Hi Craig,
I’m looking for a larger waveboard to complement my Quad 84 and Stubby 82 that I use as of 4.7, the quad for DTL and the Stubby for onshore (pure luxury).
I weigh 83kg and sail in North Sea Holland conditions and want to replace my 2017 Stubby 88 that I used as my larger waveboard for 5.0 to max 5.3, sometimes down to 4.7 when I don’t have my small board along.
The Stubby 88 I liked for its practicality in 75% of my sessions, but is a bit too close volume wise with the others anddoes notreally get my juices flowing as much. In light or gusty wind I am not planing as early as I could (it bogs down a bit which can be due to poor technique but I’m also tall at 196cm and a slightly longer shape seems to accomodate me better). In gybes I found it stalls quite easily compared to my other boards which hold speed better. Also, the larger Stubby does not give me the same carving sensation as the smaller quad (neither does the smaller Stubby but it feels more free than the 88 possibly due to a different rocker?).
So I’m looking for a replacement. Out of the current range, which do you recomend more, and why please?
Mamba 94
Grip92
Grip 102
I should add that I never use larger than a 5.3 and prefer a 5.0 to a 5.3 so I look for a shape that planes easily and keeps speed without needing a lot of sail power. I had a 104l quad 7 yrs ago that I did not like as it felt like a tanker and added no early planing, so I am quite hesitant to go too large. It’s ok that there is some overlap, so I am not looking for the maximum low end range but more for the most fun shape for 5.0-5.3 in those conditions.
I don’t jump much but look for fun blasting/carving/waveriding although in those conditions waves are small and not powerful.
thanks for your advice!
Tom