Rider: 90kg, 184cm
Style: Freeriding, Freestyle
Weather: 16-26 knots, chop
Build Quality: 7/10
Satisfaction: 5/10
Don't let the satisfaction mark fool you in to thinking I hate the board, it's middle of the road not dissatisfied or over the moon happy with it.
I've been riding a Nobile 555 137x42 (2009) for the past 4 years, so I know it like the back of my hand, and it's been good, until it recently broke on water 
I borrowed a Nobile 555 134x41 (2011) for a side by side with the Monk.
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This is more of a comparison review, than a straight out review of the Monk.
The Nobile I've been riding I remember it taking a little getting used to the on rails feeling, but after that it's only drawback was the occasional Super Soaker in the eye.
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It would go where ever I pointed it, and stop on a dime for huge pop... landings could some times feel like a water slap, but not enough to break your ankle.
The Monk 2014, is an all rounder.
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It has quite a bit more rocker than the 555's, but surprisingly similar unwind-ability; I'd say exactly the same as the 555 (134x41) and but less than the (137x42).
The Monk cuts through chop in a way that seems like the board is solid (little flex) and is parting the wave/water I think that's the "Constant Curve Rocker" in action... better than both Nobiles.
The Monk is nimble, but it doesn't like hard sharp turns at speed... the Nobile's slightly out perform it at speed, but going slow the Monk's more nimble. I guess what I trying to say here is that you can point the Noble's better, and the Monk moves around better.
The Monk loves down winders, with no indication of wanting to trip you over... better than both Nobile's.
Holding the edge: This is where the Monk struggles, it's fine going along at a leisurely pace, but once you start moving fast it becomes uncontrollable much harder to control.
Pop: Now this follows on from it's edge handling... bcos it's harder to control, it also makes it exceeding hard to stop for a good pop. There's just not enough friction to get a nice controlled pop, and that's precisely what I like.
The Nobile 137 is miles ahead here, and the 134 is better.
Landings: If you can get a big enough boost, the landing will be nice. I think the Monk would boost of waves well.
Board finish: It has lots of specks/sand under the paint/lacquer.
Straps: All good, comfy, easy to adjust nice size.
So all in all quite similar to the Nobile's, but less "sporty", and more comfy cruising.
I'll finish off with a car analogy...
The Monk is a new Toyota Camry.
And the Nobile's like older Camry's with stiffer suspension.
have to disagree with you with the monk on edging, never had a problem. i had the 9m dice out in 35kn (weigh 70kg) due to human error grabbing the wrong kite bag and i wasnt getting blasted downwind, in fact i would say its one of the best edging TT in high wind iv used. im sure cauncy would agree with me here
also sharp turning depends on your fin size yeah? i can easily be going out and slash a wave at full speed.
I think you need to spend a little more time on it to get use to the monk
interesting on the edging thoughts for the monk . I would say the complete opposite although having never ridden the nobile i can't compare but i have found the faster i go on the monk the better it holds an edge .
Also found the board is alot more fun and handles better with 35mm fins compared to the 50mm fins it comes with . What size fins did you have on it fly .
Select to expand quotearloj said..
have to disagree with you with the monk on edging, never had a problem. i had the 9m dice out in 35kn (weigh 70kg) due to human error grabbing the wrong kite bag and i wasnt getting blasted downwind, in fact i would say its one of the best edging TT in high wind iv used. im sure cauncy would agree with me here
also sharp turning depends on your fin size yeah? i can easily be going out and slash a wave at full speed.
I think you need to spend a little more time on it to get use to the monk
It all depends what you're used to... and compared with the Nobile 137, it doesn't hold it's edge or line as well.
But it's streets ahead of some other boards.Select to expand quotedusta said..
interesting on the edging thoughts for the monk . I would say the complete opposite although having never ridden the nobile i can't compare but i have found the faster i go on the monk the better it holds an edge .
Also found the board is alot more fun and handles better with 35mm fins compared to the 50mm fins it comes with . What size fins did you have on it fly .
It has 53mm... and I was thinking bigger.
I was slipping out the first couple of runs.
I went from a Nobile to a Monk.
I can see what your saying.
In my opinion when I first got on the Monk it felt really slippery but I realised that was only when the fins are not engaged, like through a jybe. I'm guessing due to it having more rocker than the Nobile, and now with that it becomes so much more fun to ride.
Now I'm use to it, it grips like a mother even when over powered, just lean more and edge hard and it never lets go.
Probably a relevant review as all Shinn boards are made by Nobile using mould shapes from about 2009.
not a great one for one comparison, youd of been better on the supershinn , the is a good chance the 2010 would of been shinn influenced as he was nobiles designer for a while, the monk feels very different when ridden against other boards , but is a ripper when ridden for a while, id say kite choice has a big reflection on board choice also,im still on the original so I carnt comment on the 2014 , but its been voted board of the year 2 years on the hop,in my view this board edges better than any board ive ridden, excels in the chop, it doesn't instantly pop as a stiffer board does but if you charge it up it gives a very decent lift, its not a freestyle board its a freeriders board and a very nice allrounder, not saying everyone should own one as we all ride different styles and in different conditions so whatever your happy on is all good in my eyes,
if I try I can nearly lay horizontal and it doesn't budge an bit
Select to expand quoteBrisKites said..
Probably a relevant review as all Shinn boards are made by Nobile using mould shapes from about 2009.
Lot of respect for the job you guys are doing over there - even in WA we hear the ES goss - good & bad & Bris Kites is good.
But seriously dude that comment is Krap with a Capital C.
Mark is fanatical about every aspect of his build. If there were any old moulds in use they would be laid up entirely differently.
But please - show me a shape thats anything like any 2009 board. ?? Love to know about it if its out there.
Select to expand quoteFlySurfer said..
Holding the edge: This is where the Monk struggles, it's fine going along at a leisurely pace, but once you start moving fast it becomes uncontrollable much harder to control.
I'll finish off with a car analogy...
The Monk is a new Toyota Camry.
And the Nobile's like older Camry's with stiffer suspension.
Nice take on a review Flysurfer. Great value way to present info for all those interested.
Now this isnt my opinion (Shinn dealer but I dont ride the Monk). It comes from rider feedback of more demo triallers than I could count.
Probably the 2nd most common reason for the smiles on the faces of 1st time Shinn riders is its holding ability. First is the comfort.
Even in the worst conditions one thing the Monk will do is hold the edge.
It was the first thing Mark told me about his boards. And being a big skipper 
from way back I tested him on the claim. He was dead right - if you dig in & hold you are going nowhere.
Im sure your take on this point has more to do with you riding The Monk like your familiar old 555. (freestyle stiff compared to Xride comfort)
I was riding the Nobile NHP until the Shinns came along - I rate them really highly. Awesome board.
The NHP & Monk - both high end Xover boards - are a very much closer comparison.
Monk has it all over the NHP for edging & upwind.
Love the car analogy - very good summary of your experience. 
I can hold my monkey's edge great while blasting though the water like a bullet! Maybe try it with smaller fin's see how it goes on the turning negatives you mentioned.
Select to expand quotepuppetonastring said..
Monk has it all over the NHP for edging & upwind.
Love the car analogy - very good summary of your experience.
I would have gone with a BMW 5 series, vs M5... but I hate BMW.
The board's good, but I just find I can't charge in, stop and POP like I could with the 137 555.
Also it slipped out on my riding like I would with the 555... I can adapt my riding to it and hold plenty of power, but not like the 555 with control.
I think maybe I should have gone with a 136x44, I was so close to getting that, but just went with the recommended size for my weight... what do you think?
Comfort wise... no complaints.
And compared to some of the other boards I've tried, it's also significantly better all round.
I'd disagree with the edging comments too. I find it pretty difficult to lose my edge at speed on my monk.
Select to expand quoteBrisKites said..
Probably a relevant review as all Shinn boards are made by Nobile using mould shapes from about 2009.
I think you meant to say the nobile boards were designed by Mark Shinn and Nobile have not changed their shapes since 2009.
I extended the fins by ~1mm, and that seems to have sharpened up the board.
Still off the precision of my previous board but a little closer.
Select to expand quotepuppetonastring said..BrisKites said.. Probably a relevant review as all Shinn boards are made by Nobile using mould shapes from about 2009.Lot of respect for the job you guys are doing over there - even in WA we hear the ES goss - good & bad & Bris Kites is good. But seriously dude that comment is Krap with a Capital C. Mark is fanatical about every aspect of his build. If there were any old moulds in use they would be laid up entirely differently. But please - show me a shape thats anything like any 2009 board. ?? Love to know about it if its out there.
Nothing Krap about my comment at all, I wasn't bagging the Shinn board just making an observation.
I didn't say it WAS a 2009 Nobile, just made from the mould. The Nobile production method means you can vary the outline greatly by simply trimming the edge as you need. This is possible due to the depth of the ABS as it goes inches into the board at the tips. Rocker lines, stiffness etc can all be adjusted in the press and with the layup.
Also YES Nobile make all Shinn boards.
Select to expand quoteBrisKites said..puppetonastring said..BrisKites said.. Probably a relevant review as all Shinn boards are made by Nobile using mould shapes from about 2009.Lot of respect for the job you guys are doing over there - even in WA we hear the ES goss - good & bad & Bris Kites is good. But seriously dude that comment is Krap with a Capital C. Mark is fanatical about every aspect of his build. If there were any old moulds in use they would be laid up entirely differently. But please - show me a shape thats anything like any 2009 board. ?? Love to know about it if its out there.
Nothing Krap about my comment at all, I wasn't bagging the Shinn board just making an observation.
I didn't say it WAS a 2009 Nobile, just made from the mould. The Nobile production method means you can vary the outline greatly by simply trimming the edge as you need. This is possible due to the depth of the ABS as it goes inches into the board at the tips. Rocker lines, stiffness etc can all be adjusted in the press and with the layup.
Also YES Nobile make all Shinn boards.
That sounds amazing.
Can you explain exactly how in the press they reshape the mould from 2009 to get the 2013 rocker and concave?
Great review fly surfer. I think you are mixing up two aspects. Poppability and how fast you can ride them. While they aren't completely mutually exclusive they have their own characteristics. I ride a Laluz which will out pop a monk anyday but that's more a function of stiffness and a squarer rail. But for immense lunatic speeds and holding an edge comfortably the monk is exceptional. And here lies the kicker, if you want to maximise the monk you need to ride as such...flat out! Meaning you don't get (for me) enough feedback through the board unless you are lit and loaded at speed, and yes this does create some limitations then on converting this to load pop and boost. But it's not impossible and good riders will adjust accordingly.
I can ride at slower speeds and get more grip and pop on the laluz. I also ride a lot of flat water spots to. The 2014 Laluz though allows much greater speeds now but it will never be a comfortable as the monk in the ocean at those speeds. Also your kite choice is crucial. The monk is well paired up with a kite that has some pulling aspect about it, hence immense speed is built up, the rail holds and you needn't come of the rail to develop line tension, just send and leave the water. Cauncy is right you would have been better off comparing your board with the super shin for this reason.
I do understand what you are saying though as I was looking for the same thing.
Select to expand quoteeppo said..
Great review fly surfer. I think you are mixing up two aspects. Poppability and how fast you can ride them. While they aren't completely mutually exclusive they have their own characteristics. I ride a Laluz which will out pop a monk anyday but that's more a function of stiffness and a squarer rail. But for immense lunatic speeds and holding an edge comfortably the monk is exceptional. And here lies the kicker, if you want to maximise the monk you need to ride as such...flat out! Meaning you don't get (for me) enough feedback through the board unless you are lit and loaded at speed, and yes this does create some limitations then on converting this to load pop and boost. But it's not impossible and good riders will adjust accordingly.
I can ride at slower speeds and get more grip and pop on the laluz. I also ride a lot of flat water spots to. The 2014 Laluz though allows much greater speeds now but it will never be a comfortable as the monk in the ocean at those speeds. Also your kite choice is crucial. The monk is well paired up with a kite that has some pulling aspect about it, hence immense speed is built up, the rail holds and you needn't come of the rail to develop line tension, just send and leave the water. Cauncy is right you would have been better off comparing your board with the super shin for this reason.
I do understand what you are saying though as I was looking for the same thing.
Here's another example:
With the 555 137, I could speed in >pop>loop>land>carve out at quite a pace and in control.
With the Monk I can ~speed in>~pop>loop>land> and carve out some times... other times I just can't get the traction and it slips out. I can change my style to go further down wind before carving out. I can loop higher and land slower. I have options.
I don't agree with your kite selection choice, I think it's best suited to a wake style kite, not a speeder.
My riding still is used to precision, and the monk just doesn't have that, it has easy going.
Both boards on my lap seem to have the same flex... but in the water the Monk seems firmer.
You don't agree with my kite selection choice? For the monk? Or for your nobile?
Agreed wake style type kite for the nobile or the laluz if that's what you are saying.
Monk thrives on a kite like an edge and of you disagree with this I can't take your ideas seriously anymore.
I disagree with the kite selection for the Monk.
I think the Monk is suited to a wake style kite.
But being an all rounder, it goes fine with everything, but I think it leans towards wake style.
C Kites, not an Edge a C4.
I ride in very choppy conditions at Yorkeys and kite powered up. The monk edges well as long as you commit. I would say some flatter stiffer boards would edge and pop better in the flat but not the chop. I also use the medium sized shinn fins not the small fins the board comes with.
