Researching the best 14' options here in the forum I found two all purpose performance race boards. Anybody tested Naish 14x26LE 2014 and Starboard Allstar 14x26,5 2014? Which is the best all purpose board? I'm looking for a board for flat and open ocean race, DW and fun. Strengths and Weaknesses points?
Both excellent boards IMO.
I'm thinking the Naish will be slightly better dealing with side winds and side chop..
and the Starboard might be slightly better on the flatter water..
The Jav having deck pad all the way back is much better for DWing .. but you can also add deck grip to the Allstar.
I'm also thinking the Naish shape will be slightly more forgiving and the Statboard a little more technical.
You need to demo both and see what you have a gut feel as to what's best for you.. or toss a coin.. 
Agree with DJ on the last point - you should make every effort to demo both as you will have a definite preference for one or the other. The Starboard has a slightly recessed deck, placing you closer to the water line, whereas the Naish feels like you are standing much higher. Very different feeling. I love the Starboard for downwind as well as flat water. A terrific all rounder with very good glide. As DJ mentions, the deck pad doesn't go all the way back like the Naish but there is star touch deck grip, which some people are perfectly happy with. I added deck grip to mine, for show as much as anything.
The information about side winds and side chop is very important to me because I really apreciate a good control in these conditions. I recently demo Allstar in flat water and I agree with you DJ that "Starboard might be slightly better on the flatter water.." and positioning on board seems more forward than usual for me but I think it's just more time for adapting. I will try to demo Jav as suggested.
How much % Allstar is more stable than Jav if we can do this comparison?
Thanks!
