Am I too heavy for a 134 board?

I weigh 165-170lbs and currently ride a Hyperlite Byerly DNA 137. I was wanting to buy a new CWB Absolute Platinum and have been offered a great deal on a brand new 134. Am I too big for this board or should I spend the extra money to get a 140 instead? What will be the advantages and disadvantages of the bigger or smaller board? All help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

That's tough because you are probably in between the sizes. It really depends on your riding and your personal preference.

Smaller boards typically have the following pros and cons:

Pros: Lighter, easier to fling around (small advantage for spins)
Doesn't feel as bulky

Cons:
Will usually land harder (Although coming from a Byerly, just about anything will land softer)
Harder to get pop than it's larger sibling
A larger board will be a little easier to control off the wake

I ride the 140 and I'm the same weight as you. I previously rode a Premier 135.

The smaller board will make for a more abrupt landing on your big tricks because you'll sink it. You'll stick more landings on the 140. The deals on the 140's are out there. You just have to find them. Buy a 2003, it's the same board. The 2004 changes aren't even noticeable.

I currently ride a Belmont 136 and i weigh 130...i feel its perfect for me, some of the guys i go with that weight a "tad" more rode it and say its way squirelly for them...*shrug* just an observation

Thanks for the advice blabel, j-rod, mr x. I can get the new 134 absolute platinum for $250. Anyone have one in a 140 to sell to me for that price? I have only been riding for 1 summer so I don't really do any big tricks yet, but I'm getting a new boat and hitting the water alot this summer so I will be progressing alot...I hope. I want to be sure I get the right board. I would say I ride pretty aggressively, knees bent style, hard cut to the wake. Any more input would be great.

Based on how long you have been riding I would go with the bigger board. It will be easier to ride. Look around on the internet, especially ebay and you should be able to get one for that price. I'd sell you mine for less but I need it!

That is an excellent price. You can try SkiWorld in Castro Valley. They have the 2003's on close out, but I'm not sure if they have any 140's. Tell them Jarrod sent you. 510.881.5881. Good luck.

Alot of people dont realize that the size ranges on a board are pretty big, even then they are a strong suggestion. I know people that are 170lbs and ride a 128! Should they? Not by any normal sizing chart, but it is what they like. Demo it if you can, if you can't and you want to be safe go with a 140.

Thanks Blabel, do you have the Absolute or the Absolute Platinum? How does it ride compared to previous boards you've ridden? I've heard a lot of good things about it and not many bad things.

I have the platinum. It's a little bit lighter but I didn't notcie it while riding. I rode the regular one before I bought the platinum. I think the weight issue with boards is a crock of poo. Shedding a few ounces doesn't make any difference in my opinion. The platinum is a little stiffer though.

Again I think it's a pretty user friendly board. After riding your Byerly I think you'll like it a lot. (I hated the Byerly personally)

guess it also depends on your hieght, i've got a friend who uses a 136 who's heavier but shorted than me, i'm about 165lbs but 6ft2, so have been told that a 140 is better, i'm on a premier but at some point want to try a 138 cause that seems like it could be perfect.

Thanks for the advice. I went to the doctor today and I weighed 163 so maybe I'm losing weight...hahaha It sounds like the 140 might be better for me. I have been offered a 2002 Absolute Platinum 141 for $250 in new condition. Is that a good deal?

i weigh like 180 and ride a 141 and love it bigger boards may seem to drag you down but make for less drag because there is more surface to ride on which in turn takes a little stress off of your arms.

As said by nearly everyone above, it's basically rider preference. Demo it and see how you feel.

Just wanted to throw in that I am 5'-10", 198lbs, and still get my best rides on my 132 O'Brien Phatty. When I strap on anything over 138 I feel like I'm driving a bus.

I weigh 180-185 and ride a 2003 absolute platinum 140(I would sell it to you, but its a little worse for wear). But I also have boards that are 138 and 134 , which I still ride fine. So its all (as said before) personal preference.
Bigger board might be a better choice.
Now remember the 2002 absolute has some changes to the 2003.

Hey Frenchman, it's not a platinun but you may want to check this out... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3656045765&category=47 363

Thanks Jason, I will definitely check it out, looks like a pretty good deal.