Time to get myself a board for riping (...well, or trying to...) after 3 years surfing a 10'3 and a 9'3.
These are my local options at 75 kg
2013 Starboard 8'5 pro and Naish 8'5 GT

I would love to hear from anyone about differences and preferences.

Cheers

do you have the specs of both boards?

Naish 8'5 GT

length: 8'5
width: 28''
vol: 115 lts

Starboard 8'5 Pro (2013)

length: 8'5
width: 29
vol: 106 lts

Hi Acuatico,

I'm not a big expert but I think both boards are almost the same.
(experts, please correct me if I'm wrong)
I also weigh 75kg and I'm also looking for a board like this but with a bit more stabilty.
I have a SB Converse (9'0" 137L) now.
I think the stabilty is the same looking at the width and volume.
For me last years 8'5" pro would be good (123L)...
I have to say I'm a SB guy so I would pick the Pro
it's like having to choose between a BMW and a Merc

I'm waiting to read more about the new boards on forums once they arrive in the shops and people bought or tested them. the 120L 7'8" x 32" wide point is also a board I want to read reviews about.
I live in Belgium en winter is on its way so no chance for a testday over here...

Would recomend the hokua over sb pro , nicer shortboard feel , better rails and tail shape, bit lighter too ( than AST version)
You will get used to the stability soon enough at 75 kg
k hope my 2 cents help
Cheers

I have the 8 5" x 29 Starboard Pro and quite like it,

At 85kg i thought the 106l might be a bit small but i have found it quite stable and it paddles into waves easily.

I think they have taken some of the roll out of the deck which has made it more stable.

I haven't given it the full work out yet but it seems to track well on the wave face and is very manouvarable.

This is a photo, though mine is the green colourway and not the one that is depicted here.

Walk around of the 2013 Starboard 8'5" Pro.

theres a good thread at the moment that compare the new 8'5 pro with the old one but will give you a good look at it and peoples opinions of this board

Jarryd