tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post272426132698485487..comments2023-11-19T23:49:24.377-08:00Comments on Pure Windsurfing: 2015 Starboard Flare ReviewMike Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16327446505009898256noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-43650451099092530232017-03-30T05:21:10.886-07:002017-03-30T05:21:10.886-07:00Hey Mike is the 2015 101L same shape as 2014? Also...Hey Mike is the 2015 101L same shape as 2014? Also I notice u use weed fins, any recommendations for non-weed fins? Or is the stock good enough?Anonshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06935645520805155198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-13929793014260951842016-09-08T03:53:32.946-07:002016-09-08T03:53:32.946-07:00Thanks Andy! I'm going to get a nice review a...Thanks Andy! I'm going to get a nice review about the 2017 Freeks together soon. The 2017s are really nice!! Very similar to the 2016s. Very locked in when you're going in a straight line and for the backwinded moves, the power shift to the front of the sail seems to happen a split second faster. Ducking the sail is even more predictable than last year which is crazy because I've already been told I was cheating when guys using other sails tried to duck the Freek for the first few times. You're going to love the 2017 4.8!!! Please feel free to comment on the Freek post.<br /><br />Mike Mike Burnshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285682079469302733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-58659217249283935702016-09-08T00:08:23.471-07:002016-09-08T00:08:23.471-07:00Yeah great comments there, and thanks again for th...Yeah great comments there, and thanks again for the advice on the fin. I did really like the 2014 91 Flare - it felt smaller and better in high winds than the 93, with a better tail width. It was bit livelier but maybe the rail sharpness made it a tad more technical for sliding moves. The 93 has a smoother ride and yes that thick tail helps finish sliding moves. I guess just once it's starting to get overpowered 4.4 the chop becomes bad enough for that tail to become a bit cumbersome. I have used it in overpowered 4.4 on dead flat water and it is epic, especially for konos, but I just don't think it is that great in chop. I'd probably just switch over to a mid 80L freewave with small wave fin once that choppy and wavey.<br />So on another note, I'm about to pick up my 2017 Severne Freek 4.8 so can't wait to try it out. Perhaps we can comment on that over in your Freek thread. The 4.4 is just so brilliant - I have no complaints at all about it.Ackershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07972039854630210543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-82338266717868684282016-09-07T19:31:49.263-07:002016-09-07T19:31:49.263-07:00Great Andy!! I'm glad that fin helped. I alw...Great Andy!! I'm glad that fin helped. I always use the same fins so that the only thing that changes is the board. The 93 does have a thick tail, but I remember so many times that I didn't get wet because of it..... With a fast fin on it, that 93 will do anything you need it to!! Awesome board!! <br /><br />All that said, I'm back on Fanatic now. Starboard put a new kind of box in the 2017 Flare that doesn't fit a weed fin properly!! Epic fail on Starboard's part!! I really, really did like the Flare 93. I thought it was the best board that I've ever ridden, and was really looking forward to the 2017 UltraCore board being a full 2 pounds lighter than the 2016!! But Fanatic was able to deliver some boards and now I've got a full range of 2017 Skates and they're all really nice. The 93 Flare I think is a little more forgiving than the new 93 skate for the sliding tricks because of that thick tail, but the Skate is a bit more lively and ready to hit the air for the bigger moves. Both 93 liter boards plane up about the same but the skate feels smaller. Pure preference as to the ride as far as the 93 liter goes. I would love to keep sailing either one. The thing I do like is that Fanatic has an 86 liter which is the perfect size for high wind for me and works much better than the Flare 81 when it's blowing 4.0 or 3.6. I felt there was too much of a gap between the 93 liter Flare and 81 liter Flare. The 81 was a little small and a better compliment to the 2015 91 liter Flare which felt much smaller than the 2016 93 liter. Starboard needs to update the smaller model or fill the gap... The 100 liter skate also planes up quicker than the 2016 103 Flare which is exactly what I need from the light wind board. The powerbox in the Fanatics also let me use a weed fin that is mounted forward on the base so that the board sails properly with a weed fin on there so it was a no brainer for me to make the switch.<br /><br />I'm glad you're in the groove on that 93 liter Flare!! It'll let you push the limits and make you happy for years to come. Enjoy it!!!<br /><br />MIke<br /><br /> <br /><br /> Mike Burnshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285682079469302733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-68449601672296919802016-09-07T17:28:57.162-07:002016-09-07T17:28:57.162-07:00Hey Mike, just tried my new makani 18 freestyle fi...Hey Mike, just tried my new makani 18 freestyle fin. Sooooo much better. It definitely planes earlier and has a faster, livelier feel. My spocks seem to rotate better too. The flare was feeling like a different board. At times it's thick tail feels a little too much in the chop in strong gusts but then again this helps coast thru lulls and pop better. Ackershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07972039854630210543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-46100047173965876732016-08-01T14:52:17.609-07:002016-08-01T14:52:17.609-07:00Great!! Be sure to report back!!
MikeGreat!! Be sure to report back!! <br /><br />MikeMike Burnshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285682079469302733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-13741670547132651872016-08-01T14:48:13.152-07:002016-08-01T14:48:13.152-07:00Thanks Mike. Just ordered one! Thanks Mike. Just ordered one! Ackershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07972039854630210543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-23186611855600954272016-08-01T05:37:52.380-07:002016-08-01T05:37:52.380-07:00Hey Andy,
Good to hear from you! I wish I could ...Hey Andy,<br /><br />Good to hear from you! I wish I could be over there and try to sail your Flare in person to see what's up....My 93 planes right off the bat and once it's up to speed, it stays there. I'm on the same sail size and planing up at the same time as the guys on the skates...... I'd love to see what you have to say after you change out the fin. Starboard ditched Choco Fins for 2017....... I've never used the board with the stock fin. I use the Makani Fins 18 CM Koi. It's really fast and slides like a dream. I just realized that they have this exact fin on sale for only $69.00 when I went to get you the link!! http://www.makanifins.com/collections/windsurfing-freestyle-fins/products/koi-freestyle-windsurfing-fin <br /><br /> Let me know what you think after changing out the fin.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Mike<br /><br />Mike Burnshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285682079469302733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-67227579555871958172016-08-01T01:29:47.557-07:002016-08-01T01:29:47.557-07:00Hi Mike,
Good to catch up on your blog. It's ...Hi Mike, <br />Good to catch up on your blog. It's been a while since I've looked at it. Immediately something jumped out to me about fin choice in the 93 and how you find "the stock Choco fins to be very slow and draggy." You said "After talking to Taty, he said the same thing. He never uses the stock fins either and he said the board changes dramatically when you have a fin that sets the board free.."<br />I've been struggling a bit lately with this stickiness of my 93 flare and this confirms to me that it's a fin issue. On Saturday it was annoying me big time but then every now and then it would come alive and I'd bust a big'n'fast shaka but then the board would restick and return to its slumbery feel. Kinda feels like 2 personalities in it. I did plug in a 21.5 mfc wave fun back in summer a few times which totally helped but that was too much fin for decent freestyle. In interested in what size makani fin u find works best. <br /><br />Also on Saturday tried it against the 2016 Fanatic Skate 94 TE and that has confused me a bit. The skate didn't have this stickiness at all; quite the opposite - could bolt up to speed and go for a move in much quicker time but then again I could tell that, as I got up to full speed in choppy water, it perhaps didn't feel quite as smooth and controlled as when the flare had broken free and was firing on all cylinders. I mean they're both brilliant so not much in it, and I may even get both boards to be honest. <br /><br />Switch stance was the main aspect annoying me with the draggy stock fin on the flare. It was sticking big time preventing me getting enough speed for a good duck and kono. I do also have to get my stance better to milk more speed but the skate had no problem at all. Then again, earlier in the same session when the flare was alive i nearly got right around on my first burner so it's a sick board when it wakes up. Maybe it really is just fin choice. Hope your summer going well. Still hitting the 11 deg water temp here in Melbourne which is brisk but manageable. <br />Cheers<br />AndyAckershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07972039854630210543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-80089232457840903962016-08-01T01:26:46.825-07:002016-08-01T01:26:46.825-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Ackershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07972039854630210543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-91562347933244223282016-07-26T05:38:46.212-07:002016-07-26T05:38:46.212-07:00I haven't seen the 2017 skate in person yet. ...I haven't seen the 2017 skate in person yet. We're always the last to get gear here in the U.S. And fanatic specifically ahs always been way behind. The first Fanatic boards usually dont show up until December... The skate has always been a great board though. They've had a great design and I doubt it has changed bery much for 2017. Anything new is going to take some getting used to, but the skate and Flare are two really great boards that are stable, plane early and keep going theough all jibes and tricks. There is no replacement for a good freestlye board when trying to learn some new tricks....<br /><br />Mike<br /><br /><br />Personally, I cant wait until my 93 liter flare ( which is my favorite board) looses a full kilo for 2017:-)Mike Burnshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16327446505009898256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-11092484341572610942016-07-23T17:19:28.938-07:002016-07-23T17:19:28.938-07:00ITS me again Mike
Cause i have a skate TE 100 lite...ITS me again Mike<br />Cause i have a skate TE 100 liter 2017 & the new severne Freek 2017 4.8 & 5.2 (very light sail by the way.. So is this board gonna give me an easy feeling? Are tricks gonna be easier and is jibing easier on this freestyle board? Windsurf freekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05062772573943170873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-10153982858353160602016-07-23T17:13:34.608-07:002016-07-23T17:13:34.608-07:00Hello Mike,
What about the new skate TE 100 l 201...Hello Mike, <br />What about the new skate TE 100 l 2017? Is onze of THE best boards?Windsurf freekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05062772573943170873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-23298378397491116452016-07-21T13:27:04.675-07:002016-07-21T13:27:04.675-07:00Hey Jeff,
We're heading back to Long Island o...Hey Jeff,<br /><br />We're heading back to Long Island on the 30th but we might be back up to the Cape again in August and definitely again for the ECWF Cape Cod in Sept. <br /><br />Yes, I turn over all my gear every year. boards, sails, masts, booms, bases, extensions. My 2017 gear will start arriving in August.... Going with the same boards again this year for sure!!!<br /><br />Shoot me an e-mail and I'll give you my phone #. Mewindsurf@aol.com<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />MikeMike Burnshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285682079469302733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-82916435240254085332016-07-21T12:46:22.483-07:002016-07-21T12:46:22.483-07:00thanks very much for your thoughts.
Actually I...thanks very much for your thoughts. <br />Actually I'm on vacation starting the 30th, ( also free 7/28) and will probably be down the Cape, and if not, could drive down. <br />wow, I didn't realize that you might be selling it, but certainly would be very interested ! I'm not sure how best to contact you ?<br />LOL, I actually own one of your old Nolimitz Sumo 400 mast through another party. <br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11449930547744306449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-91917463650234764092016-07-21T12:00:49.192-07:002016-07-21T12:00:49.192-07:00Hi Jeff,
People that aren't too much into ...Hi Jeff,<br /><br /> People that aren't too much into freestyle yet have really been liking the 103 for the extra volume and width compared to the biax skate. The 5.8 would be perfectly at home on both boards. Planing is about the same on both. I think the 103 will be a little more forgiving due to the tail thickness if you're just trying to get some vulcans.... Really, both are good boards for you. I think the 103 will just be a little more forgiving... <br /><br />I'm not sure if you're close to Cape Cod, but I'll be up there next week with my 2016 103 in tow.... You're more than welcome to try it out. My 2017's will also be arriving within a couple weeks, so you might be able to twist my arm into selling it early for $1,500.00 Only 6 months of use on it and it was mainly used by my wife. I'm too in love with the 93 liter to use anything else :-) And my big freestyle sail is a 5.2... My wife loves the 103 with the 5.9 and she doesn't do any freestyle. It's actually the first board she's tried to give me the green light to sell her old trusty mistral.<br /><br />Mike<br /><br />Mike Burnshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285682079469302733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-83903402932556652922016-07-21T11:26:00.088-07:002016-07-21T11:26:00.088-07:00Hi Mike,
we met briefly at the ECWF on the Cape a...Hi Mike, <br />we met briefly at the ECWF on the Cape a couple years ago, back when you were doing some impressive moves via jet ski tow !<br />I was hoping for your thoughts on the 2016 Flare 103 versus the 2016 Skate 100 BGS. <br />I weigh 72 kg, my go to board is a 2010 Skate 110 BGS with 6.8 and 5.8 as well as LWFS. <br />I can plane out of 1/3 of my jibes, duck jibe on one tack, hit 1/3 of my carve 360's. LWFS duck tack (25%), push tack (70%), UW360 (90%) but looking to transition these to high wind as well as start aerials flaka/vulcan. Also would like to use it for general free riding 50-60% of the time. I have my sights set on a 2016 Skate 100 liter BGS as most of my sailing is on a 5.8, so a smaller board would only get used a handful of times a year. My thought re the BGS version was that it was a better all around board than the Skate TE and would better for old school carving free style as well as my level of aerials (i.e. none except chop hop). I've read through your posts about the 93L but was wondering what you now think of the 103 Flare vs the 100 BGS Skate particularly for my level. Is there a hands down difference or are they close? (Cost difference is also about $400/500). Thanks in advance for your thoughts. <br />Jeff Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11449930547744306449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-63052010306295646702016-07-05T18:00:30.697-07:002016-07-05T18:00:30.697-07:00Thank you for the quick reply. Much appreciated!Thank you for the quick reply. Much appreciated!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00780973768896183019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-10455400478856066902016-07-05T04:41:21.123-07:002016-07-05T04:41:21.123-07:00Hi Fred,
It's kind of a toss up for you betwe...Hi Fred,<br /><br />It's kind of a toss up for you between the 103 and 111. With the new design and extra width of the 103, it really has a lot of overlap with the 111. I believe that Starboard plans to discontinue the 111 for 2017 so if you want a 111, get one while it's hot........ I've ridden both sizes and like them both. The 111 is more of a classic shape and I was surprised how nice the ride was. I was able to put it through the paces for the sliding freestyle stuff, but for the slidey stuff the 103 is better. The 111 is longer and more directional so it might be an easier transition to get used to coming off a free-ride board especially if it's an older design. The 103 is easier to spin with less effort and easier to pop. Normally I would say go with the 103 but if you're using that 7.0 a lot and want to use it on the new board, the 111 will be your best bet. The extra board volume will help hold that big sail. I would say go with the 111 so you can get that 7.0 moving earlier..... Both boards are great and you're going to be really happy with either one. <br /><br />Happy sailing,<br /><br />Mike<br /><br /><br /><br />Mike Burnshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285682079469302733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-13260235109821023172016-07-04T18:07:39.029-07:002016-07-04T18:07:39.029-07:00Hi Mike,
To follow up on Tom's question. I a...Hi Mike, <br /><br />To follow up on Tom's question. I am a 200lbs windsurfer looking to get into freestyle. I am looking into the Flare. I'm riding a 110L freeride board right now with 5.0m, 5.7m or 7.0m sails. I would use the Flare on similar wind conditions so I'm leaning towards the 111L. Given my weight, and my level, would you recommend the 103L or the 111L? Would I be able to do the basic maneuvers (vulcans, spocks, etc) with the bigger board?<br /><br />Thanks for the insight. <br /><br />FredAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00780973768896183019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-64594166208289822982016-05-16T04:20:18.264-07:002016-05-16T04:20:18.264-07:00Thanks Tom! Thanks Tom! Mike Burnshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285682079469302733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-38168452513812276162016-05-15T11:10:33.813-07:002016-05-15T11:10:33.813-07:00Thanks so much for the reply Mike.
Keep up the go...Thanks so much for the reply Mike.<br /><br />Keep up the good work on the blog... its a great resource!<br /><br />TomWindsurftomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16453275824716924084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-48819426060964059512016-05-15T04:20:39.661-07:002016-05-15T04:20:39.661-07:00Hi Tom,
I havne't spent all that muc...Hi Tom,<br /><br /> I havne't spent all that much time on my 103 liter. I'm so in love with the 93 liter Flare this year, that I just don't want to ride anything else!! I'm 165 lbs and I only ride up to 5.2 (usually 4.0 - 4.8 for freestyle) so the 103 is a little big for me. I will say that I've demoed my 103 liter many times mostly to people that aren't really into freestyle. My wife absolutely loves that board. I've also let a few people try it at some of the local spots and everyone comes back saying the same thing. It planes really early and is just so much fun to ride. I think it will make your brother a great freeride/ intro to freestyle board. One note is that you should run the mast base toward the back of the track. It will really loosen the board up and let it feel free. When the mast base is in the front or middle of the track the 2016 boards feel sluggish. With a powerbox this year, he'll be able to put in a fin he's comfortable with.<br /><br />Mike<br /><br />Mike Burnshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285682079469302733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-34665624584550088502016-05-14T06:23:14.209-07:002016-05-14T06:23:14.209-07:00Hi Mike,
I was wondering your opinion on the Flar...Hi Mike,<br /><br />I was wondering your opinion on the Flare 103 as a freeride board?<br />I use a skate 100 as my light wind blaster/ occasional vulcan attempt and i love the early planing and speed (normally can pass some freerace kit on 1.5m less sail). I weight about 70kg. I want to buy something similar for my brother who weighs about 85kg and i've seen a flare 103 at a good price. Is it not a great early planer or too fast?<br /><br />What freestyle would you recommend for someone 85-90kg for really good early planing and lively blasting?<br /><br />Thanks, TomWindsurftomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16453275824716924084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023908475196539570.post-12876214894007646752016-02-21T06:11:43.806-08:002016-02-21T06:11:43.806-08:00Andy, I forgot to mention, definitely move the mas...Andy, I forgot to mention, definitely move the mast base back in the track help get the "sticky" part of the rounded rail out of the water. I'm also only using these boards with the Makani freestyle fins as I find the stock Choco fins to be very slow and draggy..... After talking to Taty, he said the same thing. He never uses the stock fins either and he said the board changes dramatically when you have a fin that sets the board free..... I noticed this with the 101 last year.....Mike Burnshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16327446505009898256noreply@blogger.com