I SUP 3 days a week all year Puget Sound Seattle area +- 20 miles only months I dont are Nov to Feb just too windy. I have 2 inflatable Starboards. Its interesting this video both misses the best things about your own boards and avoids the elephant in the room. First Your boards material quality is off the charts, its very good. I dont give a hoot about where your bungees are, seriously! I have left these things exposed outside year after year in UV and this is the kicker the PSI air leakage is amazing. My broad board I use for friends visiting I just leave inflated on my boat deck in the elements and it stays in the green PSI zone even after 6 months. So I guess you guys have done exceptional job on the UV and general construction front, that"s not easy, frankly its amazing quality. I never expected a blow up board to meet that level of quality. OK Elephant, and it's not a take on the inflatables at all its just that nobody is talking about center of buoyancy. Fact the lower your feet are on the board relative to the water line the better it gets in any kind of wind waves, swell wakes etc . So why diss the non inflatables so much!
Thanks for you comment and great to hear your good feedback about your boards. All really good points and well raised. We love both ISUPs and composite boards. The only thing we think could be better is the nose shape of the Starboard Touring composite board. Its doesn't have a nose shape that works well in all water conditions. It needs to be more like the Starboard Generation. Thanks again for your comment its great for other to read feedback from board owners. Happy paddling Reuben
@@MarioDiaz-co3px I've never used a Red board, so I cannot speak to that, but I really love the Starboard board. The double chamber offers a nice stiff ride and the build quality is excellent.
Hey KF this is a good question. If the board is inflated to a high pressure, or is paddled by a rider that is not bending the board very much and is paddled in flat water conditions the speed difference will be very similar between an inflatable and a composite board. But when the weather conditions change and the sea state becomes choppier a composite board will flex less in the water and will be a faster board paddle. But if you're a heavier paddler or your board is not pumped up as much a composite board will be faster as well. We find on mirror flat water conditions there speed and glide is comparable. Thanks Reuben
After watching this video multiple times, I finally bit the bullet and purchased a 2020 Starboard Blend 11'2 x 32" isup. The 11mm deflection test on the DSC helped convince me. My question is, since I will mostly use the board for touring/small surf rather than windsurf, which fin should I get to replace the 22" windsurf fin the Blend comes with?
I would like to ask you a question. If we have 2 identical SUP boards .. same construction material .. same shape .. same width, lets say 75 cm with the same paddler but different length. One 3 meters and the other 4.5 mmeters. Which one will be the fastest? and the difference in speed will be significant or very minimal? Thank you very much
Thanks for the question. A longer board will have more glide - when you finish a paddle stroke, the board will continue to move further than the shorter one. Short answer is the longer one will be faster. Given the lengths you have used, the 4.5 metre board will be much faster as 3 metres is quite short for paddling in flat water. That's why you see SUP racers on longer boards. Hope this helps. Beau
I’m looking to invest in a touring board but my local club have got the opportunity to host a couple of ocean races (nothing drastic - along coastline). Can’t be buying two boards - any thoughts on the touring boards sneaking into a couple of races?
Hi and thanks for the question. Touring boards can definitely be used in races. There's a fairly new category of SUPs in the hybrid/crossover space that can be used in races, downwinding, touring and even surfing. We're talking about composite boards here, but even the Starboard Airline in the inflatable space is a great board for using racing and touring. Good luck! Thanks, Beau
great review. thank. Could you tell us on the channel how you shoot videos and photos while rowing on the sup when the paddle is in your hands. what mounts do you use, what kind of cameras, etc.
Hello, I will buy my first paddle and I am between fanatic ray air or starboard touring zen, I like perhaps more fanatic but I think I prefer width 30 over 32 which seems too much to me. Between these two to measure 12.6 which would you recommend? I weigh 73/74kg and measure 186cm. Thanks
It's a tough one but I think for you at your weight you could get away with the fanatic touring at the narrower at width. Unless you feel that you will need the extra stability? Have you done many watersports before surfing, windsurfing, kayaking or any other board sports? Both the boards are great I think it's completely up to you which one you think looks best, but the fanatic will be the faster paddling board for you unless you are going to be putting on a lot of weight on your board. Any help ? Thanks Reuben
Hi Greg, you are about the same weight as me, I really like a 12'6 x 30 or 31 for fast touring. Its important to look at width, outline shape and thickness / rocker when selecting your board too. They all contribute to stability and speed. At your weight, you will good on a 5 inch thick board too. You probably wont need a double chamber either. Cheers, Will - SUPboarder Team
Debating between the 28” or the 30” 2021 inflatable version, any thoughts on how the narrower one might perform? I’ve tried the 2020 version and like it a lot, do you think the 28 would be unstable for faster flowing rivers?
If you felt super stable on the 28" then I would always go for the narrower board for the extra speed and glide. Unless you are going to be using it in white water/rapids our with loads of weight on it. Then going for the extra width of the 30" could be better. Thanks Reuben PS whats is your weight?
In my experience, body size has the biggest influence. With tall riders, the body's centre of gravity is higher and the board's stability decreases. From 1.75 m tall, an isup with 28 inches becomes critical.
Voy a comprar 12’6-30 touring windsup 2019 y me sirve de mucho para decidir sobre el, interesante para travesías 🌊,y windsurf. Como es mejor para almacenar o guardar?? En bolsa bag o algo hinchable estirado ?? Gracias por compartir experiencia
Muy agradecido por compartir experiencia y contestarme y ayudarme…. El viernes me llega la zen 2019 windsup 12’6-30 ( usada 1 sola vez). Tengo mi Jp surfpro 8’6 del 15…y estoy enamorado de ella,tiene opcion de aparejo windsurf pero no quiero estropearla con golpes aprendiendo.. Gracias por la ayuda… be water …
@@SUPboardermag Cant wait to see it. I'm Interested in how the 28" width does in chop. I know it should be pretty fast and track well, but hoping it's also stable despite the more performance surf/race oriented width. For an iSUP, would you recommend the Starboard iGO Double Chamber or Red Paddle Co Ride MSL for offshore fun/some small surf?
@@SUPboardermag Still waiting, heading croatia on Saturday and thiniking about buying a Starboard Generation as my second board. I need more live action before heading my SupStore :-D
Thank you very much vor the video, the composite touring board was on my shortlist - well, it no longer is. I am not a huge fan of flatwater and it might be worth mentioning that Starboard Waterline has the problem with the front bungee fixed, although the Waterline seems to better suited for an advanced paddler. So, my shortlist is down to Mistral SUPs but, unfortunately, I can’t find a single video review of the 12’6 Malia or 14” Adventurist.
Glad it was helpful! And yeah we haven't seen a Mistral board so cant comment ether. The Waterline is a flatwater board only really, it can handle chop up to about knee high at most. What has happen to the bungees? Thanks Reuben
I meant I am not a huge fan of the flat water in dams and rivers. I like the side current of the sea, it makes paddling more challenging and fun. Last but not least, falling in warm sea is funny, too, whereas dams never get that warm. And yes, I’d rather paddle in the sea where there are relatively small waves to no waves. I live in Bulgaria. When our sea gets choppy you’d rather stay at home. It’s called Black Sea for a reason.
Typical, we were debating about doing the Lite Tech in the deflection test and chose not to. Sorry about that Julian. Do not think they'll be any deflection really. Thanks Reuben
My last touring board was a Red Paddle Co 13'2. Unfortunately it decided to have seam issues after years of use, so I'm looking at getting another touring board. I like the DC because I go on pretty remote paddles and that added safety would be great. Did you find the 12'6 long enough? Or would you go with the 14' for multi-day trips?
Most of our Touring experts including Will. would always pick a 12'6 over a longer 14'. Unless its for flatwater paddling inland trips. They just handle so much better in the choppy waters! Thanks Reuben
If you could only have one touring board and would often be loading/ unloading yourself would you go hard or inflatable version? Mixed flatwater and bays/chop 170-180lb paddler primarily 1 hour-1/2 day trips. Thanks!
I SUP 3 days a week all year Puget Sound Seattle area +- 20 miles only months I dont are Nov to Feb just too windy. I have 2 inflatable Starboards. Its interesting this video both misses the best things about your own boards and avoids the elephant in the room. First Your boards material quality is off the charts, its very good. I dont give a hoot about where your bungees are, seriously! I have left these things exposed outside year after year in UV and this is the kicker the PSI air leakage is amazing. My broad board I use for friends visiting I just leave inflated on my boat deck in the elements and it stays in the green PSI zone even after 6 months. So I guess you guys have done exceptional job on the UV and general construction front, that"s not easy, frankly its amazing quality. I never expected a blow up board to meet that level of quality. OK Elephant, and it's not a take on the inflatables at all its just that nobody is talking about center of buoyancy. Fact the lower your feet are on the board relative to the water line the better it gets in any kind of wind waves, swell wakes etc . So why diss the non inflatables so much!
Thanks for you comment and great to hear your good feedback about your boards. All really good points and well raised.
We love both ISUPs and composite boards. The only thing we think could be better is the nose shape of the Starboard Touring composite board. Its doesn't have a nose shape that works well in all water conditions. It needs to be more like the Starboard Generation. Thanks again for your comment its great for other to read feedback from board owners. Happy paddling Reuben
This video was really helpful! I ended up purchasing the 2021 12.6' x 30" Deluxe DC and the stiffness and build quality are outstanding.
Glad this was helpful for you. Many thanks, Beau
I don´t know which one to get the Red 12´6 sport or the Starboard Deluxe 12´6...any thoughts?
@@MarioDiaz-co3px I've never used a Red board, so I cannot speak to that, but I really love the Starboard board. The double chamber offers a nice stiff ride and the build quality is excellent.
Looks like Starboard was paying attention and implemented some of your suggested improvements for 2021 - kudos to all (as usual)!
We did notice that Starboard have made some nice improvements in 2021. Thanks for the kind words. Reuben and the SB team.
@@SUPboardermag We are waiting some review for the 2021 Touring series :)
@@SUPboardermag Hi. Do you know what improvements they made, 2020 vs 2021?
Fab video. Loads of detailed thoughts and comparisons.
Thanks always Steve
Excellent review one of the best reviews on CZcams
Appreciate that
Perfect timing, I’m thinking about getting an inflatable. Thanks!
Glad I could help!
Looking at 14'30" DC.
What about speed/glide properties? Which board needs less paddle strokes at higher speed and chill speed?
Hey KF this is a good question.
If the board is inflated to a high pressure, or is paddled by a rider that is not bending the board very much and is paddled in flat water conditions the speed difference will be very similar between an inflatable and a composite board.
But when the weather conditions change and the sea state becomes choppier a composite board will flex less in the water and will be a faster board paddle.
But if you're a heavier paddler or your board is not pumped up as much a composite board will be faster as well.
We find on mirror flat water conditions there speed and glide is comparable. Thanks Reuben
After watching this video multiple times, I finally bit the bullet and purchased a 2020 Starboard Blend 11'2 x 32" isup. The 11mm deflection test on the DSC helped convince me. My question is, since I will mostly use the board for touring/small surf rather than windsurf, which fin should I get to replace the 22" windsurf fin the Blend comes with?
I would go for a wide base Swept back tour / race shape fin like the Starboard Dol-Fin-22 👍🏼
@@SUPboardermag Sounds like a plan. Thanks for the 411!
Thx for the great explaining and a lot of details...
No worries!
Great detailed review! Thanks 🙏🏾 will you be reviewing the Starboard GENERATION in the future?
We have been using the Generation over the last month. Full review live very soon.
SUPboarder looking forward to it 😍👍🏾
I would like to ask you a question. If we have 2 identical SUP boards .. same construction material .. same shape .. same width, lets say 75 cm with the same paddler but different length. One 3 meters and the other 4.5 mmeters. Which one will be the fastest? and the difference in speed will be significant or very minimal? Thank you very much
Thanks for the question. A longer board will have more glide - when you finish a paddle stroke, the board will continue to move further than the shorter one. Short answer is the longer one will be faster. Given the lengths you have used, the 4.5 metre board will be much faster as 3 metres is quite short for paddling in flat water. That's why you see SUP racers on longer boards. Hope this helps. Beau
I’m looking to invest in a touring board but my local club have got the opportunity to host a couple of ocean races (nothing drastic - along coastline). Can’t be buying two boards - any thoughts on the touring boards sneaking into a couple of races?
Hi and thanks for the question. Touring boards can definitely be used in races. There's a fairly new category of SUPs in the hybrid/crossover space that can be used in races, downwinding, touring and even surfing. We're talking about composite boards here, but even the Starboard Airline in the inflatable space is a great board for using racing and touring.
Good luck! Thanks, Beau
Thanks for that - I’ll bear that in mind
great review. thank. Could you tell us on the channel how you shoot videos and photos while rowing on the sup when the paddle is in your hands. what mounts do you use, what kind of cameras, etc.
Hi , most of the water shots are filmed from a GoPro, either from a head mount or attached to the paddle with a bike mount. Thanks Reuben
Hello, I will buy my first paddle and I am between fanatic ray air or starboard touring zen, I like perhaps more fanatic but I think I prefer width 30 over 32 which seems too much to me. Between these two to measure 12.6 which would you recommend? I weigh 73/74kg and measure 186cm. Thanks
It's a tough one but I think for you at your weight you could get away with the fanatic touring at the narrower at width. Unless you feel that you will need the extra stability? Have you done many watersports before surfing, windsurfing, kayaking or any other board sports? Both the boards are great I think it's completely up to you which one you think looks best, but the fanatic will be the faster paddling board for you unless you are going to be putting on a lot of weight on your board. Any help ? Thanks Reuben
I’m a light rider maybe 65kg what’s a good board for my weight to get speed so I can travel further distances?
Hi Greg, you are about the same weight as me, I really like a 12'6 x 30 or 31 for fast touring. Its important to look at width, outline shape and thickness / rocker when selecting your board too. They all contribute to stability and speed. At your weight, you will good on a 5 inch thick board too. You probably wont need a double chamber either. Cheers, Will - SUPboarder Team
Debating between the 28” or the 30” 2021 inflatable version, any thoughts on how the narrower one might perform? I’ve tried the 2020 version and like it a lot, do you think the 28 would be unstable for faster flowing rivers?
If you felt super stable on the 28" then I would always go for the narrower board for the extra speed and glide. Unless you are going to be using it in white water/rapids our with loads of weight on it. Then going for the extra width of the 30" could be better. Thanks Reuben
PS whats is your weight?
In my experience, body size has the biggest influence. With tall riders, the body's centre of gravity is higher and the board's stability decreases. From 1.75 m tall, an isup with 28 inches becomes critical.
Voy a comprar 12’6-30 touring windsup 2019 y me sirve de mucho para decidir sobre el, interesante para travesías 🌊,y windsurf. Como es mejor para almacenar o guardar?? En bolsa bag o algo hinchable estirado ?? Gracias por compartir experiencia
Hi , Its best stored in he bad dry or pumped up and laying flat. Happy paddling Reuben
Muy agradecido por compartir experiencia y contestarme y ayudarme…. El viernes me llega la zen 2019 windsup 12’6-30 ( usada 1 sola vez). Tengo mi Jp surfpro 8’6 del 15…y estoy enamorado de ella,tiene opcion de aparejo windsurf pero no quiero estropearla con golpes aprendiendo.. Gracias por la ayuda… be water …
Great, have fun
Very in depth review. Would the Starboard Generation work better as an ocean/choppy water touring board?
Yes, absolutely. It's a great board and the full review will be live very soon.
@@SUPboardermag Cant wait to see it. I'm Interested in how the 28" width does in chop. I know it should be pretty fast and track well, but hoping it's also stable despite the more performance surf/race oriented width. For an iSUP, would you recommend the Starboard iGO Double Chamber or Red Paddle Co Ride MSL for offshore fun/some small surf?
@@SUPboardermag Still waiting, heading croatia on Saturday and thiniking about buying a Starboard Generation as my second board. I need more live action before heading my SupStore :-D
@@12345678985537 Take a look at their most recent upload
Thank you very much vor the video, the composite touring board was on my shortlist - well, it no longer is. I am not a huge fan of flatwater and it might be worth mentioning that Starboard Waterline has the problem with the front bungee fixed, although the Waterline seems to better suited for an advanced paddler. So, my shortlist is down to Mistral SUPs but, unfortunately, I can’t find a single video review of the 12’6 Malia or 14” Adventurist.
Glad it was helpful! And yeah we haven't seen a Mistral board so cant comment ether. The Waterline is a flatwater board only really, it can handle chop up to about knee high at most. What has happen to the bungees? Thanks Reuben
I meant I am not a huge fan of the flat water in dams and rivers. I like the side current of the sea, it makes paddling more challenging and fun. Last but not least, falling in warm sea is funny, too, whereas dams never get that warm. And yes, I’d rather paddle in the sea where there are relatively small waves to no waves. I live in Bulgaria. When our sea gets choppy you’d rather stay at home. It’s called Black Sea for a reason.
Sounds like you would like the Starboard Generation?
where were these vids taken it looks like Whitesands Bay Cornwall
Well spotted. 👍🏼
Any sag in the Lite Tech on the deflection test?
Typical, we were debating about doing the Lite Tech in the deflection test and chose not to. Sorry about that Julian. Do not think they'll be any deflection really. Thanks Reuben
My last touring board was a Red Paddle Co 13'2. Unfortunately it decided to have seam issues after years of use, so I'm looking at getting another touring board. I like the DC because I go on pretty remote paddles and that added safety would be great. Did you find the 12'6 long enough? Or would you go with the 14' for multi-day trips?
Most of our Touring experts including Will. would always pick a 12'6 over a longer 14'. Unless its for flatwater paddling inland trips. They just handle so much better in the choppy waters! Thanks Reuben
If you could only have one touring board and would often be loading/ unloading yourself would you go hard or inflatable version? Mixed flatwater and bays/chop 170-180lb paddler primarily 1 hour-1/2 day trips. Thanks!
Just eat more to hang weight