The Starboard Foil X Wing on land:
The Starboard Crossoverboard Foil X Wing is available in two designs and three sizes with volumes of 105/125 and 145 litres. We tested the medium size in the "Wood Sandwich" construction ("WS"), which is around 600 to 800 grams lighter, but at 2249 euros it also hits the budget harder than the slightly heavier "Starlite Technology" (1649 euros). The crossover concept becomes clear as soon as you look at the boxes and the loop configuration: for windsurfing, the foil is anchored at the very back in a deep tuttle box, while the double rail for foil mounting in wing use is located much further forward. As foil and strap positions always have to be coordinated, two plug rows are offered on deck - a far forward and inboard wing position and a position for windsurfing foiling that is offset further back and outboard.
At 190 centimetres long, the Foil X Wing is quite compact for a crossover board. Pronounced cut-outs in the tail area are designed to ensure a clean water release and prevent the board from getting stuck during the start-up phase. Starboard anchors the straps with extra-thick screws, while a large pad on the deck ensures good stability.
This is how the Starboard Foil X Wing performs on the water:
In combination with the Starboard Supercruiser Foil, the Crossoverboard offers a very sporty feeling when windsurf foiling and maximum control. It goes up and down very predictably, is easy to edge and has above-average stability in the air. The strap position turns out to be a very good compromise between performance and manoeuvrability for windsurfing.
The internal strap positions are also well suited to wingsurfing, and the shape of the edges also ensures that you are gently sent back up the board in the event of minor riding errors, such as an unintentional "touchdown", without the board digging in. The flat and wide deck offers wingsurf beginners in particular a lot of safety when learning their first manoeuvres. Even if you haven't completely foiled your moves yet, the board with its 125 litre volume offers enough stability to finish the manoeuvre safely.
The feel is nice and compact for wingfoiling (as well as windsurf foiling). First jumps are easy and even if the board seems a little too big for ambitious freestyle moves, as a sporty light wind cruiser it is also a lot of fun for advanced wingfoilers and also offers plenty of volume reserve for the way home without foil wind.
Conclusion:
A successful mix of manoeuvre and performance for windsurf foiling, plus a very suitable wingboard for beginners - the crossover concept is implemented here in the best possible way! For heavy wingsurfers (>90 kilos) or those who are constantly travelling in patchy light wind conditions, the Starboard Foil X Wing can also be a sensible long-term solution for freeriding. If you are fully focussed on wingsurfing, you will find the board - like other crossover boards - a little too big.
Balanced for both disciplines
Carrying handle a little small
You can find more tests of crossover boards for wingfoiling, windsurf foiling and SUP foiling HERE .
