On test: 2020 Starboard Allstar Airline 14' x 26''
The Starboard Allstarstands out due to its unusual packing dimensions. Due to the foam reinforcements in the centre area, the packed board has a more square packing size, making the bag wider and less high than usual. It therefore rolls on three wheels, with an additional one in the centre of the bag.
The equipment is impeccable,The bag is of good quality, as are the pump and fin. Before rolling out, two special design features immediately catch the eye. Firstly, the bulging EVA reinforcements that increase the standing area on both sides on the right and left and secondly, the Kevlar rope that runs over the entire underside. This starts at the fin box, runs from there through a sewn-on guide pocket to the bow, where it passes over a hard plastic cap to the deck, where it is hooked in under slight tension. When inflated, this rope is then fully tensioned and is designed to prevent the board from bending when paddling.
It is difficult It is difficult to say which component has the main influence - the thick board, the general construction, the foam reinforcements or the Kevlar rope - but the board is particularly stiff in every situation. It flexes very little both under heavy weight loads and with powerful paddle strokes and gives a very firm feel in all conditions.
The two visibly thick hard foam beads that line the edge of the board in the standing area on the right and left fulfil different purposes. On the one hand, they act as an additional stiffening element, and on the other, they provide a comfortable grip and support for beach starts when it comes to jumping up quickly in knee-deep water. Their main function is to provide lateral support for the feet and thus contribute to safety. This is certainly a good help with the 24 inch narrow board that is also available. With the board width of 26 inches that we tested, only very tall paddlers stand so wide-legged that you can really support yourself with your feet on the sides.
The most important thingPerformance and buoy manoeuvres. If you compare the Starboard with the three other inflatable raceboards tested by us, This puts it at the top of the overall ranking as a particularly good all-round raceboard for different conditions. In mirror-smooth water, the Fit Ocean is a little easier to keep at a fast pace. However, as soon as the conditions become at least a little more demanding, the Starboard offers similar tipping stability to the SIC, but requires less paddling power thanks to the more elegant design of the nose, which is flatter and more pointed in the water. When waves come in from the side, for example, the Starboard reacts much less critically than the Fit Ocean and can be propelled forward with full paddling power, even if you have to deal with initial balance problems on the Fit Ocean. At the buoy, the Starboard also shows its stable and therefore very manoeuvrable side. The small kick pad at the end really makes sense here: you can put your foot right up to it without having to dive completely. Fast, safe buoy turns are not only fun, but are also a valuable cushion in the race that can make the difference between a really good or rather mediocre placing.
Conclusion:The Starboard also achieves top speeds in glassy water, like the Fit Ocean, with just a little more effort. All in all, for races in a wide range of conditions, the Starboard is the top candidate for first place overall in this field. If you want even more speed in flat water and are prepared to accept a little more tippiness - and perhaps also compete in a slightly lighter weight class up to a maximum of 75 kilos - you can opt for the narrower Allstar in 24 inch width.
