iSonic 86 vs Manta 54

Declarations first = I own both these boards & I bought these boards with my own money, owe no-one any favors

They are both gr8 boards & highly recommended.

Strengths Manta 54 = Gybing & smooth handling in choppy water I thought the iSo 86 was the best board I had ever gybed, this one's even better!!!!

Strengths iSo 86 = Versatility Wide Wind Range & Top end speed, the board is fast

Weaknesses Manta 54 = Maybe a bit technical to get top end speeds, have to have everything set up properly and learn how to get maximum top end out of it, still havent quite sussed it out yet.

Weaknesses iSo 86 = Hard to identify any?

Manta 54 is superior to iSo 86 in the gybing department.
ISo 86 is superior to Manta 54 in wind range & top end speed.

They are both so good at this stage I cant depart with either, have to keep both, just 2 of those classic boards they just got right.

Initially i was a bit disappointed in the 54 coz I wanted something faster than the iSo 86, and being very happy with the gybing of the 86, I thought I would sell the 54, but when I gybed it trying to beat my Alpha 500 PB, I smashed it, and I though Faark this is so good at gybing I cant get rid of it

hardie try comparing both the boards in choppy conditions instead of flat water at mandurah....and let us know your thoughts

Cracked 37kts on the Manta 54 today very happy Yes have to ride it differently to get it to go fast, shifting all weight to rear of board.

54cm wide

I reckon a more freestyle or wave board would be the go for the likes of you and me than a full on slalom/speed board in strong winds.

Ya have 2 hamburgers with the lot for breakfast and the name callimng starts

Don,t do that cos then he,ll want one of those too.

I found that the 52 was "less" effort to push up wind as it had a longer water line but the off the wind speeds were the same. The foot strap set up was better than the 86. Haven,t tried the Manta yet.