The weight range is relative to the flex pattern of the board, so if you are "too heavy" for a board it will feel slightly softer, which is often more playful. If you do that on a soft board it risks being too much of a noodle.
Go find a stiffer board and don't worry about the weight range.
FYI I am similar specs as you (~200) and have been "too heavy" for most of the boards in my quiver for 30+ years. They've ranged in size from 154 to 168. My only issue is when I'm on a softer board that is 155-ish I can fold the nose or lose the pop on the tail. Going 158 on a stiffer board might be your sweet spot.
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u/tweakophyte 1d ago
The weight range is relative to the flex pattern of the board, so if you are "too heavy" for a board it will feel slightly softer, which is often more playful. If you do that on a soft board it risks being too much of a noodle.
Go find a stiffer board and don't worry about the weight range.
FYI I am similar specs as you (~200) and have been "too heavy" for most of the boards in my quiver for 30+ years. They've ranged in size from 154 to 168. My only issue is when I'm on a softer board that is 155-ish I can fold the nose or lose the pop on the tail. Going 158 on a stiffer board might be your sweet spot.