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2021 Starboard Pro 8'0 - Review

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Created by marco gribi > 9 months ago, 18 Oct 2020
Foam
WA, 768 posts
5 Jun 2021 6:29PM
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Is the 2019 and 2020 the same shape

Foam
WA, 768 posts
6 Jun 2021 12:12PM
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I'm looking to replace my 8,6x29 112 litres

What would be the equivalent in thr 2019/20 models

BigZ
181 posts
6 Jun 2021 1:15PM
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Yes. 2019 and 2020 are the same shape. 2021 brings new shapes. The closest in volume in 2019/2020 shape will be 8'3x110l.

N00N00
23 posts
29 Jun 2021 7:41PM
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I'm fascinated by these boards but I'm no where near ready to jump on one but one thought has popped into my mind with regard to these and any of the more pro / advanced Sup surfer shapes out there. I'm currently riding an 11'6" Hypr Hawaii Gun. The waves at my local beach are awful. Any wind and it destroys the surf into a boiling soup of froth and chop. It's not a beach that is known for surfing (you wont find any surf reports for it etc.) but being 20 minutes down the road its ideal for me to develop and grab an hour before work etc. Once in a while there's no wind and a 1-2' swell that gives some nice ankle slappers to play on. The Gun is great but think way down the line something smaller and more maneuverable would be great. So I've been looking round at board types etc. that are great in smaller surf, can handle some chop and have enough speed to get onto the small and sometimes sloppy waves I get. Also useful in anything larger on the odd occasion I get to travel to proper breaks. This lead me to thinking about volume. The ideal step down for me would be around the 130L mark. The Gun is 165L. But seeing that Starboard have now designed this board with a heap of volume for it's size and straightened the rails up from front to back (more volume front) I did wonder how about taking a larger board in a pro type board than the recommended volume would work as a next step on my SUP journey. For a Starboard Pro model (but can apply to other brands) and my weight the board I would look at it based on volume would be the 8'7" (135L) but I know I'd struggle on it. But I do wonder how the 9'0" model would go? It would have more glide, it packs 157L which is similar to what I'm already on but will still be less stable but possibly more manageable further down the line. Also given the smaller size etc. far easier to move on the wave.

supsean
205 posts
30 Jun 2021 4:34AM
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new review at supboardermag.com which goes into details about the pro. boards, including the starboard. They pit it against other pro boards (fanatic / JP / RRD and Naish). Makes me want to buy a starboard. Although my trusty Sunova would get jealous. Luckily I don't have any money too buy one.

colas
5144 posts
30 Jun 2021 1:11PM
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Select to expand quote
N00N00 said..
The waves at my local beach are awful. Any wind and it destroys the surf into a boiling soup of froth and chop. It's not a beach that is known for surfing [...] I did wonder how about taking a larger board in a pro type board than the recommended volume would work as a next step on my SUP journey.


You do NOT want any "pro" model ("performance shape" with pulled in nose and tail) for these waves!

You want something with parallel rails (for efficiency, to plane even with weak waves) and a wide tail (to be able to push on it to turn without sinking it and stopping the board). What is called Simmons or Tomo shapes. Plus, it will be very stable (due to the widths everywhere) without the need for extra volume. Reducing the volume means a lighter board, and light boards are day and night for weak waves.

A "pumpink seed" shape will be the worst board for these conditions. And extra volume will be worse than worse, adding "tree trunk"-like instability.

Most SUP brands have these shapes in their lines. For Starboard, it would be the HyperNut.

N00N00
23 posts
1 Jul 2021 1:15AM
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Select to expand quote
colas said..

N00N00 said..
The waves at my local beach are awful. Any wind and it destroys the surf into a boiling soup of froth and chop. It's not a beach that is known for surfing [...] I did wonder how about taking a larger board in a pro type board than the recommended volume would work as a next step on my SUP journey.



You do NOT want any "pro" model ("performance shape" with pulled in nose and tail) for these waves!

You want something with parallel rails (for efficiency, to plane even with weak waves) and a wide tail (to be able to push on it to turn without sinking it and stopping the board). What is called Simmons or Tomo shapes. Plus, it will be very stable (due to the widths everywhere) without the need for extra volume. Reducing the volume means a lighter board, and light boards are day and night for weak waves.

A "pumpink seed" shape will be the worst board for these conditions. And extra volume will be worse than worse, adding "tree trunk"-like instability.

Most SUP brands have these shapes in their lines. For Starboard, it would be the HyperNut.


Many thanks Colas.Those boards e.g the Hypernut, Fanatic Stubby etc. were on my list but as I'm in no rush I did wonder about other options, if only to rule them out.

The 9' pro caught me eye as the rails are reasonably parallel and there is some width in the tail. The Supboarder Mag review suggests it picks up waves quite easily as well.

But thanks that your post has directed me back to my first instincts. Just a matter of sifting through those options now.

SUPAddicted
WA, 27 posts
2 Jul 2021 5:21PM
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Select to expand quote
N00N00 said..

colas said..


N00N00 said..
The waves at my local beach are awful. Any wind and it destroys the surf into a boiling soup of froth and chop. It's not a beach that is known for surfing [...] I did wonder how about taking a larger board in a pro type board than the recommended volume would work as a next step on my SUP journey.




You do NOT want any "pro" model ("performance shape" with pulled in nose and tail) for these waves!

You want something with parallel rails (for efficiency, to plane even with weak waves) and a wide tail (to be able to push on it to turn without sinking it and stopping the board). What is called Simmons or Tomo shapes. Plus, it will be very stable (due to the widths everywhere) without the need for extra volume. Reducing the volume means a lighter board, and light boards are day and night for weak waves.

A "pumpink seed" shape will be the worst board for these conditions. And extra volume will be worse than worse, adding "tree trunk"-like instability.

Most SUP brands have these shapes in their lines. For Starboard, it would be the HyperNut.



Many thanks Colas.Those boards e.g the Hypernut, Fanatic Stubby etc. were on my list but as I'm in no rush I did wonder about other options, if only to rule them out.

The 9' pro caught me eye as the rails are reasonably parallel and there is some width in the tail. The Supboarder Mag review suggests it picks up waves quite easily as well.

But thanks that your post has directed me back to my first instincts. Just a matter of sifting through those options now.


Hey guys can you please point me out to a link with the Supboarder Mag review talking about the SB 9' pro please?

Thanks!

Kovert
117 posts
2 Jul 2021 6:14PM
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It's the 7'7 they review, comes out well!

supsean
205 posts
2 Jul 2021 9:47PM
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Hey guys can you please point me out to a link with the Supboarder Mag review talking about the SB 9' pro please?

Thanks!


supboardermag.com/2021/06/26/performance-surf-sup-board-test-2021-supboarder-pro-head-to-head/
Its a review of a bunch of boards in the same volume range (around 100 liters) which was appropriate for the riders (expert). But it is quite informative and I always learn something from. their reviews about board shapes.

SUPAddicted
WA, 27 posts
2 Jul 2021 10:29PM
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Thanks! I saw that one and in fact they were talking about the 7'7''.

Btw I have a SB Pro 9' and I'm quite happy with it....is a bit unstable at the beginning if you never tried it before (due to its shape)...but after you found the right spot to stand on it everything changes.

Catching waves is not too difficult even if you are like me (not a PRO...more a step under intermediate I would say).

But of course I'm not so lucky like other people who have the chances to try different top brands boards so my vision is limited to what I?ve experienced personally.

AdiSups
6 posts
13 Jul 2021 10:55AM
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Hi Marco. Your review of the 2021 Blue Carbon Pro 8'0 got my paddle hands twitching! Very thorough and useful. Thank you! It's the sticker price that's got me hesitant. Can I be cheeky and ask you for a head-to-head assessment against my current board? I'd be particularly keen if you are able to tell from the specs how they would compare on acceleration, speed, maneuverability and stability.
My current board is an Atlantis Vex Profusion II.
DIMENSIONS
LENGTH WIDTH THICKNESS VOLUME
8'0 29 1/4 4 1/2 115.2 L
SPECS
CONSTRUCTION EPS foam with PVC stringer / Carbon + PVC + 4oz deck / Carbon + 4oz bottom ROCKER Medium entry CONCAVE Single to deep vee SKILL LEVEL Advanced RAIL TYPE Mid - Low Rails FIN CONFIGURATION 4+1 Fin Configuration

I note that the Blue Carbon Pro has an extra 6 L of volume, but is a touch narrower.
Thanks in anticipation!

Ishie
NSW, 48 posts
14 Jul 2021 5:57PM
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Hey Marco, how are you going with the balance after 6 months? Is it just a bit different and you get the hang of it, or is it simply a very twitchy board?

surfjunkie197
2 posts
12 Aug 2021 4:25AM
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Hi. Hoping for some info. Was looking for a starboard 7.7 pro 2021 but can only get an 8.0. My other boards are a sb longboard 10x29 and a sunova speed 8.8 both of which I love. Looking for a smaller board for cleaner / big days that will progress. I love turning as hard as possible and speed. Considering Creek 8.4 now I can only get the sb 8.0. I am looking also for separation with the boards so they don't overlap too much and I will keep the quiver to 3 (promise)
Anyone got any experience riding these? I am intermediate / advanced ride knee to double overhead and weigh 76kg.
Do I buy the sb 8.0 or Creek 8.4 or wait until I can get a sb 7.7 (about 6 months).....

Thanks for any help in advance.

micksmith
VIC, 1696 posts
12 Aug 2021 4:37PM
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At 76kg and you wanting no overlap I'd consider the 7'2" SB or 7'7" if you're a bit iffy

LostSkill
NSW, 12 posts
14 Aug 2021 3:25PM
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I have owned the 8.4 (105L) creek and the rails on that size are quite full and loads of volume , its going to feel very similar to your speed as has the same rear end which is great for down the line speed/hold and long carves. Now on a Flow2 7.8 (88L) and its way more of what u are after.

surfjunkie197
2 posts
17 Aug 2021 11:02PM
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Great cheers will have a look as I suspected would be too similar ??

marco gribi
WA, 196 posts
30 Aug 2021 2:17PM
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Select to expand quote
AdiSups said..
Hi Marco. Your review of the 2021 Blue Carbon Pro 8'0 got my paddle hands twitching! Very thorough and useful. Thank you! It's the sticker price that's got me hesitant. Can I be cheeky and ask you for a head-to-head assessment against my current board? I'd be particularly keen if you are able to tell from the specs how they would compare on acceleration, speed, maneuverability and stability.
My current board is an Atlantis Vex Profusion II.
DIMENSIONS
LENGTH WIDTH THICKNESS VOLUME
8'0 29 1/4 4 1/2 115.2 L
SPECS
CONSTRUCTION EPS foam with PVC stringer / Carbon + PVC + 4oz deck / Carbon + 4oz bottom ROCKER Medium entry CONCAVE Single to deep vee SKILL LEVEL Advanced RAIL TYPE Mid - Low Rails FIN CONFIGURATION 4+1 Fin Configuration

I note that the Blue Carbon Pro has an extra 6 L of volume, but is a touch narrower.
Thanks in anticipation!


Hi AdiSups,

Sorry for the slow reply, I don't really look at Seabreeze that much these days

Pretty difficult to give any real valuable comparisons as there are so many variables that go into making a board do what they do. I know the Starboards very well as I have owned every single year model since creation and I can feel the subtle differences. As for Atlantis Vex Pro I have never seen one let alone ridden one.

Having said that the outline may suggest that it would have reasonable / better stability but some of that will come down to rail profile, deck shape (if flat or domed), how much V etc.........
The extra 6L in the Starboard Pro does confuse this as it does not reflect in stability

Sorry that I cannot add much more

Cheers,
Marco

marco gribi
WA, 196 posts
30 Aug 2021 2:34PM
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Select to expand quote
Ishie said..
Hey Marco, how are you going with the balance after 6 months? Is it just a bit different and you get the hang of it, or is it simply a very twitchy board?


Hi Ishie,

Again sorry for slow reply

It has been pretty poor condition wise in Perth over the last few months so I have had very little time / chance to take the Pro out. When I have had the opportunity to get out I have taken my larger board (9'0 x 28.5" Nut) as it handles a broader range of conditions better.

I did get out on a larger day but it had a bit of surge with lots of boils which makes stability even harder.

Most of all I have put on some winter fat (+6kg) and only paddled a hand full of times in the last 3 or so months. So my SUP legs are pretty wobbly anyway. So yes, the board still feels less stable.

I also noted that I had a fair amount of wash going over the front of the board forcing me miss time entry on a few waves. This may be because I can only stand square while paddling and once on the wave I switch feet (Suffer from Hip displace sure). Standing in surf stance while catching a wave would probably improve this as the nose would be lifted a bit more.

Cheers,
Marco



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"2021 Starboard Pro 8'0 - Review" started by marco gribi