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Forums > Stand Up Paddle   Board Talk & Reviews

Starboard All star 2015 or Lahui Kai Race

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Created by speedz18 > 9 months ago, 9 Jun 2015
speedz18
8 posts
9 Jun 2015 12:38AM
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I'm looking to upgrade my board this summer. I was going to get the Starboard All Star since they seem to be the most common boards I have noticed at the races but I have been reading about the Lahui Kai Race and I am now confused on what to buy. Nobody around by me has any advice and very little feedback on Lahui Kai Race. I was hoping someone could give me some advice.

SDCounty
17 posts
9 Jun 2015 3:19AM
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I live in Carlsbad California. I am in a similar situation. Brian S lives and works in nearby Encinitas, SUPATX has a 10,000 sq.ft facility 20 miles from our home.... this is SUP race country here in San Diego. I demoed the 14x27.25 Lahui Kai Race board yesterday. I was quite impressed. And especially the rock solid feel and stability, particularly in the tail section. I tried a couple of buoy turns and was amazed at the rear stability the tail block offers.

There is a fair amount of nose rocker in the LK, which will do you well in the open ocean and perhaps be a small compromise in the flats.

The only other board I have demoed recently is the Hobie Apex 14x 27.50 The Hobie is lighter by lbs. With nothing other than feel, it seems a little faster. There are more inserts for BOP style handles on the sides than LK Race. In contrast, LK has forward inserts for a GoPro, Speed coach, or a leach. And yes, a few racers, including most notably Annabelle Anderson are forward positioning leaches now for easier removal in beach entry finish type races.

If I had to choose today I would buy LK race 14. Especially if your paddling will include open ocean and beach entry and exits. And as the Starboard Allstar was originally designed by Brian S you'd do yourself good by giving it a go as well. You'll pay less, at least here in the US for the LK and still have a triple carbon finish and about the same weight as the carbon All Star. The LK race is showing up a lot more at the local paddle spots and in races here in San Diego county all the time.

baddog
256 posts
9 Jun 2015 10:56AM
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No doubt it's Brian's follow up to the 2014 All Star, except it's now a Lahui Kai Race. Annabelle certainly hasn't lost a step following Brian from Starboard. My only question is, are the China built Lahui Kai's up to the Cobra factory standards? I'm in the wait and see camp. But even if not, they are way less expensive.

Since you don't give your stats, the question you have to ask is the if 27.25" is what your after; The Lahui Kai Race 14 only comes in one width. Choice is one area where Starboard absolutely smashes the competition.

speedz18
8 posts
9 Jun 2015 6:21PM
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Thanks so much I'm 6 ft 212lbs and paddle mostly the ocean and the bay. I agree starboard has more widths but I was looking at the 14' long 28 wide. I think 26 or 25 is to narrow for my skill level right now

bh2905
VIC, 74 posts
9 Jun 2015 10:11PM
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i have a 12.6 x 27 lahui kai and love it feels quick for a 12.6 and best of all nice and solid structure whilst being light . i bought it just for training and to save my full carbon 14 board from to much were and tear but i find i grab it first now

speedz18
8 posts
10 Jun 2015 7:41AM
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Awesome! I think I'm going to get the Kai Race. It seems like you get a lot more for your money.

AA
NSW, 2159 posts
10 Jun 2015 10:26AM
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We have sold a few of the Brian Szymanski Lahui Kai race boards and so far the feedback has been very positive.
The triple carbon construction is a nice balance between weight and durability and at $2450 for the 14'er they are very good value here.
The 2016 models are on their way and the weights have come down to around 12.5kg for a 14'er.
The main feedback we get on the 14' x 27.25 is that it is a solid allrounder for Ocean touring and down winding.
Its stability in chop and swell is a standout feature.
There is a 14' x 26" in the works and we should see this around August.

A good video from Brian on the 12'6 race from which the 14'er was developed.

HerbertVoigt
QLD, 155 posts
10 Jun 2015 11:44AM
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There are a number of us in one of the squads up here at Currumbin that have been using the production version Lahui Kai's for a while.

I have given my one a hammering so far and it is standing the test of time as good if not better than the last custom carbon one I had which was also very durable.

Both the boards you mention are great designs with excellent construction.

Go with the board you like the most and you will be a happy paddler.

Cheers, Lockie

speedz18
8 posts
10 Jun 2015 10:54AM
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I see you mentioned the 2016 Lahui Kai Race. Do you happen to know when they will be coming out. And have you ever paddled a 26? Are they a lot more unstable then a 27?

HumanCartoon
VIC, 2098 posts
10 Jun 2015 4:15PM
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FWIW 'm a good bit heavier than the OP, I chose the 14 x 27.25 LK over the 14 x 28 Allstar. The LK felt more stable to me despite being a bit narrower and having a bit less volume. Also feels to me a little more slippery through the water (but that's entirely subjective, haven't done any comparisons with a Garmin or whatever). I also like that the deck recess is not so deep - I find the deeper deck on the Allstar uncomfortably restrictive

SDCounty
17 posts
11 Jun 2015 5:26AM
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I spoke to the folks at SUP ATX this morning about the upcoming new models mentioned in the previous post. They are expecting two new models, in the 2015 design to show up in San Juan Capistrano, California about 3 weeks. There might be more, but the two below were discussed.

The are set to see a 14x26 Brian S LK and a 12'6" x 25.25 LK model. No mention of pricing was made and the guess is that both models will be lighter in weight than the existing 14 and the 12'6" x 26 versions.

If there are no other updates to this forum on this subject I will report back in after they arrive.. I will be demoing both as soon as they arrive.

AA
NSW, 2159 posts
11 Jun 2015 1:55PM
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Select to expand quote
speedz18 said..
I see you mentioned the 2016 Lahui Kai Race. Do you happen to know when they will be coming out. And have you ever paddled a 26? Are they a lot more unstable then a 27?


Speedz the new 14' x 26 is due here in Oz, in August.
As the shape of the 14' x 26 will be similar to the 14' x 27.25, the general rule with the new BZ shape is that they feel (stability-wise) like a board 1-2" wider.
Stability is a personal thing and a 1" drop in width will affect stability.
If you are comfortable on the 27.25" the chances are you will be able to progress to the 26" with ease.

The LK 12'6" x 25.25 model will be a pure BOP race board. This is the board that Kelly Margets has had a lot of success with until it was stolen
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/SUP/Stolen-Blue-Lahui-Kai-from-Newport/?SearchTerms=Stolen

SDCounty
17 posts
11 Jun 2015 10:16PM
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Excellent post AA.

You provided context and perspective to what I couldn't precisely describe when I spent my first 5 minutes on the LK 14x27.25. Stability wise you are spot on. And again, particularly so from the side to side stability and the control you have from the tail. Dare I say "barge" for a 27.25 wide board ?

And soon, you'll have two more choices to push your limits or to have the current "elite" level board characteristics.

And if my guess is right, SUP ATX will continue building the brand through the podium successes of it's team riders and we will see widened range of choices within lengths and types in 2016 and beyond.

baddog
256 posts
12 Jun 2015 1:46AM
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Select to expand quote
SDCounty said..
I spoke to the folks at SUP ATX this morning about the upcoming new models mentioned in the previous post. They are expecting two new models, in the 2015 design to show up in San Juan Capistrano, California about 3 weeks. There might be more, but the two below were discussed.

The are set to see a 14x26 Brian S LK and a 12'6" x 25.25 LK model. No mention of pricing was made and the guess is that both models will be lighter in weight than the existing 14 and the 12'6" x 26 versions.

If there are no other updates to this forum on this subject I will report back in after they arrive.. I will be demoing both as soon as they arrive.


25.25", definitely interested in trying. I have to laugh at that 1/4" as both my All Stars came in mystery hidden widths; aka, not what's shown on the board.

bradsdubs
QLD, 161 posts
12 Jun 2015 12:39PM
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Select to expand quote
baddog said..

SDCounty said..
I spoke to the folks at SUP ATX this morning about the upcoming new models mentioned in the previous post. They are expecting two new models, in the 2015 design to show up in San Juan Capistrano, California about 3 weeks. There might be more, but the two below were discussed.

The are set to see a 14x26 Brian S LK and a 12'6" x 25.25 LK model. No mention of pricing was made and the guess is that both models will be lighter in weight than the existing 14 and the 12'6" x 26 versions.

If there are no other updates to this forum on this subject I will report back in after they arrive.. I will be demoing both as soon as they arrive.



25.25", definitely interested in trying. I have to laugh at that 1/4" as both my All Stars came in mystery hidden widths; aka, not what's shown on the board.


Starboard width..goods not as described..it either is, or it isn't, the said width. Fully refundable and enforceable in court, if you wish to take it that far. Just saying..

SDCounty
17 posts
28 Jun 2015 12:28AM
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The 14x26 Lahui Kai Brian S board became available to the public in San Juan Capistrano two days ago.

I demoed the board yesterday in harbor channel conditions with 10-15 mph winds and some surface chop. The board I demoed weighed in at 26lbs. It has the same finish and color characteristics as the 12"6"x 26 Team Race model.

The board is sleek and fast, glides well and tracks exceptionally well. I wouldn't call it tippy, but it is definitely more "twitchy" than the 14x27.25. The tail, when performing a buoy style pivot turn is far less stable than than it's counterpart at 27.25".

I didn't have a speed clock so I can't speak to how fast one is to the other. Results may vary.

At the end of the day, I opted for the 27.25 wide model. If you want to be at the front of the line on bragging rights by owning the most current "elite" racing board, or if your strictly going to stay in flat water conditions, the 26in wide is the board you want.

If, on the other hand, open ocean touring or down winding is what you do most, there is going to be less work balance wise and for some less fatigue with the 27.25, particularly in paddles in excess of ten miles.I don't believe the 27.25 is a significant compromise and probably the better option for most riders. It was for me.

SDCounty
17 posts
4 Jul 2015 4:08AM
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I am starting to dial in my new LK Brian S 14x27.25. First of all, and probably important when considering this board, is what version and vintage you're trying or wind up getting.

Two of the older, early production boards in the SUP ATX boardroom weighed in at 29lb and 31lb respectively. I demoed a 30lb version.... felt like a barge. The one I received weighed 27.6lbs, close to the advertised weight. I immediately put on the first of what will be several fin options, a keel type made by SUP ATX. I don't have exact sq.in measurement, but I'd guess it's a little under 50.

In flat harbor type water, so far, my 27.25, with the keel fin, feels and responds very close to the 14x26.25 version with the stock fin. The 27.25 is by no means a barge, and is, as would be expected, slightly more stable than the 26 in version. I felt just enough additional stability to stop thinking about the board being tippy and to start thinking about a full power stroke and the delightful glide. 10 strokes per side was pretty easy, with little off tracking.

So if you're on the fence, I'd take Larry Cain's blog advice, and error on the side of stability. When properly bought, and equipped, the difference in speed performance is minimal, save for what type of fin setup you might do on the 26 in.

baddog
256 posts
4 Jul 2015 1:16PM
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SD, did you mention your weight?

AA
NSW, 2159 posts
4 Jul 2015 3:47PM
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Dialling in your Lahu Kai - some great footage from the Currumbin boys! How smooth and efficient is Kelly stroke OMG

WHY DONT YOU ACT YOUR AGE!

SDCounty
17 posts
4 Jul 2015 9:07PM
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No, 180lbs 5'10". Perhaps more importantly I am
65 yrs old. Geezer status. In decent shape with a
47 bpm resting heartbeat.

speedz18
8 posts
10 Jul 2015 6:31AM
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So I got about 2 weeks to compare the All Star Starboard (non carbon) vs the 14 x 27.25 Lk Race. I talked my neighbor into upgrading his board as well. So there is a shop here that had both boards and a 2 week return policy of up to 20% restocking fee depending on the quality of the board returned. We made a deal to split the return cost which allowed us to really test both boards in the ocean,bay, and lake. We went with the non carbon All-star because it was the same price as the Lahui Kai. I have lot's of comparison notes if anyone is in the same situation I was in and wants me to post them. Anyway I went with the Lk Race and my neighbor did also. He chose the 14x26 I chose the 14x27.25. I am a bigger paddler so I was glad I went with the wider board. My neighbor is only like 5'8" 150lbs and loved the smaller width. I am taller and heavier and the 26 was tippy for me. I do have to say in the ocean I am faster on the 27.25 then he is on the 26, we are competitive on the bay just depends on the day, but on flat water the 26 is so much faster. Thanks to everyone that helped. The Race is amazing and again I have a pro con list to compare the All-star with the Race if anyone wants them.

KellyM
QLD, 97 posts
10 Jul 2015 11:26AM
Thumbs Up

Hey speedz18, glad you like the board and it sounds like you both made the right choice for weight and height. What area do you live in? Glad to hear that your local store is selling the 14' x 26" its only new in Oz and I think will be a great seller. Enjoy the board and your time on the water and anytime your near Currumbin come for a paddle

SDCounty
17 posts
10 Jul 2015 10:25AM
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Speedz18- sounds like you made a great choice, and after a good test period under different conditions. And at 150b and 5'8" your friend is probably right at home on the 26in.
When I changed out the stock for a keel fin, as I mentioned in a previous post, flatware speed increased nicely. I am also finding at 180lbs and 5'10", and when on flat water, if my toes are about 3-4inches in front of the carry handle, the nose gets buried just enough in the water to have the wake just, at times, barely rise above the bow. This position increases the speed and glide of board as well... I trim back near the front of the carry handle when moving out into ocean swell and chop.

baddog
256 posts
11 Jul 2015 12:14AM
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Speedz18, which All Star were you testing? 2015? And what width? Any details on why you guys liked the LK over the All Star. Thanks.

speedz18
8 posts
22 Jul 2015 12:28PM
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Tried the 2015 28width. The glass finish though not the carbon.

speedz18
8 posts
22 Jul 2015 12:38PM
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I'm from NJ. Lot's of different water to paddle. Metedaconk River, Manasquan River, Toms River, Barnaget Bay, Forge Pond, Medford Lakes, and the Atlantic Ocean. That's in my County. Lot's of other waterways in the state and we have plenty of paddle clubs too. So if ur ever in the neighborhood let me know. One thing NJ is good for is paddling.

HumanCartoon
VIC, 2098 posts
22 Jul 2015 3:15PM
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Select to expand quote
baddog said..
Any details on why you guys liked the LK over the All Star. Thanks.



Highly subjective reasons. For me the LK has less (or maybe a more mellow) initial tip despite being a little bit narrower, which will be to do with volume distribution and rail shape. Also feels a tad more stable for me when stepping back to pivot turn. I don't much like the deeper recess of the standing area in the allstar, again just personal taste and comfort. I tested them pretty much back-to-back and chose the one I was more comfortable on. YMMV.

MvsL
NSW, 44 posts
22 Jul 2015 10:10PM
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How does the LKs stability compare to wider downwind boards like the Naish Glide 29, NSP/DC 29 and Falcon 30?

Im looking for a 14fter for mostly flat but also keen on some downwinding. I'm about 6'5 and 95kg so stability is important but I don't want to sacrifice heaps of glide. Grateful for any feedback provided.

DavidJohn
VIC, 17498 posts
22 Jul 2015 10:21PM
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Select to expand quote
MvsL said...
How does the LKs stability compare to wider downwind boards like the Naish Glide 29, NSP/DC 29 and Falcon 30?

Im looking for a 14fter for mostly flat but also keen on some downwinding. I'm about 6'5 and 95kg so stability is important but I don't want to sacrifice heaps of glide. Grateful for any feedback provided.


I'm 6'4" and 95kgs.. I find boards like the LK and and even the DC and Falcon have a initial quick tip that's very off-puting for me in choppy water and downwinders.. I'm sure it's something you get used to but IMO the 29" wide Glide is one of the most stable and yet fast boards that I've paddled and if it's for DWers you can't go wrong with the Glide..

MvsL
NSW, 44 posts
23 Jul 2015 9:32PM
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Thanks DJ. You certainly make them look stable in your vids. Are they as quick on flat?

Anyone else got any feedback on stability?

AA
NSW, 2159 posts
23 Jul 2015 11:08PM
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Not sure which Lahui Kai you are referring to DJ but the Szymanski 14' x 27.25 Race is super stable with its big arsed tail.
The LK Manta's have a bit of a roll side to side, but they are a different beast.
I recently tried the new 14' x 26 Team Race and was super impressed with it stability for 26".
Also impressive are the new weights - 11.5kg








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"Starboard All star 2015 or Lahui Kai Race" started by speedz18