We have been on the Starboard Futura Carbon 2013/2014 for quite a while now and we are pretty pleased with the Futuras over all performance. Even though the Futura offers slalom-like performance its more like a freeride board when it comes to gybes and handling. The Futura also behaves excellent in overpowered conditions, very stable and controlled even if you are sailing in conditions where you normally would have been better off with a much smaller board. On the down-side we feel that the Starboard Futura Carbon is somewhat more fragile than others full carbon (LTD) boards within this segment, so if you are an intermediate or super sensitive to flaws I would consider choosing the Futura wood-carbon instead.
Starboard Futura – 2012 vs 2013 vs 2014
Compared to the Starboard Futura 2012 the new Futura got more open cutaways that will ensure cleaner wake turbulence and lower drag, this will give you more top end speed. The Starboard Futura range remains unchanged between 2013 and 2014.
Hard facts – Starboard futura 121
Weight 7.10 kg (Carbon), 7.53 kg (Wood)
Length 246 cm
Width 72 cm
Volume 121 l
Sail range: 5.5 – 8.5 m2
Fin box: Tuttle
Fin: Drake/C3 Venom 44
Fin range: 36-46 cm
Starboard Futura 121 (Wood Carbon 2012) – Speed potential
Top speed 2 sec: 37.59 knots
Avg speed 5*10 sec: 35.91 knots
Max Alpha: 24.24
Rider: Sven Kempers (Netherland)
Source: gps-speedsurfing.com
Starboard Futura – More or less hardcore, the alternatives
If the Futura is to hardcore the Starboard Carve freeride could be an alternative. If you would like something more hardcore (full slalom) you should have a look at the Starboard iSonic.
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Futura 121 Carbon – Windsurfing Jahrbuch (Germany) 2013
Compared to last year, the Starboard Futura feels more accessible and stable in light winds. But the Futura remains a racing machine. Right off the beach, the Futura accelerates immediately and reaches an impressive top speed very quickly. The speed of the Futura is only limited by the rider itself.
The jibing performance has been improved although Futura remains a bit more demanding and technical compared to the relaxed free ride shapes within this test group. In over-powered conditions, the Futura remains in control and transforms the heaviest gust into speed.
Futura 121 Carbon, Windsurf (UK), April 2013
With a wide outline, the Futura is very quick to accelerate and lift onto the plane, requiring very little effort, or indeed wind, to get going.
Through maneuvers the Starboard Futura definitely feels “automatic” with a versatile, smooth carving style that’s easy to power out of turns.
Riders of all levels will find this board highly rewarding and exciting ; a high performance freeride board that covers everything from basic freeriding to hardcore freeracing.
Futura 121 Carbon, Windsurfing Journal (Germany), Yearbook 2013
The top speed of the Futura really is very impressive, as it really flies along with pressure on the (excellent) fin and the only limit is imposed by the rider itself. But where pure bred slalom boards are a handful in chop, the Futura plays nicely and the difference in which it absorbs chop bombardment will make itself felt.
Those who prefer to cruise around with a tad bit less ferociousness, are well advised with the Starboard Carve. The Futura will go through its gybes consistently but one should really choose wide arches.