This is a very interesting topic to me, personally.
It's just my opinion, but I feel the new "phatty" shape/size boards are going to really kill it in the coming years because they are great to learn on and they are simply a blast! in 12 to 17 knots (or higher). Lots of kiting companies will be releasing "phatties" this year and I am pumped to try a few. They are boards you don't outgrow but really speed up the learning curve, imo. I love mine.

Check out the 666Ext in this flash presentation with Mark Shinn. Give him a minute before the choices load. He explains it well.

http://www.nobileboardtour.com/Final.html

I will never forget my first ride on a similar board made by G.S. at Aggression -- the Super Phatty. It was awesome. A light wind board that felt like a small one. I think more are soon to come, including this 666 model.