a 142 as well. For me I like the length, as it floats a little higher in the water. I did have a 138 that I broke and requested a 142 again.
If I were you, I'd stick with the 142, the increased surface area will help you go a little bigger and make it less work to stay on top of the water
My $0.02

agreed. simple physics. more surface area will give you more pop. more area for the wake to push back on (old equal,opposite reaction physic)
same goes for ollies.

some argue that the longer board will make spins harder/slower. but were talking 2cm per end. no one here or any pro in a blind test would be able to tell the difference.
and if you go with a lighter board, ie slingshot etc. the swing weight actually decreses even though length has gone up (if coming from a traditional board)

I'm nowhere near your height and weight and i ride a 141cm board .I have ridden from a 136 to a 142.I prefer the 140 to 142 range for the same reason Cory explained.At your height and weight a 142 is fine.You may even want to try a 144.

lol on the 4 cm, first thing I thought.

Anyways I ride 138 - 142 I'm 5'- 10" 200 lbs. Your probably were you should be But I agree you could go to 144 and see if you find a difference, but really what's 2 cm

Thanks for the input, I really like my 142 CWB Transcend, we bought a 138 Hyperlite for a "guest" board on the boat, 8-12 bindings, it was a great price so I picked it up and when we were out a couple days ago decided to give it a try.... nice board, it has does have a large center fin, I did not care for it. I will probably leave the fin on for beginners to use, it stabilizes it a little for newer riders.

Funny, my 6 year old started on a 134 Hyperlite motive, and has been on one for the past three years, he has tried smaller boards and does not care for them. Everyone is always shocked that he rides a 134.... For kids, the larger board seems to help them with board control and stabilizing them on the water.... I guess everyone has there preferences.

First pic is him at 6 riding, and the second he is 8....seems to be progressing with the larger board pretty well.

How fast do you pull him?

19.4 MPH, Center ballast full, no wedge, at 55' right now, he is going wake 2 wake...

I'm 170, 6', and have always liked longer boards....I'm currently on a 142 Tribute, but am considering going even a bit longer when I go with a Slingshot next season.

With the exception of the shorter, very wide boards with tons of surface area, I've always just felt more comfortable on a larger boards. Overall just a better ride-landings, pop, etc. I have no issues with swing weight either. I haven't spun anything past 5's...but if I was good enough I don't think it would be an issue.

Would love to hear any of the flex guys' take on whether longer is better? I'm purely riding boat....for now.

Shaun Murray says whenever you're caught between two sizes, always big the larger.

Cool, would love to get my kids going but thier terrified to go 10mph on a tube. :(

I demo-ed a Phoenix 137 and then Phoenix 142 right after. I noticed the 142 landed softer off the big kicker at Wakenation Cincy.

Otherwise they felt about the same to me.

I have a 2011 Ronix Ibex size 144 right now and am 175 pounds and 6 feet tall haven't riden it yet but from what I've heard it seems like it will be fine. I'm still waiting on it to get warmer and wondering if I should've gotten the 139 instead? b/c the Ibex is the widest board in the Ronix lineup

Its funny, my kids get a little nervous about the speed when they are on their boards, but when the tube comes out they want to get slung as fast as the boat will go. Obviously I do not indulge their need for speed. I will nt pull anyone on the tube over 21 mph.

5' 10" 200lbs 142

I've moved up from a 138 to a 143. Best move ever! My knees are thanking me. Softer landings, faster riding.
Every pro I speak to recommends to get a board as big as it goes. I'm lucky as my local cable park has a lot of sponsored riders and pro's so good advice is plentiful.