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up my new 9'8" Pro yesterday & as I said in a previous thread, I liked pretty much everything about it except the handle placement. Yep, Starby got it wrong. I never got to see a 2013 model so i'm not aware wheather they got it right last year or not, but I did own a 2012 9'8 & it was fine. Really can't get my head around how this mistake was made & really there is no excuse for a company that has been doing this for so long already, making such a dumb mistake, especially considering the premium prce tag associated with one of their Brushed Carbons.

Negatives out of the way.

I weighed it this morning on my digital scales. With fins, leash & a tail pad only, it came in at 7.8 kilos. Very impressive for a board its size I thought.

Went over to Manly this morning as it was the only place in Sydney that had a bit of protection from the southerly wind. The short walk from the car to the beach should've been no problem at all. But that handle placement means you are holding the board out in front of you while squeezing it against your body with your elbow & upper arm to stop the tail from hitting the ground. This is both fatiguing & F#$king annoying!!!!........ Sorry.... I did say Negatives out of the way didn't I....

Anyway, Surf was 1-2 foot & cross off shore. As soon as i hopped on I instantly found it plenty stable & paddled beautifully. First little right hander, 2 paddles & I was in. Board bottom turned well & came off the top quick & precise. Very easy to throw around.

Haven't put a deck pad on yet but will probably do it this arv. Found the Star Touch to be ok but not really my cup of tea. It kinda feels as though your foot could slip off easily in a critical turn on a bigger, faster wave.

Stayed out about an hour & came in feeling well pleased with the boards performance..... Then I picked it up again........

Don't know how this one's gonna pan out gang. The board is super light, paddles great, is super stable & is very easy to throw around in the surf. Ticks mostly all the boxes for me... However,I live in Bondi. I walk to the beach with my boards. Usually through crowded streets. & then walk home again usually pretty wrecked after two hour sessions. Battling to keep my board off the ground after said two hour sessions, it will probably not take very long before I think to myself "...k this!!" & trade it on something else.

Disapointed Mr Starboard! You were soooo close.