what would be the best board for me 85kg just starting to go upwind on a 169 litewave. looking for a good alround board to handle 15 to 25 knots
any feedback most welcome

Get a Switch 150

150 is still considered to be a big board and actually close in size to your 169. I think you would be better off getting something in the 135-140 range. Not tiny, but not in the big board category. I think for your weight a board that is 135 x 39 would be perfect. Keep you 169 for light wind days and for teaching friends.

Ed

Sorry didn't even read your post properly, have you looked at the Nobile range of boards?
I really like the 135x40 555...
Everyone who rode a nobile board this weekend(they were on demo) liked them a lot.

FLX42 will make you smile

Check the Underground website as they have a board picker function
http://www.undergroundkiteboards.com/

I put in your specs on the website and it spat out the FLX for you.

I bought a FLX 32 after riding a friends FLX 28. I am 73Kg and decided to go with the 32 b/c the summers here can get light and I like a little longer edge to carve my turns on. Depending on how fast you are progressing and the conditions you ride in, you might consider the 32 b/c you are not that heavy. Although a 32 is considered a short board I would say the FLX 32 is bordering on medium length feel since its a full 39 wide.

The problem with going too big (say 42) is that its harder to stomp the back foot for braking when you are out in windier conditions (20-25+). The UG FLX will hold the edge but you'll be really flying and on the seat of your pants!

In summary, I am very positive about UG FLX series as they are fast,
light, hold their edge well, eat up chop (flexy tips) and look super cool
Regards, Chinstrap

oops
of course i meant it spat out FLX 42 for you....

Chinstrap is right on the money.

I weigh the same as you and tried the Airush aircraft-carriers to begin with, owned last years FLX 32 and 42, found this years FLX28 a bit small since I'm quite tall and have settled on the FLX32.

Although you'll love the 42 in the light stuff, it's a bit of a handful in >20kts.

Mate, I learnt on a flx 142 which is a wicked board, but can be a fraction limiting once you get into stronger winds. Therefore i've upgraded to a 132. Given that you've learnt on a bigger board, I would definitely recommend going straight to the 132. (i'm 85kg too)

Hi Hunts,
If you just started to go upwind, then definitely ride the FLX 142.
Then maybe next year you can drop down to FLX 132.

We have riders here in 80KG and 85KG using FLX 122 but you have to be powerup.

I weight 70Kg and rode FLX 132 for 2004 and this year I ride FLX 128.

Cheers,
KinsleyWong
http://XtremeBigAir.com
Paragliding - KiteBoarding