I am considering to get a second hand 2013 Starboard pro 7'4 for my daughter (53 kg)
This board has been replaced in 2014 and I am wondering If this is the right board for her....
She surfs around Capetown and her 8'5 is getting to big and heavy for her.
The board is heavily used and I wonder if the 2014 model is a lot better?
Whelp, I actually haven't ridden either of them, so take this with a bucket of salt.
But the 2014 is a lot better than the 2013. The 2014 has less rocker and a square tail: more speed and drive. The whole shape is completely different.
There is some relevant discussion in this thread (the 2013 7'7 and 2013 7'4 were somewhat similar to one another): www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/Review/Starboard-77-x-27-2013-VS-74-x-255-2014/?SearchTerms=2014,starboard,pro
Thanks, I have read this thread.
So the 2013 7'4 might have a little to much rocker?
And the 2013 and 2014 7'7 are continuous mono concave while the 2014 7'4 has a heavy v on the tail...
Its all very confusing !
I haven't ridden the 2013 7'4 but I would imagine that it feels pretty similar to the 2013 7'7. I have both the 2013 7'7 and 2014 7'4 and once you get used to the new 7'4 I find that I haven't used the 7'7 much. 53Kg would be perfect weight for the 7'4. You would still have plenty literate. Just remember that it is a big jump from 8'5 to 7'4 (especially the 2014 one) so be prepared that she might need a few weeks to get used to it 
She tried out the 2013 7'4 in difficult circumstances and was needed about 15 minutes to adjust.
The 2014 7'4 should be no problem,except that we have to buy it new....
Save money and get a custom :)
How did she like the 2013? It's not a terrible board, just not my cup of tea.
She likes the 2013 7'4 a lot, the problem is that she didn't ride any comparable boards,so there could be much nicer boards out there.
One thing is clear, there is no going back to her 8'5....
We are also considering getting a custom, the problem is that it will take (at least) 6 weeks, and we are in South Africa only for another 2 months.
Here's how I see it, from what you're saying:
-For small non customs, Starboard is pretty much the only game in town
-The 2013 is a fine board
-We're only hesitant because the 2014 is a great board
-If you're getting a good price on the 2013, your worst case scenario is selling it used and losing a couple or few hundred bucks. Not exactly the end of the world.
The 2014 7'4 is not in stock unfortunately.
Pity because I am looking for a great board and not a fine board....
