Hi guys,
This is an awesome topic. Ive only heard a few whispers about this product. This is my first season & I'm ready to progress from the basic Cabrinha Chopstick to a new board. After reading this thread & doing more research I'm totally sold. I love speed, chop & aggressive riding so I think 'Shinn Monk Forever' 134 / 42 is my first choice. I'm 85kg 5'11 & currently riding 2013 Catalyst 12 & 8. I'm about to add the new 2013 Zephyr to my collection & wondering if I should also get the King George ll 140 / 46 or will the Shinn Monk suffice in light wind conditions or should I maybe be looking at the Dundee as an all rounder. Thanks .
Jason you kite just flat water on in the waves as well. If so get on a mako 150 or even the king as well. To answer your question at 85kg pm cauncy he has a zephyr and rides a monk. Might be able to help ya out.
...and I agree ozone have a special feel to them. Can't see myself ever riding anything else.
Eppo, I managed to read your very detailed review on the Mako. I'm very impressed. If these guys at Ocean Rodeo can link a few sales to your review they should at least send you couple of free 2013 models to try out. I've seen one or two down at Botany Bay but guys at Kite power don't seem to stock this brand. I feel that I may need to really master toe side first. My ultimate goal is to be competent in the surf, so it makes a lot sense to get such a versatile board. Thanks for the advise.
Feel compelled to post this, I've been riding my Monk FE for a couple of months now and I have to say, we're in love. I ride pretty much exclusively in the surf and what this board allows me to do surprises me each session. From the massive range, the fantastic control when you carve or traverse the break, how it soaks up the wash when you hit it a bit hard.. ahh need the hanky just thinking about it.
It's nice to be able to hang out in the mushy choppy sections where there are no other kites and still have a comfy blast. Well done Shinn peeps, board well done.
Was in KSS the other day and had a look at the new SPEEDBALL.
Pretty keen to hear of some feedback on this board...
It's subjective but one poster likes the Dundee better in waves than the Mako. Yes, demo, demo, demo. So many toys to try and too much time at the office.
I'm like the Dundee so far. I keep looking over my shoulder thinking I need to keep my smaller North X-Ride for nuking conditions. I'll find out soon enough.
I cant wait to get out on the new Monk Forever.....but no chance of wind this wekend unfortunately [:( .
I had my fifth session on the Shinn Dundee 133 x 42. It was quite breezy. I was lit at times on a 7 meter Cab. Vector with the meter reading 30 plus knots in the gusts. I know the board is suppose to be big for my 72 kg in those conditions, but it was smooth-smooth-smooth and so well behaved in some stiff chop. When the gust's hit, I dug in the edge and the board behaved and climbed upwind like a bandit. I was under control and it was a welcome comfort. Carving turns was smooth and precise. The extra width helps in the transitions and riding toe side. Being so gusty, the extra size is an added benefit in the lulls. From lighter winds on up, so far it's a one board quiver.
I'm around 90 Kg. Just got the Shinn King George lll 150 x 50 & Monk FE 134 x 42. Been out on the KG with new Zephyr from around 14-20 Knts . Although large this board is very thin ,very light & highly flexible. The outer perimeter & edge is only 3mm thick. Its a very comfortable , butter smooth ride. If Cauncy (BTW cheers for the advise) describes the Monk as an Audi R8 then the KG Zephyr combo is an Audi Q7. From low teens upto 20 knts never had to depower the Zephyr & never felt like I was riding a fire door. I'm confident to take this combination into low 20's. My missus even said she'd be happy to hang this board on the wall as a work of art. Had to tell her it wont have time to dry before its goes out on the water again. Also works well with my Catalyst 12 from 15-20 Knts but when it gets to low 20's then switch over to the Monk FE. Can't wait to use the Monk with my 8 when it's climbing upto 30 Knts. Now that will test the arteries.
A few more comments from the self confessed Shinn agent (and addict).
At 70 to 75 kgs I was on the 132 Luigi last season - absolutely perfect size for me.
(I tried the 130 & 134 numerous occassions but the fit of the 132 hit home every time)
With the Luigi upgraded to the Dundee I thought Id go back to my normal preference for bigger rather than smaller but after a few runs on the 133 Dundee Im convinced the 131 will do it for me & my weight.
Having morphed the Luigi into the Dundee to make it more of a wave rider (rather than a mid range freerider) it has more surface area due to the wider tips. Im thinking this is probably the reason my board for this season will be the 131 Dundee.
BUT HEY - the Speedball is here.
You have gotta see the Speedball to believe it AND you have to ride it to appreciate it. I havent had a crack yet but Im guessing the Speedball will be THE rave board of the 2013/14 season and certainly a big contender for riders like me who just want to be out there having fun regardless of whether its butter or choppy waves.
Check www.shinnworld.com for details. But dont expect too much there. As usual Mark is playing it close to the chest. Demo & review riders are wanted desperately. We have both the W16 & W18 in stock & available for your riding enjoyment right now.
And the King George as a LW board???
Dont listen to the pimps - try it for yourself.
If its not the 1st and only ever LW board you've even ridden that feels & rides like a any regular TT then I'll be very suprised.
Try it for yourself - anytime.
Now that Mark is convinced he has LW fully sussed with a board that really does perform the new 13/14 season King George sizes are a massive 146 x 46 & a 150 x (would you believe) 50 wide.
Wondering how they could ever perform like a regular TT at these sizes??? - well come & try for yourself.
I have been browsing the net on the Shinn boards. For those interested this was posted in another forum regarding size for the Monk Forever:
