Kieranr said..
In the water a kilo here and there is kinda negligible imo.
However, where you really notice the weight is carrying the board & loading onto cars etc.
Very hard to go past the SIC and that awesome carry handle.
As always, best advice is to demo, demo, demo and form your own opinion based on how the boards feel in real life use.
I would have to agree. Just think carrying your board after a hard session, or over a long distance after a downwinder in 20-30 knots plus and trying not to get your board blown away... this is where a really good designed handles come into play.
From experience I have had 2013 and 2015 Javelins... Probably the lightest boards on the market and excellent deep handle.
Lately been paddling SIC X12 and X14 both pro-lite x24... About a kg heavier than naish but I feel offer more durability. Handle is also excellent as you can grip with your whole hand. You can't beat the X series on the lake on the flat days! Also been using it in all conditions from beach technical races to 30 knot downwinders. Surfs really well too. Hoping to try and compare the new FX series boards soon but they will be a tad heavier and 25 wide and $$$ as new model.
As you can't afford a starboard full carbon I can only comment on my friends hybrid construction all star 2014 I tried last week on a downwinder. Felt heavy and sluggish. No centre handle! Can't comment on the new boards or if they finally include a centre handle?!
Can't comment on the bark as have no experience.
As for the smaller brands not so well known just see who else paddles them and get their feedback. Make sure they have had it for a while and can comment. Is a good option if you want to start off on a budget but bear in mind you will probably upgrade from it anyway later on (just think in that mindset). I just like to buy right the first time. Don't get me wrong there are some good cheaper boards out there but there are only a few, cheaper usually means less build quality and design, as well as I have seen in some, basic centre handles... they are sharp to the touch and just can't compete with the naish and sic handles. just what I've seen.
Hope that helps... but to summarise yes I think you should definitely factor in board weight for your paddler height and weight.
good luck
