Starboard pro...

I have the SB pro 8x29 2015, i am In 85 kg no problem at all.
But sometimes when used a wetsuit the board feel more unstable but in overall is not big deal.

Big difference in stability between 2015 models and 2017 models.. new models are much less stable. Go for
the 9'0 unless you ride a lot of glassy conditions.

i had the 2017 8'5 at 72kg and it was a struggle in chop. I sold it in frustration of coming off and missing waves. The guy I sold it to was about 75kg and after 3 surfs he said he could barely stand on it and also got rid of it.

2015 models were flat decked, lower rocker, more forgiving rails and nose width.

2017 is same as 2018 - I didn't find that much difference if any 2015 to 2017/18 stability wise ...actually thought the 17/18 8'5 was more stable ...and rail to rail better ..the 2015 are great boards though ....have a look at the starboard nut 8'5 x 29 if you're worried about stability - it's a great all-rounder and very easy to use but still decent performance...the pros are just sharper in performance as you'd expect

What about a good compromise ... Naish mad dog 8,6 x29 @121 litres would ing be near the bottom to top surfing of the starboard pro though

Select to expand quote

benjl said..
I haven't tried that one as a comparison but it does get good reviews. A lot thicker profile although this might taper a lot in to the domed deck but haven't felt one in person side by side with the starboard

Yes correct, quite a thick rail, was 8,6x29 @121 litres conditions amp but chop , unstable board for most part but ok
water was at rail edge so not bad for 90kgs but I thought it was the paint job but guess not it is in fact a large rail
going on the 121 litres of this board it would point to the 9,0 starboard being a bit much at 128 but it's the rails if the rails are very pulled down then I think I might be in the water . Two very different boards to look at

Naish did a limited run of the Hokua GTW shape in an LE construction. They came in 9'6", 9'0" and 8'6". Same dimensions as the GTW line. I had the 9'6" for over a year and loved it. Only sold due to financial issues. Could be something to look into.

interesting feedback- the rails of my 8'5 were definitely quite tapered down and would suggest the 9'0 would be similar.
There was a big jump between the 2015 and 2017 models if you read some of the reviews and testing from sponsored riders between the two

Select to expand quote

Foam said..
You mean if worried go 9,0 x29 I'm 90kg

No I meant an alternative to the 8'5 pro is the starboard 8'5 x 29 nut - 118 L - very very easy board to use with a wide range, small to big, choppy to clean - think wideish nose for wave catching, ease of paddling and stability but pulled in tail for performance, the pro boards are better as you would expect in better waves and offer more top end performance

Hi, no I had a jp surf 128 litres I was trying out a Naish it was 121 litres no difference in float I thought

the 8,5 starboard is a different ball game again, this is why I thought the 9,0 was a safe bet but not if 121 of the Naish demo was floaty enough

I bought this 2014 model used yesterday that was purchased brand new. The owner rode it twice and realized he was to big for the board and sold it to another big guy. The second owner realized he was to big so it sat in a garage for years. This board has been ridden less than 10 times and is in basically new condition. I'm loving life.
P.s Both the previous owners where long time sup surfers in the 90 kg range

I'm 88kg and 6'4", been riding the 2013 8'5 for years at 106L. You'll be fine on it. Put c-drives in it and hang on.

I think for a safer option that's wise- have a read through this review to explain the exact details I mentioned with the 2017 models vs prior years in terms of stability etc.

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/Review/2017-Starbord-Pro-85-80-Carbon?page=1

Select to expand quote

benjl said..
And:

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/Review/2017-Starboard-Pro-9--x-29--Carbon-Big-Blokes-experiences-please?page=1

Great stuff, yea confirms the 8,5 just plain hard work unless 85kg or less more like 80 by the sounds
yes I did read as though anyone in the 85 to 90 went to or should of or preferred the 9,0

i dont like domed decks this is why is why I love jp but I was looking to change brand for a different ride
now I'm going to be into a 9,0 starboard pro but I'm very tempted to look at the 8,6 jp surf

as always at 88 to 90 kg boards seem to be far apart I.e 110 litres vs 128 litres not much between in the top to bottom pulled in nose rockets

Hi Foam,

After all the various input I think your on the money looking at the 9'0 Pro, I certainly would not recommend the 2017/18 8'5 Pro for somebody of your weight unless a pretty skilled rider.

Each of the sizes do have subtle variations with rail profile and deck shape, the 9'0 was the first size to go through changes where the rails were thinned out and the deck made flatter. They then introduced the 9'0 XL (139L) that incorporated fatter rails and more volume for heavy riders.

For an intermediate level rider at your weight I think the 9'0 will give you a good amount of stability with performance.

Hope this helps some

Note:
I'm the author of the 8'5 review in the links

Cheers,
Marco

Another consideration is the sic triton 8'2 at 115l. Shorter, but wider nose and willbe a heap more stable than the 8'5 pro