Just did a downwinder, wind dropped out but there was knee to hip high chop.

Me and a mate paddled the New Red Fanatic 14ft and 12'6.

Paddled the 14fter first while my mate paddled the 12"6, we then swapped half way.

I found the 14fter to be an easy stable board.
caught chop easy and was allround nice.

then i jumped on the 12"6.

much less stable but hell it bolted in the chop.
rolled a little when planning on runners but overall it was quicker.

We both where convinced the 14fter would be faster but know we arn't so sure.
unless your paddling the oahu-molokai everyday i think the 12"6 would be a better allrounder, even in down winders.

thats my 2 cents anyway.

enjoy