Length: 228 cmWidth: 80 cmWeight: 6.76 kgVolume: 117 litersRecommended Fin: Drake Slalom DW 44 Ready to Race (Deep Tuttle)Sail range: 7.8m² - 9.5m²Available sizes: 80, 87, 90, 97, 107, 110, 117 and 130 liters.Available constructions: Carbon and Wood

Low-Down:

Along with several national titles, the Starboard Dream Team filled five of the 2013 Top 10 PWA placings using the iSonic, making it a real force to be reckoned with on the slalom scene. The iSonic leads their racing program that consists of the Futura freerace collection, the Formula and Formula Experience models plus the iSonic Speed range.

Although the iSonic 117 as tested here is within the volume range of this test group, with a width of 80 cm., it’s effectively a size up in terms of the range of use of this selection, with most of the rivals showing widths of around the 68 – 70 cm mark. We therefore should probably have requested the 107 or 110 to level the playing field... but read on and see what happened…

Performance:

We were a bit nervous taking an 80-centimetre-wide board out in El Médano’s rough and tough waters on 7.8m² in wind pushing 30 knots. But, lo and behold, what we instantly found was a hull that’s super settled and smooth underfoot.

Out of jibes and in the lulls we enjoyed the impressive acceleration and security the width delivers. The stance is beautifully refined and has you nicely up on your toes and light on the feet. In the turns, we were blown away by how easy this shape is to jibe, as looking at the size of it you’d naturally be excused for assuming it’d be super technical to sail, but this is far from the case.

Speed-wise, this model absolutely purrs. Everything felt so sophisticated and polished and ‘just right’ for all of our riders large and small. We felt great confidence to really attack the nasty cross chop amongst the rolling swell and current and really let fly. In top gear, with a nice, deep-bellied sail that we think matches this board best, this iSonic 117 really hydrofoils impressively and delivers superb lateral rail-to rail stability as you effortlessly skim over a million potential catapult-inducing bumps in comfort.

It’s also worth noting that this feedback was gained not only from an exceptionally testing water state, but also largely being seriously over-finned, on paper at least, as well. What a board. Highly recommended.

Verdict:

Insane wind range and incredible control, the Starboard iSonic 117 Carbon lends amazing confidence in a smooth and secure package that’s also very easy to turn. Top-notch low-end acceleration and an agile sailing position make this without doubt the easiest of the hard-core boards to ride.