Shinn Dundee 135 x 44

[NCWater]

I am 198 pounds (90 kilograms) and 6'3" tall. I am a new to kiteboarding and am looking for an all around primary board that is good in the surf/chop and kind to my knees and joints. Any feedback from owners of the Shinn Dundee 135 x 44? This just seems like a really small board for someone my size (wind range and early planing are concerns). I have read a couple very good reviews on the Dundee from heavier riders.

Thanks!

[matth]

Thats sounds like a med size board for your weight to me. 44cm is pretty wide, should provide plenty of surface area to get you going on a nicely powered kite. I am about 10 pounds lighter and use a Crazyfly Shox 133x43, which is my go to board for medium to high winds, if it is lighter then I go to my litewave wing.
Pick up a light wind board for when the wind dies down . Remember it is a lot easier to switch boards than kites.
Two boards are a must . Having the right gear is the difference between a great day and a disappointing day.

[icebird]

Also consider the Speedball W18 - I hear some heavier riders replace Dundees with Speedballs to extend range. Although it is wide it doesn't feel that big. Not saying it is better than Dundee, which I don't know, just an alternative. I ride W18 for light wind at 69kg and find it quite agile - but a bit wide for my weight.

[John-B]

Actually there are guys heavier than you who use that size Dundee as an all-round board. The surface area is all in the width. Check out the UK Kiteboarder forum for lots of info.

[NCWater]

Also consider the Speedball W18 - I hear some heavier riders replace Dundees with Speedballs to extend range. Although it is wide it doesn't feel that big. Not saying it is better than Dundee, which I don't know, just an alternative. I ride W18 for light wind at 69kg and find it quite agile - but a bit wide for my weight.

Icebird or others - do you think a two board setup with a Speedball W18 for lighter wind and the Dundee 135 x 44 when things pick up makes sense? May be too much overlap with the Dundee 135 x 44 but would like to hear some feedback. Thanks!

[L0KI]

Gonna be lots of overlap with those two.
Reviews are mixed on the Speedball.

[Lost]

I just got the 133 last week and I loved that board. Awesome all arounder.
Also check the Shinn Red, similar feeling but a little cheaper.

[icebird]

As I understand Speedball has a wider range but isn't a dedicated light wind board. I would not pick it as a lightwind board at your weight, although I have for my 69kg - for me range is limited by how much edge I can hold - that would not apply to you. To complement flatwater freestyle the speedball could be a second board, but between Speedball and Dundee for bumpy water I would only pick one.

[kitenaked]

Speedball is a ton of fun. Carving machine.

[sarc]

I think you only need one board. I have a Dundee 44 and I've been over 35knots measured at beach very comfortable and never feeling the board was big. Same board, 15 knots on a 12m kite very fun and never felt small either. I'm 200lb.

I tested the Speedball and it is a great board with probably similar range. So pick the one you like and have fun!