Tucker from MACkiteboarding reviews the Starboard Ace Air Wing Foil Board, highlighting its unique features and benefits.
The board, sized at 6’10”x21” and 100 liters, is specifically designed for winging in light wind conditions and stands out among other inflatable downwind boards. The board is ideal for travellers and those with limited storage space, as it packs down compactly into its included bag, which also contains straps, a leash, and a pump.
One of the standout features of the Starboard Ace Air is its long, narrow shape, which increases efficiency and speed on the water, compensating for the inherent drag that comes with inflatable boards. This design allows the board to perform comparably to a typical wing board in terms of speed and lift-off, making it suitable for use with smaller foils and wings. The board’s added rocker in the nose and tail further aids in getting it off the water quickly, especially in winging situations.
Innovative Carbon Plate
A significant innovation in this board is the carbon riding plate integrated into its structure. This hard carbon plate, only a third of an inch thick, is what the rider stands on and where the foil mounts, giving the board a much more responsive and hardboard-like feel. This plate minimizes the sponginess typical of inflatable boards, providing a direct connection to the foil, which enhances maneuverability and performance. Tucker emphasizes that this feature makes the board feel more in tune with the foil, even more so than some hardboards, due to the minimal separation between the rider’s feet and the foil.
Foam Rails
The board also includes foam rails that offer several benefits. These rails provide a better grip when getting up on the board and a stable surface when kneeling or standing. They also serve as tactile references for the rider’s feet, which is particularly useful when using larger foils or in surf stance paddling during downwind sessions.
The carbon plate system requires the use of a plate foil with 90 mm spacing and that the board has a dedicated slot for foil mounting. The board comes with high-density foam fillers to reduce drag and improve aesthetics by filling the gap around the foil mast. The unique mounting system, with screws installed from the opposite side, ensures a secure connection and ease of setup.
Final Verdict
While the Starboard Ace Air Wing Foil Board is slightly heavier than some other inflatable boards due to its high-quality construction and additional features, it delivers exceptional performance. The board’s stiff carbon plate, durable material, and efficient design make it a versatile and reliable option for a variety of conditions. Despite not being the best choice for ultra-light wind conditions, it excels as an everyday driver that performs well in moderate winds and offers a hardboard-like experience in an inflatable package.