I persoanlly really like the XXX boards. They are a pretty fast and light board for being a stamped main line production board.

Just make sure you are getting the 2012 or 2013 versions, these have the new outter coating that isnt as soft and dingable.

I have used the 2011 model a lot and it digs with just the slightlest touch but the 12 got a new outter coat that you can bang around pretty easy.

As for Skim boards cant really help you on that except.

I would look into a Victoria Skim they run in the low 300s and are solid boards.
Phase 5 are excellent skim from what i hear but run closer to 600