Length 213 | Width 87 cm | Weight 8.6 kg | Volume 144 | RRP € 1,999,-
We have already seen that Starboard takes the development of the wind foils seriously with the various wind foils and boards. For 2019, there will be a whole load of boards and wind foils. We are the first to catch the Starboard foilboard 144 in the Netherlands and are eager to test this board. We compare h’m to Starboard’s successful foilboard the foil 122.
Starboard Foil 144 light weather freeride wind foilboard
Let’s start with the latest board, the Starboard foil 144. The board looks good and feels nice light. What’s striking is that this board is 18 cm shorter than his “smaller brother the 122.” The shape is quite ‘boxy’. A wide blunt nose with a lot of volume. And with a measuring stick we see that the mast rail is about 5 cm more backwards. That’s interesting, good chance that this board will go up a lot earlier!
We run both boards with the Starboard Freeride foil to make comparing as easy as possible. A very stable wind foil that is very easy to wind. With both little and a lot of wind. So in terms of character, it fits perfectly with these boards. We go up the water with about 12 to 16 knots with a 6.5 m2. On the water, as expected, we notice that the 144 will go up very quickly. It soon becomes clear that both wind conditions and sail size are ideal for this board.
The board feels very light and playful, because the board is slightly wider than the 122 you are just a little more comfortable. You’re even more upright than you do on the 122. Immediately the result of the fact that the mast track is more backwards. This is a wonderful board to cruise with. He sails nice half wind, but he also wants to get some good up wind. We soon had to think about our experience with the Naish Hover 142. However, this board is much easier to foil, and is much more stable than the Naish. Also, a possible nosedrop does not end after a catapult in the water. So where the Naish has not succeeded, this board succeeds 100%!
Jibes are very easy. Immediately a result of the fact that the mast rail is relatively far back. If it blows harder, you notice that the 144 is starting to become a little more nervous compared to the 122. The position of the mast track seems to be a debit to this. Putting the mast foot further forward in the rail significantly improves the situation.
As far as we are concerned, an ideal positioned board for wind foilers who want to cruise relaxed up to about 16 knots. We also think that most windsurfers want to wind foil in the lower wind range. The maximum sailing size for this board is about 8.0 m2.
Starboard Foil 122 midweather freeride wind foilboard
Length 231 | Width 75.5 cm | Weight 7.9 kg | Volume 122 | RRP € 1,999,-
Last year we’ve been flying a lot of hours on the 122. A very nice freeride board that needs just a little more wind with relatively little volume to go up. This board was particularly popular with wave oriented windsurfers. Note: we even had to get someone back once, because that person simply did not want to stop wind foiling on this board 🙂
With a 6.5 m2, this board needs just a little more wind than the 144. Go out of ca a knot or 11. On this board you hang relatively more backwards than on the 144. Wind foiling on this board is therefore slightly more like windsurfing than on eg the 144. In itself a nice board to start wind foiling we think. We already wrote that the mast rail on the 122 is a lot further forward. Put the mast foot back and you also have to stand on this board judge. The board is becoming a lot more nervous. This board clearly feels more in its element with a mast that is further forward.
Where the 144 is between 12 and 16 knots, you can continue the 122 much longer. From about 14 knots, this board really comes into its element. We regularly foiled wind with about 20 to 24 knots (with a 4.2m2) and then this board can still be easily controlled. The 144 becomes (relatively) much more difficult to wind foil stable and comfortable. The maximum sailing size is about 7.0 to 7.5m2.
Other wind foils under the boards
Of course we also tested with other wind foils under the boards. We have come to the conclusion that the wind foils have a very large influence on the foil properties, much more than the board itself. What have we tested:
- The Starboard Carbon Race on the 144: This gives the board freerace properties. Clearly much more lift. Half wind foiling is no longer fun, but the wind and downwind are going very well. This board certainly doesn’t get the height of a real racefoilboard, but comes close. Flying with about 8 to 9 knots with a race foil and big sail is fine.
- The Starboard GT-R (with 90 cm fuselage),which we have written about before. As a result, the 122 also gets much more lift and becomes less easy to foil with more than 16 knots. This allows you to fly 1 to 2 knots earlier than with the Starboard Freeride wind foil. The GT-R is definitely a must for this board.
- The Starboard GT-R enhances the properties of the 144 even more, so this board will fly with less wind. In addition, this board will also be faster and a little more race oriented.
Which one to choose?
Both are fine. Are you looking for a wind foil board to cruise with little wind? Then choose the 144. Do you want to wind foil also with more wind and maybe jump and do other tricks? Then opt for the 122.
Don’t forget to think about which wind foil best suits your style of windsurfing. The freeride is a really friendly wind foil, with which you can fly half wind with. The GT-R puts you a bit more on edge, has more race properties. Is faster and goes higher on the wind, but therefore a little more difficult with a little more wind.