Loops to the outside and full throttle - that's the gear that the Futura favours and can also implement perfectly. Unfortunately, the inside strap position throttles the board's performance a little more noticeably than usual and does not allow the board to release optimally. It obviously reacts quite sensitively to the stance position. Only with your feet on the rail - straps on the outside - do you release the reins on the Starboard. But now the Futura can hardly be held, at least not by its competitors in the freerace class.
Starboard has given the Futura very striking cut-outs, the board is very thinned out in the - very short - mast track area, while the narrow tail is highly inflated with plenty of volume. The volume distribution and the deck shape already require a stance position a little further back than usual when planing, then the board planes properly, but in direct comparison it can use a slight drop for planing and acceleration. In light planing winds, it doesn't really fire up at first, but in medium winds and especially with the right sail pull on the hook, the board feels like it has no limits. It increasingly lifts from the initially somewhat saturated planing position over the water and flies at top speed only on the narrow tail and fin, so that even choppy water loses all its terror.
Comfortable standing position for eternally long full-throttle runs
With good freerace technique, you can keep the board dry for kilometres and enjoy the soft, solid board contact in the comfortable straps (with particularly good labelling) and over the particularly thick, cushioning pads. You are so firmly and securely stuck in it that the front foot sometimes jammed a little when jibing - you should think about this before initiating. But then you'll be able to jibe medium radii with very good grip and stable running smoothness, even in choppy water. A sense of achievement is almost guaranteed. The narrow tail can even be pressed really tightly into the turn without bouncing, and you come out of the turn with plenty of momentum. What I like best about the Futura, however, is the comfortable, cosy position and stance during long full-throttle runs. This can ultimately decide the race against your mate.
Starboard Futura - the conclusion
The Futura is the perfect base for long strokes in strong winds. It offers the best top speed and maximum control with good riding comfort. The testers were more relaxed on any board - even during long speed rides on the test piste at Pigeon Point.
Control, speed, comfort
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Inner loops
Technical data Starboard Futura 110
- Length: 230 cm
- Width: 71 cm
- Weight: 7.2 kg
- Length of sliding surface: 79 cm
- Rocker:0 mm
- Shape at 33 cm from tail: flat V, 8 mm
- Shape at 100 cm from tail: slight double concave with strong V, 15 mm
- Price: 2399 Euro
- Info under windsurf.star-board.com
all data measured by surf
