I'm about to replace my well used JP Surf 8'6" with a new board. I'm torn between Starboard Pro 8'2" and Spice 8'2" - both 2023 models. I've got a number of surf SUP's but I need one board to travel with that tackles most waves and is stable enough in choppy surf we get very often here. Especially when it's big, we've got mostly beach breaks nearby so some degree of stability is welcome.
I'm 83kg so on paper the Pro ay 118l and 29" with looks like a winner (I'm also lazy so as much as I'd love to drop to 7'11" I can't be bothered with fighting for stability in choppier conditions).
The Spice is 30.75" wide and 121l volume, the drop to 106l on 7'11" seems a bit much. Has anyone tried this size? How easy it is to throw around?
Has anyone tried the new Pro in crap surf - does it take off as easily as 2022 models when the waves are lacking some punch?
I've got a 9'0" Naish Hokua for cruising about but needs something I can throw about, ideally a bit more so than on the JP 8'6".
Many thanks for any input :)
I don't think anybody has tried the 2023 pro yet (apart from team riders) and very few people have tried the spice. I don't recall any reviews of the 8'2" spice specifically.
Supboarder pro did a review about it, but they have a paywall (wel worth btw!) : supboardermag.com/
How I read it: not as performance orientated and bigger feeling as a pro, not as easy and accessibel as the Wedge.
imo the Starboards are all quite friendly and easy boards so I wouldn't hesitate to go for a pro.
Personally I really like my Smik Hipster as allrounder. I have an 8.3, but i,m 95+kg. that does well in smaller and bigger stuff. The 7.10x109l will probably magic for you.
For real big stuff I have a spitfire, but I havent so far reached the limits of what I can handle with the Hipster as well.
Supboarder did a review of the 7.11 Spice, which is on their YouTube channel and free for all. Is the 8.2 similar, or the same? Probably.
The supboarder pro video is a look behind the scenes and further thoughts on the Spice and the Hypernut, unless I am missing some video (I am also a subscriber)
Personally, I am starting to doubt my 8.8 carbon Spice order and thinking I should have gone for the 8.7 Pro.
Yeah I think the Pro will do nicely, just not sure how the newer shapes deals with less powerful waves. I've seen that review, just wondered about the new pro's :)
imo the pro vid was a lot more critical/less positive as the YT.The 2022 Pro,s have been great in chesthigh waves and I can see how they can be a bit handfull/twitchy when its big and hollow, so I can understand that they might eased it a bit. But it is a Starboard and they have IMO always been a lot looser/reactive/better in small stuff as for example JP and Fanatic Pro boards.
It's an interesting one because I think Beau expected the spice to be closer to the pro, but it seems to be a little bit closer to the wedge. Also, he does not enjoy quads, but said the spice is much better as a quad. Watching him surf it as a quad, I don't see a problem for us mortals. I, on the other hand, love a quad and I am hoping that the 8.8 spice will bridge the gap in my quiver between the 10.2 wedge and the 8' Hypernut.
My carbon spice is supposedly arriving this month, so I'll be posting further thoughts on this soon, hopefully.
I would recommend the Lockrack with the wide base, if you have roof rails. Then you can easily travel with more than one board. I got tired of arriving at the beach with the wrong board. Unless you mean travel not by car, of course.
We've moved the other way! Ducato for extra room over the T6! Stuck in the new van in Woolacombe waiting for the wind to drop!
Small world, we've practically driven past each other. Caught best wave of the year so far at Saunton on Friday, had everything. Though this is it session on, then tide dropping, wind picking up got caught on the inside by the rocks, what a work out battling through chest high white water, excellent balance, cardio and strength training all in one. Three more okayish waves then I was totally stuffed. Back up to Saltburn tomorrow, forecast is crap up there too!
Pretty comprehensive review. Expains the 3 boards features and design ideas really well.
Good review Beau
Heard about a great deal on a Starboard Pro thanks to my local shop. It was first come, first served and I managed to get my order in on time to snap up a 2023 8'2" Starboard Pro in Blue Carbon Pro. It will be my lowest volume board versus my 133l Hypernut and 140l Spice.
I had an opportunity to try out an 8'2" x 121l Spice and a 10 x 29 x 123l longboard a few weeks ago. Both felt fine in choppy onshore conditions, so I think the 8.2 Pro will be fine in good conditions, especially after a bit of practice.