Intel on the Starboard 9'8 Element?

[Zooport]

I love my 7'4 Jammer, I love my 8'6 Soul Compass (dumb name; great board), but I'm not happy with my 10'3 Blair; too stable, too slow to turn.  So I'm in the market for a summer crowd, wave catching machine that still can crank a hard turn.  I've looked at a bunch and now I'm looking at a 9'8 Starboard Element.  This Starboard vid shows a guy cranking great turns on it, but I was wondering if any Zoners had experience with the board.  If I could get it to go like this guy I would be happy.

[JP4]

I've got an older one that I've had for several years and honestly I don't ride it that much. It's not a bad board, but I have an 8'4" L41 ST that is way more fun to ride. In a similar size, I ride Covesurfers 9'8" Dave Peterson a lot when I'm in Maui. I've probably got twenty days on that thing by now. That is a great 9'8" comparatively. Granted it's hand made and polyester, but it is light, has thinner rails and it's probably the easiest board I've ridden in that size range. It carves a really nice turn and isn't bouncy. I love that board. That being said, if you can get a good price on one, the Element is a decent board.
JP

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[stoneaxe]

I have an old 2008 swallow tail. It doesn't really have enough volume for me (but thats just me). I do surf it occasionally and if it's clean it's a fun board. Most of my boards are wider so its a different feel for me. The 2008 has a pretty flat rocker too. It is pretty quick down the line even with my fat ass on it. Pretty versatile board for us...my wife uses it as her everyday all around.

[PonoBill]

I've got an older one that I've had for several years and honestly I don't ride it that much. It's not a bad board, but I have an 8'4" L41 ST that is way more fun to ride. In a similar size, I ride Covesurfers 9'8" Dave Peterson a lot when I'm in Maui. I've probably got twenty days on that thing by now. That is a great 9'8" comparatively. Granted it's hand made and polyester, but it is light, has thinner rails and it's probably the easiest board I've ridden in that size range. It carves a really nice turn and isn't bouncy. I love that board.

I doubt that Dave has ever made a polyester board.

[JP4]

I've got an older one that I've had for several years and honestly I don't ride it that much. It's not a bad board, but I have an 8'4" L41 ST that is way more fun to ride. In a similar size, I ride Covesurfers 9'8" Dave Peterson a lot when I'm in Maui. I've probably got twenty days on that thing by now. That is a great 9'8" comparatively. Granted it's hand made and polyester, but it is light, has thinner rails and it's probably the easiest board I've ridden in that size range. It carves a really nice turn and isn't bouncy. I love that board.

I doubt that Dave has ever made a polyester board.

I guess it just looks polyester because it's old and yellowed.

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[Zooport]

Well...I bought it today on a whim.  It was extremely clean, almost new and has the specs I was looking for; 30" wide, lots of tail rocker, flat deck, narrow tail with thin rails back there.  The guy gave me a pretty good price on it.  Gonna surf it tomorrow and see if it does what I have in mind.

[Twofeetpete]

The best wave board I have had, can put it where you want it and it works in all conditions for a 95kilo paddler. No good as a windsurf sup though if your a novice windsurfer as I am.

[Green Water Sports]

I had the 2012(?) 9'8" Element and loved that board. I am actually thinking of getting one again for the small cruisey days. It would catch anything but you could still get back on it and do decent turns.

[Zooport]

I had the 2012(?) 9'8" Element and loved that board. I am actually thinking of getting one again for the small cruisey days. It would catch anything but you could still get back on it and do decent turns.

Thanks, GWS.  That's exactly what I'm looking for; a board that will catch anything and still be able to turn.  Paddled it today on flat water, waves are trashed because of our little storm, and it seems like it will fit my requirements.  I've got high performance boards, I want this one for, as you said "cruisy" days.

[Night Wing]

Paddled it today on flat water, waves are trashed because of our little storm, and it seems like it will fit my requirements.  I've got high performance boards, I want this one for, as you said "cruisy" days.

Glad to see you paddled it for your first session and you liked it. Hope to see more reports from you as you paddle the Element in future "cuisey" sessions.

[Zooport]

First session on the Element today in waist/shoulder high waves at Blackies.  I really like this board.  It catches waves extremely easily, yet it turns like a dream. Paddles fast yet surfs shorter than it is. I was able to do a few modest cutback slashes and one lip bounce with it today in the hour I had before work.  At only 30 inches wide, it is not as stable as my 10'3 Blair, but that's why it paddles so much faster.  I love the Starboard 9'8 Element; highly recommend it to anyone who wants a wave hog board that still turns great. 


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[Bean]

Great report Zoo.

[Night Wing]

@Zooport

As you get dialed more into your Element, you'll enjoy it even more. BTW, nice review. Short, concise and to the point.

[Zooport]

Thanks, Bean and NW.

[stoneaxe]

Nice when you find one that works. Have fun....need some pics.

I should take mine out more often. It's a challenge for me at 30" and I think it's the lowest volume board I have....less than both my 9-0 and 8-4. Between my size and crappy balance if it's at all bumpy I spend a lot of time fighting to stay upright but it is a lot of fun once I do get a wave.