Help me decide on a board.

[2007 Outback V]

I want to pick up a new board this spring, but I am having troubles deciding on which board I want. I am 6'1" and 200 lbs, a little winter weight yet, but hope to be back to 185-190 this summer. Currently I have a hyperlite broadcast 4'9", which is my first board. I can free surf fairly well and ride up the wave a little. I feel like I am a little heavy for the board, it rides low in the water and I can lose the wave if I get too aggressive. I want a board that is faster, rides more on top of the wave, and something I can learn to do airs on. Sure doing spins sounds fun and is something I will play around with a little, but I like carving up and down the wave more. I'd like to be able to fall back on the wave more and then be able to catch back up, I think a faster board with more float would allow me to do this. I would like to stay under $500.

Here are some of the boards I have been looking at:

Grind Water Shapiro Ginsu
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/Bar...temid=13099292
-At first I thought this was exactly what I wanted, it has all the main attributes that I am looking for. However, recently I have been finding that most people think the board is really fragile? I don't want to have to worry about dinging the board/cracking the epoxy/glass. I understand that I can't be slamming the board into the back of the boat, but I don't want the board to messed up if it were to get bumped into a pole or something.

Ronix Koal
http://www.evo.com/outlet/wake-surfb...shoppingengine
-Again seems like a great board, but I hear it is fragile as well.

Triple XXX
https://www.triplexsurfandskim.com/Wakesurfers_c22/
-I have been considering these, I don't know too much about them. The surf style boards seem to be what I am looking for. I like the price of the skim boards better, and they have a quite a few of them on sale right now. I have read good reviews on these boards, and I haven't heard that they are really fragile?

Walker wakesurfs
-I have read great things about these boards, but I don't even know where to purchase one? I also believe they are out of my budget.

Inland Surfer
http://www.inlandsurfer.com/shop/Det...116&category=5
-Sweet Spot, http://www.inlandsurfer.com/shop/Det...116&category=5 sounds like an awesome board, solid construction and fast. A bit out of my price point, but a possibility. I think I would have to ride one before I'd bit this bullet.
-Swallow Quad, http://www.boardco.com/shopexd.asp?id=17774 seems even better than the sweet spot, but again pricey. The full carbon model is a winner, but that is just a dream for me.

I am open to any suggestions/recommendations? Thanks in advance.

[spoon03]

I would say that if you are looking for carving and air board, I would go with a surf style board. The skim style doesn't grab real well at the bottom to gain speed for airs and slashing. I live about 15 min from XXX. I went to their shop on Collins Rd. in Jacksonville to look around and their surf style boards are nice and economical. I don't have one yet (have the IS Black Pearl Skim and Phase5 Oogle) but I think I am going to ask for a XXX surf style for Father's Day. I am hoping I can get a demo to try it out.

[11 Outback V]

Inland surfer has the Mucus listed for 349. It is a B grade which means it has a cosmetic flaw but everything else is the same ie warranty and construction quality.

[2007 Outback V]

Inland surfer has the Mucus listed for 349. It is a B grade which means it has a cosmetic flaw but everything else is the same ie warranty and construction quality.

Didn't see that one before, thanks for pointing it out. Good deal, but I feel like it may not be as advanced as I'm looking for. I think I might want more out of it as I get better.

[wolfeman131]

try out a Lakewakes board. each one is hand made here in the USA, strong/durable, light and fun! Call Mark and tell him your from the Moomba board for the best price.

http://www.lakewakes.com/

[2007 Outback V]

try out a Lakewakes board. each one is hand made here in the USA, strong/durable, light and fun! Call Mark and tell him your from the Moomba board for the best price.

http://www.lakewakes.com/

Sent an email to them. I not crazy about the graphics, but I care more about performance. Hope they are something in my price range. Thanks for the recommendation.

[you da man]

Didn't see that one before, thanks for pointing it out. Good deal, but I feel like it may not be as advanced as I'm looking for. I think I might want more out of it as I get better.

The Mucus is going to be a very fast board. It's basically a copy of a Flyboy which is a sick and advanced board with air in mind

[501]

I just got a new 2011 Slingshot Arcane surfbord. if you watch the video's it looks to be a sweet ride. My lake is still solid ice but we hope to be riding with dry suits in 2-3 weeks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk9B9...D9736D169D351E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz1vsRFitbY

[2007 Outback V]

I would most definetly add the Inland Surfer Blue Lake Quad to your short list.

Try everything you can before you buy

I thought about it, but seems more like a laid back cruiser board. I want something quick and snappy.