This really is a great/objective review and much appreciated. Thank you, Beau. My 2 Cents - I picked up the 8-2 carbon Spice about a month ago. Have to admit I was a little concerned after the initial reviews came in a few months ago. That said, the Spice is an amazing , amazing board. I had been riding the 8-5 Blurr V2, but at 6-3 and a little over 200lbs dry, it was a blast to surf but a lot of work to paddle. After the first session on the Spice , I came home and put the Blurr up on CraigsList...=) The Spice surfed a lot like the Blurr but had much more glide on the paddle and was less tippy...Despite the recommendation as a quad, i have it set up as a thruster with the stock 4.7s on the side and a 4.5 center. It's quick. Has enough bite, and I am catching A LOT more waves without having to sit under the hook=)...My only negative is that it is a little heavier, I think, than the Infinity - both are 121 litres. Bottom line - i have two other boards that I enjoy taking out, but I haven't even looked at them since I got this baby...Maybe you can look for those on CraigsList, too....
Great stuff Beau. Love the candid feedback on each board to help a rider make and informed choice. I picked up a Pro 8'7" I'm 86kg and a high intermediate. I was torn btwn that and an 8'2" Spice which my mate bought. My other board is a 10x29 Starboard longboard I find the Pro catches everything I paddle for and is very reactive. I dont find it hard to use on the wave, quite the opposite where it just does what you want with less effort - I am also on the sub 7kg Carbon version. Its also fast even on sml surf which lets you get in more manuvers. Where it does take it out of you (which you pointed out) is in messier conditions where its more work to balance on. The doomed deck and narrow nose not doing it any favors. I need to try the Spice and suspect as a quiver killer for where I am at (location and level) it would be a better choice but I if I am tired or its messy I just take the 10x29 out.
Hi Chris! Thanks for your feedback on the Pro. Agree with what you say as well. Always great to hear from the riders. You might find the 8'2 Spice works well in those messy conditions (but you'd take out the longboard anyway), but you can't beat that feeling when you have the Pro on a good wave and it just turns on a dime. Thanks again. Beau
Haha thanks! Yes, I surfed all three boards. Was a really fun day of testing. Luckily I edited out all of the wipe outs... Maybe I should make a wipe out video? 😂 Cheers, Beau
It really depends on your ability and fitness level. If you feel the 8'7 is too big now and you are after something slightly more challenging, then the 8'2 would be a great choice. The Pro range has a surprising amount of stability in the boards, even the 7'5 for me at a similar weight was easy to stand on. Hope this helps. Thanks, Beau
Here is the 2023 Wedge: supboardermag.com/eqplus_guide/starboard-wedge-2023/ And here is the previous year: supboardermag.com/equipment_guide/starboard-wedge-starlite-87-x-32-2021-reviewed/
Yes it is possible. It will be very stable when standing up on the board, but paddling out through waves with a wide and big board is tough and also the width can make it uncomfortable to paddle prone. But yes, it can be done. Thanks, Beau
I wish I never sold my older carbon pro 😅 ever since I got into hydro foiling, never looked back. Who would have known, now I want to sup surf again. Imma give the spice a go. My problem when I got to advance with dropping litter size boards, I just wanted to get more radical and more vertical, something as close to a feel, as a short board experience. Blame Zane for that one! Lol. But, it became to clumsy in the line up, with not catching waves as easy and you had to be at the right place at the right time, which resulted in late take offs behind the pocket trying to paddle battle the crowd with short boards 🤦🏻♂️ Compared to when I was learning to sup surf my 15 years ago with bigger boards, I could be way out side the break and have first dibs on what ever came my way, which meant, more wave counts equaled a lot more fun sessions, rather than being frustrated. I was born a short boarder ripper!!! 🏄🏽♂️ So thanks to your review. I’m gonna go for the 7’11” SPICE Carbon Pro. I rode Sunova, Jimmy Lewis, Jt, Kazuma. By Far Star Board has always been worth every penny. These boards shred and not to mention, YOUR KILLING IT BRO 😎 🤙🏽🏄🏽♂️ From Hawaii
The Pro will be more stable with large quad fins since it holds the tail and kinda stop the swinging while paddeling. I surf the 7'10 love this board, but didn't like the thick rails 4"6 inches
I’m 111kg intermediate SUP surfer and I’m interested in the Spice or Wedge. Def want the Spice because it’s a quad but worried about stability because I can’t get out as much as I used to (1-4 times a month). 9’3” 153L Spice is advertised for riders 100-130kg. 9’2” 160L Wedge is advertised for riders 90-100kg. How can more volume on a more stable shape be for lighter riders? Anyone compared these two sizes in terms of stability?
Hi! I think we answered your question via Ask The Experts. It' strange to think a wider, longer and thicker board has less volume than a smaller one. Variations in the shape such as nose and tail width and thickness does come into play. Whilst we haven't ridden the 9'3 Spice, it seems like it would be very stable with the almost 33" of width. But at the same time, the Wedge is such a great board to surf and you would get a lot out of this shape. Thanks, Beau
Great suggestion. I'll surf switch foot next time 😂. In all seriousness, it's something we are looking to include into future videos. Our goal is to make sure you are riding the right boards and we hope this came across in the video. Thanks, Beau
@@SUPboardermag yes it did. I’ve been enjoying and relying heavily on your videos for all things SUPing. The whopper is my next board. As a beginner, is the blue carbon an absolute way to go? Or could I still do great things on one of the less expensive whoppers? I really don’t mind spending the extra $. But should I?
Thanks. You don't necessarily need Blue Carbon. I found the limited series or starlite is just as fun. Blue Carbon should be reserved for high performance riding. However, if you carry the board long distances or prefer a board that is lighter, of course the Blue Carbon is the best choice. Thanks and all the best! Beau
The best reviews available. Makes me want to spend money on a Spice :-)
Thanks for the comment! The Spice is a great board. Thanks, Beau
Excellent Beau, thank you
Glad you liked it! Thanks for the comment, Beau
Awesome HONEST VIDEO BRO. Much Love and Aloha From Hawaii 👊🏽🤙🏽😎🏄🏽♂️
This really is a great/objective review and much appreciated. Thank you, Beau.
My 2 Cents - I picked up the 8-2 carbon Spice about a month ago. Have to admit I was a little concerned after the initial reviews came in a few months ago. That said, the Spice is an amazing , amazing board. I had been riding the 8-5 Blurr V2, but at 6-3 and a little over 200lbs dry, it was a blast to surf but a lot of work to paddle. After the first session on the Spice , I came home and put the Blurr up on CraigsList...=) The Spice surfed a lot like the Blurr but had much more glide on the paddle and was less tippy...Despite the recommendation as a quad, i have it set up as a thruster with the stock 4.7s on the side and a 4.5 center. It's quick. Has enough bite, and I am catching A LOT more waves without having to sit under the hook=)...My only negative is that it is a little heavier, I think, than the Infinity - both are 121 litres. Bottom line - i have two other boards that I enjoy taking out, but I haven't even looked at them since I got this baby...Maybe you can look for those on CraigsList, too....
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback and experience using the Spice. We're glad you have found a great board! Thanks, Beau
Amazing review guys, nice one Beau!
Thanks Tushingham! Cheers, Beau
Great stuff Beau. Love the candid feedback on each board to help a rider make and informed choice.
I picked up a Pro 8'7" I'm 86kg and a high intermediate. I was torn btwn that and an 8'2" Spice which my mate bought. My other board is a 10x29 Starboard longboard
I find the Pro catches everything I paddle for and is very reactive. I dont find it hard to use on the wave, quite the opposite where it just does what you want with less effort - I am also on the sub 7kg Carbon version. Its also fast even on sml surf which lets you get in more manuvers.
Where it does take it out of you (which you pointed out) is in messier conditions where its more work to balance on. The doomed deck and narrow nose not doing it any favors.
I need to try the Spice and suspect as a quiver killer for where I am at (location and level) it would be a better choice but I if I am tired or its messy I just take the 10x29 out.
Hi Chris! Thanks for your feedback on the Pro. Agree with what you say as well. Always great to hear from the riders. You might find the 8'2 Spice works well in those messy conditions (but you'd take out the longboard anyway), but you can't beat that feeling when you have the Pro on a good wave and it just turns on a dime. Thanks again. Beau
Fantastic review video!
Thank you! Beau
Thanks for the information content!
Where did you guys film the video? The surf beak looks so empty.
Ooh we can't give that away 🙊. It's a fairly well known spot, north coast of Cornwall, UK. Glad you liked the video. Thanks, Beau
Great video, thanks. Really like the look of the spice, but if I’m honest, my skill level is probably more suited to the wedge at the moment 😅
Glad you liked the video. The Wedge is an amazing board and you will progress so much with it! Thanks, Beau
Beau
Was that you surfing the 3 boards? Looks fun and you were shredding!
Haha thanks! Yes, I surfed all three boards. Was a really fun day of testing. Luckily I edited out all of the wipe outs... Maybe I should make a wipe out video? 😂 Cheers, Beau
I’m 88 kg and had 8,7 pro … after a while decided to buy a 8,2 pro .. would be too much ? Big jump or just need time ? Thank you ! Great review!
It really depends on your ability and fitness level. If you feel the 8'7 is too big now and you are after something slightly more challenging, then the 8'2 would be a great choice. The Pro range has a surprising amount of stability in the boards, even the 7'5 for me at a similar weight was easy to stand on. Hope this helps. Thanks, Beau
Clicked your link but didn't see the Wedge on the website...?
Here is the 2023 Wedge: supboardermag.com/eqplus_guide/starboard-wedge-2023/
And here is the previous year: supboardermag.com/equipment_guide/starboard-wedge-starlite-87-x-32-2021-reviewed/
@@SUPboardermag Ahh, thanks!
is it possible to surf without a paddle ?
Yes it is possible. It will be very stable when standing up on the board, but paddling out through waves with a wide and big board is tough and also the width can make it uncomfortable to paddle prone. But yes, it can be done. Thanks, Beau
I wish I never sold my older carbon pro 😅 ever since I got into hydro foiling, never looked back. Who would have known, now I want to sup surf again. Imma give the spice a go. My problem when I got to advance with dropping litter size boards, I just wanted to get more radical and more vertical, something as close to a feel, as a short board experience. Blame Zane for that one! Lol. But, it became to clumsy in the line up, with not catching waves as easy and you had to be at the right place at the right time, which resulted in late take offs behind the pocket trying to paddle battle the crowd with short boards 🤦🏻♂️ Compared to when I was learning to sup surf my 15 years ago with bigger boards, I could be way out side the break and have first dibs on what ever came my way, which meant, more wave counts equaled a lot more fun sessions, rather than being frustrated. I was born a short boarder ripper!!! 🏄🏽♂️ So thanks to your review. I’m gonna go for the 7’11” SPICE Carbon Pro. I rode Sunova, Jimmy Lewis, Jt, Kazuma. By Far Star Board has always been worth every penny. These boards shred and not to mention, YOUR KILLING IT BRO 😎 🤙🏽🏄🏽♂️ From Hawaii
Great stuff thanks for your comment. Yeah boards are some much easier to ride now for the same high level of performance.
Did you get it? How is it?
💯
🤙
The Pro will be more stable with large quad fins since it holds the tail and kinda stop the swinging while paddeling.
I surf the 7'10 love this board, but didn't like the thick rails 4"6 inches
Great insight there. Thanks for sharing. Beau
I’m 111kg intermediate SUP surfer and I’m interested in the Spice or Wedge. Def want the Spice because it’s a quad but worried about stability because I can’t get out as much as I used to (1-4 times a month). 9’3” 153L Spice is advertised for riders 100-130kg. 9’2” 160L Wedge is advertised for riders 90-100kg. How can more volume on a more stable shape be for lighter riders? Anyone compared these two sizes in terms of stability?
Hi! I think we answered your question via Ask The Experts. It' strange to think a wider, longer and thicker board has less volume than a smaller one. Variations in the shape such as nose and tail width and thickness does come into play. Whilst we haven't ridden the 9'3 Spice, it seems like it would be very stable with the almost 33" of width. But at the same time, the Wedge is such a great board to surf and you would get a lot out of this shape. Thanks, Beau
Need to do a comparison between Starboard v Sunova
Thanks
Great suggestion. Sunova have a great line up of boards. Thanks, Beau
Come on, that dude on those boards could sup surf a forged iron front door.
A video of a beginner would be more helpful
Great suggestion. I'll surf switch foot next time 😂. In all seriousness, it's something we are looking to include into future videos. Our goal is to make sure you are riding the right boards and we hope this came across in the video. Thanks, Beau
@@SUPboardermag yes it did. I’ve been enjoying and relying heavily on your videos for all things SUPing. The whopper is my next board. As a beginner, is the blue carbon an absolute way to go? Or could I still do great things on one of the less expensive whoppers?
I really don’t mind spending the extra $. But should I?
Thanks. You don't necessarily need Blue Carbon. I found the limited series or starlite is just as fun. Blue Carbon should be reserved for high performance riding. However, if you carry the board long distances or prefer a board that is lighter, of course the Blue Carbon is the best choice. Thanks and all the best! Beau