Trying a new board

[CloseOut97]

Hi everyone,
So lately I've been demoing the Channel Islands average joe 5'7'' 36L. I really enjoy the board,but recently I've been wanting somthing a little less bulky. I've been looking at the rocket9 which is only has 30L. I was wondering how different the boards would be in preformance and takeoff before I demo the rocket 9. Any insight would be appreciated!

[jaffa1949]

Let's be realistic here
The only way the judge the difference between the two boards is for you to demo the board for yourself.
The only person that surfs the way you do is you So go do the demo unencumbered by somebody else's perception.
Demos are the way to go!

[waikikikichan]

The Average Joe model is meant for the average surfer. The Rocket 9 is a board for pro surfer Pat Gudaukas. Do you surf at the level as Pat or surf like an average beginner/intermediate? How about the higher performance version of the Average Joe called the High 5 ?
** also the Rocket 9 comes with a 3 fin set up ( and recommended as a Twin-Stabi ) so you won't be hip and cool like the guys with Quad / 5er setup. **

[kookextraordinaire]

If the average joe feels too bulky at 36L and you want to ride the other thing at 30L, consider it in terms of percentages. If my poor arithmetic serves me correctly, that's approx. a 17% drop, which is pretty substantial. What sort of waves do you ride? How heavy are you? Are you a strong paddler? These are things you have to consider.

I second waikiki's opinion: that rocket is designed by a pro for good waves and is probably only fun if you surf at that level. There are far more forgiving boards out there. If you are set on CI's, the mini looks fun. The Superbrand fling looks really fast, forgiving, and they are way cheaper. Check it out: http://www.superbranded.com/collections ... 6096763395

Hope this post doesn't sound too didactic. Hope you find your magic board!