Couple questions for choosing first longboard

[youngstrom.a]

Hey guys,

I've been doing a lot of research for my first longboard lately, and this site has by far been the most useful. I skateboarded a decent amount in highschool (Sophmore in College now) and have snowboarded for 8 years, and although I do not expect to get the snowboard feeling from a longboard, it would be nice to get something comparable...

I believe I want something geared for carving, preferably a drop-through, with some good flex to it (but can handle 200 bs) so I can pump it somewhat. I live on a hill but because I am in Boston, I can not really do any bombing, and if I am able to carve to control my descent that is definitely the way to go. I would also use this to just relax and cruise through the city.

One thing to keep in mind is I am 6'5" and just under 200 lbs. I think I want a board thats over 40 inches, I have ridden my friends 39" and I could get used to it but I think a few more inches would be help. Anyone have any opinions on buying a longboard for a taller rider when I am looking more for carving ability than speed stability?

Boards I am considering: Original Malakai 40, however I want more concave to the board but I do like the idea of their trucks...
Loaded Dervish Flex1, I see many posts saying there are much cheaper options, but pretty much any 'complete' I price online gets to be about $250. This seems to be the board that is the most like what I am looking for.
Legendary Demon, there size is the potential downside, also I see this recommended as a cheaper alternative to the Dervish, and I like the sound of the snappiness and responsiveness of the flex, but on the legendary website the completes seem to go for $280, is this just because the premade ones are a slicker stain?
Never Summer Heist?

Any other recommendations? I would rather have the price closer to $200, but if I can convince myself it is worth it I can step that up for whatever.

I appreciate all the help!

[AFTT]

The NS Heist and the Legendary Demon are both great alternatives to the Dervish. I haven't rid the Demon, but I have heard nothing but good things about it.

The Heist is similar to the Dervish, but wider, and it's flex is similar a flex 2 dervish. I would worry about bottoming it out at around 200 lbs.

If you go with the demon, legendary can make it as stiff or as flexy as you want it. Custom made boards are great.

[TotsO'Thrash]

All those boards are pretty nice.
But for the money, i'd go with the legendary.

[Slops57]

get a dervish. i bought mine a couple months ago and its the best thing that has ever happened to me. i was carving it down a hill today and i was thinkin to myself how it kinda reminded me of snowboarding. i miss snowboarding so much...GD tropical island and the stupid equator.

[JDTjib]

If you are on a budget, you should check out Kracked Skulls. William can also aply an extra ply to make the board a bit stiffer if you want to. KrackedSkulls.com

I don't know much about the Demon, but isn't the Griffin just a bigger version of it? You should check it out. Griffin

Good luck!

[krebhorn]

hey man, look into comet's FSM. it is right there at 40 inches, with a 30 inch wheel base...

every time i ride it, i feel as if i am snow-boarding. between the rocker-concave mix locking you in, and the carvy trucks, it works wonders.

I am 6'1 200 and the board holds my weight fine, a mild dampening flex if any at all.

And on the comet site, you can get a complete for 239.95, but if you enter the discount code of concretewave you will get 10% off.

making the complete only cost...215.95 + shipping.

so a baller board, for less than 250 complete..

check it out. here is the link.. COMET | Store

[angelopb]

I was thinking the insect nano Moz but its a 38. With Indy/Core 169 set up, it has great flex. With randals or paris, its stiff. But is much wider than a derv.
You should shoot for something around 42." So many choices. The comets seem like nice all around. I like the pin tail shapes but have never ridden one. A Subsonic Raven would be nice, with plenty of room and dialed in to your specs and color preferences.

You say you want a drop-through vs a top mount. I would try both. It's a completely different feel b/t the two. You will probably end up going through a few different shapes and sizes before you dial in your preferences. But for a first time board, its better to error on the side of stiffer vs. flexier and longer WB vs.shorter WB, INHO.

[Looptail]

I rode a Heist recently and was surprised how flexy it was compared to what I remembered previously. Their construction is very good. Just not sure I like the bouncy ride any more. I'm a good 40 pounds lighter than you. Not sure what I'll do when my Heist finally arrives.

Also borrowed a Rayne Hustler, which was noticeably stiffer than the Heist, but still flexy. Do a search to find which trucks/ wheels are known to get wheelbite on this deck.

An alternative is the Rayne Pug. Similar construction, wheelbase and width to the Hustler, but it's a topmount with a kicktail (waiting for one of these to arrive, too).

Having borrowed flex 1 & 2 Dervish, I'd suggest avoiding the softer one.

Legendary:
People seem happy with the price, the ride and the customer service. Maybe see if they can tweak the length and flex a little for you?

[Largeboarder]

I would recommend the Comet FSM completely!