I ride Tankers because they outride anything else in their size class. They've got four decent advantages on the other guys; A nose that floats in pow, but holds on hardpack; A tail that's just stiff enough to get airborne edge changes or gain speed when you want it; Width sizes. There's 3 models [167,177,187cm] that're 'fat', 5 models [162,172,182,192,200cm] that're 'normal' waist width; Durability. I've (Still!) got a 162 that's got over 450 days on it. I taught on this board (fulltime instructor) for 3 seasons, then used it both Coaching and as my 'woods beater'. It'll die when it runs outa p-tex, I guess.