Does a stiffer board really pop that much better?!?

[The111]

Flexible boards are nice to ride in chop. It is like cruising with a pair of Nike Air running shoes. They absorb all the crud so you get a nice easy ride. However, when you jump, some of the energy that you load into the tips of the board is going to be lost in the board flex. A stiff board will transfer the most energy from its press against the water's surface to your big air release.

Maybe that helps?

Thanks for the explanation... it makes sense, and that does help.

[p__han1]

Get an EH Custom board!

[Kobrin]

If you really want to experience pop, this board is the answer ;

http://www.aboards.eu/public/index.php? ... s:X-series

[alden]

I think its all in the carve that allows you to build the line tension. And whatever board allows you to cut a cleaner last second carve, build line tension, and then release easily from the water, will add the most to the pop. I recently sold my name brand very stiff, fast board to someone who really wanted it, and then I went and bought a 2010 Influence which has more flex. I am amazed at how the Influence cuts powerful clean carves. I am popping better on a board with more flex because I think it has the "right" flex. Imagine riding on a 2 inch (50mm) plank of solid wood. It would be very stiff but when you try to carve an efficient turn it would not comply with the water and it would slosh a poor and inefficient carve.

[fa]

I think its all in the carve that allows you to build the line tension.....

+1
aside from flex, the rocker is as much important -if not more, for a good pop
it s not that hard to make a stiff board using wood core
but it is not easy to build a more flexible one with foam
wood has many advantages
on the other hand foam is consistent and light
i m not an exper, just my thoughts
cheers

[abel]

I suppose that the 'truth' (is there such a thing ) is something in between, a mild flex would be the optimum for the following reasons:
- A too stiff board will not flex and released the accumulated energy as a spring (similar to loading the lines), besides that it tends to ruin your knees on the long range.
- A too soft board will damp the pop and you will be pulled by the kite before the board straightens back, pushing the water for proper timing of the popping reaction.

My feeling is that well designed carbon boards can meet the best compromise.
From all boards I tried, the carbon ones were those that best pitied my legs on all types of water.

[reinis]

I think its all in the carve that allows you to build the line tension. And whatever board allows you to cut a cleaner last second carve, build line tension, and then release easily from the water, will add the most to the pop. I recently sold my name brand very stiff, fast board to someone who really wanted it, and then I went and bought a 2010 Influence which has more flex. I am amazed at how the Influence cuts powerful clean carves. I am popping better on a board with more flex because I think it has the "right" flex. Imagine riding on a 2 inch (50mm) plank of solid wood. It would be very stiff but when you try to carve an efficient turn it would not comply with the water and it would slosh a poor and inefficient carve.

i`ve got a kite close kite buddy who switched from stiffer boards to the influence 2010. same story but with some growling in choppy conditions. i switched one "stiffness" level up and have gained at least half meter of usable pop.

i think it`s more about where the stiffness and the flex is distributed. to my mind the part between heels could be virtually flexless. the less flex -> the more control shortly before take-off.

[scklandl]

stiffe is good, but unflexing boards are retarded. JL and other old fashioned wrapped rails are not the kind of stiff Im talking about.

most boards out on the market are wet noodles. As was said, little flex between the feet with progressively more to the tips.

Soft boards are only good for pressing sliders.

all that said... rocker is much more important for pop!

[TheJoe]

Flexible boards are nice to ride in chop. It is like cruising with a pair of Nike Air running shoes. They absorb all the crud so you get a nice easy ride. However, when you jump, some of the energy that you load into the tips of the board is going to be lost in the board flex. A stiff board will transfer the most energy from its press against the water's surface to your big air release.

Maybe that helps?

Thanks for the explanation... it makes sense, and that does help.

If I see you out at the levee this week I'll show you how to load and pop.

[pch]

If you really want to experience pop, this board is the answer ;

http://www.aboards.eu/public/index.php? ... s:X-series

can only agree
over years have tested bunch of boards and Aboards x-series has been the one in terms of pop

in general i think you should be looking for boards with stiff part between footpads and flex concentrated at tips. flex gradually increasing toward ends.