Author Topic: Starboard 7'7" 2015 pro review  (Read 12280 times)

adamrod

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Starboard 7'7" 2015 pro review
« on: April 13, 2015, 10:34:22 AM »
So, just picked up my new Starboard 7'7"x27" pro (95L) and wanted to write a quick review.  These boards are hard to come by, I know I was desperate to read a review (as I had to order it without even so much as a demo), so figured I'd pay it forward.

I'm about 175 lbs wet (with wetsuit), 5'10". Also have a 7'10"x30" 97L Airborn.

Overall, super happy with it. I'm happy to say I CAN stand on it, even in punchy beach break, and don't even need to keep moving. At 95L it floats me fine.

1. Stability : It's less stable than the Airborn (obviously), but not dramatically so. I can still stand on it just fine. I'd say stability is similar to the 2012 8'0x28" pro I used to have (which had a domed deck, hence it was less stable). It's handy to keep it moving a bit, but honestly stability is just fine. The balance point on the board is pretty small, but once you find it, it's really no problem, standing around waiting for waves, or punching through whitewash.

2. Speed : It's crazy how much faster it is than my Airborn. Not surprising it's faster on the wave, but surprising how much faster it is paddling into waves or just paddling in a straight line. The narrow width really makes a big difference in speed. it's a shorter board, but has a lot more glide.

3. Wave performance : it rocks. Not sure this is a surprise to anyone. There's a trend lately toward either wider shorter boards, or narrower vanguard shapes...the wider shorter boards (like my Airborn) are fantastic for stability and are super fun to rip, but don't do so well when the waves are fast or big. The narrower vanguard shapes are cool too, but I really wanted something with a narrow tail that I could really get vertical on my turns. I love that the 7'7" pro has a small tail, really is comfortable when the waves have some size. It's incredible how much more stable the 7'7" pro is on the wave compared to bigger boards. I feel much more in control and comfortable when I've got a smaller tail that I can stomp on to handle turns.

4. Traction: riding it with just the star-touch right now, but bought the FCS dimple pad which should arrive today (will add to my review if folks are interested). my feet are all bloody from the star-touch, so looking forward to getting the pad. The startouch traction is great, but rough on wet skin.

5. Other: the new handle is awesome. It's soft rubber, very comfortable. New traction pad on the back is good too. No complaints there. They still insist on shipping it as a 2+1 fin (2 side fins and one larger middle fin) which seems dumb, because all the pros take out the big middle fin and converts it to a true thruster....waiting on that converter box to arrive too.

Cheers!

Disclaimers: nothing. I'm not sponsored or anything. I tend to stick with Starboard because it's hard to demo gear here, and I've been happy with their stuff when I've ordered it. Plus, I hate doing repairs, so the bomber durability of the carbon is fantastic :-)

OH! and if you're looking for a board bag for small SUPs, check out Dakine or any company making windsurf bags. I've now got a dakine windsurf bag that fits the 7'7" pro PERFECTLY. Much better, as most SUP bags are in the 8' and bigger range.
« Last Edit: April 13, 2015, 10:37:05 AM by adamrod »

Zooport

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Re: Starboard 7'7" 2015 pro review
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2015, 11:36:45 AM »
Great review, thanks.  The board sounds like a rocket.  You consider a 27" board stable?  You must have great balance.  I consider my 28" board really tippy. 
8'6 Soul Compass
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9'6 WaveStorm SUP
9'8 Starboard Element

adamrod

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Re: Starboard 7'7" 2015 pro review
« Reply #2 on: April 13, 2015, 01:29:06 PM »
Nah, I wouldn't say I have great balance. It's not any less stable than my 8'0" pro which was 28" wide. I think once you get down to 28" and less, it really depends on rail thickness, domed deck and tail / nose shape. I'm pretty impressed with how much stability they kept in the board while keeping it at 27" and a very traditional shape (very tapered nose and tail).

That's the struggle with these little boards, they're almost impossible to demo (unless you live in Australia or Hawaii), so you just gotta order them and pray. Obviously, the performance will be great, but the question is if you can still stand on it.

SlatchJim

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Re: Starboard 7'7" 2015 pro review
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2015, 08:59:46 AM »
I read it just in case I need to spend a filthy amount of money on a prone funshape.   Oh to be light... ;)

eeck62

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Re: Starboard 7'7" 2015 pro review
« Reply #4 on: April 17, 2015, 09:18:09 PM »
Thanks for the review!
Me:  6'1" x 180
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SaMoSUP

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Re: Starboard 7'7" 2015 pro review
« Reply #5 on: April 17, 2015, 10:55:39 PM »
I've got the 2013 version which I've had for a month now and I agree mostly with this review. I went from a Fanatic Prowave LTD 8'0 x 28 to the SB Pro 7'7 x 27. The 7'7 feels no less stable than the 8'0 but it actually catches waves better. Currently experimenting with a quad setup and so far so good.

Thanks for the tip on the board bag.

adamrod

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Re: Starboard 7'7" 2015 pro review
« Reply #6 on: April 19, 2015, 02:09:16 PM »
ah, interesting. I do feel like the stock setup seems like too much fin with the 140mm rear fin. I've got a traditional thruster rear with a longboard box adapter that I'll try next.

also! I installed the FCS Dimple pad. Pretty awesome. Really thin so the board still feels responsive, and tons of traction. Doesn't soak up water so the board is really light still. You can buy it by the roll which is good, I've got enough for like, 3 boards.

I've been pretty impressed with how easy it is to catch waves on it. surprised how much easier a narrower board is to paddle fast.

RATbeachrider

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Re: Starboard 7'7" 2015 pro review
« Reply #7 on: April 19, 2015, 02:45:59 PM »
My SUS buddy brought one back from Maui two weeks ago.  Adam is dead on with the small balance point and how it is a rocket in punchy beach breaks.  It took me almost an entire session (a bit over an hour) to consistently placed the feet on the sweet balance spot.  For those who likes to rip/shred the 2-5 feet waves ... this is one of those boards.  According to my friend, his prior boards, an 8'5x29 Pro and 8'0x28 Pro, are "tankers."

I didn't want to get too comfortable with this 7'7 Pro because I've got a King's custom 7'8x27 90L coming in about 4 weeks.  ;) 

Zooport

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Re: Starboard 7'7" 2015 pro review
« Reply #8 on: April 19, 2015, 02:52:50 PM »
How many Kings does that make for you, Ben?  3?  You are the man with the top notch quiver, for sure. 
8'6 Soul Compass
9'1 Sunova Creek
9'6 WaveStorm SUP
9'8 Starboard Element

RATbeachrider

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Re: Starboard 7'7" 2015 pro review
« Reply #9 on: April 19, 2015, 03:00:40 PM »
I know Zoo ... 3 and adding!

toolate

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Re: Starboard 7'7" 2015 pro review
« Reply #10 on: January 17, 2016, 01:31:08 PM »
I am 150lbs and a solid intermediate surfer. Any idea what the learning curve would be for me on this board?
Currently on a 10 foot starboard which is way too big. I wouldnt mind a bit of struggle but would hate to be unable to ride at all

surfcowboy

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Re: Starboard 7'7" 2015 pro review
« Reply #11 on: January 17, 2016, 09:19:24 PM »
Toolate, I'd consider a Simmons if you are stepping down. These boards rock and I'm sure you could get it but stepping down is hard enough without dropping a ton of width too. Just my .02 sorry to hijack.

Zooport

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Re: Starboard 7'7" 2015 pro review
« Reply #12 on: January 18, 2016, 08:25:11 AM »
Agree with SurfCowboy 100%.  You could probably manage it eventually, but you might lose a lot of the fun factor.  Would be really smart to see if you could demo something similar before you pull the trigger.
8'6 Soul Compass
9'1 Sunova Creek
9'6 WaveStorm SUP
9'8 Starboard Element

anonsurfer

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Re: Starboard 7'7" 2015 pro review
« Reply #13 on: January 18, 2016, 08:35:07 AM »
Great review.  I am a big fan of smaller boards. 

Can you please post some images and/or comment on the rail shape and rocker?

Would you be willing to sell some of your extra dimple pad? 
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anonsurfer

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Re: Starboard 7'7" 2015 pro review
« Reply #14 on: January 18, 2016, 08:52:39 AM »
I am 150lbs and a solid intermediate surfer. Any idea what the learning curve would be for me on this board?
Currently on a 10 foot starboard which is way too big. I wouldnt mind a bit of struggle but would hate to be unable to ride at all

Go for it.  If your balance is good and you have a decent skill level it should only take you a couple of sessions to get the balance, paddling and wave catching dialed in.  I went down in volume in steps and found that I quickly outgrew each board. 
Home Break: Doheny
Tic Tac v3 (Hoglet): 6' 6" x 23" x 3.6" x 67L
Omni: 6' 9" x 23" x 3.75" x 68L
Tic Tac (OG): 7' 0" x 22.75" x 3.5" x 70L
In The Pink (Incoming): 8' 0" x 22.9" x 3.25" x 70L

Blackproject Surge S77 (Soft Flex Shaft, T-Grip, +0" OH)

 


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