i'm hearing some like last years model better but not much in it


any options from the starby freaks out there

cheers

The hull shape itself looks exactly the same when you look at the two side by side.
Internals of the cockpit are of course different, some like the changes, some prefer the old ridge down the middle maybe for bracing whilst paddling I've heard.
For me I carved the ridge out of my old one quite a while ago so the new guy feels just like my old board which I'm stoked about. Freedom of movement around the deck is for me a big plus.
Biggest difference to me is build and weight. The new board is a kg or two lighter than last years board and four sure feels crisper and better built. No doubt due to going to a uni directional carbon layup.
Sam.

I've heard from my Starbie friends that the new one is better.. but not by much..

Not only is the hump or ridge down the center of the standing area gone but the rear of the dugout is squared off allowing you you stand with your rear foot against the rear of the dugout.

JC paddled PT's new Ace and is now considering upgrading to the new one.

DJ

Yes the ridge down the middle was enough for me to swap brands last year.

2013 model is better for people who are unfamiliar with the old model - it's less of a learning curve not having to deal with the ridge. But for anyone who is comfortable with the ridge, you don't really notice much difference. In some ways, I miss the ridge. The other thing I miss is the handles on last year's model - much better for carrying than the single centred handle of 2013. As far as the squared off standing area at the back, it's not helping me a great deal, I'm not turning the board any better than before. Then again, I am the world's worst kick turner and my global campaign to bring an end to buoy turns and revert to point-to-point racing continues unabated.

So on each of these points, I think the changes are not that big of a deal. However, my feeling is the new one is lighter, stronger and faster. The weight is measurable, the strength has been tested (I have indeed managed to crack the new construction but only under very solid impact, and in repairing the fault, I can see that the materials and techniques used under the skin are an improvement), and finally, in terms of speed, I haven't done a head-to-head test, but GPS figures and an overall feeling lead me to believe the 2013 is quicker.

Since you guys know your stuff about these Aces.

I'm considering purchasing either the 2011 Ace 14x 25 or the 2013 Allstar 14x25 (both carbon).

FYI, i'm about 5'7 tall and at the moment about 65kg and my other board is a 2013 Ace 12'6 x 23.5, and I have no issues with balance and i'm keeping it.

I'm looking for a 14 to race and downwind, everywhere I read is that the Ace is faster, especially in chop and is able to catch the smallest bumbs. I find the Allstar really fast in flat water, however I haven't had a chance to downwind it yet. Is the reason the Allstar is slower is because of the volume, do you think the board is more suited for lighter riders.

Please hit me back with your comments, good and bad.

Cheers

I have the 14 x 26" Allstar and last year's 14 x 25" Ace (as well as this year's 14 x 23" Ace).

I think you will find the Allstar's speed on flat water compared with the Ace is actually just perception due to the way it pierces from the nose whereas the Ace slaps a bit more. If you put a GPS across them both, I strongly believe you will find the Ace outperforms the Allstar in just about all conditions. The only situation I feel the Allstar is superior is if a race course involves a lot of tight buoy turns. Also, arguably, a cross wind will give the Allstar an advantage. I tend to reach for the Allstar in downwind conditions over 30 knots just because I find it easier to control when it gets hairy.

Select to expand quote

PTWoody said...
I have the 14 x 26" Allstar and last year's 14 x 25" Ace (as well as this year's 14 x 23" Ace).

I think you will find the Allstar's speed on flat water compared with the Ace is actually just perception due to the way it pierces from the nose whereas the Ace slaps a bit more. If you put a GPS across them both, I strongly believe you will find the Ace outperforms the Allstar in just about all conditions. The only situation I feel the Allstar is superior is if a race course involves a lot of tight buoy turns. Also, arguably, a cross wind will give the Allstar an advantage. I tend to reach for the Allstar in downwind conditions over 30 knots just because I find it easier to control when it gets hairy.

Agree

Thanks for the feedback guys.
I was kind of leaning towards the Allstar, but your comments have put me back towards the Ace.
Regardless of being the fastest, which board do you pefer riding and have the most fun on in all conditions.

Have been fortunate to put in a handful of sessions on the 2013 Ace 14x25 and each session just gets better. When there is crosswind/close chop, this has made the board a bit of a handful but other than that very impressed with the speed and control in such a narrow board. I am keen on getting in some downwind sessions in around 15-20kts. At the moment i cant see how working back on the board is possible in such narrow confined standing area but it sounds like it is very much possible which is good to hear.
The 2013 Allstar 14 looks like an awesome board and i can imagine it offers a lot of speed and control in big downwind conditions.

PM Jonesy or Trev T, they are great paddlers and have had time on all Starby's...

just for interest, i trained on the 2012 ast 25' ace which had me do very very well. seemed to glide for ever and well just sat in the water really nice next session tried the carbon version licking my lips.


for my not as good. i had to paddle it at higher rate because i felt it didn't glide as far as ast. seemed like it slowed down unless i kept the rate up. it was more nervous too.

probably goes against the gain, but i preferred the ast.

both mick debetta program sessions were about 8.5 k distance at high intensity race pace sets- they hurt

I hear where you're coming from as I had the ast 2 years ago and loved it also. Once moving nothing would stop it but carrying to the water was tough as she was a weighty one.
$1000 cheaper is quite a saving!

I rode the 27 ast at last years SA nationals and it was the first time I had ridden that board, had been training on the 25 carbon. I found that coming up to the headland where there was a bit of confusion in the water the ast actually ploughed through it better as it took more to get the board off line due to its weight.