STARBOARD LONGBOARD 9’0 PINETEC TEST REVIEW
STARBOARD
LONGBOARD 9’0 PINETEC
TEST REVIEW.
Verdict
This smaller 9’0 Starboard Longboard (we tested the 10’0 last issue) will give lighter riders or riders wanting a more radical longboard shape everything they’re after. It’s a dynamic manoeuvrable board which is really fantastic to surf. Easy in to waves with its longer length and wide nose but with an almost short board feel on the tail. We loved the thin parallel rails, its flat stable deck and its forgiving easy turn. A fantastic partner to a short board to make the most of smaller or gentler waves. It is tough and robust in the new Pine Tec construction too.
Overview
The Starboard 9’0 has a wide nosed flat deck with pine reinforcement, a recycled off set deck pad with centre arch and kick pad with single leash point on the diamond tail. In the centre is a deep, comfortable ledge handle. Underneath, a deep slightly concaved vee runs throughout the board’s length. The fins are US box 17cm centre and 4.5” sides right on the rails. The slim rails are tough flax-balsa with a matt finish. Inside the board, 3 stringer in the deck add strength and stiffness.
Brand claim
An evolution of the classic surf shape; smooth, stylish, simple. Inspired by our legendary Starboard Surf Longboard model, designed to perform in waves from 1ft small beach breaks to head high reef breaks.
The boards offers fast down-the-line surfing, as well as the ability to perform in the critical section of the wave. These cutting-edge shapes are totally well received by our team riders and anyone who have tested them. After testing multiple fin positions, we chose to place the side fins very close to the rail. This enables carving with precision and hold through turns, while the centre fin position gives tracking and drive. Can also be surfed as a single fin.
Performance
This is a pretty small long board shape at 9’0” x 28” and only 101 litres so you may think it’s going to feel tiny but actually it is forgiving to paddle – much easier than the volume suggests. Of course the thin rails are fully under the water for all but very light riders but this improves stability. The 9’0 glides into waves easily with its longboard nose shape but one thing we didn’t expect was quite how sharp this board is on a wave; it bottom turns beautifully, holds plenty of grip but is a lot easier to throw around than we’d expected. You can float over white water with its wide forgiving nose with ease. The 9’0 really screams to be driven hard when the waves get a bit bigger, however this model is of course at heart a longboard SUP so it also gives a flat platform for walking forward on. We found the nose rocker wasn’t too flat like on some nose riding boards and was comfortable dropping into fairly step waves. Once on the rail tracking along the wave the 9’0 was secure and predictable but as soon as you step back the board really comes alive and it wants to be driven hard off the tail. This new performance longboard from Starboard really seems to have all bases covered; this is a rewarding performance board which turns rail to rail beautifully, can be nose ridden with ease and like to be driven hard too. It’s a really exceptional all-round longboard, why on earth would people want to lie down and surf long boards when sup boards like this are now on the market!
OTHER BOARDS IN THIS TEST:
• Bic 11’6 Performer Tough
• Fanatic 8’5 ProWave LTD
• JP 8’1” Surf Pro Edition
• RRD I-Wave Pro V2 8’0
• Starboard Longboard 9’0 Pinetec