2016 Starboard Sprint 14x23 is coming

[SlatchJim]

OK... now you're just showin off. 

[photofr]

No, not showing off; I am just so psyched !

I have heard couple of people telling me how fast and fun that board was in 2015, but never imagined it would be so cool. The 2016 model is packed with an amazing array of super bright colors to top it all. Board speed and stability is very impressive on the flats.

Only 3 sessions with it so far, logging GPS data, comparing speeds… let's just say that I think I have pretty good reasons to be psyched 

[baddog]

But whatever your attitude to recessed decks, you have to give credit to Starboard for innovation on that front. No other brand has, to my knowledge, taken that degree of risk in supporting such an unusual design feature...

Not sure who came first, the chicken or the egg, but Brian Syzmanski deserves a lot of the credit for Starboard's race board designs up through the 2014 All Stars.  I'm hoping Lahui Kai will drop some new innovative designs beyond their All Star remodel. 

[photofr]

Still totally psyched about my Sprint 14x23.

This winter has been a little brutal for us in Brittany, but I admit: the board surprises me every single time I take it out. The latest was catching a boat wake at the end of a 24 km paddle session; the board just GOES.

Stability is abundant (comparing it with my 17'6 x 23 UL) but the board is very lively.

Yeah: very excited about my purchase. I love the board so much that I created its very own virtual tour showcasing its finer details, including a few shots of the board in action. Here's the link: www.tourfr.com/56107

[mr_proper]

Nice tour
Is there any difference to the 2015 sprint (except colors)?

[photofr]

Thanks; glad that you liked it.

Personally, I haven't seen a 2014 or 2015 model up close, so I really couldn't tell you if the 2016 model is any different, short of the colors. Don't quote me, but I believe that the dug out area was introduced in 2015 (making the board feel virtually larger)

Has any one seen both the 2015 and 2016 to comment?
(I get that asked a lot)

[photofr]

The weather is warming up little by little - I am seeing a few more people on their board. Here's a friend of mine coming down to test the 14x23 Sprint with some wind. Fair to say, I think he really liked it, especially for a flat water board

[mr_proper]

I have purchased a used Sprint 14x23 from 2015 and yesterday I paddled it for the first time.
Although the water was flat, were the 2.5 hours a challenge. I'm not fallen into the water, but several times almost.
With the conditions on your pictures I'd probably can't stand 10 seconds ;-)
But I hope it will get better soon.
Anyway a really nice board.

[photofr]

My best guess is that, depending on your weight, you will be able to get great sessions while on totally flat water. If you are on the light side, it will be easier. In time, you will feel more and MORE comfortable, and probably will be able to handle some wind, and even some chop.

You can probably speed up the process by doing the following:
Get a marger fin
Get out more often

I used to find the 17'6x23" super tippy on flat water, but after a few months and extensive paddling, I was able to handle mega chop and strong winds.

BTW: the picture above is one of France's top paddlers testing out my board. His skills are indeed pretty good, especially for the conditions.

[mr_proper]

Thanks 
With 6.3 and 200 lbs I'm not really on the light side ;-) but I think too, with time its become better.

[yugi]

how does the speed compare to the UL?

[photofr]

Well, it's probably not a surprise but the UL is faster; it just cuts through the water without a single sound. However, to answer your question, I find my Sprint 14x23 very fast. Based on my extensive data of the UL (that racked up more than 3500 km) I am finding that on average, the 14' is ONLY 5% slower (granted, I have only put on a little over 300 km).

Keeping it simple with me on it:
The UL is 15% faster than the 12'6x24
The UL is 5% faster than the 14'x23

Other benefits:
The 14x23 accelerates faster than the UL, and the "feeling" of speed is amplified a bit when comparing it with the UL. Overall, I find the 14x23 more fun, but I find the 17'6x23 absolutely effortless.

Two Boards?
I do not recommend the Sprint 14x23 AND the Sprint UL because they do not complement one another (they are in my opinion different, but yet too similar).

I do however recommend the Sprint 14x23 AND the ACE GT 17'4x27 - between the two, you will be able to enjoy a huge array of conditions because they really complement one another.

[baddog]

Thanks 
With 6.3 and 200 lbs I'm not really on the light side ;-) but I think too, with time its become better.

Impressive dude, considering PhotoFR is around 130lb.  Paddle fast and don't stop!  I'll be thinking of you guys when I get my new tanker at 12'6" x 25" wide:)

[SUPtouring]

Thanks; glad that you liked it.

Personally, I haven't seen a 2014 or 2015 model up close, so I really couldn't tell you if the 2016 model is any different, short of the colors. Don't quote me, but I believe that the dug out area was introduced in 2015 (making the board feel virtually larger)

Has any one seen both the 2015 and 2016 to comment?
(I get that asked a lot)

Photofr - First off, thanks so much for this detailed write up about your experience with your new Sprint.  I currently have a 2016 Allstar 14X25 and am awaiting the arrival of my 2016 14X23 Sprint any day now.  I'm a little bigger then you at 6', 170lbs.  Anyways, I had spoken with Bart deZwart and he said there is no difference between the 2015 and the 2016 versions of the Sprint.  Their catalog confirms this also, as there is no "NEW" label for the Sprint.  It is strictly new paint & graphics.

Larry Cain also has a Sprint and says it's the fastest board he's ever ridden and his comments are very similar to what you are reporting also, so I'm really looking forward to getting that board for the flatwater. 

Thanks again for the write up and all the amazing photos! 

John

[photofr]

@John:
You are most welcomed. I hope you totally enjoy your new board combination.

Judging from the people who have tried my board, and what I am reading here, it seems that the Sprint 14x23 is indeed very fast for:
Everyone on the flats
Very agile and/or lighter paddlers for chop, and downbreeze conditions

I will confirm that it is VERY fast (GPS in hand) but I will also tell you that it FEELS FAST (just a feeling, but great vibes on the board when you accelerate).

On my birthday, I chose no other board than the Sprint
... and that has to count for "something"...



Thought of the day:
Build more leg muscles, and you'll probably enjoy the board in more conditions.