Lyman vs Witness

Looking to get a new setup next season and these are both on my list to check out but I haven't had an opportunity to ride either of them. What are the differences between the two and for those that have ridden both - what is your preference? Have there been any changes in the shapes from 08 - current? Thanks for the input and I'll be riding the 143/144 if that matters.

I'll give ya what I've got. I've had a 08 witness 140 08 lyman 143 and 139. I'm 5'11" 179lbs.


140 witness landed softer for me than all of them. a little more straight up pop. stickier than either lyman with all 4 fins in and no center fin on witness.

Lyman changes edges smoother and accelerates better for me. lyman can be made to pop straight up but usually carries more to the flats and edges away well on landings. I switched from the 143 to the 139 to sink my edge a little easier for load and release tricks. the 139 release from the wake better for me on spins.

I overall like the 139 best but my style is more towards progressive edge tricks. i just like the feel of the board. i felt the witness rides better tail-heavy instead of center of the edge.

hope this helps.

I agree with him ^^^.

I rode the witness, and it felt wide but not slow, good for tail heavy riders, like he said. Real nice pop and soft landings, but I went with the Lyman because it still has good pop, real fast and smooth feel. Its not loose but its not tight. Its just perfect for whatever kind of hold you want for the situation. Fast edge to edge, just feels like a wakeboard version of a ferrari f430.

Haven't ridden the Lyman.

The witness has not changed shapes.

I've been on the witness this season. To date my favorite board. Just like they say, poppy. It is real forgiving in the middle for me. So coming out the front or catching a back edge went down a lot. I know i've landed things more sketchy on my witness (and rode away), then i ever could get away with on my substance.