Postby windtzu » Thu Jun 05, 2014 3:35 pm
dimip, I can only comment on what I've rode and relative to my size - 70 kg / 154 lbs.
I tried my buddy's 014 North Whip 5'7 19" width -
In high(er) winds it rode fine. Easy cruiser. But I could ride my 2010 Naish Global 5'7 with more speed and control. The Naish is also better upwind. It all depends on what you want the board for - playing in waves, bump n jump, all around, etc. They all work right? Before I bought the Global, I used the bigger, flatter rockered Cypher in gusts to 40 (six meter Airush Varial) and it was fine. I just had to keep the speed way down. Narrower boards tend to have better control at speed through chop (all other things equal), but they also require more / aggressive technique in the turns. Since I already have a "light-lightwind / smaller wave) board, the 5'6 Airush Cypher, the Global is a perfect compliment when I'm lit on my 9 meter on down. But surprisingly it still works in 15-20 mph very well.
I also tried a North Wam - Nice but not as good an all around board like the Global. I found the Wam a tad bouncy in chop, but not detrimental. And again, not as good upwind either. It seems more suited to being in waves, and easier to turn at slower speeds than the Global.
My guess looking at the Cabrinha S Quad is it's being an inch wider (assuming all other things equal - relative shape, etc.) may be better suited for your weight than the Global in lighter conditions. That being said, my buddy (175 lbs - you're body weight) rode my 5'7 Global in 17-25 mph winds and loved it. He's partial to North and owns a Whip, Wham, Nugget, and Skimfish. After riding the Global, he's looking at the North Kontact. I believe that's almost the whole line -lol. The Kontact is similar the Naish Global, well sort of. Perhaps it's a bit less all around. Just a guess.