Integrity Questions

ozwest · Posted: Aug 16, 2006 4:19 pm Post subject: Integrity Questions

Just got into wakeskating this year and bought an inexpensive entry level board (2005 LF Melissa 41 on sale at a local shop). I'm hooked and want a board that won't fall apart as quickly (after just a few rides the Melissa's paint is cracking and it's just a matter of time before water gets in there and warps the board).

Moving forward...I have read many articles and discussion boards about different wakeskate manufacturers and Integrity stood out the most. Yes, they are higher priced but they are made in the USA and I'm impressed with their construction.

If you know anything about Integrity's 2006 line, please let me know which board I should consider and why based on the following:

I'm a beginner wakeskater who skateboards, snowboards, surfs, and wakeboards (although I doubt I'll wakeboard as much now that I prefer wakeskating)

Height: 5'4"
Weight: 125 lbs
Shoe Size: Womens 5.5 or 6

So far I think that the Integrity Team model 39.75" would be the way to go but I want to make sure before I pop down the $250-$270.

Also, could a beginner rider ride the Nick Taylor "Carpe Diem" and grow into it or would it be better to start with Integrity's entry level Team wakeskate and then buy a more advanced board when I get better? The pro level wakeskate is only $30 more so I want to make sure I get the one that would work best for me.

Thank you for your assistance. BTW - If this post looks familiar it's because I posted this on Wakeworld.com & Wakeboarder.com as well.

brianl289 · Frontside 180 Joined: 07 Aug 2006 Posts: 310 City: houston

i wouldnt know, but from what ive heard for that price range the omen is hard to beat. but then again not many people have them yet, so thats a potentally bias opinion.

liquid · Posted: Aug 16, 2006 4:45 pm Post subject:

ok ok ok. let me start out, welcome to the forums. Or as i call it La Familia.

Integrity is one of the most durable boards out there with the exception of a few (i.e.- omen and some other composite decks). If you buy one, you will have the board for a LONG time.

The ONLY difference in the 2006 team and 2006 Nick Taylor "TNT" (Carpe Diem) pro model is simply the base material. The Carpe Diem has the same base material as a snowboard which gives you a LITTLE bit more durablitliy than the Team which has the base material of PBT (also very durable).

S0 my recomendation is, if you will be hitting rails (rails) than you should maybe go with the TNT. If not then go with the Team.

This is only a recomendation and it is YOUR choice.

If you like the looks of one board from the other. Then so be it. If you like the graphics from one to the other. Then so be it.

Im almost positive the ride identical.

Have fun, Liquid (Louis)

lake weir ocala FL · Backside 180 Joined: 06 Jun 2005 Posts: 1241 City: Ocala

ozwest, There is no difference in shape or structure in the Team and Carpe Diem other than base material and graphic. They have the same rocker, concave and pre-kicks. Personally, I love my Carpe Diem. I hit rails a lot so i think it was a good decision to buy the Carpe Diem, and you may want to get it just to have the extra assurance of durability. Anyway, you'll love whichever one you get. To each his own.,

cjbecker · Posted: Aug 16, 2006 4:54 pm Post subject:

I would say get the omen cause it does not have Pre-kicks, it could mess you up a little, and the omen will last just as long. I know other people will say the integrity is better so just give the omen a look at, it will be worth it.

The Bug · Frontside 180 Joined: 16 Sep 2004 Posts: 434 City: Redding

ozwest, I have a Carpe Diem 41. It is the skate of the year imho. They are really fast on the water and not forgiving at first. If you get an Integrity skate, give it several rides before evaluating the ride quality. Once you get to where you can take the fins off and ride the edges well, then you will realize that you made the correct decision. It feels very snowboard-like in that it freely rotates on the yaw axis.

lake weir ocala FL · Backside 180 Joined: 06 Jun 2005 Posts: 1241 City: Ocala

ozwest · Posted: Aug 16, 2006 5:43 pm Post subject:

Thank you to everyone who has posted so far. You've all been very helpful and I appreciate your posts very much. I am amazed at how friendly and helpful this forum is and am happy I joined.

liquid: Is the base material p-tex? I do my own repairs on my snowboards and have some p-tex left over. If it is p-tex, could I do my own repairs if needed? If yes, then the TNT sounds like it would be a good choice for me as I'd like to learn rails the 1st opportunity I get. As for looks...I've always chosen shape/construction over graphics so I'm open to whatever they choose to slap on the board.

skatewake41: I just checked out www.omenskates.com They are also made in the USA and these ones are wood. Not sure how I missed checking these out so thanks for mentioning it.

I still can't believe none of the shops around here (Eastern WA/Northern ID) have Integrity or Omen. Would be nice to demo one but not necessary. I never got to demo any of my skate decks...just learned to ride them/like them or replace them. By the way...if you know of a shop around here that does have Integrity or Omen, please correct me and let me know where it's at. Thanks.

lake weir ocala FL · Backside 180 Joined: 06 Jun 2005 Posts: 1241 City: Ocala

ozwest, The Omen decks are wood core w/ a Durasurf bottom layer. They have not been out long enough to really determine the length of one but I would say they would last a very long time. And yes, you could use your p-tex repair kit on your Integrity or an Omen. No shops that I know of carry Integrity or Omen. They are just small company's that sell from their own websites and a select few online retailors. Hope this helps.

senorbueno · Backside 180 Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Posts: 1593

ozwest, no one can tell you the "average" life of an Omen, only b/c they have only been available in the past month or so... but the owners of both Omen and Integrity put a lot of focus on durability, so when you are looking at one of those two brands, you need not worry on the longevity of the deck, as they will last just as long or longer than any other deck out there.

ozwest · Posted: Aug 16, 2006 6:12 pm Post subject:

Funny...I just went back to edit out the part I typed about "What's the average lifespan of an Omen?" since I realized skatewake41 said that the Omen would last just as long. When I went back to check my msg...there were more great posts. Thanks again.

lake weir ocala FL: Thanks for letting me know I can use p-tex to repair both the Integrity & Omen boards. Good to know. Huge selling point there too. Thank you also for explaining that the two companies are independently sold. That does help.

senorbueno: Good to hear they both focus on what's most important - durability (to me).

I'm almost at a coin toss moment here. Can't believe I thought I had it all figured out and then...now I'm stuck between two companies. It's good to have forums like this so I can make a good informed decision.

lake weir ocala FL · Backside 180 Joined: 06 Jun 2005 Posts: 1241 City: Ocala

ozwest, just go w/ what you think you will like best...i know its kind of going out on a limb spending that kind of money on something you've never used but i did it and i am thoroughly pleased w/ my decision to get an Integrity, but when i got mine there were no Omen's out yet. Laughing

Nate20 · Pop Shuvit Joined: 04 Jun 2006 Posts: 148 City: Menominee

I would recomend you to get the Integ. Before I got my Omen, I rode my friends 39 TNT, and I liked it. Hes not a very big guy and he loves it. After reading your post I noticed you are pretty small too. After I got my Omen, I rode it and loved it, because it was a bigger/widder board, but my friend had trouble riding it because it seemed a little big for him. But either board you cant really go wrong. You'll just have to adjust to it like any board.

ozwest · Posted: Aug 16, 2006 6:35 pm Post subject:

Now the question is...do I ride out the wakeskate I have that's falling apart and wait for next year's models to come out or do I buy my new one now knowing that our season here ends late September. Aaaaaaauuuuuggggghhhh!!! Crazy Eyes

So this is what happens when you go online at work and wish you were out riding instead. Does anyone know if the 2007's will be significantly better/different?

senorbueno · Backside 180 Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Posts: 1593

ozwest, that's just the way progression is, they seem to always be getting better every year.

IMO, I would buy this years, and ride it as much as you can. Who knows, maybe your season will last a while longer or start earlier than normal. Sometimes things get backed up, and it may end up taking a long time for the newer model skates to be coming out, so you may have to wait till halfway through next season before getting a particular skate that you want.

Jama · Guest

I think Schmaltz ( the owner) said in three years they've had one guy take them up on warranty and the one time it was really shady. They are great boards, a great company, and you should watch some of the vids on this site of TNT.

cjbecker · Posted: Aug 16, 2006 9:22 pm Post subject:

that is really good.

BARoNTiERi · Posted: Aug 16, 2006 11:12 pm Post subject:

check the Gator Boards website as well they have plenty of models and it's way cheaper, don't know about how long they last but they're made of composite material, and look good, and they have foam tops... just another possibility.

88skisupreme · Backside 180 Joined: 11 Nov 2004 Posts: 1342 City: ATX

get the Integ team, sand down the edges and ride it forever. you won't regret it.

canalskater · Guest

my girlfriend is about your size and she rides the 39.75 TNT and she refuses to ride another board now. i think its just easier for her because its like the equivilant of a 41 to me. definately a good board though.