Looking at these 2 boards, Been riding an 07 marius and love it, have heard great things about both of them and was contemplating a switch - Thoughts? <BR> <BR>And for reference, I ride finless and either new board would be an 09. <BR>Thanks!

Having ridden both extensively I shall dive in with some knowledge. I rode the Absolute for 3 years and little has changed. I've been on the new Transcend since October. I rode each "finless" without extensions etc. <BR> <BR><u>Absolute</u> <BR>This board can be characterized as quick and poppy. The rails are extremely thin which let you set this board on edge with ease, its not the fastest board but can definitely get after it. The board has a huge vertical pop and lands pretty soft. <BR> <BR><u>Transcend</u> <BR>This board is similar to the Absolute but does things differently. The board is definitely faster on the water but not as quick rail to rail. The board has a big vertical pop but is more controlled than the Absolute, it also lands a lot softer. <BR> <BR>Of the two I am definitely hooked on the Transcend, it does everything well. I really like how it releases off the water. Between the two coming from an 07 Marius I think you'd have an easier transition to the Transcend. I will say, folks that liked the 07 Marius such as yourself, really like the new shape Marius. A little easier rail to rail and from what I've heard, overall better in all ways. As always demo demo demo!

I would say Transcend. Tony was the most hard core Marius rider since its debut. He has now switched to the 09 Transcend and loves it.

^^^ agreed accept these boards are slower then a lot of other brands because of the big three stage rockers .Im now on the trancend last two seasons after three seasons on the absolute.I like that they are lighter tne most boards and snap off the wake greta and land soft.IMO that makes up for them being a litle slow. <BR> <BR>I havent been on either 09 but i agree and have the same experience as heavy on them both and i heard the 09 is faster(awesome!). <BR> <BR>i ride the paltinum versions and i break one every year but get a new one fast from cwb or a proshop and have an 09 replacement coming this week for my 138 Platinum transcend.

If only they made a Platinum core Faction...

To anyone wanting a Transcend...take a look at this ebay auction...new in plastic, under $100 before shipping. I'd buy it except I already have this exact board. <BR> <BR><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&amp;item=270346273458&amp;s sPageName=ADME:B:WNA:US:1123" target="_blank">http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&amp;item=270346273458&amp;s sPageName=ADME:B:WNA:US:1123</a>

Transcend

transcend seems to ride much looser to me. absolute appears to have as much vertical pop but isn't as much fun on the surface for me. i am not a big-time rider and can't do anything but go wake to wake but i do like to play around on the surface and the transcend appears to me to be much more loose and soesn't seem to have as much "drag" or resistance when riding flat. imo, the absolute requires more effort to ride than the transcend.

Transcend