Hi all
first post but only because so many questions i had were already answered on the forum which is fantastic.
Looking to purchase my first 14' for choppy lakes and bay downwinders in eastern Victoria. Have a year of paddling under my belt on a Naish 10'6. Im 5'11 and 89kg.

It has come down to a 2014 Starboard Allstar 28" in glass or the NSP ocean race coco carbon.

I live hours away from the shops so wondering if anyone has ridden both in flat and sharp chop before and how did each go with stability, weight, performance and durability?

Thanks heaps in advance.

I recomend you demo both yourself.. As well it won't hurt to hear what others have to say.. Both are great boards.

Interesting two boards you've come down to concidering how very different they are from each other.

You will know once you paddle them what board feels best to you.

Let us know what you end up with.. and welcome to the breeze..

Had my 2014 allstar 14 x 28 glass for a few days now and have had a couple of paddles. Coming from a 2012 ace 14 x 25 carbon is taking a bit of getting used to the different characteristics. Keeping the ace as it's super quick, really noticing now I've got the allstar, and using the allstar for choppy bay conditions and downwinders. I'm about 75 to 80 kgs and 175cm tall, probably could have gone for the 26.5 but really enjoying the relaxed stability of the 28. Always on edge on the 25 ace in the bay. The piercing nose really cuts through the chop but you do have to b a little careful when heading downwind, though nothing that a few steps back won't fix, doesn't seem to slow down when buried and pops up with that step back. Being more stable it's easier to move around on the board. It's also very stable once on a wave though I'm finding it takes more effort to get on than the ace, again the ace is a rocket. Swimming far less. Actually haven't come off yet and today was quite choppy. On the flat I think it's deceptively quick as it's so quiet and pierces through the water so effortlessly. The ace is definitely quicker on the flat but also makes more fuss with the 'sprinkler' on the front. Overall very happy with the allstar, though the ace still has it's place. Looking forward to more time on the allstar, especially a proper downwinder.

Cheers

thanks guys for the advice and info. I really do need to make the trip to the city to demo them, thanks DJ, i didnt realise they were very different from photos and online.
Great info Abdillam, exactly what I'm after. Want to get into racing this year sometime but still need a board where i feel comfortable and stable in the choppy stuff when I'm just having a fun and fitness paddle. Must admit the Allstar does look very good as well. Be keen to hear more from your next rides.