I am an 85Kg (~188lbs) intermediate rider, trying to learn new tricks. Will use the board in all types of conditions, from choppy to calm.

Any feedback is GREATLY welcome!

Kanuto

I just got the North Jaime Pro 2011 137*43, and I just LOVE it. It replaced my LF Recoil '09, I normally ride i chop/semi flat water and even though I only have had 4sessions on it, it just feels more nice.. The ride is more "soft", the jumps are better, softer landings, and i landed the first backroll on it It tracks a lot more than the Recoil, so it took me a session to get used to it.

Btw. i'm 86kg..

I have the Jaime 135 and weigh 170lbs, I have been riding for a while and have ridden a bunch of boards and this may be my favorite so far. Super nice pop, smooth landings even when I blow powered tricks or megaloops. I do get a little spray if I get lazy and weight the front foot too much. Great in chop but a dream in the flat water even if I land a little sideways, I could not decide between the Select and Jaime, but the Jaime was in my price range. Comfy pads n straps also.

i agree with above comments, the jaime is a great board. i bought a 2010 last year 137x43 to replace my nobile that cracked. at 165# it was a great choice for my summer time weak winds as the board is fast and quick to plane. i would go for the 137 at your weight because it has so much range. i have ridden this size in 30-40 mph winds and it just handles very well. the only negative i have on the board is it doesnt pop like the nobile's, but you gain in other ways....smoother in chop, less face spray, easier landings when coming in hot or making a mistake, and the board never pearls! oh, the rounded edges give the soft ride and is good in the surf too.

i liked it so much i got a 132 2011 2 weeks ago, and although i have only got 2 sessions on it, it is a better fit for bigger winds as i can load it up better at my weight. i think the 2010 are heavier than the 2011 boards, they used a different core? dunno

you wont be disappointed with the jaime. i got mine last year from cali-kites with the guarantee that if i didnt like it they would buy it back.

thats my 2 cents, let us know what you get!

I have not ridden the newest Jaime yet but I think the case is still the same that Jaime is ridden more on backfoot pressure and Select is more balanced pressure with both feet.

The clear difference is weight as Select is very light board and you really notice the difference on your feet.

Both have the medium flex in North line so in this sence they are both in the same page but Jaime may have a little stiffer center than Select. Jaime may be tracking just a bit more and Select just a bit more lively. These two goes then to what kind of feel you would prefer.

What I have discussed on the beach it may be the Select to be the faster board with a little more relaxed and controlled ride but this is of course based on the feeling and not exact measurements.

Both are great boards with just a bit different feeling but I have heard more praise for the Select.

I have not ridden the Select, but I LOVE my Jaime 129. I keep trying other boards, but can't find one I like better for an all around board. I ride waves whenever there is surf. If waves are less than 3ft, I ride flat water. Board works great in all. You definitely ride with a lot of back foot pressure, which creates a ton of spray when you hit the lip of a wave.

Hi,

since 2005 I (70kg/Rebel 7/10) rode several North Jaime, some models I like more others less. After I´ve tested the SELECT (135cm) I will never go back. I´ve been riding the SELECT since 5 months (15-20 times on the water) and I love it:


+
- It is very light at your feed
- much more pop than the Jaime
- good for waves too (north-/baltic-sea up to 2m)
- It floates very early
- easy to land after jumps
- good to carve in conditions up to 33kts ( never rode it in higher winds)
- good price, when you want to sell it second hand

-
- price
- in very choppy condition it not so comfortable but I don´t know a board, which is better.

I hope that helps.

Aloha

Thomas

Thanks a lot to all for the great feedback. I think that I will give the Select a try shortly then, once I get a bit more funding...

On another but related subject, I test-rode the Crazy Fly Raptro Pro LTD this weekend and it was awesome! I rode it both with the 5in fins (standard) and later with the 3 in fins and it was like riding a different board (I was on flat water). It is also a good board that was recommended in this 'search for the perfect board' so I wanted to share it with you. Great upwind capability, nice pop, and super smooth, especially with the 3in fins. If you have not had a chance to test it, try it....it sounds very similar to the Jaime or perhaps even better, since there is very little/almost no spray at all with this board.

Cheers to all and good winds!

Kanuto

i agree with it..select is lighter and faster
jaime carves lil better

i have 2 carbon boards..
1.. North select 137X41.5
2.. BTS kiteboarding (custom 136X40.5)
SOON I WILL give you my review for these 2 carbon boards.. i need 10 good sessions for each one