I'm conflicted, I really want the Smik, I have 8' hipster I love, but for my back up board, for bigger surf, good conditions, I may need to decide between the the above, so any advice or experience would be good.
The main factors for me are stability, availability and cost.
The Smik is 112ltr, ~ 29.75"wide, the SB Pro is 121ltr 29" wide, but some reviews on here reckon the SB Pro isn't very stable, do you think it would be less than the SMIK? The breaks here tend to be choppy beaches, so don't want anything too tippy. My Hipster, is about right, I can enjoy mushy light onshore waves on it, without falling off too much.
The SB seems readily available in England at the mo, the SMIK less so, it's also a bit more expensive depending where you buy it what version etc.
There are other options, like Snova flow 8'4" or infinity RNB, but they are above my budget, which is dependent on selling other boards during lockdown, which is a slow process.
If you love your Hipster, talk to Scotty @ Smik about what you like and what you are wanting from the new board. He would know - more than anyone else - what size and design etc you should be looking at for a Smik. Also, they offer customs in cheaper builds than carbon only (timber deck with carbon rail etc). Depending on what your definition of 'bigger' waves means, perhaps a Spitfire with a rounded pin tail could be an option...
I looked at the SB Pro as the new shape interested me, but the Starlite construction was really heavy and the rails were boxier than I like. I would only buy a carbon SB due to the weight - which pushes the price way over a Smik anyway.
A flow2 and the RnB are both aimed at general everyday waves, just like the Hipster - so you're not gaining range with those, just a different feeling. Their wide tails and concave's give them lots of drive/speed in weaker waves, not what you want in bigger surf.
As a quasi-step up board, I really like the JL Stun Gun. They are sweet at OH - 2xOH. A Sunova Throttle could also be an option (I haven't seen one in real life yet though).
For a stable board with good range the JL Destroyer is sweet also. But it has lots of wave crossover to the Hipster. Perhaps a bit more hold with its area pin tail and V. (BTW I have no affiliation with JL - I just like what they do).
A Gong Alley could also be an option and save some $$. Perhaps Colas can give you a suggestion here.
Anyway, good luck!
I've just bought a Smik Spitfire V2 8'3 waiting for it to arrive, should hopefully have feedback next week with forecast (UK)! I'm upsizing from a JP 8'1" Surf Pro to extend range though so should be super stable. Didn't want to go too high in volume as it can add to instability, width is key. The starboard shape is amazing but as Hoppo said, I've seen the Starlite 8' and picked it up, way too heavy for what I'd want in a performance shape and don't think you'd gain anything over the Hipster in surfability.
Looks sweet! Can safely say the smik spitfire 8'3 is stable as houses, almost feels like cheating after the JP 8'1! Picks up waves early and turns well from the gutless crap I had this morning. Look forward to getting it in some juice, imagine the 7'10 would be dynamite!
Round two yesterday after swell filled and got my favourite lump of rock to test it on. One of the most confidence inspiring board I've used, handled steppy drops well, got in early and turns so sweet on rail. Got to dial my back foot placement skittle more after the smaller JP but get it right and it doesn't miss a beat through the turns. Super stable and easy to get about on and position for a wave. Think this could be the one!