I am looking at buying a new board for the coming season in CA. The board that has peaked my interest is the Shinn Monk Lover 137x44. I weigh 110Kg. Solid Intermediate kiter join both weight and ability :). Wondering if there are any other heavier guys who have used this board and can provide an insight into how it performs. I have never ridden a board below a 143x45 so I am clueless as to weather I will get the most out of a board this size for my weight? It would be my primary board so looking at using it in that 16 - 25knot range.
I had the previous generation Monk in a 136x44 (I think) and was 105kg at the time. I loved it for everything except for (my very low level of) unhooking.
Hey BT, I am also a heavy weight (115kg) and recently added the Monk 137x44 to the quiver. Only ridden it a few times so far, but pretty pleased with it overall. It has some concave, so smooths out the chop nicely, and some rocker so it can handle waves and higher wind. I find it works fine in lighter wind, but it's not a light wind board so doesn't have the bottom end of my bigger, flatter boards. I also find it carves nicely and jumps pretty well. A good all-round performer. The board has nice thick pads and straps so it's a really comfortable ride.
Select to expand quoteRickyDee said..
Hey BT, I am also a heavy weight (115kg) and recently added the Monk 137x44 to the quiver. Only ridden it a few times so far, but pretty pleased with it overall. It has some concave, so smooths out the chop nicely, and some rocker so it can handle waves and higher wind. I find it works fine in lighter wind, but it's not a light wind board so doesn't have the bottom end of my bigger, flatter boards. I also find it carves nicely and jumps pretty well. A good all-round performer. The board has nice thick pads and straps so it's a really comfortable ride.
Thanks Ricky, thats exactly what I was looking for. I have a King Gee for light wind and have been super impressed with it. Based on your experience I will certainly now be more comfortable moving forward with the Monk Lover. What's the low end wind range you are getting with it and with what kite sizes?
If you have King Gee than there is no point in getting 44 Monk. Get 42. It will be way more fun when the wind picks up. I am 105 and much prefer 42 when the wind is solid.
Select to expand quoteBigZ said..
If you have King Gee than there is no point in getting 44 Monk. Get 42. It will be way more fun when the wind picks up. I am 105 and much prefer 42 when the wind is solid.
+1
Monk has a lot more rocker than King Gee. When the wind picks up, you probably need the extra rocker to eat the chop. You don't need the width of 44 cm, 42 cm will do and it will make you 
.
Great minds think alike BT .. I bought the King Gee (150 x 50) for LW and loved it so much I also wanted to stay with a Shinn .. Just bought a Monk (133 x 41 -im 80kg) which is alot shorter than i'm used to but I fall right in the middle of the weight range .. I also figured with the KG for LW kiting I'd be better off with a board size that could handle the stronger winds here in WA. It's arrived but I am away for work for next few weeks :(
Cant wait to try it out and see how this 2 board twin tip quiver works for me over the season.
Hey Bt,might be worth testing a Shin Turbo 134 x44cm.I am 98kgs and also have the King Gee 150x50 for light days.The 44cm Turbo for my weight is probs the best and most fun board I have ridden so far.Have a 2012 or 13 Monk Gorilla Face 134 x44cm but the Turbo 44cm is more alive.Big Rooster tails when carving.Heaps of fun.Imo up there as my go to TT.
Select to expand quoteBigZ said...
If you have King Gee than there is no point in getting 44 Monk. Get 42. It will be way more fun when the wind picks up. I am 105 and much prefer 42 when the wind is solid.
I have a different opinion. I have had the 42 wide for 3 years now and at around 90kg I am never looking for a smaller board. They edge so well and the outline saves your legs from the burn of other brands of similar width.
I also agree with not the best bottom end which is why I think you should go with the 44.
They are a sweet board. I just didn't like the pads, so changed them to naish apex. The new ones might be better.
