Looking for a new board for my son. 5'8", 150 lbs, 11.5 salomon dialogue boots. Started boarding late last season on a AMS (Lamar) board. Still a green/blue run freerider (that would like to learn a little freestyle down the road). Moved to an older Head Ignition 155 / 25.8 but the freeflex rails failed. I've given up getting a straight answer from HEAD and figure I might as well get him a new board rather than pay for lots of rentals for the next two months. Since this is an unplanned purchase that he may outgrow by next year, I'm looking for a deal. I can get a Forum Recon 153W or 156W or a Palmer Honey Circle 155 for $200. They are all 25.5-25.6 wide. I know the Palmer is a better board, but is it too stiff for an early intermediate? I know the width is a bit smaller than his Head board which was near perfect, but will 2-3mm make a big difference? Any thoughts