STARBOARD ALLSTAR 14’0 X 24.5 TEST REVIEW
Verdict:
A surprisingly quick all-water board that will suit all but the heaviest riders in most conditions. The board revels in broken water and particularly intense situations. The Allstar packs an incredible amount of research and development into its modest price.
Overview:
Is the orange bow and blue walls of the Allstar the most recognisable creation in all of SUP? Likely. If you’re new to SUP, Starboard’s Allstar has arguable won more grand slam races than any other board. Evolution for 2023 includes but is not limited to: narrower nose outline, higher side rails, softer rail edge (increases glide, better handling downwind), EVA race deflector (keeps water out of the deck pit, protects Allstar when strapped on car roof), centre drainage and carbon drain covers…
Our version came in the tough wood carbon, at just over £2k it’s one of the most affordable premium racers you can buy.
Brand Claim:
From entry level riders, to elite racers, the All Star is the world’s most winning versatile and user-friendly race design.
We have board widths for all rider weights and skill levels. 24.5″ and wider are suited for heavier riders, while 23″ and below are for higher skilled and lighter riders.
2023 Design has a narrower nose and tail outline to give you faster acceleration, higher top speed and greater efficiency. Our driest and most efficient centre drainage system increases drainage speed by 50%, while reducing weight by 50%. Higher rails increase secondary stability and control in chop, while preventing water entering in downwind.
Available in the light and strong Carbon Sandwich technology and best value Wood Carbon technology.
Performance:
Straight out the box, the Allstar is a sharp looking board with a quality feel. We’ve mentioned it already but the board to price ratio is insane.
This board is built for a capricious ocean. The new curved rails combined with the flat hull help to prevent the rails from catching in side chop. This sunken standing area style of board is initially quite lively underfoot, however once you tune in to the enhanced secondary stability, you can push the Allstar beyond your previous limits. We’ve used this board in various conditions from windy estuaries to overhead groundswell and it has handled impeccably throughout.
The drainage holes have now moved to the centre of the board where they do a great job keeping the standing area dry when moving. The new carbon fin is one of the lightest on the market and tracks well.
Overall, it’s a knockout all-water board and would make a good centrepiece for your ocean quiver – especially if you are going to size up for more intense challenges.
Vital Stats:
Price: £2199 without bag, £2349 with bag.
Length: 14’0
Width: 24.5”
Thickness: 10.8”
Weight: 12.7 kg
Volume: 335 litres
Fin: ‘Flash’ carbon race fin