I'm planning to buy a compact SUP for windsurfing, Sup..and was tempted with the SeaLion and AHD, and JP and Starboard....
However, a friend of mine heard the rumor that most of the SUP with the Insert for the mast cracked and let entered water in board, compare to the sealion with his mastrack. Any rumors on that?
Most of them have a track under the skin, they just keep it covered up to protect the toes when supping and leave it with a couple of options for the mast foot. At least thats whats under the skin on the starboards.
Been riding an old blue 9'8 x 30 starboard as a SUP sail board for several years and its taken a few good floggings including breaking an extension in over head close out nose dive and the base insert seems fine - not sure if I'd notice weight difference of water cause its already so fn heavy - I can highly recommend getting one with foot strap inserts - just allows more purchase for bottom turns and cut backs - only need them on wave riding side - SUP wave sailing can be a lot of fun in light cross off that's for sure
I have a Starboard SUP with a screw-in, couple of inserts actually.
I beat the absolute bejesus out of it, including flipping the board, railrides, etc. To no avail: it just won't break.
