Limited to Surftech - which board do I choose?

[melonhead]

As the title suggests, I am limited to Surftech SUP's when it comes to buying a new board (I work in a shop that only carries the Surftech line) and I was wondering which of the following boards Zoners would suggest.  I am 5'10" and approximately 200 lbs, and I will be using it for a mix of flatwater and surf (probably a 60/40 ratio of flatwater to surf).  The boards I have it narrowed it down to are:
 
  1) Laird Pearson Arrow 11'
  2) Hawaiian Pro Designs Ali'i II (11')
  3) 11'6" Laird (in Tuflite)
  4) For 2011 Gerry Lopez has a "Big Darlin'" coming out, so I put this one on the list because I've heard good things about the surf music and the lil darlin.  I believe it's 11'2"
  5) Any others anyone is willing to suggest.

I'm still a beginner but I'm hoping to get something that I won't outgrow too quickly.


Thanks.

[mdsurf]

Look at the Robert August What I Paddle "wip" also.  I like the looks of the RA and the Big Darling.  The Pearson Arrow might be the better all around board in this category.

[H2Oman]

Laird Pearson Arrow 11' should be great at your weight.  My bro has the 10-6, he's about 175lbs, and handles flat/distance paddles well considering the surf shape.  The board will shine in the surf.  I used the Ali II on my last 2 trips to Costa Rica.  It's an okay board, but wouldn't get my $$ over the Arrow.

Have fun with whatever you buy.

[suprbowl]

I'm also a beginner. I bought a Laird 12'1 about a month ago after using a 10'6 and an 11'6. I love it. I've used it on lakes, the Hudson river, small 1 ft waves and some chop on Long Island Sound. Still working on my sea legs but with a good rhythm, it glides nice. I'm 6ft 175 btw. My friend bought an Alli the same time. It seems much more surf oriented. Hope this helps.

Keep sweepin (or in your case start)

[surfcowboy]

I gotta put in a word for the Pearson/Laird. It's a good all arounder, but if you're waiting, maybe demo the Lopez.

[gorgebob]

11' Wingnut. Paddles very well , not too big.

[dietlin]

First board was a 12' 1" Laird.  From a surfing perspective, it was a huge mistake.  At my size (5' 10", 170 lbs) it was impossible to turn.  Then I got a Jimmy Lewis Hanalei 10' 8".  Great board; stable (29" wide) and loose (vee and foil in the tail).  Gave it to my nephew because it's a great learner board - stable enough to get you going with enough performance to keep your interest.  The Pearson/Laird is kinda wide reminds of my Hanalei, only it looks even better - less nose rocker should make it easier to paddle into offshore winds, looks like a better nose rider, and the foil in the tail is insane - I bet that board turns great!  I have an 11'0" Ali'i.  For its size it doesn't seem to be a very good flat water paddler, and a lot of folks mention that it's a little tippier than other large boards (28.8" wide) but I love the way it surfs.  It turns effortlessly and nose rides easily.  It's my board for mushy breaks. Although it does work great in everything from ankle to head+, feeling like a much, much smaller board on the wave. It's basically an enlarged version of Donald's high performance long boards.  Whereas, I think the Pearson/Laird is board that was designed purely as a SUP, rather than a prone board that was translated into an SUP. I'd go with the Pearson/Laird if I were you.