I'm contemplating a new board, and wondering about the 2014 or 2015 Starboard Kode Wave 72l. Has anyone sailed one - that size or up to say mid 80l size? I'm specifically wondering how it wave-rides compared to say the Starboard Quad? Its going to be my higher wind board at that size. Most magazine reviews I've read aren't all that helpful, referring either to the freestyle wave model or regurgitating the marketers' guff. What is it like on tight bottom turns, and rail to rail directional changes?
Currently riding a Stone 2012 80l quad, FWIW.
cheers!
i bought a new carbon 2014 77l before christmas because it was cheap. the only place ive used it on a wave is at coronation beach. i'm not a prolific wave rider, but if you want an opinion on it's general sailing characteristics - it's pretty heavy for it's size compared to similar boards, not particularly early planing but not the slowest to get on the plane, feels like it turns well with the twin fin setup (imho), it's a hard ride in chop compared to other recent boards i've tried, it's stable, and has a zippy top speed. It's pretty sedate and lifeless even when going quick. it also feels like the mast track is a long way forward, and never really feels right unless the mast base is placed well back in the slot
I briefly tried it as a single fin but couldn't feel much difference as far as early planing and speed, so have left the twins in there. I've blasted around on a few recent sboard quads and i think it's safe to say it planes earlier than the quads, and higher top speed. can't comment on waveriding them
I really like the footstraps
the stock twin fins flop around in the slots. the screws aren't long enough to tighten them properly so you'll probably have to pack them out some how
imho I think over all there are better options out there, especially if you like the feel of a lighter board. if you are riding a stone, i'm guessing the kode will probably feel quite light as it is
i've tried the 2015 kode freestyle and i really liked that. planes early, softer ride in chop, really fast for what it is, a bit lighter, but probably doesn't have the turning capability that the wave model has
I tried the 78 the other day and also the quad 84 in comparison. The wind was qyite strong and my 4,5 sail a bit much from time to time.
As a 87kg average wave surfer who spend most of the windsurf time on slalom equipment i felt that the kode wave was faster and overall more fun compared to the quad. Main reason was the effortless glide, speed and upwind perfornance. The waveriding on the 84 is a bit easier, especially when you want to turn tight.
However i love the energy the kode wave does delivery when you cut into the wave, it just makes me smile. That is also why i went for the 92 kode wave, fast, controllable and with a good wave performance.
If you are light and sail mostely in well powered conditions with clean waves, go for the quad.
Mquspots do usally have a lot of current and not very strong wind on the inside, hence i went for the kode wave.
Both boards deliver but you'll have to get dialed in on both. Enjoy!
~Sinobi
Thanks fellas. Gonna see if I can get my hand's on one to test, and go from there. Will post my thoughts if I do!
Select to expand quoteshinobi said..
I tried the 78 the other day and also the quad 84 in comparison. The wind was qyite strong and my 4,5 sail a bit much from time to time.
As a 87kg average wave surfer who spend most of the windsurf time on slalom equipment i felt that the kode wave was faster and overall more fun compared to the quad. Main reason was the effortless glide, speed and upwind perfornance. The waveriding on the 84 is a bit easier, especially when you want to turn tight.
However i love the energy the kode wave does delivery when you cut into the wave, it just makes me smile. That is also why i went for the 92 kode wave, fast, controllable and with a good wave performance.
If you are light and sail mostely in well powered conditions with clean waves, go for the quad.
Mquspots do usally have a lot of current and not very strong wind on the inside, hence i went for the kode wave.
Both boards deliver but you'll have to get dialed in on both. Enjoy!
~Sinobi
I think Sinobi has summed it up pretty well. This is a really fun board to sail in mushy condition and it jumps higher than anything else I have sailed. The wide tail means that when you do hit the lip you have a good chance of getting airborne even wave riding in crappy conditions. I have it set up as a Twin on all but the most onshore days. As a single the looseness and slid starts to disappear and it feels more like a short frenetic FSW, great for river sailing on extreme days and good for XL jumps but not as magic on the wave. In single fin mode the 77 will carry a 5.7 easily but set up as a twin it does not like to be pinned down to much, a 5 is as big as I like to go with this set up. I am 75 kg so the 77 is a pretty big board for my weight, waveriding in 30+conditions can get a little messy but now I have a Quad for those days.
