Can anyone say how the new starlite construction is like? Have seen some construction video's but would like to know from people who own a board in this construction.
I have a 2015 8 x 29 carbon surf pro and am thinking of selling it and buying a 8x28 starlite surf pro 2017...
Cheers,
Charlie

I have it in a 12'2" Freeride. Haven't taken it in surf yet so can't speak for the stiffness and so forth but it seems pretty good to me.

I've got a 10 foot Widepoint in starlite. Seems pretty rigid. But my other boards are an Atlas and a NSP tour.

I can tell you for certain the rail protection works very well....

PT Woody would love to read your opinion on the Freeride once you have some time on it. Looks like a good all rounder

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Gboots said..
PT Woody would love to read your opinion on the Freeride once you have some time on it. Looks like a good all rounder

Yes it is a very cool board just from playing around in the flats. Super stable, just enough glide to keep you motivated. Jonathan took his out on the 50-60 knot downwinder a couple of weeks back. I was supposed to join him but chickened out of that run when the wind got ballistic. He was really impressed with it. I'm busting to try it out in some surf. Will let you know how it goes.

Hi SupCharlie,

I have the 2017 8'0 x 28 in Carbon but also have been able to compare this with the same board in Starlight.

Firstly let me say that the new 2017 boards are pretty different from previous models, they have much more pulled in noses and tails and also much more refined / thinner rails. This makes the board less stable than previous models but a much improved feel in performance. They seem to generate more speed and transition from rail to rail easier and smoother.

I also have the 2017 8'5 x 29 but the 8'0 x 28 has become my favorite board, however at 79kg it requires more balance and energy to ride this board when there is decent surf.

Differences between constructions:
Weight difference is exactly 1kg, my Carbon is 6.5kg and the Starlite I weighed was 7.5kg
The Starlite probably has more re-enforcing on the rail with the innegra and carbon rail band and also has a re-enforcing stringer through the nose. Overall the quality seems pretty good for the price compared to Carbon.

Difference in riding:
Being slightly heavier the Starlite is just that little less reactive, Carbon boards tend to release from the water quicker as they sit slightly higher which means you can initiate turns quicker. The positive in Starlite is that when there is more water moving or its windier it is less affected.


Couple of pics below with both side by side















Cheers,
Marco

its simply the best, better than all the rest, it will make carbon virtually obsolete. I have the 9' 5" Widepoint and it is good any conditions and can take a good thump from your paddle on the rail. Try one and you will buy one.

I have the 7 foot 2 hyper nut in Starlight and it's awesome, it turns really easy and takes off quick. Quick enoug to take on a shore break fit for a short board .
cant see a reason to buy the carbon altHough the new carbon construction is really light
happy supping
Scott