What's the best twin tip for chop that is good for knees ?

[apollo4000]

Some good suggestions. If you do broaden your list to consider the Mako, take a look at Nomad as well. Similar shape but different construction and fin set-up. I’ve got a Mako and 2x Nomad boards.

[andylc]

I’ve just got a Nomad wave twin tip. It was intended for playing about in waves with (hence the name!) as I never find directionals that much fun, but I’ve been using it for every session last 3 weeks to get used to it and it’s great in chop. Although it’s a similar shape to a Mako I really didn’t like the Mako and I love this - I think it’s down to the flex, which Simon tailors to your size and weight making it a truly bespoke board. I am still trying to decide whether my normal twin tip is worth keeping...

[appelton]

Can someone advise on a good chop eater that is gentle for knees?

Currently I am looking at :

- Shinn Monk Glitch ( The new one 2020 that has some gentle channels at the bottom )
- Shinn Ronson
- Flysurfer Radical 6
- Lieuwe Shotgun

Anyone tried Radical 6 and Ronson ?

I've had 2 x Shinn Monk, 1 x Shinn Ronson, 3 x Lieuwe Shotgun.

I have a knee with a badly damaged ACL.

I'm 80kg and ride a Lieuwe Shotgun 136 x 40.5

I think this answers your question.

What's the flex on Shotgun ? Isn't Lieuwe Shotgun a bit stiffer than Ronson ? I've talked to my buddy from EU. He tried Shotgun and Ronson. He really liked Shotgun he said It cuts the chop amazingly but found a it a bit less friendly for the knees.

[iriejohn]

What's the flex on Shotgun ? Isn't Lieuwe Shotgun a bit stiffer than Ronson ? I've talked to my buddy from EU. He tried Shotgun and Ronson. He really liked Shotgun he said It cuts the chop amazingly but found a it a bit less friendly for the knees.

From memory (a few years ago) I recall that the Ronson had more rocker than the Shotgun and was also pretty stiff, but it may not be now. But the Shotgun has highly effective channelling which gives a lot of grip in chop so is easy to control.

[andylc]

I have a Shotgun as well as the Nomad. It has very good channelling at the tips which makes it ride very well but not a great deal of flex and I wouldn't say it's amazing in chop. Great all round board though.

[WindS4]

Ive had two Raptors LTD carbon - jumped really well, charged upwind.. but I felt like my knees were getting absolutely pummeled..I couldnt figure it out.. someone said the carbon is hard on your knees. I got a Lieuwe Shotgun, and my knees are happier. I havent really felt like an old man after a session since I switched. CrazyFLys do perform really well..but I think the Shotgun is just about as good. Sweet attention to detail as well, will put your name/ number on the board. great finish. Cant go wrong w a shotgun.

[Dave_5280]

I’ve had 2 Raptors, not carbon, and my cartilage-damaged knees are fine on them with no pain.

Wondering if a surfboard, or foil board might be in your future...

[Kitemanmuc]

Can someone advise on a good chop eater that is gentle for knees?

Currently I am looking at :

- Shinn Monk Glitch ( The new one 2020 that has some gentle channels at the bottom )
- Shinn Ronson
- Flysurfer Radical 6
- Lieuwe Shotgun

Anyone tried Radical 6 and Ronson ?

Tried all the boards on the list plus Nomad, Carved Imperator. The board that impressed me the most is the Brunotti Fusion with Eleveight or Naish footpads. Its like butter through the chop.

[lindseym]

- Shinn Monk Glitch ( The new one 2020 that has some gentle channels at the bottom )
- Shinn Ronson
- Flysurfer Radical 6
- Lieuwe Shotgun

Anyone tried Radical 6 and Ronson ?

You have some good options listed here. The shotgun is a great board but is a little stiff. Also, the Rad 6 is a bit stiffer than last years Rad 5. I owned a Monk and thought it was great and relatively comfortable but have not ridden the Glitch. So, here's what I would do if it where me.

1) Avoid carbon. Some people mentioned the Raptor but I would not recommend this. The only carbon board I've used that had decent flex and comfort was the Carved but its crazy expensive.
2) Work on technique. Make sure that you have optimized everything in your stance, load, jumping, etc to ensure that you are as efficient as possible. I used to land really hard on tricks until I made a few corrections and now almost always float down...although this weekend I had a few bad ones
3) Yoga, more yoga, yoga again, and repeat - employ some kind of daily stretching and strengthening routine. "Down dog" is a fantastic free app. Alternatively, see a physical therapist to ensure a lifetime of riding. You've probably done this already but its definitely worth mentioning.
4) If possible...Demo, then demo again, and demo some more - The boards you have listed above are great but its important to try different boards and let this inform you. You already know you want something with more flex but you also need to determine how much grip you want (a huge factor in board differences). Nearly all brands have some type of general "freeride" board and this is what you want but you need to demo them to see which one really speaks to you.

Hope this helps and let us know what you get !!

[randykato]

Also pay attention to your pads & straps. If you have more range of motion to adjust your stance/heels depending on which direction you're riding, it can alleviate a lot of knee pressure from a torqued stance.