Looking around at 14' boards at the moment and found a few different boards. Just want some opinions on the boards below. I'm 6'2 by 90-93 kgs and normally ride a 27 wide with ease, considering going narrower to keep up with the lighter guys. Tell me what you think of these boards for flatwater and downwinding.
* Starboard Allstar
* Starboard Ace
* DC
* Lahui Kai
* Fanatic Falcon
* Naish

I have the 2013 Fanatic Falcon at 27.5 wide. I have used it extensively as a flat water board and its excellent. Stable, quick, easy to turn at a buoy. As a downwinding board it's also excellent, I understand the 2014 is even better. I find it grabs little bumps and surfs them quite well. Can be prone to the odd nose dive, however, recovery is pretty easy.

As an ocean board it's once again easy to balance. I found catching actual waves to be a little more challenging. Pretty easy to foot steer. Overall it's an awesome beast. If I upgrade I may go to the 24.75 but I'm not sure yet.

For the record I am 5'8 and come in anywhere between 90 and 95kg. I like long walks on the beach and candlelight dinners

Thanks gregc for the info but unfortunately for you I'm married and only interested in the female species

The new Falcon is a winner downwind. It seems that it may be roughly similar to the '13 model on the dead flat but as soon as bumps, chop, wake or downwind conditions appear the new board really accelerates. I've now ridden both of the thinner models extensively and they are more stable than last year yet 1/4 inch thinner. I've noticed a huge difference negotiating other boards wake. Where the previous model did track slightly the new model accelerates.

I suggest the best way to find out is to demo. The hype is one thing but the way this board actually goes is what will impress you. I'd demo early as I believe there is going to be a shortage. They're camping out overnight in Sydney at WindSurf N Snow just to steal them as they come off the container.

Gees Mate What happened to you yesterday for the Demo at Currumbin. Missed out....

Father's Day and the Gold Coast show. Plus I'm a bit scared that if I go near you guys without researching first I'll get "RED FEVER"

Im thinking of a 24.75 but I we have no opportunity to test that one down here. It may be that I just need to get my bum into a car and get up and see Sam to test them.

I'd actually heard that most of the first shipment has been presold, I know there is 2 down here in Canberra but at the 27 inch width not the narrower one.

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gregc said..

I'd actually heard that most of the first shipment has been presold, I know there is 2 down here in Canberra but at the 27 inch width not the narrower one.

Greg, I know lots are pre sold. I can already sell the 24.75 I'm expecting this week to guys further down in the queue.
As I said before - demo and you'll be happy.

Sam and the crew at Jamieson Park Paddle are doing a big interclub time trial and demo on Sunday at Narrabeen. WindSurfNsnow will have their demo Fanatics as well as the Fanatic guys who will have all of their race boards there. It will be a good opportunity to test. Give Sam at WSS a ring to see what he has coming (and left)

I know more boards are arriving this week but I think they're all sold..

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Adapt said..

Father's Day and the Gold Coast show. Plus I'm a bit scared that if I go near you guys without researching first I'll get "RED FEVER"

Funnnnnnyyyy

Greg, I saw the new 14' Fanatic 24.75 width standing in Wetspot on Sat - and I had a good feel. Impressively light, & looks fast and stable, the bulbous bow shouldn't track.
Just stump up the money and go paddle it. You know you want to!

adapt, if you are considering going narrower for dwing i say don't. just get better at doing it. bumps only go so fast and if you get lots of them and stay with them you'll be fast and have fun.


now paddling a narrow board dwing . unless your sh1thot, means your going to be working on balance and paddle corrections instead of working and refining your dw skills- less paddling is best.


however for a dw board avoid displacement noses and go for edges off the back or somewhere as is the case with the ace for planning.


for flatwater- go narrow for sure, then when you jump on your 'wider' ocean/dw board its going to feel like a piece of cake or pie if your like the dogman


personally i'm no a fan of canoes for proper dwing. to me they are a means and no fun.


i think everyone needs a flat water board and a dw board

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NNSUP said...
The new Falcon is a winner downwind. It seems that it may be roughly similar to the '13 model on the dead flat but as soon as bumps, chop, wake or downwind conditions appear the new board really accelerates. I've now ridden both of the thinner models extensively and they are more stable than last year yet 1/4 inch thinner. I've noticed a huge difference negotiating other boards wake. Where the previous model did track slightly the new model accelerates.

I suggest the best way to find out is to demo. The hype is one thing but the way this board actually goes is what will impress you. I'd demo early as I believe there is going to be a shortage. They're camping out overnight in Sydney at WindSurf N Snow just to steal them as they come off the container.

Agree! I rode the 27 falcon last year in 14 and the 25 in 12'6. the new 24.75 14 is miles more stable than last years 12'6 25. Miles. if someone paddled across me in training i was all over the shop, the new one is very planted and loves a wash to ride.

i have a 27 coming in 14 for dw racing as well (no 12'6 this year). Whilst at first the 24.75 doesnt feel lightning fast, in chop it is deceptively quick. it doent bob into chop losing momentum like the old one, it sits up top and goes forward.

I rate it. I ride it cause it suits my size (6'3 95 odd kgs). i am not a fanatic team rider.

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laceys lane said..

adapt, if you are considering going narrower for dwing i say don't. just get better at doing it. bumps only go so fast and if you get lots of them and stay with them you'll be fast and have fun.


now paddling a narrow board dwing . unless your sh1thot, means your going to be working on balance and paddle corrections instead of working and refining your dw skills- less paddling is best.


however for a dw board avoid displacement noses and go for edges off the back or somewhere as is the case with the ace for planning.


for flatwater- go narrow for sure, then when you jump on your 'wider' ocean/dw board its going to feel like a piece of cake or pie if your like the dogman


personally i'm no a fan of canoes for proper dwing. to me they are a means and no fun.


i think everyone needs a flat water board and a dw board

Got to agree with you Lacey - I found last years 25 a little difficult in DW conditions. I've worked out the difference in speed between the boards and I know that if I fall twice on the 25 any benefit of speed is wasted. A wider stable board that is still fast is faster if you're up paddling and not in the water. For DW Id go the 27.25 and for the flat 24.75. Demo Demo.

I'd definitely give the DCs a good demo too. Great down wind and on the flat. Speak to Dale. He's a wealth of info.

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laceys lane said...
adapt, if you are considering going narrower for dwing i say don't. just get better at doing it. bumps only go so fast and if you get lots of them and stay with them you'll be fast and have fun.


now paddling a narrow board dwing . unless your sh1thot, means your going to be working on balance and paddle corrections instead of working and refining your dw skills- less paddling is best.


however for a dw board avoid displacement noses and go for edges off the back or somewhere as is the case with the ace for planning.


for flatwater- go narrow for sure, then when you jump on your 'wider' ocean/dw board its going to feel like a piece of cake or pie if your like the dogman


personally i'm no a fan of canoes for proper dwing. to me they are a means and no fun.


i think everyone needs a flat water board and a dw board

I always hate your truths Lacey you are a wise paddler and I respect your opinion. I just hate that the lighter littler guys are getting faster and I feel like I'm falling further behind.

You are right. I highly doubt I'll go narrower on a downwind board and it is definitely at a stage where you need a flat water board as well.

Noticed you haven't sold a board in a while, guessing you must be getting close to your perfect quiver!

the dc 15'6 is my flatwater trainer. allows me to paddle fast at a slower rate- i get the best out of training. the gerry lopez 14 is a awesome dw board for me very stable, stand at the back and move forward then you need. a pure planning machine

i hold the board back and ride the crests then watch for the power plays. i never done so little paddling in dw ing in my life. as soon as the board starts moving i stop paddling . let the board do the work.


however its 28" wide and not very trendy.



i would goa dc 27" canoe style 'pro' or a fanatic 27.25 out of the boards on your list.


those 2013 skinny naish's at your size- last' even tho your fit, your too tall and heavy for them

yea Simon I am talking to the boys to see if we can demo it this weekend.

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i think everyone needs a flat water board and a dw board

Can you tell my missus that please Lacey?

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laceys lane said..



however its 28" wide and not very trendy.

Sometimes its good not to stand in the red/yellow/blue lines lacey and stand out from the crowd IMHO Lacey

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laceys lane said..

the dc 15'6 is my flatwater trainer. allows me to paddle fast at a slower rate- i get the best out of training. the gerry lopez 14 is a awesome dw board for me very stable, stand at the back and move forward then you need. a pure planning machine

i hold the board back and ride the crests then watch for the power plays. i never done so little paddling in dw ing in my life. as soon as the board starts moving i stop paddling . let the board do the work.


however its 28" wide and not very trendy.



i would goa dc 27" canoe style 'pro' or a fanatic 27.25 out of the boards on your list.


those 2013 skinny naish's at your size- last' even tho your fit, your too tall and heavy for them

I would certainly add new Glide to that list (29 1/4 wide - so even less trendy) - had it out on flatwater and was really surprised at how well it went. I honestly thought it would feel sluggish at that width, it was anything but, accelerates easily and holds it's glide incredibly well. I love the 27" Glide for downwinding, but it never felt great on the flats, this one does.

I hear you about downwinding on a wider board - I rode the LE23 all last year and I was only faster in the clean sections, messy sections would undo any gains made - I reckon this new Glide will slice through everything and stay on any bump. Will let you know as soon as we've got some wind.....they've reworked rails and rocker so it's essentially a wider LE - this is a good thing.

See my report/pics in other thread.

I'm 84kg and Naishrep.....

Isn't there going to be a 26" wide LE that would sit nicely between the Glide and LE 23" given the Glide has picked up a lot of the skinny boards features?

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Snowie said..

Isn't there going to be a 26" wide LE that would sit nicely between the Glide and LE 23" given the Glide has picked up a lot of the skinny boards features?

Yes - due out later this year - its up on the Naishsup.com site

Drop around and take my Carbon 14 x 26 NSP DC for a splash Jay. You'll love it.

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PeterP said..

laceys lane said..

the dc 15'6 is my flatwater trainer. allows me to paddle fast at a slower rate- i get the best out of training. the gerry lopez 14 is a awesome dw board for me very stable, stand at the back and move forward then you need. a pure planning machine

i hold the board back and ride the crests then watch for the power plays. i never done so little paddling in dw ing in my life. as soon as the board starts moving i stop paddling . let the board do the work.


however its 28" wide and not very trendy.



i would goa dc 27" canoe style 'pro' or a fanatic 27.25 out of the boards on your list.


those 2013 skinny naish's at your size- last' even tho your fit, your too tall and heavy for them

I would certainly add new Glide to that list (29 1/4 wide - so even less trendy) - had it out on flatwater and was really surprised at how well it went. I honestly thought it would feel sluggish at that width, it was anything but, accelerates easily and holds it's glide incredibly well. I love the 27" Glide for downwinding, but it never felt great on the flats, this one does.

I hear you about downwinding on a wider board - I rode the LE23 all last year and I was only faster in the clean sections, messy sections would undo any gains made - I reckon this new Glide will slice through everything and stay on any bump. Will let you know as soon as we've got some wind.....they've reworked rails and rocker so it's essentially a wider LE - this is a good thing.

See my report/pics in other thread.

I'm 84kg and Naishrep.....

hi peter, is this the same board you just posted in the review section. it does look nice.


adapt, i did a solo run from snapper to alley today. ese winds and swell, rough and big and windy with the first 1/4 of the run have strong off shore chop running into the swell- not pretty. i don't know how the hell that was happening, maybe the wind gets bent at coolie, but i sure was glad i was on my stable 28" board

cheers

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laceys lane said..


adapt, i did a solo run from snapper to alley today. ese winds and swell, rough and big and windy with the first 1/4 of the run have strong off shore chop running into the swell- not pretty. i don't know how the hell that was happening, maybe the wind gets bent at coolie, but i sure was glad i was on my stable 28" board

cheers

I agree with Mark here, I have a DC 14 x 29 that is absolutely amazing in the ocean and downwind. Super stable and links and glides.

I have the 14 x 26 as a very light wind board or for flatwater...

I also have the fastest 14'er I've ever paddled but only in glassy water, any bump or chop from other paddlers or wind and you're in trouble.

In a perfect world I'd have a 14 x 25 sunken deck as well for flatwater that could handle some adversity.


Point I'm making is that pretty much any board has it's perfect conditions. If I could have only one now it would be the 14 x 26. Fast enough in the flat, stable enough in the ocean. If you have to choose a board don't choose on the fashionable dimensions choose on what you want to use it for the most and buy a board that is 70% for those conditions and 30% ok at the things you do least.

DC has loaned me his old Doctor board to try out, so I'll give it a spin over the next couple of days and chat to him about. Super excited to see what it goes like! Also saw some awesome shapes in his factory.

Had a go on a Lahui Kai yesterday and might try to get a go on a Fanatic as well. Like we have heard a thousand times over demo, demo, demo, just want to get the best possible board this time.

Thanks for the advice guys