Mate, Well done on dropping 18 kegs

I can't help you on the Speeed query. Sorry

Exiled, that's a worthy achievement!

By the numbers, you should be fine dropping up to 23 liters of volume, which puts you around 100 liters.

I have often told folks that the Speeed would change character, once you were on a small enough one, to surf it with one foot on the accelerator and one foot on the steering wheel. I believe that you would see a marked difference in performance, if you never had to move your feet.
I just measured the distance from handle to stomper on the 8'5... that would put me into a fixed stance (if I ever lose 20 kg)
If you are over 5'9, I would bet you could surf the 8'2 in a fixed stance.

Volume aside, you will be dropping 1.5 " in width.... that is something to think about.

Another option might be to change it up a bit and get an 8'4 Creek.
At 105 liters and 28.5" wide and a flatter deck, that should get be very comfortable for you.

The rail curve and nose make it an entirely different board, while keeping the same tail.

Your weight loss is worthy of a new board!

or you could go small and get a Genration SP25 - Sean Pointers new Sunova line!
7'11 x 28.5 at 105 liters
genration.com/collections/sup/products/sp25?variant=27852092375140

Thanks for the input everyone!

I'm 6'5, so I have a a fairly wide stance, so I'm hoping the 8'2 will get me short enough. The appeal of the 8'2 would be that I wouldn't be learning a new board, just managing the smaller size in a board I already know works for me. That and I can take the plunge at used board prices. If I was feeling flush I would spring for a 8'0 Wedge, but I'm waiting for the ride reports to start coming in. I want to hear how it handles bigger waves.

SUPbru said..
Exiled....I started on an 8'5 Speeed / I then bought an 8'2 from a fellow Breezer followed by a 7'11 & I finally settled on the 7'8. Bottom line...IMO you get the most out of a shape like the Speeed riding it as small as possible providing you've got a back-up board for the less than perfect days. As Creek mentions, aside from the obvious benefits of a shorter/narrower board, the beauty with the smaller Speeed's is that you don't have to move your feet as much especially if you're tall & have a naturally wide stance

7'8 is small! how tall are you?

if its cheap enough go for it for sure.that board goes good in every length , its a magic shape..when the waves are better a shorter speed is sweet

well done on losing weight. 6'5 on a 8.2! I ride a 8'2 speed and Im 5'8 keep both boards is my advice. You'll struggle on a windy /rough day on the 8'2

exiled said..
Thanks for the input everyone!

I'm 6'5, so I have a a fairly wide stance, so I'm hoping the 8'2 will get me short enough. The appeal of the 8'2 would be that I wouldn't be learning a new board, just managing the smaller size in a board I already know works for me. That and I can take the plunge at used board prices. If I was feeling flush I would spring for a 8'0 Wedge, but I'm waiting for the ride reports to start coming in. I want to hear how it handles bigger waves.

Daniel seems comfortable on the Wedge in some size, even though it is not the designed purpose for it.
Looks solid on some hard turns!

save up!!!