STARBOARD WEDGE 9’2 STARLITE 2021 TEST REPORT
STARBOARD WEDGE 9’2 2021 TEST REPORT
Verdict
Far more than a big-boy cruiser, Starboard’s 9’2 Wedge is a specifically thought-out surf shape for riders that require an easier time between waves, be that due to their own mass, the prevailing conditions they’re faced with, or a simple desire to catch that maximum waves in the time available. The Wedge’s finish is stunning from nose-to-tail, the styling, handle, deck grip are all superb. But this is a board made for action in the surf zone and that Starboard have made such a beautiful looking product to last for so long turned out to be a source of great delight for us.
Overview
The Starboard Wedge is gorgeous looking board that in Starlite construction belies its incredible strength; read further for more Starlite details but this build features the strongest rail these giants of SUP production ever tested. All Starboards come with reassuring green cred, each board sold triggers the planting of a mangrove and picking up of 1.1kg of marine litter.
This 9’2 packs in a whopping 160 litres but under arm feels far more compact thanks to the tapered rails, cleverly sculpted handle and modest 10.5 kg fighting weight.
Brand Claim
A favourite in the testing and development, it turned heads with its control and responsiveness. The 9’2” is so much more responsive to turn as the thinner rails require less foot pressure to initiate turns. Ultra-reactive and sensitive.
The new 2021 Starlite construction features an ultra-durable, scratch and impact resistant woven rail protection and full wood deck. The twill Azure and Charcoal rail band are stronger for paddle dents and impact. The full deck has 0.6 mm Australian pine wood, which is outside of 2 glass skins, increasing the overall total breakage strength. The deck and bottom now feature twin stringer deck and bottom, positioned close to the rail for increased breakage strength.
Performance
This 9’2 Wedge demonstrates the best hiding of volume we’ve yet experienced, both on sight and on the water. Ollie O’Reilly seems to have achieved this with the truncated nose which also gives a more parallel planform for better tracking and paddling in to waves. This with the flatter nose entry permits the Wedge to pick up waves like none other with a nice, controlled early roll-in.
The generous volume makes for a crazily stable board. The Wedge will perform for riders above the suggested 100kg we are certain, the feedback at the rails and tail in surging seas is spot on. But despite the training-wheels feel between sets, this board surfs. In surf with some energy, the easy take-off gives way to a smooth, rail-engaged bottom turn happily free from the clatter and excess speed that troubles some wider surf shapes. The tail response is light and the Wedge responds like a board 20 litres smaller.
This board is a wave-burglar without equal. If high wave count, time on the wave and fool-proof stability in a board that behaves as a surfboard should are what you’re looking for, the Wedge is it.