For anyone who has a townsend (or two) Is the Townsend a board that we should ride a little longer? Looking for more of an all around for good to better days, not just a stepup, and trying to decide on a certain length- maybe 7'2? maybe longer?. Does this shape tend to feel smaller in the water? I guess my main questions are should I go longer at stock dims? or would I be better going custom and shorter and wider than stock? Any thoughts much appreciated.
If your after more overall glide/get in a little early.. than go long. I had a 6'8" and a 6'3". On the 6'3", I was pretty much getting into the wave the same as I would with other step up's (like my 6'3" ghost). It worked well as a step and I got a number of good cover ups on it shooting peaks but still felt like my ghost paddled into waves a bit better at similar dims.
The 6'8" had some cheat factor and would get me in a little early to set a line. The 6'8" had a diamond tail which I liked better than the rounded pin as well. Pivoted quicker, and carried speed better without the pin drag. Worked better in a range of conditions also with the wider tail. Less locked in feeling/more playful. If your only using it bigger days than a pin is probably the call, but everything else I'd rather it be a diamond or squash. In terms of length, I've had a handful of other boards in similar dims and the townsend felt the smallest of the bunch when up and riding. It has good performance for what it is. It isn't a chunky mid, but more like a step up that can still get by on average days. Mine were both XTR, so they might of had a little extra low end spring vs a regular pu.