Help !!!!!! Delaminated 2006 Obrien Player 138

(simon_w) · (simon_w) **Join Date: Sep 2007** 09-05-2007, 11:51 AM

Hi Everyone!!! My 10 month old pride and joy wakeboard has started to delaminate but luckily I have been informed that it is covered by the warranty. However, the importer tells me they have no Obrien Player 138's in stock. Bummer.... So they've asked me what I would consider.

Problem is I love my board - it rides realy well finless which make it nice and loose but not too slippy. What else would you guys suggest??? Should I ask to hold out for the 2008 player when it comes in? Or how about the Natural 139? I assume I have to have an O'Brien board (Importer is Ultrasport Europe) but if not, does anything from Liquid Force, Ronix, etc.... ride similar to my board???

Many thanks for posting your advice.

Cheers, Simon

(mbsteez) · (mbsteez) **Join Date: May 2005** 09-05-2007, 12:02 PM

i rode a natural for the last two seasons. loved it. i'd recommend it for sure. being that its watkins' upgraded pro model from the player, you'll probably love it too. it rides super good finless.

(jjakober) · (jjakober) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 09-05-2007, 12:09 PM

Get the Natural, you won't be disappointed!!

(simon_w) · (simon_w) **Join Date: Sep 2007** 09-05-2007, 12:41 PM

Thanks for the swift replies Steve & J. Sounds like the Natural might be a good bet. Anyone else got their 2 pennies' worth?????????????

(hunter660) · (hunter660) **Join Date: Aug 2007** 09-05-2007, 1:02 PM

My rope handle hit the top of my new hyperlite and cut a 1" circle in the top. Is that covered under warranty? Will it hurt anything to ride as is.

(Message edited by Hunter660 on September 05, 2007)

(bendow) · (bendow) **Join Date: Sep 2005** 09-05-2007, 1:12 PM

Natural all the way!

(joshugan) · (joshugan) **Join Date: Apr 2005** 09-05-2007, 2:14 PM

Get the Natural!!!! Best board yet made!!!

(lil_braswell) · (lil_braswell) **Join Date: Aug 2005** 09-05-2007, 2:47 PM

I transitioned from the player to the natural two seasons ago and haven't looked back! Go for it!

(simon_w) · (simon_w) **Join Date: Sep 2007** 09-12-2007, 10:58 AM

I've been offered an O'Brien Cartel 141 to replace the Player 138, but they want $80 as it is an upgrade, which I think is a bit of a cheek!

Does anyone have any experience of this board? Also, I weigh 180 lbs - do you think a 141 is too big?

Cheers, Simon

(innov8) · (innov8) **Join Date: May 2005** 09-12-2007, 11:27 AM

What they dont have the board in stock to replace yours with, so they want you to pay an 80 dollar upgrade?
Thats weak customer service IMO.
The 141 should be fine for 180lbs, but why pay extra for a board you dont even no if you will like?

(simon_w) · (simon_w) **Join Date: Sep 2007** 09-12-2007, 11:33 AM

Yeah thats right. I've said I won't pay extra and will try and hold out for either a natural 139 (which I've heard is good) or wait until the 2008 player comes in. Problem is I need a board now as still have a couple of months riding to do this year before it gets too cold!!!!!!

(innov8) · (innov8) **Join Date: May 2005** 09-12-2007, 11:44 AM

Ya I hear ya, that sucks, but the Natural is a sick board, no doubt about it!!

(jjakober) · (jjakober) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 09-12-2007, 12:36 PM

$80.00 for a higher end board... I don't know, sounds like a good deal to me.

The Cartel is a very nice board, and the 141 would be perfect for you.

Or just wait for the Natural or Player...It's not O'Briens fault they sold out of all there 07 boards. I guess that should tell you something!

I would say if you are going to wait, then get the Natural!

jjakober

(seattle) · (seattle) **Join Date: Mar 2002** 09-13-2007, 5:57 AM

Another vote for the Natural.

It's going to be much closer to the consistent style of your Player than the Cartel.

(andy_nintzel)

Get the Natural, the Cartel/Coda is great too. If you can hold off till next season they have some awesome stuff coming.

Can you ride a 142??? I might be able to find you one of those.

(simon_w) · (simon_w) **Join Date: Sep 2007** 09-13-2007, 11:21 AM

Latest update is the importer have agreed to give me a Cartel 141 as a free upgrade which is really nice of them. They are also looking into whether they can get a natural 139 for me. Problem is, I'm kinda falling in love with the look of the cartel............I know I know it shouldn't be about that....But you guys seem to rate the cartel too. Dunno what to do.....

Andy, I don't need to find a board as Ultrasport will source it but thanks for the offer. I think a 142 will probably be too big; the main concern I had over the cartel was its length and that's a 141.

Cheers,

Simon

(jjakober) · (jjakober) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 09-13-2007, 11:32 AM

Simon,

The 141 Cartel will not be to big for you. The board is supper light and the added length is mostly in the pointed tips. I rode the 141 Cartel and it felt great. I am around 175-180lbs.

jjakober

(simon_w) · (simon_w) **Join Date: Sep 2007** 09-13-2007, 11:43 AM

Sweet. I'll ring them tomorrow to send me the cartel. I'm sure it will track great finless, as the moulded in fins look bigger than the ones on the player / natural although there are only 4, not 8. Can't wait to get back on the water

(andy_nintzel)

The Cartel is like a rocket you will love it.

(simon_w) · (simon_w) **Join Date: Sep 2007** 09-17-2007, 12:35 PM

Got my cartel today. Unwrapped it then rode it. WOW! This board is totally different from the Player. Super thin, super super light... It even flexes a little which is strange for a wakeboard. Anyway, it pops twice as high as the player, carves the water like a knife and cuts loose really easily too. I LOVE IT.

Many thanks to all who gave advice - am really chuffed with my decision. The finish on the board is way better and it just seems such a polished item. I just hope it lasts well as is it just soooooooooo light!!!!! Better fill out that warranty card. Hehehehe...

Simon

(jjakober) · (jjakober) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 09-17-2007, 1:39 PM

Good deal!!! Glad you like it.

(andy_nintzel)

another happy O'brien lifer!