Have not posted in a while, but would appreciate your advice. I currently have a custom Infinity Blackfish 14 x 26.75. It is the best rough water board that I have paddled and is the fastest board I have paddled in a short sprint. However, I am frustrated that I can't hold decent speed over my training runs. I am sure that is partially due to the width. I should have bought the new 25 instead of the used one. I did get a deal, but not exactly what I wanted. So, here I am shopping again. I am 5' 9' and about 205 pounds with pretty good balance. Last board prior to the Blackfish was the SIC FX Pro 14 x 25. Dropped it off the golf cart....douh!! Prior to that SIC X Pro 14 x 26. My son dropped that one off the golf cart the day I picked it up brand new, before it ever even got wet...(yes, Really!!) but we patched it up and I enjoyed that board Yes, I have sold the golf cart now. (Evil board-eater) My wife has an SIC X-14 x 28.5. Point being that I have decent balance and have enjoyed several SIC boards. Right now, I am considering the SIC RS SF 14 x 24.5 or the Starboard Allstar 14 x 24.5. Mostly paddle inland lakes, often with confused boat chop. I do enjoy occasional downwinding and I appreciate a slight rocker versus flat rocker. However, I primarily paddle longish training runs 5-15 miles in mixed flat water or choppy conditions. Maybe one or two races per year for fun. I am thinking a board in the 24-25 inch width range with a decent amount of volume, so I don't sink it and create drag. Thoughts?

I don't think you can go too far wrong with SIC can you now that you have dumped the golf cart???? My vote would be for Jimmy Lewis Sidewinders as I love mine and you can get them in a 23 or 25 wide but they are not so much a flat water board or specific race board but at 9kg it is easy to cary after a long paddle.

Dave,
I have heard many good things about the Sidewinder!! Wow!! that is incredibly light!! Let's keep this going.....who's next?

I am looking for some opinions on these two boards or something similar? Can I get a little help?

I have a Sidewinder 14' x 27" and love it. It is light, yet handles chop beautifully, goes quick in the straight line, works well in downwind or even small surf. Very stable in messy conditions. Very well behaved.

Hey there Rideordie,

I think with the updates and even better durability, the RS would work really well for you. The RS was already rated as a very stable board at 26" wide, with good handling in most conditions, and the volume in narrower widths for 200+ pounders. With a deeper instep for 2020, the RS May be a smidge more stable this year. You already know the advantages of the carry handle, and the RS has the nice touches of coming with two handles up front and bungee attachments. The RS comes with more extras than most companies for performance boards imo.

It seems you can't go wrong with a Sidewinder either as far as build quality and durability goes, and plenty of good reviews.

I will throw the One oceansports Edge 2.0 into the mix. Really well reviewed and high build quality. The Edge is good on flat water but has gained notoriety for being capable in rough water too. A paddling club near me in Nelson B.C. have an Edge 2.0 and everyone who gets on it, loves it. They train in conditions similar to you on a lake/river, with lots of boat and wind chop. I haven't been on it yet but have seen it in action and it's a good board for what you are looking to do. The Evo could be an option too but the Edge is better on flat water.

Tasilee,
The Sidewinder sounds like a great board! Maybe a bit more ocean oriented that I am seeking. I am thinking more of an allwater racer type that would be suitable for my weight. Thanks.

Tasilee,
The Sidewinder sounds like a great board! Maybe a bit more ocean oriented that I am seeking. I am thinking more of an allwater racer type that would be suitable for my weight. Thanks.

Robon, thanks for the thoughts about the SIC RS And the One Edge. I was looking at the Edge also. Looks like an awesome board and another that I was considering. The latest version 2.0 Pintail looks super fast even if odd looking. Not so sure about stability I cross chop and downwind capability on the 2.0, from the looks of it. But sounds like some good really good reviews!!

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Rideordie said..
Robon, thanks for the thoughts about the SIC RS And the One Edge. I was looking at the Edge also. Looks like an awesome board and another that I was considering. The latest version 2.0 Pintail looks super fast even if odd looking. Not so sure about stability I cross chop and downwind capability on the 2.0, from the looks of it. But sounds like some good really good reviews!!

Hey,

There are two versions of the egde 2.0. You probably know but just giving a heads up. The edge Pro has the unique pintail that is for flat water and the Edge 2.0 covers a more varied range of use.

Rideordie, if I understand you correctly the most important thing for you is speed or the ability to maintain it rather? If that's the case I think you're looking at the wrong boards.

I would look in the direction of the Infinity Whiplash or the Starboard Sprint. I wouldn't want to sacrifices speed as in an all-around race shape just for the occasional downwinder in the conditions you describe. Based on my experience, both whiplash and sprint are faster the RS.

That said, the 2020 RS seemed to be more tuned for speed than previous model so I can't speak to that model until I get it under my feet,
but based on the specs I've seen (outline, rail shape, waterline proximity and volume), I suspect the above boards will still have an edge in speed. The EDGE PRO 2.0 might be a good contender as well but it doesn't look like something I'd want to downwind on, but I couldn't tell until I try.

I'm 6"2 / 90 kilos and regularly paddle my Edge 2.0 14 x 25" in conditions fairly similar to yourself . i think this board would suit you fine , i find it a bit of work to DW on but still doable . If you contact Jacko at One Ocean sports he will answer any questions you might have

Thanks guys!! The Edge 2.0 looks like a good candidate. The Pro might be a bit too flat water focus, but maybe my thinking is biased about what a board should look like. I tend not to like the Starboards as they just look too much like a boat with massive volume. I might like the Whiplash, but in the past they were known to be tippy. I am thinking about a roughly 25 inch five Inch wide or slightly less board with good volume 300 ish. And good stability and a small rocker. I had a flat SIC x Pro that was flat and found it too flat for an decent downwind.

Some info on the ONE boards to help if you are thinking about going this way.

The Edge 2.0 is a great little alround board good for the flatwater but also can handle some surf and some slight downwinding, like most boards like this it requires some foot work to really get the most out of it in the DW stuff just to help keep it trimmed.

The Edge pro 2.0, now this board was designed to just be crazy fast in the flat which it is 100% but it also is unbelievable in sub 15 knots up and downwind and from what i have ever paddled nothing will beat this board when going into a slight wind and bump! This board does work a little different to most and will take a few sessions to really start getting the most from it but once it starts coming together you will find it very hard to go back to anything else. It now comes in 3 sizes with 14 x 21.5, 14 x 23.5 and the new 14 x 25.5.
For me this board has changed my whole paddle game and things i used to find hard like paddling into the wind is now quite fun( as fun as it can be going upwind) It's a board you can ride a inch or so wider if you want as we really went away from what most brands are doing to get more speed by just going narrower and we made a far more efficient hull shape that can also turn and handle so quite rough water. Another bonus with this board is it comes in Hollow in either the full carbon elite hollow or the new GT hollow which is a cheaper Glass construction we now have.

Both great boards and both fast in the flat as this is what they were originally designed for but as skill levels have gotten better over the years these boards can now be used in quite a big range of conditions.

We are working on a new Video for the Edge pro 2.0 to show how well it works in the bumps as well so keep a eye out for this.

Cheers Jacko

Thanks Jacko!! I saw the earlier video on the Edge Pro and it was awesome to see such an innovative shape. I have seen other attempts at a similar concept, but nothing that comes close to the Edge Pro. I am in the Southeast US and would love to take a look and test both boards.

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Rideordie said..
Thanks Jacko!! I saw the earlier video on the Edge Pro and it was awesome to see such an innovative shape. I have seen other attempts at a similar concept, but nothing that comes close to the Edge Pro. I am in the Southeast US and would love to take a look and test both boards.

Keep a eye on these guys www.facebook.com/ONEsupnorthamerica/ as they are getting more Edge pro 2.0 boards in stock very soon and also actually have some very early release 14 x 25.5 Edge pro 2.0 boards which i think will be the very first released world wide. They will hopefully be able to get some some demos out as well.

Jacko

Thanks Jacko!! I checked out the vids and they are great!!

Just came across this string and thought I'd add my 2 cents. My new ONE Edge Pro 2.0 just arrived a couple weeks ago so I haven't had a chance to use it in a wide range of conditions yet (especially since the wildfire smoke has kept me off the water for the past week), but here's what I can say about it:

I went from an old Lahui Kai Carbon Race 14'X24" (flat bottom with sharp edges) to a 14' X 21.5" Edge Pro 2.0. First few minutes the board felt super tippy until I started to trust the roll and the secondary stability. The round edges initially feel unstable, but as soon as you trust it and get up to speed the board gains a ton of stability (I assume this is from the concave under the standing area). Plus the high sides, especially up front, and the wings in back give a huge amount of secondary stability. By the third time out I was using my BP Tiger fin (7.75", down from the 9" touring fin I used the first two times) and paddling in the dark (a great way to challenge your balance). Also, the board tracks surprising ly well for having rounded edges (probably the pin tail and the concave at work here).

As Jacko said above, it's a board that just takes a little time to adjust to; and if in doubt, you can always go with the wider option since the design has really minimized the wetted surface area. I LOVE how efficiently the board glides when the wings are clear of the water, but also how the wings add to the stability when it starts to get choppy or when you step back for a buoy turn. I'm light enough (145-150lbs) that the 21.5" made sense, but since the key to the design is for the wings to be clear of the water in the flats I think it makes sense to error on the wider side rather than on the narrower side. For me it works as well or better than I had hoped for! ONE has really nailed it with this design.

One other thing to consider is that if you won't be paddling it in the surf then a dugout design is the way to go IMO. Not only does it allow you to paddle a narrower board, but it also puts you in a position where you can get more forward reach with the paddle (since you don't have to reach down to the water as much) while also allowing for the use of a shorter paddle - all of which improve paddling effectiveness / efficiency. So if you want to paddle longer distances faster and/or with greater ease, I would be looking at a dugout design. Personal opinion backed up by biomechanics / physics and international results (e.g. all three men's podium spots and the women's winner were on dugout boards in the 2019 ICF SUP World Championships distance race).

Happy paddling!

-A

BTW, I should mention that I'm a recently added ambassador for ONE, but I would have said the same things about the board regardless. It's because of the Edge Pro 2.0 design and ONE's belief in moving to hollow construction that lead me to become an ambassador. I think most everyone who paddles the board will say pretty much the same thing as well - a little tippy feeling at first, great secondary stability, amazingly efficient through the water once you get used to it, and a much better all-conditions board than what one would have expected from looking at it. The board sells itself! I'm in Bend, Oregon, USA and happy to let anyone demo it who wants to come visit Bend for a little vacation!

alishSUP,
Wow! Thanks for the detailed write up. I can see that you are impressed with the GLIDE!! Riding a 21.5 is just unthinkable to me at my weight (205 pounds)!! I can only imagine how fast it must be carrying such little weight at such a narrow width.

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Rideordie said..
alishSUP,
Wow! Thanks for the detailed write up. I can see that you are impressed with the GLIDE!! Riding a 21.5 is just unthinkable to me at my weight (205 pounds)!! I can only imagine how fast it must be carrying such little weight at such a narrow width.

It's ok Rideordie as we make a 25 wide Edge pro 2.0 that you might find is not much slower for the heavier rider, still gotta train the engine but the board will do it if the engine is tuned.

I can vouch for the Edge 2.0 flat deck. I have the 25" but it's so stable i'm looking to swap for the 23.5". I use it as an all rounder, fast in the flat, great in the surf, although you do have to be quick getting back if its steep, and picks up bumps very well in say up to 15 knots.

Every time I have a go on another board, I am so happy to be getting back on mine.

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Rideordie said..
alishSUP,
Wow! Thanks for the detailed write up. I can see that you are impressed with the GLIDE!! Riding a 21.5 is just unthinkable to me at my weight (205 pounds)!! I can only imagine how fast it must be carrying such little weight at such a narrow width.

As I mentioned in my post above, with the unique design of the Edge Pro 2.0 you want to error on the wide side, not on the narrow side. This isn't just about board stability, but it's about insuring that the "wings" are clear of the water in the flat stuff. At your weight I'm guessing the 25" wide will give you the float needed to minimize wetted surface, whereas narrower might not... In other words, by matching board width to paddler weight, you can get the best performance; it's no longer about paddling the narrowest board possible.

As Jacko has said, this board can be run wider while still having incredible performance; and a bigger paddler can develop more horsepower than I can, so the speeds / times might end up being quite similar between us...

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paul.j said..
Some info on the ONE boards to help if you are thinking about going this way.

The Edge 2.0 is a great little alround board good for the flatwater but also can handle some surf and some slight downwinding, like most boards like this it requires some foot work to really get the most out of it in the DW stuff just to help keep it trimmed.

The Edge pro 2.0, now this board was designed to just be crazy fast in the flat which it is 100% but it also is unbelievable in sub 15 knots up and downwind and from what i have ever paddled nothing will beat this board when going into a slight wind and bump! This board does work a little different to most and will take a few sessions to really start getting the most from it but once it starts coming together you will find it very hard to go back to anything else. It now comes in 3 sizes with 14 x 21.5, 14 x 23.5 and the new 14 x 25.5.
For me this board has changed my whole paddle game and things i used to find hard like paddling into the wind is now quite fun( as fun as it can be going upwind) It's a board you can ride a inch or so wider if you want as we really went away from what most brands are doing to get more speed by just going narrower and we made a far more efficient hull shape that can also turn and handle so quite rough water. Another bonus with this board is it comes in Hollow in either the full carbon elite hollow or the new GT hollow which is a cheaper Glass construction we now have.

Both great boards and both fast in the flat as this is what they were originally designed for but as skill levels have gotten better over the years these boards can now be used in quite a big range of conditions.

We are working on a new Video for the Edge pro 2.0 to show how well it works in the bumps as well so keep a eye out for this.

Cheers Jacko

Hi Jacko,

I've been eyeing the hollow boards for a while now. What is the recommended weight for my size? I'm 5'10, 170-175lbs? Thank you!
V/R
Don Pascual

I thought I would update this thread instead of continuing to highjack another one. I ordered a 20/21 SIC RS 14 x 24.5 from Big Winds last Friday. It shipped out of Oregon yesterday and is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday March 16th, if all goes well. I hope it is handled gently and arrives with no damage. I just received a set of RSPro Jumbo Clear rail tape to protect it. Funny thing, the rail tape says RSPro on it, which is actually fitting given the board's name. Hah! Serendipity!!

I love the design and look of this board and the many features. It strikes a nice balance between a dropped deck and a traditional board in an "all water" shape that is still fast on the flats and good in chop. I have not been able to test, or even see one in person, but it all sounds good to me. I will be sure to report back after some time on the water.

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Rideordie said..
I thought I would update this thread instead of continuing to highjack another one. I ordered a 20/21 SIC RS 14 x 24.5 from Big Winds last Friday. It shipped out of Oregon yesterday and is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday March 16th, if all goes well. I hope it is handled gently and arrives with no damage. I just received a set of RSPro Jumbo Clear rail tape to protect it. Funny thing, the rail tape says RSPro on it, which is actually fitting given the board's name. Hah! Serendipity!!

I love the design and look of this board and the many features. It strikes a nice balance between a dropped deck and a traditional board in an "all water" shape that is still fast on the flats and good in chop. I have not been able to test, or even see one in person, but it all sounds good to me. I will be sure to report back after some time on the water.

I strongly believe you will love it. Also bought mine in 23" without testing and it is now the only board I have. Had the RS mk1 in 24.5 and the SB Sprint 2020 in 22" before.

Tobbel,
Wow! That so great to hear. I would love to get your thoughts on each of those three boards how they compare.

Received my board today with no real shipping damage, other than a small scuff to one rail. What a beauty and light as a feather!! Can't wait to try it out this weekend, weather permitting.

The RS won't fit my FCS bag. The tail is too fat. Looks like I need the SIC Pro Coffin 14 x 25 bag. I can only find one in the US and they have it priced at $399 US plus about $80 for shipping. The bag should sell for about $300 and shipping should be free of no more than $35 bucks. I am not cheap, but I don't want to overpay by $145.

Any thoughts?

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Rideordie said..
The RS won't fit my FCS bag. The tail is too fat. Looks like I need the SIC Pro Coffin 14 x 25 bag. I can only find one in the US and they have it priced at $399 US plus about $80 for shipping. The bag should sell for about $300 and shipping should be free of no more than $35 bucks. I am not cheap, but I don't want to overpay by $145.

Any thoughts?

If you can't find anything let me know. I have a never used quality bag I bought for my Naish 14x26. $165+shipping (I'm on east cost US).

Burchas,
I am very interested. The new FCS bag is 30 inches wide and I don't want a floppy bag. What brand is your bag? Can you send a link or pic? This RS has a very wide tail. Are you sure it will fit? I can measure if needed. Thanks!

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Rideordie said..
Burchas,
I am very interested. The new FCS bag is 30 inches wide and I don't want a floppy bag. What brand is your bag? Can you send a link or pic? This RS has a very wide tail. Are you sure it will fit? I can measure if needed. Thanks!

Send me your tail measurement and I'll dig out the bag from the basement and check for you.