Volume: 141 litersLength: 251 cmWidth: 83.5 cmTail Width: 51.2 cmThickness: 12.0 cmFin: Drake Freeride Power 46 (Tuttle Box)Bottom Shape: Flat Vee to Double Concave (Tail to Nose)Weight: 9.50 kgSail Range: 6.0 - 9.5m²

Shape:

The 2016 Starboard Carve has been entirely redesigned with a flat, no-tail-kick rocker, thinner rails forward, a longer, wider outline, new cut-aways and a new Drake Freeride Power G-10 fin. Available in three technologies, we tested the 3DX version for this issue; a new micro-glass sandwich that is very affordable.

On the Water:

The Carve 141 boasts an avant-garde outline inspired by compact freeride boards which makes it the widest and the most voluminous in the test group. Bulky on land, its large size is completely forgotten once in the water. The imposing width provide a reassuring level of stability on board: it's for example extremely easy to uphaul the sail.

It gets planing steadily and easily but definitely not quickly due to the heavier weight of the 3DX construction. We did however take note of the very comfortable Sponge pads and the perfect support offered by the tail design. Glide comes progressively in light to medium winds with a board that slices through chop without ever stuttering, which is very reassuring for beginners.

In stronger winds, the Carve was a surprise. The cut-outs free up the board and provide a lot of sensations. It responds well to fin lift, squeezing extra speed. We preferred non-cambered sails with this 3DX version that provided a livelier ride in stronger winds and minimized the feeling of width. In the jibe, and this was expected due to the generous width, wide, long arcs are preferred.

Verdict:

Despite its imposing dimensions, the Carve 141 in 3DX isn't a lightwind machine but rather a reassuring platform for beginners learning to plane. Once planing, the cut-outs free up the board and give you the feeling of a much smaller board. Its accessibility will accompany you in your progression. The 3DX version tested here is perfectly suited for occasional use.