If this is something you are going to ride until its trashed, why not save up the extra cash for a few months or even another year and buy exactly what you want instead of compromising? you'll be unsatisfied after 6 months if you're anything like me. I compromised on my ski and it put me another 2+ years away from buying the one I really want. The money I put into this ski could have put me halfway toward the one I want. I would have had it in a mere 8-12 more months. now I'm looking at 24 if I'm lucky..... Just my 2 cents. damn, now im another 2 cents away from my A/M hull dreams.....