hey

Been comparing DW boards to buy one and SIC boards have a good reputation but the volume of their boards compare to the same size from fanatic/starboards or other big brands are much smaller!
the SIC bullet 12.5x28 is only 237L but the starboard all star in the same size is 307 L ....and all other brand are mostly bigger on volume
Any idea on why ? SIC is more elitist or something ?

Not sure of why in regards to volume but I ride the SIC 12'6 for DW on the bigger days & there is a reason I call it Stable Mabel. You can't go wrong with a bullet. Maybe go a 14' though I use the 12'6 as its easier for me to manage. SIC definitely not elitist. I'm not an elite paddler in any way shape or form! Most of my training crew who are just learning to paddle in the ocean have gone out and bought the 12'6.
I know that doesn't help the volume question but hope it helps you with a decision about the SIC as a DW board

Volume is only one design dimension of a board. Width, bottom shape, rocker, planform, rails...all go into how a particular board feels and performs.

BUT If you're reading catalogue or website from a manufacturer or retailer you can't always take it as gospel. The boardsports trade is notorious for poor proof reading on their product sites. Starby and Naish sometimes particularly so.

Volume can sometimes be a bit misleading. A boards volume is measured (sometimes poorly) based on it's overall volume. Some manufacturers and board types have a lot of residual volume above the waterline and some have refined their designs to the point where there is minimal volume above the waterline. Almost any volume above the waterline is residual. SIC is a great example of a low residual volume board as is DC/NSP. Fanatic & Starboard have higher residual volume board designs. Fanatic has tried to reduce residual volume in recent years and might still be trying to find their sweet spot. Naish has tried also with greater success in my view.

Residual volume has some pros & cons - It hurts in any type of cross chop, but residual volume in the nose is handy for downwind boards. There are many other examples for and against.

Sometimes it pays to imagine slicing a board horizontally 1/2 to 2/3 up from the bottom. The top is residual volume and the bottom is effective volume - Volume that is actually working for you. It's there where you find the real characteristics of the board. The balance (residual volume) is usually of minimal positive value to the board.

You are not comparing like with like. The All Star is not a dedicated downwind board. It is an all-conditions race board. The Bullet is a dedicated downwind board. If you want to compare the All Star to a SIC board then the right comparison would be with the SIC FX.

Dedicated downwind boards tend to keep volume low because they need low volume noses, for roughly the same reason that surfboards don't have big bulbous noses that look like a kayak's nose.

Other dedicated downwind boards are eg. the Jimmy Lewis M14 and Rail, the Imagine Connector, Blue Planet Bump Rider etc. These all have volumes comparable to the Bullet.

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Area10 said..
You are not comparing like with like. The All Star is not a dedicated downwind board. It is an all-conditions race board. The Bullet is a dedicated downwind board. If you want to compare the All Star to a SIC board then the right comparison would be with the SIC FX.

Dedicated downwind boards tend to keep volume low because they need low volume noses, for roughly the same reason that surfboards don't have big bulbous noses that look like a kayak's nose.

Other dedicated downwind boards are eg. the Jimmy Lewis M14 and Rail, the Imagine Connector, Blue Planet Bump Rider etc. These all have volumes comparable to the Bullet.

A10 I never mentioned an All Star so not sure where you're coming from.

There are boards that are not dedicated downwind boards that downwind really well. The 'Ace' style dugout board being a case in point. The unlimited 'Ace' style board seriously challenged SIC in some big events in Maui as has the rounded bottom DC unlimited. With the 'Ace' type board only Dame Edna has a bigger nose, but it is also a great all rounder. There are plenty of other examples too of allrounders being an excellent DW board.

If I'm not mistaken, Anchorpoint is looking for a 'DW' board. Personally I took that as anything that downwinds really well. I'm sure he is wise enough to look beyond a particular box a board might fit into to find what best suits his needs.

Anchorpoint, while not affiliated with the brand in anyway, there's been some pretty rave reviews about ONE Storm as a downwind board and it's a pretty damn good allrounder to boot.

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anchorpoint said..
hey

Been comparing DW boards to buy one and SIC boards have a good reputation but the volume of their boards compare to the same size from fanatic/starboards or other big brands are much smaller!
the SIC bullet 12.5x28 is only 237L but the starboard all star in the same size is 307 L ....and all other brand are mostly bigger on volume
Any idea on why ? SIC is more elitist or something ?

Magillamelb, I was responding to the OP's post not yours. See above. This thread started with the comparison of a Bullet with an All Star.

thanks guys , very interesting topic...

I've seen that ONE storm in action and i have to say i am seriously impressed. I'd love to have a go but i don't think i could pry it from a certain paddler's hands just yet...