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Find out everything there is to know about the Reactor here!

Length: 219 cmWidth: 63.5 cmTail Width: 40.6 cmThickness: 12.1 cmWeight: 6.8 kgVolume: 92 litersFins: 2 x Drake Natural Wave 11 + 2 x Drake Twin Surf 155Fin Boxes: 2 x Slot Box 10 + 2 x Slot Box 13Sail range: 4.7m² - 6.2m²

Shape:

"Is this the new Black Box?". We were asked that question several times during our tests in the Baltic Sea and on the island of Romo and we asked ourselves the same question when we unwrapped the new Starboard Reactor 92 Carbon with the serial number #001. And indeed, the length and width ratio reminded us of the Black Box while the rest of the board seemed to be inspired by fish surfboards: a wide swallow tail, a lot of width in the center (63.5 cm) and a short nose with a lot of volume. Designed by Scott McKercher and Dany Bruch, the Reactor has a lot of Vee in the tail. It will be available on the market in two different constructions; Carbon and Wood Reflex, as well as five sizes: 79, 82, 87, 92 and 99 liters.

Performance:

Once on the board, there are a few similarities with the Black Box. Tacking requires quick feet due to the short nose, but the board sits surprisingly stable in the water in the straight line and crossing white water is easy thanks to the voluminous nose. Like many other modern, short and wide wave boards, the Reactor pushes a bit of water when sub-planing, but two sail pumps get you going. However, the acceleration is moderate and the board sits relatively flat on the water.

This has two sides: in the lower wind limit, the Reactor 92 doesn't feel as free and agile as we would have liked it to be which makes tricks and jumps a bit more complicated. But as soon as the wind picks up, the board demonstrates its strengths: even in windy conditions with a 4.7m², the control was excellent. The nose of the board stays low over the water and the ride is soft and comfortable, even in choppy waters.

Whilst the Black Box was built for specific conditions, a concept for small waves and specific turning radius, the Reactor is much, much more versatile. It doesn't matter whether you are in small Baltic sea waves or in bigger breaks, the Starboard turns great with the rails providing a lot of grip and keeps speed during the bottom turn thanks to the wide tail. It needs a bit of time to get used to the turning character of this board compared to conventional ones. Nonetheless, cutbacks are very radical for a board this size and new-school moves like takas or backside 360s are easier thanks to the compact size.

SURF Verdict:

An interesting concept, which has not much in common with the old Black Box despite the visual similarities. The Reactor is a much more all-rounded, versatile concept that can do everything in typical North and Baltic Sea spots, when using it in small to medium sized waves. Within the Starboard range, the board can be positioned in between the Kode Waves and the Quads.