Since its introduction in 2006, each successive iSonic range brought with it two or three new upgrades, four at most. From 2010 to 2011 however, the latest iSonics boast no less than six upgrades over their predecessors.

This big jump was made possible by a new internal R&D methodology that allowed the team to start their research at an earlier stage than before. Remi Vila, new head of racing development at Starboard, partnered with Cyril Moussilmani, Björn Dunkerbeck, Kevin Pritchard and Jimmy Diaz to kick-start the 2011 cycle with a strong influx of fresh energy and new ideas very early in the season. Add to this extended R&D time the experience of Tiesda You, Svein Rasmussen and Jim Drake, and the 2011 iSonics are born.

Introducing six upgrades for the sixth iSonic generation.

UPGRADE ONE: 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 107, 117, 117 Wide, 127 and 137, the planing 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

UPGRADE TWO: 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 2cm higher than your normal setting.

UPGRADE THREE: Individual cutaway trimming

The planing surface tabs directly behind the back heel were individually tuned to carefully adjust the ride and trim of select iSonic models (90, 97, 107, 117, 117 Wide, 127, 137). This individual tuning minimizes skin friction between board and water for more top end potential, increases the liveliness of the board and boosts acceleration, without breaching the limits of control if conditions get rougher.

UPGRADE FOUR: 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.

UPGRADE FIVE: 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.

UPGRADE SIX: 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 softened and 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.

Technology

All iSonics are available in Wood Technology. Wood offers the best ratio between light weight, comfort, control and stiffness. Ideal for all-round performance in all conditions, especially high wind.

The iSonic 90, 97 and 107 are available also in WoodCarbon that are lighter and stiffer for racers who want more bottom-end acceleration and sharper sensations. Ideal for medium wind conditions.

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.

Upgrading from an older model?
Here's our recommended comparison between older versions of the iSonics and the newest edition:

·         iSonic 86 Slim - iSonic 80

·         iSonic 86 - iSonic 87

·         iSonic 94 - iSonic 90

·         iSonic 101 - iSonic 97

·         iSonic 111 - iSonic 107

·         iSonic 121 - iSonic 117 or iSonic 117 Wide

·         iSonic 131 - iSonic 117 Wide or iSonic 127

·         iSonic 144 - iSonic 137

·         iSonic 150 - Ultrasonic 147

Recommended fins

·         iSonic 80 : Drake Slalom Pro 32 / Deboichet SL4 32

·         iSonic 87 : Drake Slalom Pro 34 / Deboichet SL4 34

·         iSonic 90 : Drake Slalom Pro 36 / Deboichet SL4 36

·         iSonic 97 : Drake Slalom Pro 38 / Deboichet SL4 38

·         iSonic 107 : Drake Slalom Pro 40 / Deboichet SL4 40

·         iSonic 117 : Drake R13 Race NR 44 / Deboichet R16 44

·         iSonic 117 Wide : Drake R13 Race NR 46 / Deboichet R16 46

·         iSonic 127 : Drake R13 Race NR 50 / Deboichet R16 50

·         iSonic 137 : Drake R13 Race NR 52 / Deboichet R16 52

·         UltraSonic 147 : Drake R13 Race NR 58 / Deboichet R13 58