Has anyone had the opportunity to try both the Falcon and All Star 12'6" x 27.5"s? The volume is one big difference as the Starboard is listed as 235 ltr and the Fanatic at 264 ltr. I'm light enough to go narrower at 160 lbs, but I'm not racing, paddle flatwater and inshore and am looking to replace my Fanatic 30.5. I have never even tried a recessed foot well, but from all the talk, it's gives much greater stability at narrower widths. Any feedback would be appreciated, thanks.

I've paddled both and they are both great boards.. I think you will find the new Fanatic a huge improvement over your older and wider Fanatic.

I think the AllStar is aimed mostly at downwinding and the Fanatic is more of an alrounder (flat water and downwinding).. IMO.

DJ

Yes DJ's pretty much on the money. I had both the Fanatic 30.5 and the new 2013 Fanatic 12'.6" x 27.5 and the new board is a big improvement. Much faster and still user friendly. I liked the Starboard as well. Try to demo both to make sure.

Thanks guys. Is there much difference in stability and/or weight that you were able to discern? Doubtful I'll be able to demo a Fanatic around here.

Hi Baddog, How heavy are you?
Im 100kg and found the starboard more stable less volume but in the rough stuff i found the rail shape and dugout deck better but better to demo.
Falcon has more volume in the nose which is a good thing if you have better balance than me
good luck.

I'm 160 lbs windup, so if the Starboard is more stable for you, it should be more so for me. I forgot that I had paddled a 27.5" Starboard Race. It was pretty quick, but I did not like the stability at all. Hopefully these new 27.5"s are a bit better? Love the center handle on the Starboard, but the Falcon is prettier, tough choice.