REASONS TO BUY
High performance
High-quality construction
Well-balanced
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as easily maneuverable
Expensive
Starboard Generation LT Review
This paddle board is known for its ability to deliver speed on flatwater, maneuver smoothly in the surf, and handle choppy conditions with confidence
The Starboard Generation LT is a top-of-the-line paddle board and wil elevate your paddleboarding tours to new heights.
Credit: Sara James
RELATED: Best Stand Up Paddle Boards of 2024
Our Verdict
The Starboard Generation LT is an all-around high-performance board for those paddlers who are looking for one board that can do it all. Comfortable in the surf, while cruising flat water, or when racing through ripples, this board knows how to perform across environments. Its sleek and streamlined shape enhances speed and agility, while the ergonomic deck pad provides comfort and superior grip, enabling riders to easily maintain balance. While pricey, if you love SUPing and want a board that can do you right in many circumstances, this is one to have on your short list. To see how it stacks up versus the competition, check out our full review of the top stand up paddle boards.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Starboard Generation LT | |||||
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| Awards |  |  |  | ||
| Price | $1,559 List | $1,430 List | $1,600 List $1,600 at Amazon | $1,250 List | $900 List $642.00 at Amazon |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | All-around high-performance board that excels across the surf, race, and tour | For the cream of the crop when it comes to stand up paddle boards, it’s hard to go wrong with the Catalyst | This is a solid all-around board that delivers stability and speed | A stable and robust SUP that is great for those who aren’t going anywhere in a hurry | If you want a great bang for the buck when it comes to SUPs, this is a fantastic option |
| Rating Categories | Starboard Generatio... | Surftech Catalyst T... | Boardworks Kraken | SIC Maui TAO Fit AT | Tahe Beach Performer |
| Glide Performance (35%) | |||||
| Stability (25%) | |||||
| Maneuverability (15%) | |||||
| Ease of Transport (15%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Starboard Generatio... | Surftech Catalyst T... | Boardworks Kraken | SIC Maui TAO Fit AT | Tahe Beach Performer |
| Measured Weight | 30.4 lbs | 27.0 lbs | 28.0 lbs | 29.2 lbs | 33.4 lbs |
| Board Volume | 249 L | 203 L | 199 L | 195 L | 185 L |
| Weight Capacity | 220 lbs | 215 lbs | Not specified | 220 lbs | 200 lbs |
| Width | 28.1" | 32.5" | 32.0" | 33.2" | 31.5" |
| Length | 12' 6" | 11' 2" | 11' 0" | 10' 0" | 10' 6" |
| Thickness | 6.2" | 5.2" | 5.0" | 4.8" | 5.0" |
| Fin Configuration | Large detachable center fin with 2 optional side fins | Single detachable center fin | Large detachable center fin, 2 optional side fins | 9" tool-free removable center fin | Large detachable center fin with 2 optional side fins |
| Bungee Cargo System? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
For those seeking a well-constructed, high-performance touring board that also excels for racing and surfing, the Starboard Generation LT is a standout choice. With its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design, this paddle board offers an impressive combination of performance and versatility.
Performance Comparison
The design of the Starboard Generation leans on the company's race experience to create a board that is comfortable to tour on but can also move at speeds.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Glide Performance
On flat water, the design and features of the Generation LT contribute to its impressive speed and efficiency. The streamlined shape, combined with its construction and materials, allows the board to glide effortlessly through calm lakes, rivers, or any other flatwater environments. Paddlers can expect a fast and enjoyable paddling experience, making this board suitable for long-distance touring or engaging in sprint races.
The round Vee nose design of the Generation contributes to faster acceleration and a higher top speed. It also helps the board float smoothly over choppy water, ensuring versatility and adaptability to various conditions. In addition, the gradual nose nick helps to prevent the board diving in the surf and downwind, as well as lifting over chop upwind.
The Generation LT outpaced almost all the other boards in the side-by-side testing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The long, flat rails of this board help it to track very well, ensuring that it can continue gliding well beyond the initial acceleration point. If you are covering long distances and need to change paddle sides between strokes, this board will continue to glide during the brief intermission to switch over your paddle.
The Generation LT is designed to cruise through the water with speed.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Stability
The curved rocker enhances the board's ability to handle chop, providing stability and control even in challenging water conditions. Despite being narrower than some of the boards we tested, the Generation LT wasn't the most unstable. That said, it's profile makes it a better fit for more experienced paddlers.
The standing deck area is slightly lower than the more voluminous nose. This helps to keep the paddler's center of gravity closer to the board and ultimately helps you stay on the board. In addition, the deck pad offers excellent grip and traction, further enhancing stability. The textured and grippy surface provides a secure footing for paddlers, reducing the chances of slipping or losing balance during paddling sessions. The widest point is designed to be in front of the user's paddling stance, helping to deliver a stable ride even in choppy conditions.
Maneuverability
The design features of the Generation LT contribute to its predictable and controlled glide, offering a reliable and enjoyable paddling experience. The wide nose of the board enhances acceleration during sprints as it floats on top of the water, allowing riders to gain speed swiftly. This design element is particularly beneficial for those looking to cover distances quickly or engage in speed-focused activities.
The curved rocker design contributes to the overall performance of this board. In surf conditions, the shape ensures a smooth and controlled ride, increasing maneuverability and responsiveness.
Despite the length, the curved nose and smooth lines of the Generation LT make it relatively easy to turn with a few big sweep strokes.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Additionally, the pulled-in square tail of the Generation plays a crucial role in maneuverability. By sinking the tail into the water, riders can execute fast buoy turns with ease. The square shape of the tail increases responsiveness, allowing for sharp and precise turns, particularly in surf conditions. This design consideration is valuable for those seeking a SUP that can navigate swiftly and handle challenging wave conditions.
Pivot turns for days! We loved sinking the tail on the Starboard Generation LT.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Transport
Weighing in at just over 30 pounds, the Generation LT is one of the heavier models we tested. We also tested one of the larger models in this six-sized series, making it generally more awkward to carry.
The recessed handle is contoured, deep, and easy to grip, making it easier to carry this board comfortably. In addition, the weight of the Generation LT is well balanced around the carrying handle, which makes this board easier to carry than some that weigh less on the scales.
The padded rear handle is also useful if you are sharing the load with a friend. An additional carrying strap can be added to this board, which is a feature that was unique in our lineup.
The inlaid handle of the Generation LT is comfortable and secure for carrying.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Due to the epoxy construction of this high-performance board, we were nervous about loading it onto our roof racks. However, we found that, with simple pipe insulation and careful strap buckle placement, it is easy to load up this board with little concerns.
The Generation LT has a well-positioned handle, giving this board a very balanced and secure feel when under your arm.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Construction Quality
The self-ventilating valve feature exemplifies the higher standards of this paddle board's design. Users should be careful not to touch or get debris in this valve. Don't be surprised when you hear a gradual hissing as the board relieves itself due to changes in pressure.
The FCS fin system used on the Generation LT is one of the simplest out there, and, unlike many of the other boards, we were able to get this Thruster fin set up in under three seconds.
The center fin can be adjusted to suit the paddler's choice. In addition, two removable side fins come with the Starboard Generation LT.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
In response to popular demand, the range of the Generation has been expanded to include a total of six sizes, catering to riders of varying weight and skill levels.
Attaching the centre fin requires a moment of patience to align it all perfectly.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The recessed pad provides a comfortable surface for paddlers to stand and move around. The padding offers cushioning and support, reducing the pressure and fatigue that can occur during longer paddling sessions.
With some draw strokes, we were able to easily move the Generation LT sideways.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the Starboard Generation LT?
If you are drawn to the idea of a performance SUP and are comfortable on a slightly narrower deck, the Generation LT will be an enjoyable option for you. Those who have some experience already and are looking to enhance their paddling performance in a range of areas will find this board is a quiver-buster option. This high-performance board will also tempt athletes who want a board that can keep up with them.
Our testers enjoyed paddling this Generation LT. It was hard to give it up when it came time to swap.
Credit: Sara James
What Other Stand Up Paddle Boards Should You Consider?
If you like going fast and are not afraid of throwing down some serious money, the Starboard Generation LT may be your choice. The more fragile and less stable Infinity E-Ticket was the only SUP to surpass the Starboard Generation in terms of speed and glide performance. Alternatively, if you are looking for something that is less fragile than these composite hard SUPs, consider the inflatable Red Paddle Co Voyager+ MSL, which still delivers decent touring performance but can be rolled up and thrown in the back of a car at the end of a session.
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Sara James
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