I'm looking to buy a new board and am now stuck between two choices. Theres a $40 price difference between the Parks $396 and the CWB Absolute Platnium $436... <BR> I'm 6'3" and about 210 (give or take a pound or three). I want a board that will be something I can not only progress on but will remain top of the line for years after my purchase. <BR> Any suggestions?

dude, first of all, those prices suck. and to answer your question, board shapes change alot, and no one knows what will be out in the next couple of years so its almost impossible to tell whether or not a board will be top of the line a few years down the road.

If you're paying retail I'd go with the Absolute - although the Parks 143 would probably be a better size than the 140 (or is it 141 now) of the Absolute.

I would say the Parks fool

Just because a shape changes doesn't mean it's no good anymore. That doesn't make it "top of the line." It's preference.

Two different rides. <BR>Unless you really like a three stage rocker, <BR>go with the Absolute. I believe it's wider <BR>as well and rides higher in the water (less <BR>rocker = less drag). A good shape IMO <BR>that you could ride for a very long time.

Thanks for the input, sept for Eric... Always playing favorites...

I don't think most of us will ever get too good for any advanced board that is out there today. <BR> <BR>I think the Absolute would be an easier board to ride but that's just my opinion. You should try to demo so you can form an opinion of your own. Especially if your paying that much.

I demoed both recently and purchased the absolute.

Any reason why you chose the Abs? I heard talk that the lands are alot softer and the board rides alot higher, but not much else?

Ian, don't get caught up in all the hype. As long as your technique and form are good any board that is the right size for you will work. There is very little real difference in boards. Equipment makes a difference at a elite level in all sports, but if your not going pro,save your money by one on sale etc.

Actually I did do that at first, but there is a point when your "sale board" just doesnt do it anymore. <BR> I demoed a cwb absolute (not platnium mind you) and was AMAZED at the difference it made. Same rider, same style (with the addition of maybe more confidence), same wake yet still I jumped higher, spun faster and went farther out into the flats than my poor little "sale board" could ever hope to dream.

I have had the absolute 04 since last year and it is a great board I agree. You have good taste.

The absolute.

I've never heard one complaint about the Absolute, but I've heard dozens say they hate the Parks board, if that means anything. Just an observation. I rode the Parks and I was scared of it. Maybe my style isn't clean enough to manage it. Who knows. Straight out of the box, the Absolute is a much looser riding board.

i have never ridden the parks, but i heard it is not forgiving at all. the cwb is very loose with great pop and is slightly very similar to the premier but slightly faster. great board you will grow into.

Of all the dumb luck I actually ended up winning a Parks 143, but after reading some of your posts, I am wondering if it wouldnt be smarter to just get the CWB...

If you have a parks and want a looser ride, go with smaller fins or take them off. It is a very stable board with little to no fins. The stock fins add more bite than many people prefer. But I've grown use to the bite and can ride it with no problem. However, it comes down to preference.

Thanks I actually thought about taking the fins off but the water temp dropped to 38 degrees these last few weeks so wakeboardings alittle difficult right now. <BR> Also I remember hearing that the Platinum's nose actually rides higher than the board allowing it to "scoop" up the wake. Anyone who has ridden one noticed a difference?

i have a parks and i don't like the way the absolute rides. if you are used to a board that rides low in the water you may not like the absolute. i have another friend that got rid of his absolute becasuse he liked his premier better.

I've never ridden a Parks but I love my Absolute Platinum! Throw the .75" fins on...it's nice and loose with great pop. It's like riding a magic carpet.

I bought the absolute over the parks because the absolute lands softer, thereby there is less jarring on my knees and hips-- something to consider if you ride a lot, whatever your age. Cartilage is mighty tough to replace if you wear it out. Zues bindings also softer landing, imo, than the Parks. Go Absolute/Zues. Price seems really high.

Yeah I thought that Platinum and Zues would be a killer combination but its also a real paycheck killer... <BR> My local shop recomended LF Ultras however because they said comfort is their forte and for their price theres no better

I found a NOT so local boardshop that just got a shipment in of 04' Absolute Plats and not even the 36 degree water is going to stop me from demoing them this weekend... <BR> If only I had my new bindings too.. one thing at a time...

Ian, <BR>All you need now is a SAN and you would be me. 04 absolute with zues bindings, sweet.

Yeah I would settle for alot of things rather than what tows me... Right not I have a 96' Chapparal, atleast I think its a 96', not quite sure of the top of my head. The wakes not horrible, but its not fantastic either... <BR> How do you like the setup though? I was originally going to get 04' LF Ultras, but then I found out I could get 04' Zeus for $25 more. I'm still hoping I'm making the right decision...

Ian, <BR>The Zues bindings are the most comfortable bindings I have worn yet. The Zues's are the way to go , you won't be sorry.