Burn: Great initial stability (like a play boat). More aggressive edge so you don't have to crank it over very far to get a good carve. That same edge can be trippy in squirrely water, although I got used to it and liked it just fine. The boat is easy to spin in order to quickly change direction.

 

Nomad: A bit less initial stability but no surprises when it's on edge. Contrary to what some folks say, it actually carves into eddys with a vengeance, you simply have to edge it over more aggressively in order to engage the edge (yes, it actually has one). Also, the further you edge it over, the more the massive rocker of the Nomad comes into play to help turn the boat (kind of like a banana shaped edge, if you will). In my opinion, the Nomad tracks in a straight line better than the Burn but doesn't spin as quickly.

 

As far as worrying about softer landings, I'll say this: Unless you're landing pretty big drops flat you won't notice that a planing hull lands harder than a semi-displacement hull. If the boats are a similar size, they're both gonna hurt if you don't land with good technique.

 

I think it depends more on your boating style: For me, the Burn makes for easier last minute adjustments, if you like to drift into things and react at the last second. The Nomad works better if you like to pick a line and go for it from the start.

 

Either boat is a good choice. They are both safe and well proven. I'd demo both if you can. If not, simply sit in them and see which one fits your body better. No matter which boat you choose, if it fits well and you give it a chance (ie: don't blame the boat if you can't roll: learn to roll better and so on), I think you'll be happy in either one.

 

Enjoy whatever boat you get!