Board Size and Model for 200+ lbs

(zteg) · (zteg) **Join Date: Feb 2010** 05-03-2010, 10:30 AM

I did a search for a similar topic and couldn't really find anything. I know this topic gets beaten to death, so I apologize.

Current Situation:
I am 6'2" and 215 lbs. I currently ride a Liquid Force PS3 141. This has been my first board since I started riding last year. I'd say I'm an average rider now, and feel comfortable on both goofy, regular. I'm still practicing spins, but can clear the wake.

Question:
Would a larger board be optimal? Would a newer, more advanced board (say with 4 fins) help my riding? I doubt the board is "holding me back" from anything spectacular, but I definitely feel a little sluggish in the water and especially while edging. The board does seem to have good pop off the wake though.

Let me know if I can answer any specific questions. Thanks!

(cjh1669) · (cjh1669) **Join Date: Apr 2005** 05-03-2010, 10:42 AM

I'm 6'1 and 225lbs. My main rider is a 142 slingshot recoil, which is great. It's a flex board and has 4 fins. Tons of pop and edges like a dream

(stephan) · (stephan) **Join Date: Nov 2002** 05-03-2010, 10:46 AM

I'm not going to tell you which kind of board you should ride as the PS3 is a good shape, I will say that at your size you definitely should be riding something a little bigger. A more advanced board might actually be a hindrance and don't think that a board with 4 fins is automatically more advanced. A larger board will get you on top of the water more and eliminate the sluggish feeling you get from pushing through the water. Go try some out, demos are the most fun way to learn what you like.

(jarrod) · (jarrod) **Join Date: May 2003** 05-03-2010, 11:11 AM

A board you might try is the CWB Faction 144.

(zteg) · (zteg) **Join Date: Feb 2010** 05-03-2010, 12:02 PM

I should also note I do all my riding behind a boat and never go to any cable parks or rails.

(buffalow) · (buffalow) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 05-03-2010, 12:07 PM

147 HL Marek

(zteg) · (zteg) **Join Date: Feb 2010** 05-03-2010, 12:19 PM

I really appreciate all the info guys. Many thanks.

It seems like the general opinion is that I need to find a bigger board. Considering I already have some hyperlite Audio bindings, and from what evo.com has in stock, my best bet would be to go with the HL Murray 145. http://www.evogear.com/outlet/wakebo...blem-2009.aspx

It's an older model, since I don't need any of the "pro level" features on the 2010 lines, and it looks to be a decent board for the size/price.

Feel free to tell me I different site to buy from, or why this board wouldn't fit my riding style.

Again, thanks for all the responses.

(cwb4me) · (cwb4me) **Join Date: Apr 2010** 05-03-2010, 12:31 PM

the murray is a excellent choice . make sure you get a board bag or a vest. then you can take off the extra 20%.

(zteg) · (zteg) **Join Date: Feb 2010** 05-03-2010, 1:20 PM

Anyone know of place around the Houston, TX area (specifically Lake Conroe) that allows demoing of boards?

(greazytaco) · (greazytaco) **Join Date: Jan 2009** 05-03-2010, 9:51 PM

i ride a 09 HL murray 145.. on lake conroe. send me a PM if you want to meet up and try it out.

im bout 6'3" 210..

(jmalibu) · (jmalibu) **Join Date: May 2010** 05-04-2010, 5:50 AM

Go to M2 sports on the lake behind Sam's Boat, they can hook you up.

(zteg) · (zteg) **Join Date: Feb 2010** 05-04-2010, 6:15 AM

Thanks for the offer b_griff. I'll hit up M2 Sports first before I trouble you on a weekend. Not saying I wont trouble you after a visit to M2 Sports though. :P

Thanks for responses everyone. Great help.

(devildog_ra) · (devildog_ra) **Join Date: Jun 2007** 05-04-2010, 7:03 AM

Im 6'2 220 and have noticed a huge difference in my ability to land tricks when i went from a gator gonzalez 142 to the hyperlite marek 146. In my opinion the bigger the better. I feel like i get more pop because of the greater surface area and softer landings for the same reason. When i was riding the 142 (or when i do at the cable park) i feel like sometimes i cant ride away some of my tricks because i bury the board. With my larger board this doesnt happen.

(wisc4fun) · (wisc4fun) **Join Date: Apr 2010** 05-04-2010, 2:32 PM

what about the Ben greenwoods witness 142?

(eubanks01) · (eubanks01) **Join Date: Jun 2001** 05-04-2010, 2:50 PM

I agree with Ryan. My riding was greatly improved by going to a longer board. I'm 175 and ride a 142. You should definitely be on something longer at 215. I know a lot of people love the Marek.

(wake2wake103) · (wake2wake103) **Join Date: Jul 2003** 05-05-2010, 9:10 AM

It has a lot to do with personal preference too. I got in a really bad car accident.....stopped working out.......and have been having to really work to get back in shape. I didnt have my newer wakeboards at home last summer and was stuck riding a hyperlite fluid 137, at 5'11 and 260 pounds. I can jump the wake and do backrolls and stuff. I know its holding me back...........but its not all the board. DEMO DEMO DEMO.........ride whats comfortable to you........I would highly recommend the murray 145 tho. Also fitness has been the biggest change. Everything is so much easier when your in shape. While the typical mold for a wakeboarder is short and small, there are some big guys that really kill it. There was a thread on it a while ago.