It's been a little over 2 months with my new board, and I wanted to give others an idea of what I thought of it.
Before getting started, please remember that a review is very subjective, and as such depends on other criteria.
I am 46 years old, 130#, 5'6", very active in sports, but NOT SPONSORED by Starboard. I started on SUP only about 5 months ago.
My background: narrow surfskis that tend themselves to gliding well and catching ocean swells. To make matters worst, I am french.
Starboard Sprint 17'6" x 23" - REVIEW
From day one, I just loved this board. It seems that I spent the next couple of months trying to find its limits. Here's what I come up with (the good and the bad).
POSITIVE
The board glides better than anything I have tried so far. It's very similar in feeling with a surfski.
Stability in totally flat water is very good.
The catch is super SUPER narrow - and this also cannot be dismissed. It translates into more power, and more speed.
It doesn't leave any wake - nothing at all compared to most boards.
It's almost as quiet as a surfski - not a sound.
It tracks well, yet maneuvers well (unless the wind is present).
Scupper design are PERFECT - I wouldn't even attempt to change them in any way.
It's lighter than any other SB SUP - interesting considering it's the longest board.
I can average 1km/h faster on this board - with the board I can keep up with friends, without I can't. It is that simple.
Average speed: 8.6km/h based on 22km AND 8.0km/h based on 35km.
Stability is very very good as soon as the board hits 8km/h and only get better (feels like it's on rails then).
Downwind is very fun and manageable (though only on 1-2 feet based on my ability).
Excellent touring board idea - if you remain on the flats.
Most boards are designed for average people - this one tends to be geared a little more towards lighter paddler (which is a welcome thing for me).
I have had a friend who's 190# on my board. He did okay, but I can tell the board was better suited for the 160# paddler.
The board will keep its speed.
The sponge protection on the deck prevents water from entering the cockpit - it works really well. It's also useful to protect your board.
NEGATIVE
3/4 wind in your face isn't pleasant on such a long board - this is about the only time I wish there was a rudder system on it (even as an option).
It doesn't want to plain as well as other boards.
Doesn't accelerate as fast as shorter boards - especially DW.
Side chop is horrible (okay, with me on it) - gotta paddle really fast when this happens.
I was really "diging" to find negatives; to any one who hasn't tried it: give it a go, even if it's just for the experience.
Don't kid yourself though: this board may have been designed primarily for flat water, but the reality is that it handles the ocean very well. Not for the faint of heart, quite tippy for beginners, but pure fun, glide and speed for better paddlers.
I'd love to hear from others who have tried this board.
Other boards that I have owned - in only the last 4 months of paddling SUP:
Jimmy Lewis Sabre (14' x 27) - gone (too much volume)
Jimmy Lewis Stiletto (14' x 28) - gone (too much volume)
Starboard 12'6 x 26 (inflatable) - that I still own.
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