Some good deals to be had on the New Deal at the moment. This is a board that I've been eyeing for a while, since I've decided that I must experience the feeling of a nose ride before I die and also because I think it will be great for those fat point breaks.
But I am unsure between the two sizes. 139 litres is a lot but I like the idea of the 29" width. Also the 139 litres will help to paddle into the aforementioned fat waves. 125 litres will be comfy but I fear 31" is too wide and I'll grow bored of it. I should probably just go for the 10', but I am curious to hear thoughts from others. The smaller New Deal sizes would be too much for my current level.
I would be trading in my 8.8 x 32 x 140 litres Starboard Spice in their "carbon" construction. It's not getting much use after approx 111 sessions and 1494 waves, ever since I discovered the joys of the Infinity Escape Pod and have mostly figured out my 8.2 Starboard Pro, hence need a board that fills another niche in my quiver.
The infinity escape pod can be used whenever the conditions are good also for longboarding so it may be two boards for the same conditions unless you really want to hang five or ten .
I have not ridden the New Deal in the sizes you are looking at but I had a 10'x27" for a couple years. I would go with the 10'x29" for a two reasons. First, I think you are a taller guy. I am 6'2" and I don't know whether it is the steps to the nose with longer legs or what but a 10' board feels way more "longboardy". Second, unless the rail volume is greater on the 10'x29" the narrower, longer version should be easier noseride especially closer to the pocket.
I have the 9'6 and have ridden the 10x29 (too narrow for me) the 10 feels more longboardy. The 9'6 is a fantastic board but feels to me somewhere between a longboard and short. You could probably make do with the 9'6 as a one board quiver. It surfs really well definitely in the top 5 boards I ever ridden. But I'm just going to sell it as I was really looking for more of a longboard feel.
Select to expand quoteanchorpoint said..
The infinity escape pod can be used whenever the conditions are good also for longboarding so it may be two boards for the same conditions unless you really want to hang five or ten .
I hear you mate. This is more about experiencing and learning a different style of surfing, hence a longboardy shape.
Select to expand quoteSurlygringo said..
I have not ridden the New Deal in the sizes you are looking at but I had a 10'x27" for a couple years. I would go with the 10'x29" for a two reasons. First, I think you are a taller guy. I am 6'2" and I don't know whether it is the steps to the nose with longer legs or what but a 10' board feels way more "longboardy". Second, unless the rail volume is greater on the 10'x29" the narrower, longer version should be easier noseride especially closer to the pocket.
I think the 10x 27" would be too ambitious at the moment. I've got to grips with 29" and 30" lower volume boards. 27" seems thin and frightening. Select to expand quoteToneJ said..
I have the 9'6 and have ridden the 10x29 (too narrow for me) the 10 feels more longboardy. The 9'6 is a fantastic board but feels to me somewhere between a longboard and short. You could probably make do with the 9'6 as a one board quiver. It surfs really well definitely in the top 5 boards I ever ridden. But I'm just going to sell it as I was really looking for more of a longboard feel.
I did think about the 9'6 a year ago, but I wish it came in a narrower size and around 120-125 litres.
Seb, I apologize for the confusing phrasing. I meant to recommend the 10'x29" over the 9'6".
Select to expand quoteSurlygringo said..
Seb, I apologize for the confusing phrasing. I meant to recommend the 10'x29" over the 9'6".
No worries. I am heavily leaning this towards the 10 x 29 for the full longboardy experience. I have absolutely no idea how they do it, even watching in slow motion, but I must learn how to do a cross step turn before I die. I am also picturing myself soul arching through the lineup at my local. 
Did you go for one? I had the 10x29. A great board - I used it for when it got big & i wanted to get on it as early as possible. I ended up moving it on as I went to the nose about 10 times in 2 years & just rode it off the tail all the time (probably as i only took it out when it was big). I spoke with Dave B about custom sizes as i find the 9'6 & 9ft options annoying as there isnt a x29" width..
I have considered the 8'6x29 114l new deal. Could be fun (& a mid length rather than full longboard). Or the 9'5 x 30 starboard longboard is a good size & shape & has had good write ups for its manoeuvrability
