STARBOARD FOIL FREERIDE 150 STARLITE CARBON 2022 TEST REVIEW
VERDICT
The stepping-stone to foil slalom prowess, the new Foil Freeride remains a benchmark freerace foil board, yet with even more performance accessibility and comfort than its predecessor.
THE LOWDOWN
The Foil Freeride has been updated for the new season, with many small refinements to improve performance, range and appeal. This 150 remains the largest of a two-board lineup, but now comes in the brand’s new Starlite Carbon construction (as tested here), which incorporates a full carbon hull and is said to address the issues of durability, value and low environmental impact without impeding performance. The most obvious design changes can be found in the tail, with deep tapered cutouts under the heels of both feet – a concept lifted directly from the brand’s foil boards for reducing the wetted area and promoting early take-off. In the nose, the outline has been rounded, and hard edge refined with a bevel, which, combined with the pronounced nose kick, concave deck shape and rearward shifted mast track is said to have improved lift and speed. As a result, Starboard’s development team have shifted the footstrap inserts further forward, said to push the high-performance capabilities of the board. Supplied with the brand’s Yulex foam footstraps with inboard and outboard settings available, it seems Starboard had a change of mind on the style of deckpad to adhere to the Foil Freeride. In their literature there are conflicting accounts … but unlike its predecessor, this new 150 is sporting thick cushioned deckpads for extra comfort.
BRAND CLAIM
“This year we have taken it to the next level. A sensation of perfection, from the moment you step foot on the board. Effortless take-offs with the reshaped cut-outs and rock steady flights thanks to a balanced trim between mast track, foil box and straps. Enjoy the next level of Freeride Foiling with us.”
PERFORMANCE
Wide and stable underfoot from the off, we can well believe the Foil Freeride 150 is capable of carrying the 9.5m sail quoted by the brand. Deliver power and it responds smoothly, accelerating underneath the rider, the foil creating the stability to move back early. With the straps placed in their outboard positions, they do take a little getting used to for the novice rider, such is the width of the tail; the addition of the inboard strap plugs offering the practicality for progressing. Using outboard strap positions does however provide the purchase and power to really explore the 150’s performance credentials, and we have to say we’re impressed! With the sail’s base placed further back and the straps further forward, it makes it easier to get forward on the front foot, and with the extra sense of control and feel issued, there’s naturally a willingness and intent to push harder. Starboard recommend the Foil Freeride be partnered with their medium to high aspect foils, from the Freeride+ to the Race+. And whilst we completely agree with their compatibility if you’re keen to sail committed, we were also pleasantly surprised with the 150’s suitability for the new SuperFlyer Foil too. Responding well to the early lift supplied, the width in the 150’s tail provided plenty of control and connectivity, without overpowering it. A fantastic platform for covering great distances in comfort (the thick deckpads were a welcomed asset), the only grumble returned from the team was that the weight of the Starlite Carbon construction was noticeable on occasion, particularly during transition or moments requiring quick response. Despite its short length, there is some swing weight in the nose, which, once acknowledged can be anticipated and accounted for.
VITAL STATS
Price: WOOD: £2049.00 STARLITE CARBON: £1549.00
Volume (Quoted): 150L.
Length: 208 cm.
Width: 85 cm.
1ft off: 74.7 cm.
Bottom shape: Double with vee throughout, bevelled round the nose, with a big, stepped cut-out tucking into the tail.
Weight (Quoted ‘Naked’): 10.94 kg.
Foil Box: Deep Tuttle
Sail Range (Quoted): 6.0-9.5m.
Sizes Available: 125, 150.
STARBOARD FOIL FREERIDE 150 2022 TEST REVIEW
THE LINEUP