Had a quick squirt on a w18 today. Not a very fair test. As it was only 12 knots. It's a light snappy board. My gut feeling is that it would be awesome in small waves and chop. But might be too snappy in larger swell.

Was gonna mention the new axis twin wave ...but someone above beat me to it.

It looks 'right' to me.

I'm on SBs now in the waves but I dig a good mutant big time!!

yay

You will be surprised at the range the board has. If you can get in anything bigger, you should try it

in previous msg you suggested axis twin wave. Now that you try W18, which one u think that is better? more loose,faster, better carving, more light ( i think that W18 with no concave(?) and so huge width is only for light wind(?) and dedicated range of use)

I have not ridden the axis yet. It looks more big wave capable though.

I didn't feel the extra width on the w18. Probably because it's so short. It's certainly not a light wind board.

I guess the question you need to ask is,

what do you want to do in the waves?

Treat the waves swell like your personal amusement park and jump slash carve you way in tt manner. Then w18.

If you want to get more wave riding orientated then the axis or larger mako suit will better. With both of these you can set up a 3 fin thruster. That means you can crank bigger finnage to carve better turns on bigger faces.

i wish i could demo both ... i could decide in one session what is best for me or the range possibilities for each board..
i hate to be not determinate, but i have lost money -first years-with wrong buy (north select ,naish thorn,rrd toxic) cause many brands and dealers mislead with super positive comments and wrong descriptions but actually ... its completely different