Hi All,
Looking at getting into racing next summer and thinking of the Fanatic 12'6 as a good allround for flat water, haven't done a downwind but might.
Apart from $$$ and a few kgs is there much difference in the Wood vs Carbon boards?
Probably not going to race at the Elite level as I don't have that much time to dedicate to the training but still want to be competitive.
Any advice would be great.
Cheers 
go the wood , i have the carbon 12'6 great board but unless your super serious racer the wood would be the go.Caught a nice wave on it tonight too was about 4ft but hard work to keep the nose from pearling.They surf great for smaller stuff though , i think i get more fun out of surfing big sups than the smaller surf ones!
the 2011 models are considerably different in weight.
im sure the 2012 will be even more.
go the 12,6 carbon it has a way better excelleration.
good luck and good choice
first factor is the weight. for starters easier to carry get on and off the car etc.
you will definately paddle easier and be able to paddle at a higher speed for longer. in the flatwater thats going to add up for any racer or paddler- elite or novice.
who likes doing it harder
in the ocean on a big downwinder the wood and carbon may even out a bit, but in lighter stuff it would have to be better as per the reasons above.
carbon boards generally have a bit of twang or life about them compared to normal epoxy boards. wood dw board seem a bit 'dull ' even though they might be fast imo
most elite racers like them lite, most surfers like their boards lite, most cyclists like their bikes lite etc etc.
i guess it gets down to the dollars
cheers
