I would say that we are now on the latest generation on Monk - The Monk Forever. For the first time in 2 years Mark changed the board very slightly. The result is something that planes earlier, has more drive upwind (is much better for heavier riders in the bigger sizes) but shares everything else with the old version - power handling, chop and comfort. It's a definite improvement if you read around.
http://shinnworld.com/site/boards/board ... orever.htm
http://www.kiteboarder.co.uk/kitesurfin ... &start=315
There is a lot of tech and development and testing hours in a Monk that people don't quite appreciate, and when you compare the two boards in their physical feel alone you'll see the difference. As for the carving - I would like to say that through all the twins and directionals (and I have been through a LOT of them through the years), the Monks ability to go round heel side turns still amazes me. If you know what you are doing, and are pouring power and speed round a corner, then there is nothing that quite throws as much spray in seemingly endless stability as the Monk. It's a TT so it's not toeside turning that well, but on the heels? It's a very impressive board.. Ask around...
This was the original monk..