Hyperlite Broadcast 4.8 or 5.4?

[22MXZDan]

Hi Everyone!  I'm picking up a Hyperlite Broadcast for the "Family" board (all beginners by the way) and looking for feedback on the 4.8 versus the 5.4 size.  The intention of the board is for teenagers and adults ranging from 90 - 200 lbs.  I'm worried if I go with the 4.8, it will be too small for any of the 200 pounders to use, and if I go with the 5.4, it will be too sluggish for any of the lighter riders.  

I get there is no "one" board for all riders and do have a Doomswell Helio for the little ones.  I also plan on demoing some other boards later in the season for a better "Adult" sized board and beginner to advanced skill level.  

I am set on getting the Broadcast, just wondering your thoughts on sizing based off of this post.  Thank you in advance for your feedback!

 

Edited May 28, 2020 by 22MXZDan

[asnowman]

We have a 5-4 that everyone learned on in our family. My 2 boys at about 75 lbs all the way to my friend at about 230. 

We have since added several other boards, a phase 5 prop for my 14 yo, a diamond turbo for me, and a happy pill as well.

The broadcast is a pretty good all around board for learning, you will probably get the itch for something different, but i thought it was a good place to start.

[Raleigh]

5’4” or bust! The bigger board will ensure everyone can get up and stay on. Go long then short. The other way makes things no fun at all. Work your way down, just like actual surfing.

[noeffort]

I bought the 4’8” board for the family, I am around 215 and find it works well, had someone try it that is 6’5” tall and found it to be to small.  

[RyGuyCPA]

I bought the 5’4” version of the Broadcast as our first family board. The price was right to enter the market (and the wife agrees!).  I also got a 48” jet pilot glass slipper which is quite a bit smaller but we have found that jet pilot board easier to get up on and it seems to hold better on the wave. 
I’m 6’1” right about 200lbs and just can’t get the feel of that broadcast board.  I actually feel better on the smaller jet pilot board. Any recommendations to get a better feel on the hyper lite?  3 fins instead of 2 maybe?  am I just too big? 
 

[Raleigh]

1 hour ago, RyGuyCPA said:

I bought the 5’4” version of the Broadcast as our first family board. The price was right to enter the market (and the wife agrees!).  I also got a 48” jet pilot glass slipper which is quite a bit smaller but we have found that jet pilot board easier to get up on and it seems to hold better on the wave. 
I’m 6’1” right about 200lbs and just can’t get the feel of that broadcast board.  I actually feel better on the smaller jet pilot board. Any recommendations to get a better feel on the hyper lite?  3 fins instead of 2 maybe?  am I just too big? 
 

I ride the broadcast so my weight is more forward. I’m similar size to you. My back foot is 2-4 inches off the back pad ramp area. I feel that really helps me on that board.

[RyGuyCPA]

5 minutes ago, Raleigh said:

I ride the broadcast so my weight is more forward. I’m similar size to you. My back foot is 2-4 inches off the back pad ramp area. I feel that really helps me on that board.

Well alright then!  I typically like to have my back foot resting where the riser meets the board, but I love having something new to try when heading to the lake.  Thanks!