I think being just that little bit more relaxed on the 8'8 will be key for myself especially coming off a 9'6 wide ripper
I think you have talked yourself into the decision. Go with what you feel best about.
However, I agree with the comments about the 8'3" - it should be fine for you in a range of conditions. Don't get too hung up about volume, so long as there is enough to float you stability is driven more by other factors such as width, plan shape etc than pure volume.
....Or you could buy the whole range and have a quiver of X32's then your worries are definitely over! 
Select to expand quoteWavesareus said..
I'm thinking 8"8 then go down to 8"3
There you go. Easy.
if you're intermediate, the jump from 9'6" to 8'8" will be a big one and if there's enough water moving around you'll regret being on an 8'3" just yet. You just need to get an 8'8" at a good price secondhand and grab an 8'3" after summer. That is, if it's not obsolete by then.
You also havent mentioned how tall you are - this has a huge effect on stability both in parallel with and independent of weight.
I'm really a bit lost in the comments, I see it's only 5 kg between the two sizes for recomendations
what is the real difference between the two sizes? More glide? stability ??
Umm why don't you demo, or just pull the trigger mate.
my 2 cents
get the bigger one and stop procrastinating
i have the carbon, if they would of had gt when it come out that i would of got.
carbon is for those that don't pay for their boards or your trying to cut a p00fteenth off your times.
Ive been riding the 2014 X32 9.1 for the last couple of months
Demoed both the new 2015 8.8 and 8.3 on the same surf session in 2 foot slop
9.1 = Stable Table
Next to no difference in stability between 8.8 and 8.3 but noticeable from 9.1 to 8.8
8.3 Just tore shreds off the 8.8 when it came to performance
Guess whats sitting in my garage right now?????
Yep 8.3
at 46 years and pushing 92 kegs in the shade the 8.3 is also pushing my comfort zone. But just like any new board a few surfs under the belt and you will be glad you went shorter!
Select to expand quotedjansen said..
Ive been riding the 2014 X32 9.1 for the last couple of months
Demoed both the new 2015 8.8 and 8.3 on the same surf session in 2 foot slop
9.1 = Stable Table
Next to no difference in stability between 8.8 and 8.3 but noticeable from 9.1 to 8.8
8.3 Just tore shreds off the 8.8 when it came to performance
Guess whats sitting in my garage right now?????
Yep 8.3
at 46 years and pushing 92 kegs in the shade the 8.3 is also pushing my comfort zone. But just like any new board a few surfs under the belt and you will be glad you went shorter!
Thanks for your reply, yep got the 8'3
I am 95ish kg and 6'2". Just purchased a 9'1" X32. Have had one sesh in mushy 2-3 ft, and loved the stability on a really blowy, choppy day. Look forward to trying it on glass, it turns really well for a big 150L. Did consider an 8'8", but happy with the manouverability of the 9'1", and the option of a comfortable wait for a wave.
is there more issues with durability
