Big rider 6"2 & 100kgs looking to down size in board size, what do you think.?

Question

Currently riding a 7"2 X 3inch X22 inch almerrick Flyer. Yes it is big and beefy. Has been a great board and have progressed through a sharp learning curve. I am now looking into the future on where the next step is. As a big rider I am considering going to Tufflite. Was liking the look of the Flyer 2 with the swallow tail or do I stay on a flyer? My question revolves around is this the right direction, as part of my progression I would like to progress forward not side ways, and I definitely do not want to downsize to far and go backwards.

Am looking at the following Tuflite sizes

FLYER:

6’8” x 20 1/2” x 2 7/8“

FLYER II:

6’6” x 19 1/4” x 2 1/2“

7’0” x 21” x 2 7/8“

I also like the extra bouyancy of the tuflite allowing me to shed some extra volume. But have no idea how far. I also like the idea of the Flyer 2 for bigger waves as I can pull my current flyer out when it is small. How different should new board be to current as I want to build a quiver. Any thoughts appreciated

Answer 1

I'd definitely go with the Tuflite as you're a bigger guy.  Just be warned that these ride and feel different.  You may and may not like it.  They're... a bit stiff and don't flex like regular boards do.

Any reason you're going to CI boards only?  If you go to an actual shaper (unless Merrick and Co. are your shapers) you'll get a better personalized/ suited exactly for your body type board.

I'd talk to your shaper, but DON'T tell him the exact sizes you want.  There's nothing more annoying to a shaper than telling him exactly what you want.  Especially since you're not a pro.  You can definitely tell your shaper what you ride now, but you'd probably want to tell them only what you want out of a board... softer/ harder rails.  A little shorter board... more for a wider variety of waves, or specifically for certain spots.  They know more than any of us ever will about what shapes work.

Personally, I think the Flyer 2 is too similar to the Flyer.  But, the Flyer 2 is more versatile.  I sold my Flyer to a friend, and bought a used Flyer 2 and MBM for more variety.  I'd try an MBB or even the Taylor Knox Signature for someone your size.  The shape is more designed for your build and weight that you can throw around.

Or even better yet, go to your local shaper.  Ask if you can get something similar to whatever CI board you wanted... or "what's similar to a Flyer?"

Hope that helps!