Newb question on boards in general

[Dead Box Chewie]

OK, so this being my first gun with a board I'm feeling just a bit overwhelmed. I have always prided myself on figuring out my marker to the last little detail, so the board has now become my area of interest.

I have the stock board in the gun now, but I have been wanting to switch it out for something "more flashy". Plus I figure this board has 4 years on it or so, therefore it may need a switch-out. I have gotten accustomed to having the display on the back, and it seems that the only boards I can find for the 05 all have just simple LED's instead. Is this normal? Do people generally switch out a display for LED's? Also, can 06 boards be used in an 05 frame?

Also, since I play mostly outlaw I'm not too worried about BPS settings and the like, so what would be a good choice as an upgrade from the stock board? I have found the Tadao board for the '05 for $100, so I'm leaning towards that one.

I know there is a "What board do you use?" thread, but I'm more interested in the "this is what would be better for you" kind-of info.

[Baby Ollie]

I have a Tadao (M7, not Yakuza) in my '06. It comes with the LED's vs the LCD frame, which is probably what you're referring to. So far, I've been happy with the board. It's pretty easy to program and I have no complaints when it comes to speed. Of course, I don't know if it really buys you a lot over the stock board. The LCD's are MUCH easier (IMHO) to see during the day than the LCD display. I have the blue lights and they are very bright. Never had a problem seeing them, even in direct sunlight. Switching through modes is pretty easy, however, you must remember, or have a (2 page easy to read) manual printed out to know what LED sequence means what.

The biggest upgrade I can see with a Tadao board is the introduction of a microswitch versus the stock board's opticalswitch. Personally, I prefer the feel of a microswitch but those weren't stock until the 2007 model came out (option to choose micro OR optical switch). The switch is (i believe) 80G which isn't the lightest switch out there. It's not bad however. You can take out the trigger return spring and magnet set screw if you want for a very light trigger pull. I've found, however, that sometimes, a direct shot to the trigger can cause it to stick. This is easily fixed by blowing fill station air into the trigger, but in my opinion, it's easier just to leave either the spring or magnet in. I kept the magnet in mine as I like a "snappy" trigger. So far haven't had any problems whatsoever.

That's my review... Here's of comparable options with the most prominent listed first.

Stock
LCD Display (pros: LCD easy as you can read display cons: not as bright. Hard to navigate in my opinion)
Less Modes
Optical Switch

Tadao
LED Display (pros: superbright, easy to use cons: LED means you must memorize sequences)
More Modes
Optical Switch

Personally, I'm not sure if a new board is worth $100. Personally, I wouldn't have bought the Tadao aftermarket. It came in the marker and I've been happy with it. But $100 is hard to justify unless you're really having trouble with the LCD brightness or Optical switch.


On a side note... My board, as it is older, doesn't allow PSP ramping to go below 14bps cap. Tadao says any board purchased from then now should be able to be capped down to 6 or 8 bps. If you do get an older board, Tadao can flash the board for you.

[PEOG]

I have the Yakuza Violent board, and love it.

Unlike the LCD its a OLED display and eats batteries alot less then a stock board.

Easier to read the display, WAY EASIER to program and navigate, and SUPER fast turn on and off.