Which Monk for these needs...

[markchatwin]

I'd like to get a TT for blasting around in chop and popping off of waves for some big air. I'm 5'8"/75kg(165lbs) and would plan on using it in 15-25mph... Based on some research the Dundee seems like a possibility but do any of the others offer good news for older knees that are sensitive to rough landings... As a comparison I have liked the CF Raptor Pro Ltd. for it's "damp" feel but it doesn't necessarily "pop" as much as I'd like.

Also any size recommendations would help. This is not for light wind or super high wind but rather good powered conditions... TX

I also have extensive experience with Mako 140/150/King and love the carving but they can be stiff and not the greatest for boost...

[wetdog]

Have you checked the Shinn website? They have pretty good description about all their boards, including stiffness, size recommendations etc. Dundee ofr example is softer/smoother than the monk.

[L0KI]

Wainman Joke 138
Shinn Supershinn 135X41 (2011 or 2012)
Shinn Monk Forever 132X41
Shinn Dundee 131X41 or 133X42


These will all do exactly what you require at your age, weight and in your conditions.
Listed firmest to softest, but the chop handling and jump landings on the Joke are as smooth and soft as anything here.
The Joke and the Supershinn will pop better than the other two, but for hooked in load and jump they will all work fantastic, especially if you are gonna boost off big lake wave ramps.
They all eat chop beautifully but the Supershinn will feel the firmest while blasting along.

[Manuel V]

132x41
I'm similar to you (5'8" 73kg)
And the Monk 132x41 is my favorite TT
I tried a lot of other TT, and always go back to the Monk......

[Slappysan]

I'm very close to your specs and also have knee issues.

I went from an OR Mako -> Shinn Gintronic -> Dundee 2.

Gintronic is/was an amazing board but it's edges catch the wave faces too much once the waves are over 1 foot.

The Dundee 2 is better in the waves but it's a much more demanding board to ride. I find that small movements have a big effect on the board. I'm thinking I might have been better off going with a RED instead.

[MCMario]

I'm 5'10'' and 165 lbs. I ride the Monk 132X41 and it's the perfect size for powered conditions. I simply love this board, it does everything so weel. BTW I just received my 2014 Monk

[sarc]

Dundee does not have much pop. But it's great for everything else.

[flybykite]

Your description of how you ride, weight,knees etc. sounds strikingly similar to myself. Just so happens that I just bought my second monk. First one I got last year 132x41 and this year I bought the 130x40. The 132 was good for a long while and I noticed that I was having a hard time boosting with pop in stronger winds with larger kites. So I've dropped a size. Wish I could give the new one a review for you but theres been no wind and lots of work for the past month. Dont be fooled by the sizes though. You can use a smaller board than you think with the monk and it gets out early from my experience.
Its good on the knees but it'll never be a mako or a surfboard. Landings are very nice and the board seems to take most the shock in the rocker and not transfer it to the knees like the raptor CF.
I have not tried other boards from Shinn because the monk can do everything I ask it to.
If you do get a monk, my advice would be to get a model from 2013 or 14 as they have changed the straps and they are so much better. That was one of the biggest reasons for my change as well.
Happy shopping
FBK

[MikeBirt]

I'd also be tempted to say MF 130x40 at your weight.
I'm 80kg and use 132, at 74 you'll get more feel and bite at really high levels of power, but it's also true that 132x41 will give you more low and mid range drive when you are not charging. The 132 will not struggle for control when pushed, but the 130 will have a sharper faster feel.

The monk forever had better low and mid range drive than the original board, incase you are comparing the last 2 models with the first two..

Great, great boards in my opinion, and still my personal favourite in the range...

[Caesar]

+1 to the 2 previous posters.
130x40 would be perfect for you in my opinion.

On another note- why is nobody suggesting the Shinn Toyboy? That board is the same shape/material as the 2011 original Monk, the one with the Gorilla graphic (and probably the most praised board ever).
Nobody noticed?

Cheers
Caesar