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STARBOARD KODE 105 2023 TEST REVIEW

01/05/2023
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STARBOARD KODE 105 2023 TEST REVIEW

Verdict 
The Kode’s compact shape produces the feeling of a smaller board. This combined with its ability to drive on its rail makes playing through manoeuvres and turns fast and exciting. Once at pace the Kode performs well, reaching impressive top speeds and providing the rider with confidence to push for more.

The Lowdown
Probably one of the most publicised boards on the market and the go-to for windsurfing guru Peter Hart, Starboard’s Kode is always a strong contender in the crossover test. With its rounded outline and compact shape, it’s no surprise that Starboard team riders call the Kode easy and comfortable.

This compact shape, even in larger sizes, makes wave sailing on bigger boards as accessible as ever. In addition, the Kode’s bottom shape blends a fast rocker along the centreline, with a more curved rocker on the sides. This innovative design is said to provide maximum speed whilst producing a smooth carve once the board is pushed onto its rail. It comes with an MFC thruster set-up that fits into two lightweight star boxes and a US box, keeping the board’s weight low whilst maintaining versatile settings.

The board can also be set up with a single fin for a more classic freeride feel focused on speed and early planing. The Kode’s comfort becomes clear when your look at the footstrap fittings. Diamond grooved 10mm thick footpads sit under Premium Drake footstraps, affirming the Kode’s comfortable ride. The Kode 105 on test here is produced in the brand’s carbon sandwich construction, which uses environmentally friendly materials that are layered to optimise flex and stiffness in all the right areas. Starboard also produces the Kode in a wood sandwich construction, the brand’s flagship construction. Available in 6 sizes from 85 to 135 litres, the Kode range is broad, with some of the largest size crossover boards in the industry.

Brand Claim
Drive, agility and speed. The Kodes are more fun in waves and keep their fast freeride feel. Are we promising too much? Come and try for yourself.

Performance
Due to its rounded tail, the Kode asks the rider to position forwards on the deck to keep the board flat and drive it onto the plane. As the board picks up speed, moving back into the straps feels natural as the tail begins to provide more lift. Despite being one of the most compact boards on test, the Kode reaches some impressive top speeds. Whether you adopt a more upright stance or crank off the kit and drive, the Kode always feels in control, bestowing the rider with the confidence to hunt for every bit of pace the board has to offer. Take the Kode into the air and its compact nature makes it easy to control.

On the landing, the rounded tail ensures there is not too much volume under the back foot making for a smooth touchdown. Through manoeuvres and turns, the board performs well. Once again, the Kode’s compact design allows the rider to direct the board with precision, and despite being a 105, the board’s turning arc is sharp. Committing to a bottom turn or a gybe is well received by the Kode as the rail bites, cutting through choppy water well and encouraging the rider to commit further. On the exit of both tacks and gybes, the board asks the rider once again to position forwards on the deck, making the most of its volume.

 

 

STARBOARD KODE 105 2023 TEST REVIEW

 

Specs
Price: £2149
Volume (Quoted): 105 litres
Length: 229 cm
Width: 66 cm
Bottom shape: Pronounced vee with a double concave running throughout the board, which becomes a straight vee behind the rear fin box.
Weight (naked): 6.89 kg
Fins: MFC TF 21 (power) + Drake Natural Wave 11 (slot)
Sail Range (quoted): 5.0 – 7.0m
Sizes Available: 85, 95, 105, 115, 125, 135.

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