Looking for feedback on the Jimmy Lewis Stun Gun (9'2" or 9'7") vs Naish Hokua 9'5" vs PSH 9'2" or 9'6" ripper. Intermediate skill level weighing 80 kg, 5'10". Looking to advance skills. Currently on a Jimmy Lewis Hanalei 10'8". Hawaii surf conditions up to 10' faces but more in the shoulder to head high range.

I looked at that board but it's limited to a quad set-up only. 8'7" seems a bit small for my skill level.

I have surfed the kwad but haven't surfed most of the others I own and recommend the 9'2" Stun Gun, love it

At 80kg I'm sure you would manage on the 9'2 Stun Gun or the 8'7 Kwad there isn't much between them stability wise.

I am approx 90kg but I know of others heaps heavier than me that also surf the 9'2.

I was surfing the 9'2 in bali at 100kg with ease in all conditions.
If I was 80kg I would definitely be looking at the 8'7.

tortoise is on the money.... always buy the board you want to be riding in 6 to 12 months time

Going to see if I can get the north shore store to put a JL in their rental line-up. Still haven't seen a JL Quad or Stun Gun in the line up. Seeing more Hobie's out there lately - and small. C4s and many local names are abundant.

I still have my 9'1" JL quad, have had a few naish boards and have a Fanatic 9'3" carbon as well (don't use it much way too light unless its perfect conditions which we don't get vey often). Also have a PSH12 fter.
The quad is the go to board by far followed by the PSH. JL has the toughest construction by far, not a mark on it after 2 years solid work. I'm a bit lighter at 73kgs.
My thoughts anyway?

Im the same weight and height as you, and surf about the same waves. I have the 9'7" stun gun and just love it. I use the quad set up.
Just from my point of view, I went with the 9'7" to have that extra stability when not on the wave, which is where you can suck up a lot of your energy. At 55 I need all the energy I can muster.
The board still has potential Ill never give it so unless your a smash of the lip kind of surfer I prefer to make it easy as possible while still having a great board, which carves beautiful turns.
The jimmey boards are as good as any of the top makes in performance and construction, just not as well known.
I havn't tried the PSH or Naish

rkozkauai said..
Very good feedback. Just talked to one of the distributors on Maui who surfs the smaller JL StunGuns. He recommended the 9'7 since I'm coming down from the 10'8. It's the 2nd best selling board on Maui. Starboards are currently #1. I can score a good deal on the 2013 model. 2014 models have some cool artwork. Jimmy designs great boards but he's a bit behind on artwork / color. Can't wait. Naish is just too much money. Will scope out Craigslist for a couple more weeks and buy new if I strike out.

Update - bought a 'Duane Ignacio' 9'2 - very similar to the JL Stun Gun 9'2. Absolutely loving it. Advice: go smaller than you think and don't be afraid to go a bit wider. Mine's 30" in the sweet spot - perfect for stability without slowing me down or limiting my turning.