Exile 3/4th tapered Pro VS Hybrid 5/8 whats the difference?

[xleoyangx]

Hello everyone im thinking of getting either one of these boards. So ive read up on a lot of the posts about both of the shapes and pros and cons of the 3/4th tapered and the hybrid. Opinions and any other info that would help me decide which board would be better. I also was wondering which would help me skim better in California mostly at 26 ave and HMB or if i should get something else any info would be great.

This is what ive found out, please correct me if i am wrong. (in a nutshell) I also understand that rider preference is key.

3/4th tapered
-best of both worlds
-fast down the line
-quick turning

5/8 hybrid
-better planing (gets out farther?)
-maintains speed down the line
-easier to handle

thanks a lot everyone
-leo

[Lucas Gomes]

I have had both the pro and the hybrid in 5/8. What I can say is that the pro is definitely harder to handle and you can feel that when you skim. One thing I would add to the hybrid is that it also turns quick. One thing you should have in mind when choosing the board is that the same size on a hybrid shape (say, M/S) will be shorter than the M/S on the pro shape, making turning actually quicker on the hybrid. I'd say if you're a very experienced skimmer, you should consider the pro, and if you're not, you should really go with the hybrid. I have ridden both pros and hybrids and right now I feel most confortable on my M/S hybrid most of the time.

[mjs]

My current is a M/S hybrid, and the board before that was a small, tapered pro. I never really notice a difference in planing distance, but I can turn the hybrid a lot better when I'm slowing down. They're both really good, but it depends on your riding style.

[Jim Gordon]

Let's not forget if you like a short board because it turns quicker and you want a larger board to get you out there, you can just slide-slip the shorter board and have it both ways. FTW

[xleoyangx]

I have had both the pro and the hybrid in 5/8. What I can say is that the pro is definitely harder to handle and you can feel that when you skim. One thing I would add to the hybrid is that it also turns quick. One thing you should have in mind when choosing the board is that the same size on a hybrid shape (say, M/S) will be shorter than the M/S on the pro shape, making turning actually quicker on the hybrid. I'd say if you're a very experienced skimmer, you should consider the pro, and if you're not, you should really go with the hybrid. I have ridden both pros and hybrids and right now I feel most confortable on my M/S hybrid most of the time.

thanks that makes sense

[xleoyangx]

My current is a M/S hybrid, and the board before that was a small, tapered pro. I never really notice a difference in planing distance, but I can turn the hybrid a lot better when I'm slowing down. They're both really good, but it depends on your riding style.

wait since there wasn't much of a difference planing, did it have more float since it was the tapered? is the hybrid wider than the pro? thus having more planing area so u can get out farther?

[xleoyangx]

Let's not forget if you like a short board because it turns quicker and you want a larger board to get you out there, you can just slide-slip the shorter board and have it both ways. FTW

-slip slide is the same thing as planing?
-is the hybrid wider than the pro? wider = more planing area so u get out farther?

[omega]

-slip slide is the same thing as planing?
-is the hybrid wider than the pro? wider = more planing area so u get out farther?

Side slip is when you turn the board sideways. It helps you plane out farther and makes you feel cool.

[Kyle Willcox]

I have had both the pro and the hybrid in 5/8. What I can say is that the pro is definitely harder to handle and you can feel that when you skim. One thing I would add to the hybrid is that it also turns quick. One thing you should have in mind when choosing the board is that the same size on a hybrid shape (say, M/S) will be shorter than the M/S on the pro shape, making turning actually quicker on the hybrid. I'd say if you're a very experienced skimmer, you should consider the pro, and if you're not, you should really go with the hybrid. I have ridden both pros and hybrids and right now I feel most confortable on my M/S hybrid most of the time.

What would you call a "very experienced skimmer?"

[Lucas Gomes]

What would you call a "very experienced skimmer?"

Ok, you don't really have to be a "very experienced skimmer" to get a pro shape. You just gotta have in mind that it will take a little bit more to get used to, becuse it feels "loose" down the line. And that's great once you can control it. I was trying to say you obviously have to have the basics down to get a pro ... Like being able to wrap, ride the wave on the pocket with confidence, etc.

[mjs]

wait since there wasn't much of a difference planing, did it have more float since it was the tapered? is the hybrid wider than the pro? thus having more planing area so u can get out farther?

TBH planing surface means dick unless you're talking about the larger sizes(which we aren't). 9 times out of 10 the reason why you aren't getting out far is because you're doing something wrong.

I also never really noticed a difference in "float" because the waves in socal slam right on the sand.

[xleoyangx]

TBH planing surface means dick unless you're talking about the larger sizes(which we aren't). 9 times out of 10 the reason why you aren't getting out far is because you're doing something wrong.

I also never really noticed a difference in "float" because the waves in socal slam right on the sand.

that makes sense, im not saying im even close to decent i made this post to clarify some key points and to figure out what board i should get in the future. Hank recently sent me some advice clarifying on a board.

[xleoyangx]

Furthering this thread: how much more float does the 3/4th tapered give? personal preference would be most helpful.

Is there enough float that it is noticeable?

[Lord Quaz]

imo 3/4 just slows you down.

[xleoyangx]

imo 3/4 just slows you down.

the tapered? or the 3/4th? but doesnt it make up for it in float?

[Jim Gordon]

the tapered? or the 3/4th? but doesnt it make up for it in float?

From all the testing I have done......a thick small board will not plane out as far as a thin big board. Just something to think about......

[xleoyangx]

aahhhhhh shiiiiyyttt DX

[Lord Quaz]

aahhhhhh shiiiiyyttt DX

Jim is right, unless of course your not a experenced skimmer and your still working on wraps, then 3/4 can reallly help.

[SJskim]

i skim 26th and the rest of santa cruz mainly and i really like my 3/4 m/l hybrid. i weight about 155. hope that helps

[perskim]

Side slip is when you turn the board sideways. It helps you plane out farther and makes you feel cool.

Very cool

[xleoyangx]

thank you for your imput guys, can anyone tell me if the tapered gives more float while planing?

[Hank Snapp]

The tapering in the nose and tail will not provide any extra float but will make the board more maneuverable, especially in larger wave conditions. We taper all our boards by default, unless of course someone would prefer it not tapered. I think it's preferable to taper them in my experience.

[Hank Snapp]

-slip slide is the same thing as planing?
-is the hybrid wider than the pro? wider = more planing area so u get out farther?

The hybrid shape is going to have a wider and fuller nose area, which allows you to squeeze a little more speed out of the board when sliding out to waves. It also makes it a little more forgiving as some of the other members said. As far as over all width goes the smaller sizes (M-below) are almost all identical from one to the other. On the larger sizes the pro shapes tend to have a little more width to them actually.

The feel of a 3/4" board is significantly different than a 5/8" so there is definitely a noticeable difference between the two. I know a lot of riders up in the Santa Cruz area prefer the 3/4" tapered. Depending on skill level and what not, it could feel a little big when 26th gets pumping though...

[xleoyangx]

thanks again hank