Starboard Generation
- Written by Staff
- Published in Reviews
- Comments::DISQUS_COMMENTS
Only best products in a given category receive “A” grade.
Overview:
Paddle Board Highlights
Who is it for?
The Starboard Generation is a non-inflatable SUP that is designed for multi-use paddling. It can be used as a touring board, an all around board, a beginner race board and even does well in the surf. The Generation range has 6 different sizes available so there should be a size that accommodates just about all riders’ weight and skill levels. Additionally, the board has 3 different constructions to choose from so the options here are pretty versatile. Priced at $2,299, this board sits in the premium price point tier but comes with the best the brand has to offer. If you’re looking for a board that can do it all, the Starboard Generation is a great choice.
First Impressions
Starboard frames the Generation as ‘the one board quiver’ and we couldn't agree more. This board is insane. The version we tested was the 12’6” x 28” with Carbon Top. Getting into the details, we’ll start with the packaging. True to Starboard’s messaging, they’re really going above and beyond to stay as plastic free as possible. The board was wrapped in paper (not plastic) and accessories included in the package came in a nice little cardboard box. All the small details here really make such a big difference and go a long way showing the thought and care from behind the scenes. In regards to the graphic design, the Carbon Top graphics are true to Starboard’s blue branding and anyone that’s familiar with the brand will know it’s a Starboard from a mile away. The board itself comes with a bunch of added bells and whistles including an FCS deck plug towards the nose of the board for additional attachments like a GoPro mount, phone mount, GPS, etc. The board also has bungee cords in the middle-ish of the board (more towards the nose) that are great for holding down added gear. Additionally, the board comes with a nice removable shoulder strap that makes carrying the board even easier and a 2+1 fin setup. Speaking of carrying, the deep well of the handle on the board made it really easy to get a good grip on the board when carrying it, so carrying this board–for the size of it–was pretty easy. The deck pad goes all the way down to the tail and has a little lift where your back foot would go when using this board in the surf or when doing a buoy turn. Again, thoughtful touch. On the water, the board instantly felt very stable and the glide was pretty much immediate once we started paddling. In flat water the board was a dream but even moreso, when taking it in some bump the board cut right through it without issue. Long story short, we love it, dealers love it and we’re pretty sure you’ll love it which is why we’re giving it the A-Grade.
Benefits
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Primary Use
Touring / Race / SurfPaddle Boards fall into two broad categories, All-Around and Specialty boards, with all-around designed primarily for recreation while speciality boards for top performance in specific disciplines
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Durability
StrongDurability is largely a result of the board construction and shape, with more durable boards typically carrying more materials (added layers, PVC, etc) and as such adding to the weight.
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Stability
AverageStability is a product of construction and shape, where boards w/ 30”+ wide and 200+ liters in volume offer plenty of stability for your AVG adult while a board under 26” wide is a challenge.
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Glide
FastGlide is a result of board shape and construction, w/ boards weighing under 30lbs and designed for racing offering best glide while recreational boards normally being on the slow side
Learn more on the Starboard website.
Features
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Dimensions
12'6" x 28" x 6.3"Industry standard in board dimensions reads: L (length, from nose to tail) x W (width, from rail to rail at midpoint length), and H (height, from top to bottom of board at midpoint length).
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Weight
27.15 lbsStandup paddle boards tend to fall into 4 different weight classes: extremely lightweight (under 20 lbs), lightweight (20-28 lbs), average weight (28-35 lbs), heavy (above 35 lbs).
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Volume
249 LVolume is a key metric to determine how much weight a board can carry. Boards w/ 200+ liters offer most floatation with boards under 150 liters typically for high-performance surf
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Capacity
110-220 lbsCapacity is the max cargo weight a stand up paddle board can carry, considering not only the paddler’s weight but whatever else the paddler may choose to carry alongside him/her.
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Add On's
Bungee Nose, FCS deck plugAdd-on’s include bungee cords, a minimalist way to haul things; Connexsup, which allows for all sorts of attachments, even fishing rods; and FCS II/Connect, for easy fin instal.
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Handle
Internal Ergo GripHandles directly affect carrying ease, with external grip handles (Liftsup & EZgrab) offering most comfort, Internal Ergo Grip the mid-tier comfort, and box handles as least comfortable.
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Holders
NoFishing rod holders and/or paddle holders can make paddling that much more pleasant, esp. when needing holders for the rod or having a safe place for the paddle during yoga.
Sizes Available
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume |
|---|
| 12 Feet 6 Inches | 26 Inches | 6.3 Inches | 236 L |
| 12 Feet 6 Inches | 28 Inches | 6.3 Inches | 249 L |
| 12 Feet 6 Inches | 30 Inches | 6.3 Inches | 272 L |
| 14 Feet 0 Inches | 26 Inches | 6.3 Inches | 245 L |
| 14 Feet 0 Inches | 28 Inches | 6.3 Inches | 285 L |
| 14 Feet 0 Inches | 30 Inches | 6.5 Inches | 310 L |
Similar Products
Starboard Waterline
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Surftech Chameleon
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Pelican Rush
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For more detailed reviews and to look at similar models, visit Supconnect.com. If you like this review, give us the thumbs up. Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments. And make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss the latest news and reviews from Supconnect.