140 vs 144 Witness, do I need the larger board?

[ilovetrains]

So when the I had the boat in the shop for the impeller I was looking at new boards. I had decided to get one and the guys there talked to me about the Liquid Force Witness. I have been riding a 143 LF Balance and it sounded like the way to go. The only problem is, they did not have the 144. I am just under 6 ft and about 230 lbs and a recreational rider (no aerial tricks).

So I took the 140, and love it. It rides great. Might like a bit more pop, but overall it tracks excellent, turns sharp and feels very stable.

So my question is, what the 144 be like? Just wonder what that extra 4 cm gets me.

I can trade them the 140 for a 144 when the 144 comes in, so no cost difference.

[CincyVLX]

I ride both a 138 (Cable) and a 142 (Boat). I have ridden both behind the boat. I am 6' 195lbs. The thing I notice the most is the pop off the wake with the 142. It seems that I sit a little higher on the water. With that being said, the 142 isn't nearly as stable, but that might be because I'm riding a Slingshot Recoil (No tracking other than the 4 fins).

It all depends on what you are looking for in a board. If you want stable, I would stay with the 140. If you plan on learning some tricks and catching some air, maybe the 144 would be a better option for you.

EDIT: Will they let you demo the 144 when it comes in and see which one you like better?

Edited July 20, 2011 by CincyVLX

[BorderBoarder]

You will definitely like the bigger board. I am 6ft 220# and wouldn't ride less than a 142 regularly. Sure, I can strap on my old 138 and still have fun, but I get tired faster (more drag) and have to work harder for less pop. I have found the opposite of Cincyvlx is that a lager board seems more stable and probably a little more forgiving on landings if you decide to start trying w2w tricks. Just my opinions though.

[MalibuNation]

You will definitely like the bigger board. I am 6ft 220# and wouldn't ride less than a 142 regularly. Sure, I can strap on my old 138 and still have fun, but I get tired faster (more drag) and have to work harder for less pop. I have found the opposite of Cincyvlx is that a lager board seems more stable and probably a little more forgiving on landings if you decide to start trying w2w tricks. Just my opinions though.

[WakeGirl]

Just to add, the 144 will give you more float & more pop, and be more stable than a smaller board (cincy's experience likely has more to do with the board design than size - generally bigger boards are more stable). Go for the bigger board at your size.

[Bu hoo]

I ride both a 138 (Cable) and a 142 (Boat). I have ridden both behind the boat. I am 6' 195lbs. The thing I notice the most is the pop off the wake with the 142. It seems that I sit a little higher on the water. With that being said, the 142 isn't nearly as stable, but that might be because I'm riding a Slingshot Recoil (No tracking other than the 4 fins).

It all depends on what you are looking for in a board. If you want stable, I would stay with the 140. If you plan on learning some tricks and catching some air, maybe the 144 would be a better option for you.

I have to disagree with this advice. All other things being equal, it is widely accepted that a longer board provides more stability.