board sizing

As I haven't been in the sport very long (little over a year), I haven't gotten the opportunity to try out a bunch of different boards. I was convinced to buy a 135 imperial last season by the local shop. I'm 6' and just shy of 180 lbs...and everybody tells me I need to get a bigger board! They're probably right, but the thing is, I have learned everything on my imperial (180's, 360's, backrolls, tantrums, scarecrows). My friend is going to let me demo his lyman 143 soon...is this too big of a leap?! What should I be riding? I know...demo, demo, demo...and I will. I'm just trying to get some typical board sizes for my weight.

With that trick list after only one year of riding, it doesn't sound like the board is holding you back. You might want to try something in the 138-139 range and see if a little wider stance is to your liking. My son is your size and he rides the 139 Ibex.

Does anyone else ride a board that most would consider too big? I'm wondering if the 143 lyman will hold me back. Is a few centimeters of board really going to hold me back from spinning? Besides more swing weight, what other negatives are there for having a larger board? (positives being sits higher, faster, more pop, softer landings...if I am correct)

dude a 143 is not too big for you.. and i hear that the lyman is a bad a$$ board so try it if you like it buy it..

I am 6' and around 180-190lbs and I ride a 145

Don't know if this helps but I'm 6'8" 250 and ride a 142

You are gonna love the Lyman 143. Bigger is better!