time to choose a 12'6 speedster...

[freetobeme]

hey all, i'm finally ready to make a move on a 12'6 speedster...sold my PSH today so have some $ to dedicate to racing.

I am 5'9 175.  Will be entering New England area races/events.  Some BOP style others in bays, open ocean, etc.

90% of my training is in coastal and open ocean so definitely lots of wind and some chop

My TOP choices so far (not in any order):

C4 TGIF PRO RACER, YOLO Predator, Starboard RACE AST, Starboard BOP AST, CUSTOM

Seems like everyone here has a BARK - great boards I know, but ive always gone against the grain 

*unfortunately I dont have an opportunity to demo any of these...that i know of

[Kaihoe]

Try the starboard ACE. It's very different both in looks and to paddle but it's fast and flys over chop. 

[TallDude]

12'6 maybe a speedster, but unlimited's are addictive rockets! Don't go there. Forget I even said this.....

[stoneaxe]

I know you want to get into it this year but I'd say wait. Take some opportunities this season to try some of the boards at the events. Maybe arrange to rent here or there. I think most folks are willing to give someone a test drive. I also think we'll see some interesting designs this year. Without testing a range of boards you won't really be able to know what feels right.

To bad you didn't check out Gillian's ACE after the CCBC last year. She was selling it very reasonably.

[freetobeme]

I know you want to get into it this year but I'd say wait. Take some opportunities this season to try some of the boards at the events. Maybe arrange to rent here or there. I think most folks are willing to give someone a test drive. I also think we'll see some interesting designs this year. Without testing a range of boards you won't really be able to know what feels right.

To bad you didn't check out Gillian's ACE after the CCBC last year. She was selling it very reasonably.

thats some sound advice. i feel like im behind the pack, literally, in my learning curve and race opportunity/experience using my 30 inch wide planing hull all arounder. i am hoping to demo a ton of boards at the Carolina Cup in April.  but honestly im not sure i can keep myself from pulling the trigger on something, new or used...feel like i need to get in the game regardless

[mik911]

Wait? No way!
It won't be your last board, so buy a used one now, use it for a year, then you'll know what to buy next.  I've bought/sold three this past year.

[freetobeme]

Try the starboard ACE. It's very different both in looks and to paddle but it's fast and flys over chop. 

Does the ACE handle BOP style races ok?  with the pin tail...

[freetobeme]

12'6 maybe a speedster, but unlimited's are addictive rockets! Don't go there. Forget I even said this.....

ha ha...i have not even been on a 14' yet nevermind an 18 or up...someday i will have the $ and time

[Chaser]

Hey Free -

I help organize the CCBC with Stoneaxe and had Shawn Vec from the Cape shape me a 12'6'' (pictured below).  The thing I like the most about the board is its versatility.  It is a relatively fast board on flatwater racer, it is a great board for east coast downwinders (catches swell nicely) & is a blast to ride in small scale surf.  PM me if you want any additional details. 

-Mike

[stoneaxe]

Chase's board is sweet, especially downwind. Fits into our shorter period swells better than my 14.

There's a thread on the ace.
http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=14951.0

[TallDude]

Chaser, I've seen Gerry Lopez on a board very similar board at SanO. I talked to Colin McPhillips about it, and he said Gerry gave him the idea for his lastest 10' cruiser/gun. Pointed enough to paddle distance, but more surfable that a race board. It's not a speedster though...

[Easy Rider]

If you want to do BOP style races . . . I would suggest the board designed for them.
Starboard BOP.

[freetobeme]

Hey Free -

I help organize the CCBC with Stoneaxe and had Shawn Vec from the Cape shape me a 12'6'' (pictured below).  The thing I like the most about the board is its versatility.  It is a relatively fast board on flatwater racer, it is a great board for east coast downwinders (catches swell nicely) & is a blast to ride in small scale surf.  PM me if you want any additional details.  

-Mike

Nice board Mike.  Has Vec made any displacemnet or piercing hulls?  I was gonna have him make me an 8'6 x 30 surf sup....down the road.  I already have a 12'6 Starboard SUPer that is decent at everything.  I definitely dig the looks of your ride tho. 

[kneil]

There will be a ton of boards at Carolina Cup, keep some room on your rack because there will probably be some great deals.  Lots of folks looking to unload race boards to move up to the latest model, and for those who traveled they often would rather sell a board than ship it home.

[freetobeme]

talked with C4 today about the 12'6 TGIF...can ship to me from Cali for $100. 

im not crazy about the camo pad with this board but dig the design and color.