A question for anyone who has decent knowledge on Starboard inflatable range.....

If you had a choice between a
2016 Starboard Inflatable Converse Zen (no deluxe model)
or
2015 Standard inflatable Converse Deluxe

What would be better choice assuming 2015 deluxe still pricier

Does the technology advance substantially over one year in the inflatable market ?

Note the 2016 Zen model is 4kg lighter which is attractive to me

All my boards are inflatables and all os them from Starboard, I have test few models too, and nowadays I only own deluxe models, cause the stiffness is quite better on that construction. Starboard invest a lot of money improving inflatables from one year to another, but invest much more money in marketing. I would go with the deluxe model from 2015.

I have the 14' Racer and the Converse. All of the inflatables and Deluxe.. And ripped away some Zen as the Touring 12,6' and the 14'.

BTW I also prefer nowadays Starboard inflatables to Redpaddle ones. The reason: weight.

Thanks powermi.
Something for me to think about.
The 13kg weight od te deluxe does concern me if I have to carry distance (versus 9kg).
Here are some specs :
2016 Converse Zen



2015 deluxe vs 2015 zen

The new Fanatics look great too. I'll be buying an inflatable this year around the 12'6 mark. The Fanatic premium construction is light and stiff. The Starbies have evolved in to a fabulous inflatable, particularly the deluxe and Red Paddle has improved their construction again this year taking 20% of their weight. The new 12'6 sport comes in at just under the 10kg mark which makes them around the same weight as the other two constructions. Decisions!

Put a down payment on the Deluxe

Great... Give us your first impressions

Haven't tried it in water yet but tried inflating deflating etc. Inflated it to 15PSI and was very rigid. Not a big fan of the removable side fins (I.e need to screw in and the screws don't seem to go in far) otherwise board seems excellent.
Pump is hard work but a great work out.
Wife couldn't believe the quality. She was expecting into be like a toy pool. She might even have a go. Very light weight and fits within Honda crv with seats down. Big plus

Thanks to the guys at Cronulla SUP

That looks great. From the photo it's hard to tell its an Isup !

if you want to make the pumping process easier have a look at the red paddle twin cylinder pump, makes it a lot easier and quicker. Or when it starts to get physical with your stock pump you can use a good bike pump with adapter to pump 10-15 psi range. Or third option let your wife know that pumping the isup will give her a stunning figure :)

Anyone got any firm idea when new 2016 starboard inflatable range is in AS.

Hi Horses, 2016 Range will be here next week hopefully landing with us Friday.

Cheers
Auswind

Finally got to take the Starboard Astro Converse Deluxe 9"0 out this morning. Pumped it to 15 PSI (can go to 18) and put inside my CRV this morning and made my way out to Darook Park (Cronulla). The board was fantastic . I am a beginner and only hit the water once in about 90 mins. Looks I made the right decision on board, length and width. Any wider than 30 and my paddle would be hitting sides to often due to the low arc of my paddling. Very happy. Very relaxing morning

Nice to see that you are happy with the astro, so do I work my astro racer. Keep padding.

Used the Starboard converse deluxe almost daily for two weeks .
Paddled for up to three hours on a few occasions ......just couldn't get off it. Had a great time and some great exercise . Managed to get my girls to have a go and they loved it.
Very impressed with stiffness. Kept board pumped up for 10 days and seemed to maintain pressure at 17PSi . Also managed to catch my first waves on last day ( 1 footers max .....) . Big difference trying to catch waves but board was excellent. Lots of enquiries from other SUPers who couldn't believe it was an inflatable . I am totally addicted