Doesnt really look like a direct copy at all. The V-Drive double dihedral concept; perhaps But quite different if the picture is accurate. (I own a V-Drive)As has been mentioned before, imitation is indeed the highest form of flattery. Most of today's race boards owe some of their DNA to other manufacturers concepts. There are many conceptually similar boards that are actually very different in Their own way
If a manufacturer comes up with or improves an existing design and ends up with a winner on their hands is that not what it's all about?
As per a previous comment; I'm sure Jim Terrell and Quickblade can fight their battles if required.
Much ado about nothing IMO.

Souselas said..





I've been using a Lass Paddle for a few months now. It's a boutique paddle company created by Helgo Lass, who has been in the windsurfing industry for decades creating carbon masts and that developed paddles for a few SUP companies. He uses V Drives and Double concaves. You can check the technology in this page: http://www.lasspaddle.com/#!technology/c20sg

They are starting to win races all over the world (including in my country, Portugal, where José Cirilo absolutly dominated with this paddles).

This was the guy who designed the NP paddle range for 2013 and 2014.

PTWoody said..

SomeGuy said..

Sometimes there is a fine line between what we used to call "Taking Reference" when I was a designer and straight out copying.

I think Starboard have crossed the line.

Based on the name or based on your thorough examination of the two paddles side-by-side?

Based on the marketing and the name.
In real life they may be completely different, but the marketing photos sure makes it look like they are practically identical.