I feel like I've got the answer pretty much dialed-in after reading all of these great threads, just (like everyone else) want to be validated that I'm making the right decision. haha. Seriously though, thanks for this resource - makes it easier to pull the trigger on a $700 purchase...

As I stated, I'm 5'11", 183 lbs., and coming up on 34 years. Been surfing 18 years. Pretty active.

I rented a 600 dom this weekend and liked it but felt it was tough to get on rail after dropping in on bigger sets. Was a breeze to get in to waves, which I liked a lot.

I feel like the 510 might be absolutely the way to go. I noticed though that the width and thickness difference between the two is almost nothing, which I imagine deals mostly with rail issues. Then again, this was the first time on a new board and some of the faults I noticed probably were at least 50% due to the board being completely new to me. Also, maybe the slightly less-full volume would help to 'sit' me into the water a bit more, making turning on rail easier.

Thoughts? advice? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Stoked.