Starboard Kombat 86 – Boards test Jan/Feb 06
Character:
The Kombat 86 gets going easily and early (not quite to fast tail standards but pretty good for a wave biased design) and once planing is very smooth and controlled. The ride is extremely comfortable and smooth through chop, the nicely domed deck and very comfy pads giving a soft but secure footing. The board feels quite big and extremely stable. It isn’t the most agile into the take-off, but the jumping is pretty good nevertherless. Gybing too is smooth and particularly easy, with an arc that can be changed at will. It is reliable, non-catchy and easy in the turn rather that nimble yet it rides waves well, with good flow through the bottom turn and easy release.
Strengths: Balance; smooth ride; easy reliable gybing and carving.
Weaknesses: Not super-sprightly/ agile.
Starboard recommend a maximum size of 6.0m but actually we found it fine with sails of up to 6.5m, thanks to that big fin and wide tail. It is a board that feels pretty comfortable in all water conditions but appreciates eaves and swell the most. A very versatile all-rounder with better than average high wind control and very good wave suitability too.