The wind has been finally picking up somewhat at my local spot and we have all been getting our fix and much needed buzz, so it is time to put out a review if this is interesting for someone, who knows
Starboard have years in the windsurf market and are a very serious company with rock solid products (except for their bio glue/resin, which didn't quite cut the mustard) and airush same in the kite market
Inflate with one boston valve, which works fine for me, also I never use the hose clamp as it just seems like the weak link, the clamp has a neoprene cover which stops chaffing. The rubber side valve is another weak point but I have had no issues and with both valves open it dumps very quickly and in about 1 minute is rolled up and back in my car.
Very solid build, downside heavy, windows are big and pretty useful, especially if you wing around very large shipping. The handles are well positioned are softish and comfortable. (I still feel softish is good as the rigid handles appear to put undue pressure on the wing structure itself at the loss of some tighter control).
Personally I love this teal blue. Lots of heavy patches at the wear points, a big rubber pad at the top, however the tail pad does get the most wear, dragging in the water and on the beach so I reinforced mine
I don't care for the rope leashes (but it's good that there is one), too long, too heavy and gets in the way when stink bugging. However the wrist strap is large, solid, comfortable and easy to get on and off - should last for years. Its a low pressure wing 4.0psi so very good for lazy old farts who get tired pumping up.
The downside for it's beefiness is the weight and you feel it. The wing is back hand oriented and likes to point high in light winds. I feel its strength is flying overpowered as it really pulls in the heavier gusts. It does feel a bit quirky sometimes and wants to move by itself, could be me not being skillful, could be the design / large size I don't know. It is also not a very tight wing but rather flappy overall but I don't find it noisy.
Pumping feels sluggish and disconnected but small pulls at the rear seem to work best.
The canopy is prone to pin holes (which I patch up with old umbrellas haha). Would I buy it again, yes. I would give this as a used product in good condition a 5/5 - no brainer for the budget winger, especially if you can get the blue or orange ones as they are just great colors!
(I don't use the bags but this one is large and solid, I prefer they put the money in the wing and not the bag)
