Appreciate any help I can get deciding on a first race board. I have been paddling a surf style all rounder for a couple of years but I suck at surfing so I've decided to try racing instead. I'm pretty keen to start doing flatwater paddle loops and hope to get into DW'ing as well.

I have a choice between;
2014 Fanatic Falcon 14 x 27.25 Carbon (s/hand)
2013 Starboard Allstar 14 x 26 AST (new)

I'm 178cm, 82kg, age 44 (if that matters?)

The slightly used 2014 carbon falcon is a few hundred more expensive than the new 2013 AST Allstar.

I'm confused because although the diomensions seem similiar, the Fanatic has heaps more volume (294 vs 235). Is one board more suitable than the other by a significant amount?

Should I spend $300 extra for the carbon at my novice stage?

Oh yeah, and I can demo the falcon but bot the Allstar....

Hi
I recently got a 2nd hand 2013 Allstar 14 x 25 carbon. Fantastic all round board. Went from Naish Javelin Glide 12 6 x 28. Wasn't too much of an adjustment, but what an increase in racing speed and downwind performance (and upwind too).

Have tried the Fanatic 14 x 27 carbon. A great board too, and a little more stable. But in my experience with local races, slower than the Allstar.

I'm 175 cm and 70 kg and 47, and i think the 235 litres is a perfect match for my size.

If you suck at surfing (balance?) you might want to go with the wider, higher volume board.

What conditions will you be paddling it in.. and aprox how much do you want to spend..

Thanks Karl. I had the chance to try out the starboard in carbon. I was surprised by how tippy it is. Heaps of secondary stability but too wobbly for me to feel confident straight away. The falcon on the other hand was way more stable than I expected. Actually felt very similar to my 11x30 cruiser, just quicker:-)

So out of the two the falcon wins out at my level of ability ( or lack of).

My only lingering doubt is whether I should try something in the middle of these two boards volume wise, eg all-star 27.5" or falcon 24.75", which both have about 260 l volume I think.

DJ: I'm pretty much looking for one board for all conditions. At least to begin with. I'm not going to mind being a bit slower on the flat water if it means I can stay up more in the chop on downwinders. It gets pretty blowy and chopped up in Perth...

Stuart I wouldn't go a 24.75 Falcon. Try a 27.25 its a great allrounder. the 24.75 is still a very narrow board and not for beginners IMO

Thanks Skeb. Decision made I will pick up the 27" falcon tonight :) woohoo!

Bought the fanatic 14x27.25. Did 5km this morning to feel her out on the river. Very happy great hull, but motor needs a lot of work :-0
Thanks a lot for all the advice.

Congrats.. great choice..

Yup, as an all rounder it's a very good choice. I'm stoked with mine. :)