Ok, so I've put my wishes out to the universe (and a wanted ad in Seabreeze) for a 120 litre board, or thereabouts. I'm looking for something that's circa 2008ish (purely because that's probably what I can afford).
Specs - I'm 100kgs and an intermediate sailor, and this is to use in Melbourne bay area, in other words chop up to 1m, wind speed 15 - 22 knots.
My question is this - I've seen a few boards out there like the Starboard Carve, iSonic and Futura, the Fanatic Hawk and Shark, the JP xCite Ride and the JP Super X. All of them are within a few centimeters of each other in terms of width and seem to me to have basically the same shape, rocker, rails etc. What makes one better or worse? I would love to try them all before I buy, but that is not an option, so does anyone have any of these boards and can give me some info, ie "found it harder to plane", or "easy sailing, but hard to gybe" etc? Any reason to avoid any boards? Issues with durability or construction?
I really am not too worried about how fast it goes - my speed sailing will be done on other boards and conditions. Mainly concerned with sailing in the bay, ie not completely flat conditions. Sail sizes 6.5 to 8.2 in 2 cam - any input appreciated, thanks

I have an old trusty Starboard Carve 121 about 10 years old, I prefer smaller boards on the bay but still get it out quiet often when its a bit lighter. Great board.

I have a Mistral Energy CHS in very good condition. 2.73m, 55.5cm wide 105lt
Its a lot older, perhaps 1994, but in grat condition. The foot straps are looking a tad washed out.
I also have some old sails, booms, mast etc.
Nigel Melb.

I have a question for all. Im moving to Melbourne in October and looking to get a board and sails to suit. Im 70kg and thought that maybe a roughly 115L board with a 5.5m sail would do me? I kite as well so in the lighter winds might just go out with a larger kite rather than get another mast for my board (i have a 400 with an extension).

For my weight, would a 5.5m (i have a 4.8 as well) sail be ok in the bay with a 115L board? I was planning on getting a JP All ride.

Thanks JonE.

I plan on sticking around the city as i would try to get some sessions in evenings after work. Although i could venture further on weekends.

I can get hold of new JP boards pretty cheap through someone I know so the new 115 JP All ride i plan on getting i can get my hands on for less than $1000. I suppose if i find its too much, i can get a one with less volume when i get there.

What kind of sail sizes are generally used near the city?

Im 70kg and currently have a 4.8 and 5.5.