Hi folks (Colas - are you here? You seem to be "Mr. GongSUP"),

I've been in France the last 3 years (returning to Oz in August - long story). Have been using a GongSUP 8'6 cloud bamby (130L - has a bamboo finish on the deck). Found it perfect combo for all (surf, exercise, take mini-me for a paddle).

Shame you can't get these in Oz so, as we are moving back soon, I thought about a change/upgrade. I came across an excellent condition 2014 GongSUP 8'2 final pro xtr (125L) for 450euro with a cover (Pretty sure could get for 400euro / $600aus). Not a bad deal as I need to get a cover for shipping anyway. Could sell the old Cloud 8'6 without much out of pocket.....ie Cheap upgrade.

Looks like the 8'2 final pro is a lot narrower but a little thicker (125L) than the cloud 8'6 at 130L. For all you tech savvy folk, specs for both these boards are below.

I noticed a Mr. "Colas" (whom I do not know but seems to represent GongSup well on this site) had detailed he has one of these 8'2 final pro xtr models in his quiver and states "used for long paddles to outer reefs. Is super fast but very narrow". The website says it is suited for performance surfing in junk/fat waves.

I like the idea of having a board just a little more "performance" orientated (as a 25+ year surfer, I do get a bit bored sometimes on the cloud model sometimes). I prefer to use a surfboard so usually only take the SUP out in smaller conditions. My skills are "good" without being a "ripper"....Im 78kg and 6"1 (Tall string bean).

BUT.....I'd still like to have a board I can use for paddle fitness (no surf day training) and small paddles with the 3yo son. Im just wondering if this significantly more narrow final pro xtr might be a disappointment in that it might only tick the surfing box to make me question the upgrade?

Any thoughts anyone has I would really appreciate it. Many thanks,
Steve

Specs:
CLOUD 8'6 (current board)
- Length: 8'6 = 259 cm - Width: 30 '' 3/4 = 78.1 cm - Thickness: 4 "5/8 = 11.8 cm - Volume: 130 Litres - One foot off before: 20 "7/16 = 51.9 cm - One foot back off: 19 3/8 "= 49.2 cm - Rocker: 23.8 cm - Tail: fish tail. - Nose: Point round nose. - Drifts: sorting end or quad available: 5 Fusion box. HowTochooseyourfins - Bamby Weight: 8.60 kg (indicative weight within + or - 5%)

FINAL PRO XTR 8'2 (Potential Upgrade)
- Length: 8'2 = 250 cm - Width: 27 "3/16 = 69 cm - Thickness: 5 "1/16 = 12.8 cm - Volume: 125 Litres - One foot off before: 16 "5/16 = 41.5 cm - One foot back off: 18 "= 45.7 cm - Total Rocker: 25.5 cm - Tail: diamond tail. - Nose: nose points. - Drifts sorting adjustable end and / or quad. - XTR Weight: 7.0 kg (indicative weight within + or - 5%)