Rider: 90kg, 184cm
Style: Freeriding, Freestyle
Weather: 16-26 knots, chop
Build Quality: 7/10
Satisfaction: 5/10

Don't let the satisfaction mark fool you in to thinking I hate the board, it's middle of the road not dissatisfied or over the moon happy with it.

I've been riding a Nobile 555 137x42 (2009) for the past 4 years, so I know it like the back of my hand, and it's been good, until it recently broke on water


I borrowed a Nobile 555 134x41 (2011) for a side by side with the Monk.
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This is more of a comparison review, than a straight out review of the Monk.

The Nobile I've been riding I remember it taking a little getting used to the on rails feeling, but after that it's only drawback was the occasional Super Soaker in the eye.
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It would go where ever I pointed it, and stop on a dime for huge pop... landings could some times feel like a water slap, but not enough to break your ankle.

The Monk 2014, is an all rounder.
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It has quite a bit more rocker than the 555's, but surprisingly similar unwind-ability; I'd say exactly the same as the 555 (134x41) and but less than the (137x42).

The Monk cuts through chop in a way that seems like the board is solid (little flex) and is parting the wave/water I think that's the "Constant Curve Rocker" in action... better than both Nobiles.
The Monk is nimble, but it doesn't like hard sharp turns at speed... the Nobile's slightly out perform it at speed, but going slow the Monk's more nimble. I guess what I trying to say here is that you can point the Noble's better, and the Monk moves around better.

The Monk loves down winders, with no indication of wanting to trip you over... better than both Nobile's.
Holding the edge: This is where the Monk struggles, it's fine going along at a leisurely pace, but once you start moving fast it becomes uncontrollable much harder to control.

Pop: Now this follows on from it's edge handling... bcos it's harder to control, it also makes it exceeding hard to stop for a good pop. There's just not enough friction to get a nice controlled pop, and that's precisely what I like.
The Nobile 137 is miles ahead here, and the 134 is better.

Landings: If you can get a big enough boost, the landing will be nice. I think the Monk would boost of waves well.

Board finish: It has lots of specks/sand under the paint/lacquer.

Straps: All good, comfy, easy to adjust nice size.

So all in all quite similar to the Nobile's, but less "sporty", and more comfy cruising.


I'll finish off with a car analogy...
The Monk is a new Toyota Camry.
And the Nobile's like older Camry's with stiffer suspension.