Does anyone know where I can demo a starboard race 12'6 in 27.5 wide on the Gold Coast?

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Kickels said..
Does anyone know where I can demo a starboard race 12'6 in 27.5 wide on the Gold Coast?

I have one, and from your latest posts, i would say you'd probably be better looking to try the 26" wide allstar.

The race is a really nice board, but feels way tippier than the allstar!

JM, are you able to give some thoughts about the Starboard Race, when compared to the Allstar, Ace and Sprint in regards, to speed and stability? What conditions do you choose to use the Race in, ie flat, chop, downwind? Thank you.

I wish i could do exactly what you are asking, but I wouldn't be giving a proper feedback.I have a 2014 12'6x24" Sprint and had a 2014 12'6x25 1/2" Allstar that has been replaced by the 2015 12'6x27 Race for more challenging conditions.

What i feel between these boards is that i'll still be using the sprint for pristine flat conditions, as it is a very fast board, but if there is some movement in the water, the time i spend trying to keep my act together, will just make me slower.
I really liked the allstar as it was a very nice board in every kind of conditions, from flat to some wind and chop. I've been told that the new one is not as fast, but that it has become a much better ocean board due to the extra rocker. The Race is a board that is pretty fast in flat water, even in the 27" wide version, but will be a bit nicer in chop than the older allstar.

I think what starboard tried to do this year, was to make the sprint even faster in pure flat water, make the allstar a good ocean board, and fit the race in between for those who only can afford or are looking for an one board quiver.

In my opinion, the Race is an interesting board. The deck feels like a flat deck, which is really nice if you're coming from one of the previous models. Just makes it so much easier and faster to get back on the board after a splash.
The new handles are amazing and you can pretty much carry the board any way you think of it!
As for the performance, i think it feels fast, even in the 27" wide version, and the nose handles the chop pretty nicely. I think it also works really nice in light downwind conditions, as the nose shape makes you feel as if there is no rocker when catching the bump, but the bulb like shape of the bottom, keeps it form catching or pearling immediately.
On a not so positive side, the board has a bit of a roll, probably due to the massive concave on the bottom. It's not a tippy board, as secondary stability kicks in, but there is a little bit of an initial roll that you have to get used to.

Now I think my next board will be the 17'4 Ace. That's a downwind board!!!
Hope this has helped you.

JM, Awesome to hear your thoughts and feedback. Very helpful, obrigado!. The Race and Ace seem to have similar roles. Any thoughts as to which one is the faster board, or is this down to the conditions on the day ie headwind, tailwind, small chop, confused chop etc? The Race would seem like the better choice for lots of marker turns due to the wider tail, while the Ace maybe for more long distance runs? Would you say the Race has a bit more or less primary roll than the Ace 2014 or 15 when comparing to a similar width.?

The 17'4 Ace looks like a serious speed machine. What i would like to see is a youtube with Connor Baxter maxing this board out in one of his local downwinders on a big day.