I am probably flogging a dead horse here but since it's such a investment for me I'd like to hear some comments...

After 5 years on an 11.2 Gerry Lopez big Darlin (great all round board!) I'm looking at a proper 14 ft for down wind/flat water and long distance paddling.

200 pounds late thirties and well enough balanced.

Looking at:

2017 Maliko 28 inch carb
2017 Jav 26 inch carb
2017 Glide touring GTW

Or Starboard 14x24.5 All Star

Or suggestions?

I don't have the luxury of demos.

Let's here it...

2017 Fanatic Falcon 26 inch. I have the 28 inch and find it super stable so much so I'll be changing to the 26 inch. It is amazing on downwinders, amazing glide when it gets onto bumps. The 28 inch is abit wide for racing (though I have won races on it) so think the 26 inch will fill both jobs really well.

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Caymansup said..
I am probably flogging a dead horse here but since it's such a investment for me I'd like to hear some comments...

After 5 years on an 11.2 Gerry Lopez big Darlin (great all round board!) I'm looking at a proper 14 ft for down wind/flat water and long distance paddling.

200 pounds late thirties and well enough balanced.

Looking at:

2017 Maliko 28 inch carb
2017 Jav 26 inch carb
2017 Glide touring GTW

Or Starboard 14x24.5 All Star

Or suggestions?

I don't have the luxury of demos.

Let's here it...

If you like your Naish, go with Maliko 14 x 26 as 28 is too wide for you but I would suggest to demo both sizes

Maliko for sure if will be in the ocean more though good all round race board for all conditions. If flat water paddling most the time go the javlen.
Starboard too tippy at that width compared to the others mentioned.
Glide more of a touring board.

U won't be disappointed with the maliko

How much of a hurry are you in when you paddle, are you super competitive when you do a DW? The Glide GTW is a lovely board just look at the other post about which 14fter to buy, if you want to race get a Carbon board if not go a bit slower and get a glide.

Thanks for the comments guys.

I like the Falcon in 26 inch or if I can get my hands on a 26 inch Maliko that sounds like it will fit the bill. I love the looks of the SB though so will see what can be done to get boards down to the Cayman Islands.
Will post what I end up going for, the paddling here is just beautiful.