For 2011, the iSonic has been fitted out as follows: 1. No-paint finish on the deck and rails of all WoodCarbon and Carbon models - for minimum weight 2. Harder rail edges in the tail - more speed, acceleration and jibing power 3. Individually trimmed planing surface tabs (97, 107, 117, 117 Wide, 127, 137). 4. Snug Strap positioning - more effective pitch and roll control 5. Reduced amount of strap inserts - saves weight 6. Very deep deck concave - increases control, closes the gap between sail and deck 7. Fish scale pad grooving - unidirectional traction. Grips when you need them to, helps to release when you don't 8. Minimal pads = minimal weight 9. New Slick Straps by Drake - includes the convenient strap-size indicators.
For 2011, the iSonic has been under heavy R&D. The new board features several upgrades, 1. Harder rail edges in the tail With harder rails, the board releases from the water cleaner and quicker: this increases top speed, enables quicker acceleration in gusts, improves earlier planing and improves the board's ability to maintain top speed in lulls. On sizes 80, 87, 90, 97, 107, 117, 117 Wide, 127 and 137, the planning surface is also wider and shorter than previously (higher aspect ratio planing surface): this improves bottom-end efficiency. With a harder release edge, the iSonics also gain more jibing power: the rails have the ability to store more energy as the racer enters a jibe that, a fraction of a second later, releases into more exit-speed. 2. Very Deep Deck Concaves The 2011 iSonics have VERY deep deck concaves. By going so deep, the level of control is maximized. The pivot point between sail and board is kept as low as possible. The centre of gravity of the board is also lowered further to minimize undesired swing weight. These very deep deck concaves also break the aerodynamic suction effect that often lifts the nose out of control in high winds. Last but not least, the gap between the sail and deck is eliminated and the mast track can be moved back to improve top end speed without compromising control (mast tracks have been moved back 1.5cm in the 90, 97, 107, 117, 117 Wide, 127, 137 models). Note the very deep deck concaves require the boom to be set about 2 to 4cm higher than your normal setting. 3. Paintless finish Paint is eliminated from the deck and rails of the board to minimize weight of the iSonic WoodCarbon and Carbon models. A grey pigment is used instead, that provides UV protection and adds a textured finishing effect. Pad sizes were also minimized in a chase to eliminate every unnecessary gram of weight. 4. Snug Strap Positioning All the front footstrap plugs were narrowed down to have an aperture of 14.5cm, which is narrower than usual. The angle of the front strap was also turned to sit more square to the length-axis of the board. These two tweaks combine to give a very snug fit to the front foot, allowing the rider to adjust pitch and roll more effectively as the board reaches top speed. 5. New 80 concept and new 117 Wide concept Two all new concepts are added to the iSonic collection. The iSonic 117 Wide is 80.5cm wide, filling a much needed niche between the 75cm and 85cm models. Based closely on the 85cm model, the 117 Wide has the lowest thickness-to-volume ratio, giving it a massive wind range. This ultra-slim shape is a clear new favourite and the board we most recommend as an upgrade to any slalom quiver. The iSonic 80 is a slimmer version of the iSonic 87, but this year the rail shapes were also thinned down. This improves high-wind control and further reduces bounce when jibing in choppy conditions. The new high-wind reference for light and medium weight racers.
The 2011 iSonic comes with a choice of three constructions, Wood, Wood Carbon and Carbon. The Wood and Wood Carbon constructions include Starboards "ProtectFilm" - UV protection for wood. All constructions are shown in the main pictures above. Wood Construction Developed by Jean Louis Colmas in 1984, Wood Technology became Starboard's trademark construction in 1995. Starboard's production Wood boards then set the lead in lightweight sandwich technology, weighing in at a kilo under the competition, yet with higher impact resistance. A sheet of 0.6 mm Australian plantation pine wood forms the full outer shell of the board. Wood's unique properties are its natural rigidity, superior resistance to compression and higher energy absorption compared to carbon. It is the construction with the highest dynamic shape stability.
Wood Carbon A combination of a wood spine / wood bottom with ultra light, flat-weave carbon. The first board construction in the World to utilize an ultra light carbon fibre that is flat-weaved for total mechanical efficiency at half the specific weight of regular carbon weaves. Advantages: lightest weight, stiffest flex, quickest response. Advantages: lighter weight, highest dynamic shape stability, rigid flex, quicker response.
Carbon The iSonic 117, 117 Wide, 127 and 137 are available also in Carbon. Carbon Technology is Starboard's lightest and stiffest option, with the highest levels of bottom-end acceleration and the sharpest sensations: ideal for the medium to lightwind conditions. For more details on the constructions, see the Technology page.
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