you'll love that board!! i bought mine last season. the pop is awesome & the landings are smooth. it is a little tough to get it to break free for surface tricks though. i'm in the same boat as u --- i just bought a 03 LF balanc ultra core & im losing my freakin' mind waiting to try it out. oh, i still have the belmont, and i gave my 02 byerly to my brother. but the belmont is THE SHIZZLE!!
I brought my 2002 Belmont with me to The Boarding School. Just as krissi wrote, Shaun had me take out the center fins. He said that's how he used to ride that board. What a difference! It freed the board up and it was a lot more fun to ride. So yes, a 2002/2003 Belmont without the center fins is a great board.
Hmmm, I have no problems breakin mine loose even with the center fins. I love this board and was pretty bummed when I found out they won't be making it anymore. I guess I have to make it last a season or two more.