Spleene Door size recommendation??

BillB · Post by **BillB** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 12:36 pm

I wanted to pick up a Spleene Door.
At 160lbs... what would be the best size for me to buy for light/variable wind conditions around here (164, 154)?
What would be the trade-offs?

Thanks

Bill

Tighe · Post by **Tighe** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 12:42 pm

Bill
You might consider calling Jeff Hoxtell down at Air Padre. They sell more Spleens than anyone in the country and would know quite a bit about what would make sense for your weight, skill and quiver. He's a good guy and won't steer you wrong.

Even if you're planning on buying elsewhere, feel free to use my name when you talk to Jeff, just tell him I said he'd be the one to talk to about these boards.

Air Padre 956.299.9463

Stroh · Post by **Stroh** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 12:50 pm

I would go with a board in the 140 something range. I know eric P is using a smaller speene 130-145(I'm not quite sure which one) as his light wind board. and his big kite is a 14.

I don't think the lenght is what gives you better light wind ability... I think it is more to do with width. and a very light rocker

my fealing is that the bigger the board the less fun it is. the big long boards are hard to pop off a wave( they tend to kinda stick to the water) then there is the weight issues.

there are tons of people here in MN that are rideing spleene boards my advice is to try before you buy. and if you can try a smaller spleen along side a bigger one... I don't think you will find much difference in light wind plainability between the between a 140 and a 160 the smaller board will be able to move faster through the water ( less Drag) allowing you to devlop more apparent (power) in your kite

My 2 cents
Jon

steveb · Post by **steveb** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 3:29 pm

Bill for your weight the 154. You wouldn't need the big one, it's really for the 200lb + boys.
No trade offs, you just wouldn't have the weight to hold down the 164 when the wind builds a little.
Erics riding the rip 138. It's not really a light wind board but it works for Eric. Boards you could consider too would be the session which at 141 is the smallest Door shape they make, and the Rip Plus which is a 141 but very wide with a tiny bit more rocker.
Tough to beat the Door.

AS Tighe says Jeff at Air Padre always has some in stock, Larry at Scuba Cntr works with Spleene too. I don't think anyone else has them locally.

Tom L · Post by **Tom L** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 9:43 pm

I concur with Steve. Go with the 154. I'm about 160 lbs also. I have the old 159 and the 164. The 164 is great for super light conditions, but it is hard to hold an edge over 15-20mph, and harder to load up for jumps. Jerry S rides the 164 into higher winds but he has a few pounds on us. I use the 141 also but more as an all around board on smaller lakes.

I've found that if you're on Milly all the time you can get away with smaller boards in light winds but if you sail the more variable winds of smaller lakes found around the cities, the bigger boards carry you through the lulls which can get down to nothing on light days.

Now Spleene came out with the Monster Door which is 1" wider than the Door64. Not exactly sure who that is designed for. Someone BIG I guess.

P R Key · Post by **P R Key** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:34 pm

Bill
If you are interested I have a 154 you could try out at anytime. Just send me an email and we can hook up.

drknap · Post by **drknap** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:38 pm

Bill
Can't comment on the spleene. People who have them like them. Perhaps you've already ridden one and made up your mind. But-If not, I'd highly reccomend you take a Crazy Fly board for a spin. I've got a couple as does Avery. Love them-see previous posts. Ave and I have 4 different sizes to check out. Drop a line if interested.

champlin · Post by **champlin** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 6:52 am

I have a new 2007 Spleen door 154 and I am loving it as my light wind board, nothing out there even begins to perform like this thing does, I did buy mine from Air Padre from Jeff, excellent service and quick shipment, anytime I'm out just stop me if I'm not ripping around on it myself and I would be happy to let you try it no problem, even at your weight I think you will enjoy the 154. Something Spleen does not advertize about the board is that I found it to be extremely fast if ridden right, the thing plains out fast and cuts through the waves? The only complaint I have with it is if you really lean back on it you get water slamming your feet on the heel side and it slows me down sometimes, this just makes you chnage your riding stance a little bit and how much edge you are trying to take, but once you get used to riding this thing it just rocks all to hell, I was thinking of getting a smaller one for all my really high wind riding like a 140 something or a 130 something, I just love the boards, glad I got one, besides I was tired of watching the legend riding in the light stuff while we all watched!

steveb · Post by **steveb** » Sat Aug 18, 2007 11:08 am

The rip boards i.e the higher wind spleenes are just as good and just as well made as the Doors. I have a 138 rip which I've had for 3 seasons now. I love it. Light, great flex,good edge hold, nice pop and loose enough in the turns. + very strong.
I think I'll be riding this board forever as I keep looking at new boards coming out, they all seem to be very similar in shape and construction. So I stay on the rip. Sweet board so I can highly recommend the smaller spleenes.

Eric P · Post by **Eric P** » Sat Aug 18, 2007 12:12 pm

I ride the rip 138 as my only board. For the really light stuff I just ride my home made skim board, strapless, for a good challenge in light wind. I can ride the rip when it gets to about 12 mph. That is only in the steady, Milly wind I ride. I weight about 165 and fly a 14 meter Vegas. Like Steve said, it is one tough board, bomber construction, and I'll probably be riding it until I get sick of the color scheme.

The doors are a gas in really light and variable wind. They head up wind at a terrific rate.