Hello. Hopefully this thread will be helpful to others looking for wave boards in the 110-120 liter volume range. I currently ride two boards:
2018 JP-Australia Surf Pro 8'1"x28x103 liters. Excellent all round
2017 JP-Australia Surf Pro 8'6"x29x113 liters. This is a "step-up" board for bigger waves or choppier conditions when I need a bit more stability. Very fast, versatile, and can handle steep drops.
I'm looking to replace the "step-up" JP 8'6" with a board that has similar characteristics (fast, good in bigger surf, stable) but that offers a bit more maneuverability and lower weight. I would appreciate any input based on your experience riding the following boards:
(1) Starboard Pro 2023-2024 model: 8'2"x29x118 liters (blue carbon or limited edition)
(2) Infinity Blurr V2: sizes 8'2x29.5x109 liters, 8'2"x30x115 liters, or 8'5"x30.5"x121
(3) Infinity B-Line: 8'5"x30x114.5 liters
(4) 2023-2024 JP-Australia Surf Pro 8'6": has the weight come down on recent models?
Any other boards to consider (e.g. Jimmy Lewis)?
I've read some related posts from the past, including SUP Norte's excellent Infinity SUP review from 2019, but was looking for an update based on the group's recent experience. Rider specs: 150lbs/70Kgs, 58 years old, ~40 years surfing/windsurfing/SUPing on waves.
Thanks!
The blur V2 is a super stable board. I'd go the 8'2"at your weight.. It will handle anything that you can throw at it, both small and large waves.
Thanks, Antho. Yes, the Blurr v2 8'2"is the leading candidate at the moment (probably the smaller 109 liters). I had a chance to check out the board at the Infinity shop at Dana Point, very light and excellent construction. I also checked out the Starboard 8'2"x29": I also liked the shape; it didn't look bulky at all despite having 118 liters and the same length/width at the Blurr V2. Compared to the Infinity, the Starboard has more thickness along the center-line (hard to tell without measuring), but the rails are nice and thin. Similar weight to the Infinity in Blue Carbon construction.
To be honest haven't ridden (3) or (4) and only have been on (2) once, but I do have a 2024 8'7 pro (I'm around 190 lbs.) in the Blue Carbon and couldn't be happier. I've surfed it in anything from knee-high to double overhead and it's fast, stable, and very, very responsive. It makes everything feel easy.
I don't find V2 stable, I think Boehne says it's least stable model. But if you're at >1.5 L/kg stability not an issue. I like mine in solid surf if clean enough to balance - have you thought about new deal for step up? Its nice for early entry and faster/easier paddling for given volume, but worse for late drops and steep sections. For softer days w size, ND a dream,also does well in steep waves going down line waiting for a softer face w room to turn. For me 9x28 ND is my messy/ mushy step up, 8x28 Blurr is clean step up, great during winter offshore winds. I'm in beach break lots of energy in winter but deep sand bottom not punishing . I'd like to try SB pro, blue carbon too expensive. Cheers
