On to the next round......boards

[RavennaAl]

OK, now that we have made some sort of progress dealing with weight classes and so forth, how about the next issue, boards. What do you feel should be classified as the minimal regulation size for a board? Basically, we have 500's, the Rose Bowl size board, 620's, 2X4's and full scale size. Keep in mind that new guys aren't going to fork over $300 or $400 for a large board. Personally, I feel that the 500's are just way too small to be considered a 'regulation' size. They make perfect arena boards, due to their size and the fact that arena games only use 8 players per side. The Rose Bowl board isn't too bad, but it is a little cramped. The 620 has been around for ages, and many leagues still use it. The 2X4's have become widely popular because they open up the passing game with their increased width and extra length. Full scale boards are in essence, the realistic choice because they are at actual scale to the players, but they are usually too big to move around and too costly for many guys to own.

So, where would you draw the line as to which board would be the smallest that should be used for league or tournament play? I'm thinking the 620's. They are everywhere and easily portable. The Rose Bowl board is borderline to me. It would be a great starter board, but I'm talking about league and tourney play, not what is easiest or cheapest for beginners to get.

Please don't turn this into a piddling contest about how this board is better than that board. I just want some honest feedback about which size is the smallest that you think games would be best played at.