BudhaNl wrote:Schmidy, quick Q for you re: the Compact: what's the performance like in lower winds & waves? Say, 17-22 knots, waves up tp 3 feet? And what about strapless in any condition?
I'm 6'0, 190lbs or 85kg of muscle
, would the 5'i8 or the 5'6 be the best choice for riding 17-30 knots (not gusts!), in wind-driven waves (northsea) from 3-10 feet?
Hey BudhaNI,
I use the 5'6 Compact on cross shore days. It prefers to be ridden with straps in high winds but I stick to strapless and I have no problems with its stability and ease of use. I know a guy who is your weight who uses the 5'8 and it seems to be the best size for him. He is mostly riding in high winds and strapped. It is a good european storm chaser board.
On the lower wind side (17-22knots) I think it is a good board but my riding and stance changes a bit compared to the Cypher which has less rocker and a bit more width. It will go up wind well with the right technique.
windtzu wrote:I too am considering the Cypher and wondering about size and may be on that "in between" bodyweight scale.
I weigh 158 lbs and would primarily use it in cross onshore - onshore "small ankle biter waves" to chest high, but the majority of its use would be in open ocean - chop and swell riding. Ideal wind conditions > 20-35 mph.
I just rode strapless for the first time on my North Skimfish the other day. Aside from turning, that wasn't too hard...so strapped or strapless either way.
Is there a big difference between the the 5'4 and 5'6 in terms of early planing or handling in higher winds chop, etc?
Is the Compact an option or does it lean more towards waves? Does either board favor being strapped vs. strapless
Thanks for your suggestions.
Hey Windtzu,
Your demands are where 2 boards could fill in. A bit confused on your primarily and majority comment.
If the dominate conditions are onshore/cross-onshore than the Cypher is the go. You are on the fence in terms of weight but i think the 5'6 will benefit you. Again - the 5'4 is something i would recommend for 150 lbs. The Cypher 5'6 at 158 lbs will shine in 18-28 knots, on/cross on shore - small to chest - prefers strapless, but can always be ridden strapped.
The Compact 5'4 (this board is normally ridden 4-6 inches shorter than your classic shape) would be the go if you are more interested in riding that open ocean swell 25-35mph. Like I said before, its designed to be ridden strapped but its good fun strapless but the learning curve will be a bit different compared to the Cypher if you are just starting.
Cheers
Marc
Cheers
Schmidy