I found numerous reviews of this board in the shorter lengths, but no so much in the big end of the spectrum. I've been surfing about three years, only late spring through late fall though. Started on a 7'10" fun shape, then moved to a 9' magic model which has been my one board no matter the conditions for a while. I've been wanting to get a "big guy shortboard" so I have options for a greater variety of conditions and to have something more appropriate on those rare days when its actually 4-6 feet. I'm 6'3" and then some and about 195 pounds buck naked. The board is 6'6" X 20.5 X 2 3/4 for a volume of 37.88 which seems like plenty of float for the size to me. I was originally thinking of making the step down on something more in the 6'8" - 6'10" range but this board really caught my eye. Any thoughts? Anyone actually know of any experiences with this board in this size? I guess my biggest concern is that it could actually be too long or too floaty, but I figured the more size the better. I'm not even sure how well I'll be able to adjust after being so used to a log.
That size should work. I ride a 5'10" X 22.5 X 2 3/4 no problem and I'm 160 Lbs so at 195 that 6'6" should float fine.
i am 6'2 195. I ride a board with 38L of volume. I wish it was a bit smaller sometimes, for some serious shredding purposes, but it's perfect when I'm in a wetsuite up or a bit tired.
i'm 6'0" and 220 lbs and have settled on a volume of 46 L for my two go2stix. this hopefully accomodates thick full wetsuites cause its supposed to. i wish i could go less but.....wetsuites....and currents.....and young whipper-snappers.....sigh.
I messed up the thread title, the board is 6'6" not 6'8". I've looked at 6'8"s too though! But maybe with enough volume that's actually too long.
A big part of why I would get it is for days when its closer to head high. I still have the long board for all the typical knee to waist mush days we get around here. I'm never going to need to worry about heaving overhead barrels most likely, but there's times when making the drop on a log in 4-5-6 foot beach break sandbar conditions doesn't seem ideal. I want a board that will be better in those conditions.
I personally think that size is fine for you. Maybe a tad too big on paper for your size if your looking for the ultimate shredding capability, but considering what you've been riding, a little extra foam is likely a good thing. I've never ridden that shape, but it looks like it would be fun. Although it's kind of fishy, the way the tail is pulled in a bit, and the fact that it has decent rocker, I think will make going a tad large no big deal. I don't like extra length because I'm not that tall and I have really short legs, so I get foot placement issues. but you're pretty tall, so I wouldn't sweat it if I were you. For reference, I'm 5'11" 210-220, and I ride 37L, 43L and 46L....
"....there's times when making the drop on a log in 4-5-6 foot beach break sandbar conditions doesn't seem ideal. " yeah, everytime
Never rode an SS in that size...however, I went from the 5'8" to the 5'10" OTR dims and found the change in volume pretty incredible. The 5'8" was under volumed for me and although it destroyed one of my shoulders...board was unbelievable...snaps, dredging barrels...did a bit of everything. Nose would hang up every so often, but I blame myself. Back to the point...the 5'10" seemed almost too large for me after riding the 5'8"....and the increased surface area made getign into waves a piece of cake comparably. The 6'6" will probably be a bit large for you IMHO, but depending on your ability should be fine...as for those 4-6" days are in typically late fall/winter and you'll prbably be wearing a bit of rubber and I think it should suit ya. Anything predicted over 6'...i use the a longer SSking...but that's just me. I like a bit flatter entry rocker when its gets a bit bigger. However, the SS is my DD...I ride it in everything from knee-OH...but it needs a bit of push to really do its thing...if you thinking a good wave board...well it could do that... As for boards like the shadow, etc...I own a 5'7" shadow and its only 2" thick with a fat rail and the overall rocker is pretty low...lower than the Hypto in my opinion. Consequently, if it was 4-6' I would pick the SS over the shadow especially for the OCMD. Gotta get back to work...
Thanks. I've looked at shadow too and didn't really seem like what I wanted. Almost more on the fish side than the Sled.
wetsuite = a warm, stretchy, comfy, body vagina, that's always 98.6 no matter what is going on outside.
You'd be surprised by what's possible on that board...I ran the stilettos and the I buster and can't really explain the way it loses/driver it was...snaps...no problem...board wasn't that great though when it was bowly... Love the SS though...I have found that you'll need to really be selected I've with fins...maybe though that was just me. Enjoy...
