Newbie Looking at options....

ArcticSkate'n · Pop Shuvit Joined: 13 Aug 2012 Posts: 144 City: Maitland

Hey fellas/ladies.....as the topic says, newbie to wakeskating and looking at board options. I have been riding a 2010 HL Nomad 44 this year and have got to a point where I would like to try another deck.

I have Olies down, riding switch, able to toe and heel both ways, small olie switch, basic riding, carving and slides...I have been trying pop shuvs but am only good for about 1 for 10 right now and this is where I have been thinking a new deck may help a bit with progressing further.

So lurking on here for the past week and doing a ton of reading I have kinda narrowed it down to a few companies to buy from. Either Remote, WaterMonster (New), or Integrity. Now I have read that Integrity's have a channel that Remote or WM doesnt and since right now I ride 90% behind a boat I am leaning toward them....but I could be wrong if that is better for riding behind a boat and going w2w?

After that mouthful my wonder is WHAT SIZE DECK?? I am 5'8 and weigh 180lbs. I want it to be a good size to learn new tricks on in the flats and also be able to go w2w.

ANY info, insight, OR insults are welcomed Laughing

Thanks.

bwake · Posted: Aug 14, 2012 7:31 am Post subject:

Welcome, and nice to see more people taking interest in the sport and enjoying it.

My Choice is Integrity!

I'm no expert by no means, but have been riding for a few years off and on with an older Byerly 41" with channels which I thought I would never ride anything different. I'm 5'11" 160lbs. I recently purchased a used integrity 41" 2010 model for a price I couldn't pass and it has no channels whatsoever, so I was a little worried at the difference in the ride. It is everything I read and heard about and love the way it rides and performs both with tech tricks and w2w. I am really impressed with the durability of the board, as I toss the board around on the ski, on rails, and in the truck. I am also sure there is more technology into the Integ. as far as the construction aspect and quality materials used.

I have never ridden a Remote or Wakemosters, but hear great things about the boards. I would probably choose the Remote or WM due to better construction of the Remote.

If there is a chance to ride the 3 and weed out the 2 that would be the best bet, but I know there is not always the option.

I wouldn't choose anything under 40". The size is more tricky, because eveybody has there own style and comfort in riding, but choosing a larger deck leaves less room for error. I rode a 38.5 Integrity, and it felt extremely small. It felt way different, uncomfortable, and all my tricks were sketch.

....Kinda rambled, but hope some of this input is helpful.

GOLD!en · Backside 180 Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 505 City: Edwards

Since you are in Anchorage, your ability to demo these boards may be somewhat limited unless you have friends who are more into wakeskating than you. Integrity is an amazing board that will last forever as long as you don't run it into anything. Remote sounds like it fits you since you are similarly remote in your location Birthday

ArcticSkate'n · Pop Shuvit Joined: 13 Aug 2012 Posts: 144 City: Maitland

Thanks for all the input!

I really wanted to go with the 39" Fortenberry but if its more advisable to go with the Lemons which is basically a 41" (40.75) I will do that. I know Remote has some 40" decks but they dont have that channel like Integrity does.

Ya being in AK is super lame for any water sports here especially wakeskating. We dont even have ANY shops that sell decks of any kind! Sad

electricsnow · cassette Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 10751 City: Jefferton

I think all of the brands you've chosen offer some good boards, but you don't need to base everything on your wakeskate having a chanel--when you look at the mutiny/integrity guys, they really don't even do that much wake to wake riding (which isn't to say your board isn't good for that). That board and brand has a stronger reputation for quality and innovation...that is what really stands out.

It's really tough, but all of those boards are going to ride differently and there are a lot of things to consider, like board weight and construction. I can't really comment on the ride because I ride a super old wood concave. but you can peek around on here for some reviews from other people and see how they liked all of the boards. I think miller has ridden quite a few of those decks and he might be able to offer some perspective. I do own nick's remote, and I have two different pastura watermonsters decks that I could send you photos of if you'd like.

miller · Backside 180 Joined: 08 Aug 2004 Posts: 2394 City: Regina

Like others have said, all these decks are solid choices.
The integ is going to last the longest but the Remotes and wm decks are built solidly.

The new integs have a very small channel you barely notice. It is not nearly as pronounced as in past years. I have ridden an integ/mutiny for a few years now and will always be a fan. This year's decks are their best yet.

Right now, my fav board is Wm. The concave is smooth and natural. The board is nice and wide yet the board is very fast as a result of the perfect rocker. The construction of these decks is very solid I expect mine to last for years.

I have only ridden an older Remote so I can't comment on the newer ones.

Hope this helps

ArcticSkate'n · Pop Shuvit Joined: 13 Aug 2012 Posts: 144 City: Maitland

OK, well I guess the channel really doesnt have a huge affect if Im riding behind a boat 90% of the time. And ya I know, these guys arent doing a lot of wake to wake riding so its hard to choose.

I also will probably ride with fins behind the boat, but thats up for debate too I guess cause I have never rode without fins. I can only imagine trying to edge in hard to the wake with no fins tho.

Do you guys think a 39" Integ would be too small? Confused

miller · Backside 180 Joined: 08 Aug 2004 Posts: 2394 City: Regina

A 39" would be a good size

GOLD!en · Backside 180 Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 505 City: Edwards

If you are worried about having a channel of some sort, consider using a short fin on the back instead. Works similarly and you can take it on or off if you don't like it. Honestly I am going to buy an Aquarium fin as soon as I can get my hands on one because they look perfect.

deepcove · Posted: Aug 14, 2012 8:13 pm Post subject:

ArcticSkate'n · Pop Shuvit Joined: 13 Aug 2012 Posts: 144 City: Maitland

Ya I peeped those Aquarium nubs and fins...look pretty legit for sure.

So the channel isn't a big deal or something that should be the deciding factor in my choice..copy. That being said, I'm not sure about weight cause I have only rode the one skate I have (2010 HL Nomad 44) and I think it weighs about 11lbs.

The Integrity boards are already pre drilled for fins though from what I have read on their site.....are Remotes drilled? Would I also go with a 39 if I went with Remote or a 40? That;s really where I'm lost is the length, but you guys are helping a bunch!

This 40" Thurman looks drilled for fins and nubs but I havent seen the others like this (sorry for the hugeness of the photo)

overstreet31 · Posted: Aug 14, 2012 9:26 pm Post subject:

can't speak for remotes(at the moment at least) but the new integs have pilot holes for fins on both ends case you want to use them. Integs also have inset threads on one end to use their LipStick nubs without any screwheads on the top of the board and have pilot guides on the other end in case you want to use another companies lock-ins. you can see these on their website if you look at the Josh Norman board. There is a close up view of them

edit: pilot holes for lining up your fins, not pre-drilled for fins...
http://www.integrity-wake.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ws2011Josh

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

ArcticSkate'n · Pop Shuvit Joined: 13 Aug 2012 Posts: 144 City: Maitland

Super legit info fellas!

Ya I think I'm getting hung up on some variables that wont matter as much when I start riding whatever board I get. I have adapted so far to other variables riding so I feel confident now that whatever I get I will feel comfortable on it after just riding a bunch.

I come from a skateboard/snowboard background and when making a switch to another board/profile it can make a lot of difference in your riding and progression....that has what got me thinking about a new deck.

Maybe the best way to go about it is to get a couple decks and play around with both till I get one setup/riding the way I like. Im 100% I could sell the other deck to one of my buddies no problem. If I start with fins and I drill thru the pilot holes can I fill them in with wax if I wanna go to finless later?

Also, say if I ordered a Remote and Integ this week, how long will they take to get to me aprx....not much more "warm" riding weather left here in AK.

electricsnow · cassette Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 10751 City: Jefferton

The remote should be in stock from wherever you order it. If you're on Facebook you can go to the integrity page and check to see what their stock levels are like. It looks like they're just starting to build up a surplus of decks, so you might be lucky. But I'd check with them first since your season is an issue.

One thing is I do think you're going to like coming down to a shorter deck. 44 inches is super long for a wakeskate nowadays, so that aspect might help you with your shuvs and what not. But the best thing is just finding a board you're comfortable and super confident on. That makes a huge difference on the mental aspect of riding.

ArcticSkate'n · Pop Shuvit Joined: 13 Aug 2012 Posts: 144 City: Maitland

Gotcha, well thats promising then they may be able to ship right away.

Do you guys think I should go with a 39 Fortenberry Integ and a 39.5 Leo/Labadnes Remote or go with the 40 Yan/Thurman Remote? Will there be a huge diff in a inch? Trying to get the same but different ya know? If I keep them close to the same size then I can get a better side by side comparison.....I am probably over analyzing it too much and I should just get whatever and ride Smile

jdarr · Posted: Aug 15, 2012 7:44 am Post subject:

An inch wont make any difference. I mean if you go with the 39 though, now thats 5 inches! you might have to get used to that. Mabye Not? Go with the remote! Check out the NEW skates too! Super legit with not quite the abrupt concave. I think that you will get it and realize you like ur old one, ive been on that search a hundred times. Good luck

southpaw · Posted: Aug 15, 2012 9:56 am Post subject:

I would say the weight of the board is another very important factor to think about, weight is one of my main factors, as well as most wakeskaters I know, when looking at a new board. Integs are some of the lightest wakeskates in the market, but those decks and most of their team are doing really tech flip tricks and apparently (I can't do them) the lighter integ boards and their design help with that. That's not to say you cant kickflip your 44 but just another thought. Water monsters are a really nice weight about 10-11 pounds and one of the most solid wood skates out there, with a nice natural feeling but pronounced concave, one of my favorite boards and shapes I have ever rode. Remotes (aside from nick taylors board) are even a bit heavier than water monsters which I really like, but I like the heavier boards I want substance under my feet. the side concaves on remotes are pretty steep I haven't had time to get used to my foot placement on them yet, but I've only taken one set on a 39.5 which I did love, and one set on nicks 38.5. Nicks boards was really light compared to all other remotes, but they took out a ply for his board and it is an inch shorter, very similar to an integrity, I can totally feel why this is nicks board with him just coming off an integ. Remotes also have a very solid construction I think these boards will last a really long time for people, the rocker is also really smooth i could slaysh around on these boards all day and really dig a hard edge in. I have rode all these boards and this is my 2 cents for you I hope it helps your decision, either way you can't go wrong and your style and riding will adapt to the board your riding it's all about water time! Let me know if you have any other questions I'm happy to help

adeguzman · Ollie Joined: 08 Sep 2010 Posts: 73 City: Manteca

I used to ride a Mutiny 39" and I loved that thing when I first got it. Just got a newer Remote about 2 weeks and it is definitely the best skate Ive been on. I'm about the same size 5'8" 175lbs and I thought the Mutiny was too small behind the boat. I also rode both Leo's and Yan's boards at the Almost Heros Tour and the 39.5" felt solid behind the cable but for me I knew it was a little small. The 40" was good of the kickers and everything so I knew that'd be the one. Been riding a bunch of ski and winching and I couldn't be happier with the board. I've ridden the 40" Water Monsters too and that is another great board felt solid I just like the shape of the Remote better. The sidewalls on the Remotes can take a beating too so I'm sure it'll last a couple years. And like Southpaw said, weight is a big issue and so is the concave. I'm sure that you'll be stoked on any of the boards.

ArcticSkate'n · Pop Shuvit Joined: 13 Aug 2012 Posts: 144 City: Maitland

Thanks for all the input! This forum is super legit with the wealth of knowledge and experience offered. Ask someone in AK about Wakeskating and they look at you like you just asked them how to solve world peace, clueless. Myself and a buddy of mine have been discussing this year the possibility of building a indoor winch park up here (we have nothing up here, even on the lakes) to get more recognition for this sport in AK....something that could happen in the next year or so, pretty exciting.

I think then Im gonna pick up a 39 Integ and a 40 Remote, pick up some fins and ride with them off and on to get a feel for that.

I ride behind a MC X2 wakeboard edition and a new Malibu Wakesetter 24. What are good speeds and rope lengths for these boats with these boards?