hi
i have the 8'6 HN. I really enjoy this board.

I can get a deal on a 7'8 HN, as I'm looking for a bit more performance from the 8'6.

Anyone tried the 2 and give a comparison.

Thanks

It doesn't seem that you have gotten many responses so I will comment. I have tried the 8'6, 8'0, 7'4 and 7'2 but not the 7'8. I own the 7'4 and love it and find the 106L to be good for my 85Kg. For what it is worth, while I haven't tried the 7'8 and without knowing your body weight, the lower volume and narrower width should be more agile on the wave with more glide versus going down to the 7'4 or 7'2. There is something about balancing the right size HN with body weight.

Thanks for response.
Im 80kgs, intermediate.
Was there a huge difference in stability between 8'6 and 7'4.

Trouble is i could end up with a van full of boards.
Cheers.

The 8'6 is a big chunk of board! 7'8 will give you heaps more performance and being 30" wide will keep a good amount of stability. Be prepared for a drop in paddle speed but more than made up for on the wave.

Select to expand quote

rgmacca said..
Thanks for response.
Im 80kgs, intermediate.
Was there a huge difference in stability between 8'6 and 7'4.

Trouble is i could end up with a van full of boards.
Cheers.

There is a fairly large difference between the 132L of the 8'6 and the 106L of the 7'4 in terms of stability but also what makes it more nimble on the wave. Compared to the 7'4, the 8'6 feels like an aircraft carrier and forward-aft is where the biggest difference is felt in my opinion and what takes getting used to. The 7'4 also has less glide. At 115L and a bit more length, the 7'8 may be a compromise.

Since you are already a Starboard owner, any chance you can get a demo of the 7'8 before you buy it as that would be the best way to know you were making the right decision?

In case you haven't seen this review (I think the author bought the 7'8 after demoing the 7'4):

kswboardriders.wordpress.com/2016/01/20/starboard-hyper-nut-and-nut-review/?preview=true&preview_id=493&preview_nonce=e3172934c6&iframe=true

Good input guys.
no chance of any demo boards at min, no main dealers of any type near me.

Appreciate the advice, looks like it would be the 7'8 to retain a bit of Glide and stability, for improved
Performance
Your right. The 8'6 is a slab. But so stable in crap conditions.
Thanks again