Trying to decide on new All star or new Naish maliko
Haven't had a chance to demo either

Looking for some downwind and general paddling
Any advice we would be appreciated

you should be able to demo a all star if you are in Perth, as you have WA on your avatar. If you do or have, then I'd recommend going to YOB on canning hwy and demoing a 14ft bathurst. I thought that the all-star was a big let down when I rode one. Took out a bathurst for a blast and was sold, and they are about half the price. You can also feel good about keeping your money in local WA business.

I would go Maliko...not that I have tried one but I have the Allstar and I have decided I am not a fan of the deep concave hull or the big volume nose.

Both great boards but if you have to deal with any side winds the higher volume nose of the Allstar can make holding your line difficult.. and I'd say the wider nose on the Maliko would make it the more stable board.. You need to demo both before you buy.

What year all-star & maliko are you looking at? I tested the all-star (16 & 17) & maliko 17 and all nice boards but imo I would pick the maliko on what you described.

Thanks for replies
looking at getting 2018 model