Have narrowed down my choice of large board to either of the above
This is clearly going to be the largest of my three boards and will be used with my 8.6 (cammed) and 7.0 (no-cam). I am 6ft3 and 93kg. Anyone out there with any thoughts on which way I should go?
What draws me most to the Mistral 137 is the serious length (249cm) and Im sure would be great with the 8.6.
That said, the CA would be good with the 8.6 also and I would be able to use the 7.0 on it too so that gives the CA more range, esp when/if the wind and water state pick up...
Downside to CA is that I will most likely have to buy a new one (£$£$) whereas I can pick up a 2nd hand Mistral for half the money...
No problems using a 7.0 on the mistral with a stiff 38 fin its awesome... i have also used a 6.4 which is doable -... So I have used sails sized 6.4 to 10 on the mistral ...reasonable range slowboat has used these sizes as well to great effect.
I have not sailed the CA78 so can only comment on the M137. I really enjoy sailing the board. I have used it with 8.5 to 6.4 sails. Just change the fin size to suit sail size. The extra length make tacking very easy, which is a real advantage in marginal condition. It's very easy to jibe, tracking well and staying on the plane through the turn. In flat water conditions I've achieved 34kts. Because of its length it has a gradual rocker and that along with double concaves makes the board comfortable in chop. It's my go to board in anything under 18 kts. Slowboat talked me into buying the board and I'm very glad he did. If you have access to a 2nd hand one, snap it up very quickly.
Thanks for the feed back lads. Managed to locate a used one in good condition (not saying where in case Ratz and sausage jump in front of me). Works out less than half the price of a new CA. Your right JSR re price, its just the diff between a used board and a brand new one is so great. Great reviews about the M137, not much on the CA78 im afraid...... Not fully made my mind up yet but don't think I can justify the extra cash needed for a brand new board (would only consider the CA range if I did though).
