Budget racer 12'6" recommendations

[SwellSUP]

Hi everyone,

Long time lurker, first time poster.  I have been looking for a race board for a few weeks.  Stats are 5'9" 160 lbs.  Very athletic and great balance.  (can i say that about myself?)  I am on somewhat of a budget as i have just bought three other boards that i use to work with children with special needs here in SoFlorida.  In person i have only seen the Hobie CFX which looks nice, and a Jimmy Lewis slice.  I think both are about 1800.  Races in this area are in the bay which at times there is not wind and other very choppy.  I guess i don't want a specific "flat water" board.  I noticed a used one at paddlesurfwarehouse.com called the infinity 12'6" that is 1200. (plus another 150 to ship probably)  I have done two races on a Oxbow 11'6" x29 board.  Took me two hours instead of 1:30 like all the others racing an actual race board.  Never fell in the water, was never tired just could not push that tank through all the slop.

Anyways, if you need me to respond to anything else to better help me, let me know.

I was thinking to stay with 12'6 since that is the typical class that most races here offer.  Open to suggestions.  Thanks

Jorge

[paddlejones]

budget and race board are like oil and water...
best pricing is ron house, then hobie's 12/6 production, infinity but colors are extra as they are with any custom, you could call infinity, they have a used rack. i went with a Ron House 14' clear no carbon but it still cost 1800 

[H2Oman]

Someone is selling a Starboard FreeRace in the classifieds. Great board and great price.

[jdmotes]

 Check out the new Nah Skwell 12'6", too (NSRace)... Weighs in at 24lbs but built to last with epoxy/composite construction. It's winning races over in Europe and just showing up here states-side. Chris Koerner has one in Cali and I heard he's doing well on it. I'm still waiting for my demo to arrive here in N/E Florida but Aqua East Surf Shop has one on the floor in Jacksonville for $1749... Here's a pic:       Thanks,             JD

[SwellSUP]

Yeah i am guessing that is about the price range. 

Jimmy Lewis Slice
Hobie CFX
Nah Skwell
Ron House
Starboard Surf Race - Love the board ( at least the reviews and looks) but a bit out of my price range.
Any others in that 1800 dollar range?


Saw the Free Race in the classifieds, its just shipping a used board has me a little nervous.  If bought from a company i would have some recourse if board was damaged. 

[FB1]

http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=8257.0

Perfect FL race board.

[paddlejones]

In 2 about months Riviera should have the 12/6 Danny Ching 404 in that price range

[Mitchell]

Your best bet to find a good race board with a good price ranged is to go used.

I got my custom Ron House 14 full carbon shipped into Canada from California for less than 2K.

The board was nearly mint condition and i paddle on it all the time.

If you want something new i would suggest Riviera with the 12'6 ron house boards.
Hobie, Starboard, Joe Bark are all also good but maybe a bit more.

[dave808]

Owens Ocean Sports  Loli"ana   full carbon, only 14 lbs. I think someone in Willmington NC has one for 1300.00.  Proven race winner.

[kneil]

Check www.distressedmullet.com , that is a core group of racers in Wilmington who are always moving up to the latest boards, hence there are some good deals on fast used boards on the classifieds section of the website, including the Owens Ocean Sports one mentioned.