2017 Starboard Pro Carbon
Rider weight: 79kg
Skill level: Experienced
Status: Team Rider
8’5 x 29 Carbon
I have pretty much owned and ridden every model of 8’5 Pro since they were introduced. At 112L which is the same as last year’s 2016 the 2017 version is a pretty different board.
The outline has changed considerably with a more pulled in nose and tail, while thinning out the rail profile. To maintain the volume in this size, the thickness at the middle increased slightly creating a slightly domed deck. These few points do make this version notably less stable than the 2015/16 and even the 2013/14 105L version.
Taking all this into consideration, the changes made are a major step in the right direction in terms of performance in cleaner / larger waves.This was an intended focus for the larger sizes in the Pro range and moving forward I think this was a positive step.
In the past I have always run my boards as quads, I preferred to cut higher on the wave and then pump along to generate speed. With the new tail outline being a little narrower and thinner I found a quad setup did not works as well and I have since changed back to a 2 + 1 setup.
One thing that I did change with a centre fin setup was going a little smaller from the supplied 140mm to a 120mm. This transformed the board more to what I like with a loser feel in the tail that allowed for more pressure through the front foot to engage the rail slightly further forward. I come from a windsurfing back ground and I like this style of stance rather than surfing right off the tail. The larger 140mm fin supplied seemed more locked in, therefore requiring more back foot pressure from off the tail kicker.
With the thinner rail profile surf ability has improved, the board transitions from rail to rail with more ease. It follows your foot pressure and reacts very quickly to input. Also the more constant rocker line feels like a smoother transition when stepping forward to get the board in and then shuffling back, there’s no jerky feel or braking sensation when the board pivots.
All the other features are top quality as expected from Starboard, I really like that they come supplied with a full deck pad already fixed.
8’0 x 28 Carbon
Also wanting a smaller board for this season for when conditions are on I also got the 8'0 x 28 Pro. At 102L the new 8’0 x 28 is more challenging than previous models because of similar outline changes as noted above with the 8’5 x 29.
In the past I could quite reasonably stand on the 8’0 and still relax enough to save energy for surfing. Now with the much thinner rails and more pulled in nose and tail I really have to work at keeping my balance when less than ideal. If there is water moving about and a little size I now find that I have to prone paddle out through the break and also move about a bit more so as to not tire too quick from balancing.
However on a wave this is possibly the best Starboard Pro that I have ridden. It generates so much speed and transitions from rail to rail with ease. I must say this has become my favourite board I just don’t get good enough conditions in Perth to make this my only board.
As with the 8’5 I also downsized the centre fin that just gave me the little extra difference in feel that I prefer, other than this the 8’0 is one sick little board.
For those that might be interested in the new Starlite construction, my Carbon weighed in at 6.5kg and the Starlite version was only 7.5kg. That’s pretty good for a much cheaper improved construction that has innegra rails, reinforcing stringers, full deck pad and also the FCS II fin boxes.
Cheers, Marco
Thanx for the write up and how they compare to the the older models!
I,m 90kg and always need a full suit so a ad a few kg, making the 2015 Pro8.5 pro pretty much the smallest I can paddle with a bit of comfort in some chop.Based on your comments the new one will be even more tippy in everything except picture perfect conditions (that I catch maybe 2times a year on a holiday )? Well it saves me a lot of money as I stick to the old one:)
ps fin tip:
I,m a windsurfer like you and probably not enough on the kickpad as well and I really really liked my board as a Tri with an 12cm K4 centre fin instead of an FCS alike stiffer fin. The K4 (stubby) centrefin is softer and makes my 2015 8.5 a lot looser and more fun in the topturn in everything except scary high.
If its serious big and it become too loose I like it a bit more directional and go back to my stiffer FCS centrefin ( Stretch-L or PC-Performers-L), but as in waist to just overhead the Stubby in the back is waaay more fun..
Have they tweaked the positioning of the fin box at all? I found the box of the 2015 8'0x29 pro was too far forward, and in good waves it was difficult to generate drive and hold. My 2013 8'5" pro has the box further back.
It could be well worth putting c-drive fins in these boards, too. They make a big difference to the 2013 8'5".
also sounds good if they have thinned out the rails, too.
Thanks Marco. If the centre fin has gone further forward, though, I'd have thought that will loosen it up in thruster config and reduce drive further....? Perhaps it works as a quad, but I've shied away from them as I find them prone to dishpanning. To each their own!
Hi Tang,
Difference in center box is only 5mm further forward on the 2017 model compared to the 2013/14. This was reduced from the 15/16 models that where about 40mm further forward than 2013/14.
I was mostly referring to the Quad boxes as this was how I tended to ride the Pro boards. I think the wider grouping, narrower and thinner tail in 2017 doesn't suit my style as a Quad, might be why I now prefer the 2 + 1 with a smaller center.
Cheers,
Marco
Hi Marco, with reference to the 8' x 28, how does it compare in stability to a) 2015 and 2016 7'7 Pro, and b) 7'2 Hypernut (what I'm on now). I'm 82 kegs. And having now tuned into it over the last 6 months what are your impressions of the ride? Cheers
Hey Marco , would it be possible to measure nose widths of 8'5 & 8'0 either 30cm or ofo to give me an idea how pulled in they are ? .... (tail widths are on website) ... cheers