IBEX: A 134 should not be too big for you. It is good for riders up to 175 lbs the 139 is for riders above 160 lbs... or so the board review states on the board's stats some people will choose to ride larger though, but for you it may not be recommended... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SLINGSHOT (and flex) I am another rider that can say they will never own/ride anything other than a flex-board (more specifically a slingshot board) Sometimes the word "flex" can be thrown arround too generally. There are two major types of "flex-boards" on the market now 1. REBOUNDING/ CONTROLLABLE FLEX - good for both wake riding and for rails. The flex rebounds back like a rubber band and provides additional lift when loaded correctly. boards that fit this description are: Slingshot recoil and responce (currently the leader in this type), Liquid Force Press, Obrien local (and maybe the Obrien R-5 too) 2. "WET NOODLE" FLEX - These boards do not rebound to their original shape as well and may not be the best for wake riding, unless just messing around. These boards are popular for rails mostly. boards in this category are: Hyperlite roam, Ronix Covenant, and Obrien R-5 Flex (speaking of the rebounding type) is an entirely new thing and is as different as comparing 3-stage rocker to continuous rocker, more so in fact. Some are really diggin it, some are not. many more have not even tasted flex, because of how new and revolutionary it is to wake. PROS: *Super soft landings (a minority believe the landings are harder) *added lift from the "rebounding quality" (if you are confident in your edge/cut) *teaches correct edging technique- the better you edge the more "power" the board will store, releasing it when you pop at the wake... think of "loading the line" but for your board too. *Super light thin, but durable. ex. Slingshots are USA made, have an ABS side wall and have a combination of high-quality foam and wood in the core. Obrien's new line is an EVA core and they are actually providing warranties for their boards even after hitting rails apparently. CONS: *can be a little slippery- the boards have no channels. channels create ridged spots in the board and hinder the flex performance. (BUT the smooth surface is great for sliders and adds to the effect of relying on your edge, teaching your correct edging) *flex just isn't for everyone, but it is at least for everyone to try and taste. ;) Most of the cons i believe are things that you can get used to. Most people take up to 3 sets to really get used to the board, but those 3 sets will still be a blast! Slingshot boots are pretty unique and awesome too
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