Author Topic: Starboard 2013/2014 8'5 x 29 106L Pro  (Read 2083 times)

volcano dweller

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Starboard 2013/2014 8'5 x 29 106L Pro
« on: May 04, 2017, 08:49:18 PM »
I am looking for any advice on the SB '13/'14 8'5 x 29 106L Pro as I am considering buying a used one.  I am 5'10 165lbs, and an intermediate surfer.  I surf a SB '15 8'0 x 29 111L with ease right now -- plenty of volume and stability.  As to the 8'5, I am particularly interested in its shape compared to the '17 model.  I presume it is fairly stable compared to my current 8'0 even with a little less volume.  I prefer a more aggressive shape, which it appears the 8'5 has; I will surf this in 4' to double overhead.  I have yet to demo it.  Thank you in advance for any thoughts.

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Re: Starboard 2013/2014 8'5 x 29 106L Pro
« Reply #1 on: May 05, 2017, 07:43:15 AM »
I had the 2013 8'5" x 29" Pro 106l and just stepped down to the 2017 8'0" x 28" Pro 102l. I'm 6' and 190-195lbs. (a bit big for this board but I'm working on it) Comparing the overall shapes, Starboard has moved away from the wider nose to more pulled in nose on the Pros. This has changed stability quite a bit more than the small size and volume change would suggest. I was extremely comfortable on the 8'5" and now find the 8' to be much more work between waves. Pushing through waves though, aside from still finding my feet and stability, the board will punch through bigger waves more easily thanks to the pulled in nose. Catching waves I used to the a step forward but now since there is less nose, it is much more sensitive to bogging down and falling off and missing the wave. If you want a lateral step the more aggressive shape of the 2017 8'5" will work well, if you want a step up with the same size board the 2017 8' would be nice.

On the wave, the 8' is a different beast. I felt like I was maxing out the 2013 8'5" in turns etc, the 2017 8' snaps around so fast it catches me by surprise. Still early days on the 8' and the weather is not cooperating so I'm still finding my feet. I do wonder if I should have just gone for the updated 8'5" since the outline changed, but so far i'm happy with the slightly smaller board and the feel on the waves.
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volcano dweller

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Re: Starboard 2013/2014 8'5 x 29 106L Pro
« Reply #2 on: May 05, 2017, 08:53:16 PM »
Thanks for the perspective. I was thinking the '14 8'5 might provide a bit more glide and drive compared to the '15 8'0 x 29 for larger sets.  Also, with the lesser volume, a little less floaty, so less likely to as bouncy on choppy big surf and impacted by wind.  The '17 8'5 reminds me of the older 8'5 Hokuas.  I like the shape, but I can get the '14 8'5 in great condition for around $1000 or less.  Thanks again.

RATbeachrider

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Re: Starboard 2013/2014 8'5 x 29 106L Pro
« Reply #3 on: May 06, 2017, 04:47:00 PM »
You will outgrowth the 106L 8'5 fast.  My suggestion is to find an '15 or '16 7'7 Pro at 95L.  These models have fuller nose than the '17 models, much more stable and easy to stand on.

volcano dweller

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Re: Starboard 2013/2014 8'5 x 29 106L Pro
« Reply #4 on: May 07, 2017, 11:14:03 AM »
Thanks. I will check out the 7'7 also.

 


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