Stellar SR: 2014 Ultra or 2016 Advantage?

Hi,

I am about to buy a Stellar SR. I am new to surfskis but have padled kayaks for 10 years (90kg/181cm, will paddle on flat/choppy and boat wakes).

I can get a new 2014 SR Ultra for about the same price as the new 2016 Advantage.

I have tried the 2016 model and the cockpit fited well.

What wold you choose? The 2014 Ultra or the 2016 Advantage?

Rgs Rune

The 2016 boat will be the current shape, whereas the 2014 will be the superseded model. The 2016 (2g) boat is a vastly superior design. Even in the heavier Advantage layup, I would choose the 2016 SR without question.

Rune,
Two very different skis...
I've owned a Stellar SR - Excel in both series 1&2, series 2 is far superior, Hence why you can buy the top spec old series for peanuts...I've since sold both those skis and I currently own two SR - Ultra (series 2).
Buy the lightest ski you can afford - the Ultra is worth spending the extra IMHO...However, Excel construction represents the best overall value...

Here is my two SR series 1 & 2 in Excel construction

Thanks Simon,

I read your old post comparing the skis with great interrest.

I also understand that from your pov owning 5 skis and beeing an experienced ssurfkier that there are important differences between version 1 & 2.

Ultra/Excel SR2 is not an alternative. It is Either the SR2 Advantage or the SR1 Ultra.

I think my challenge narrows down to what I value most as a newcomer to surfski, but somewhat experienced padler. Improved design versus better construction?

I tend to the SR1 Ultra ..... (but might be blinded by the weight / material)

Get the 2016 Advantage then - you can always trade up to an Excel or treat yourself to an Ultra down the track...You'll enjoy the series 2 more and will have better resale value too.

Here is some Ski Porn for you...The white one is now a really bright orange.

I tend to the SR1 Ultra ..... (but might be blinded by the weight / material)

I totally get that (it's why I have 4 x skis in that construction)...The Ultra Clear Coat is a very sensual thing - The stiffness is it's best attribute.

As a newcomer to skis they do have a handling learning curve (6m length) both on and off the water - you'll understand that better with hindsight. Whilst the Ultra construction is as strong and tough as the other builds. The paint(clear or otherwise used on the Ultra) is not as forgiving as the gelcoat (heavier than paint) as used in Sport, Advantage & Excel so will show the scratches & marks more so, that said if you are careful (fastidious) it can be managed. All my skis whether Excel or Ultra are in pristine condition and still look new - some are over two years old.

I own SEL 2G, SEI and S2E all Excel lay-up - dual bullet venturi's. Have paddled SES 1&2G in Excel too. Haven't paddled SR yet, that's on this weeks plan. I find 2G ski's are more trimmed, better in downwind conditions and the dual bullet venturi's drain way faster. I've had plenty of friends look at 1G versions at cheaper prices but went with 2G options as just a better ski overall. You'll find the Advantage layup a little more stable and not as lively in bigger conditions plus as you're a relative newbie more forgiving for bumps and scratches - you'll be able to sell this to one of your mates whilst you upgrade in 12+ months time - and you will upgrade!!!!

Runes, the SR 2G in advantage is the better choice for all the reasons Simon laid out and Portmanm demonstrated. It has excellent glide and handling characteristics in any conditions. The Excel layup on magnifies the slick hull design and performance.

Thanks guys for your well thought advises.

Picked up the SR Advantage 2016 yesterday.

Had a short try on flat water with some wind (10-15 kn). Looks promising.

The SR, 2 Gen., is crazy fun, stable and the agility in the bump, especially short period stuff will definitely leave you with a smile! It's difficult to not have a blast in this thing!
I'm 6'3", 100-105Kg

Runes: I presume you'll have a blast in it as well! Congrats on your purchase.

Simon: You need a couple more ski's. Hahaha

Full disclosure... I am now a Stellar dealer in California.

Rune, congratulations on your choice & subsequent purchase...Just looking at your photo - Love the colourway BTW...We had Malibu TXI (water ski boat) in the same colours a couple of years ago.

It looks like you're suspending your ski at either end by the handles?

You might damage your ski long term doing it that way...You'd be better to get some canvas slings (2 x 300mm wide) like what they use in craddles (see photo) and suspend at the bulkhead (just in front of the footboard) and at the back of the seat - roughly dividing the ski into thirds mounting at (1/3 & 2/3). Also don't mount said slings from one point above the ski as it will pull/squash the sides in long term - as none of the skis i've seen have any full bulk heads (side to side & hull to deck in the one spot) - except my S18S.

It's just I've seen a few skis done that way - not real good after a couple of years (read stuffed!)

Thanks venicebum my wife thinks I have too many - I told her the formula: N+1 (where N is the # current skis) I fixed the problem - i bought a yacht - now she knows what the real moneys about

Missed the boat - was going to reply last night to portmanm affirmatively about the SR Gen 2 comments but lazy-arse here went to bed instead. Excellent call, absolutely affirm all of the comments above. Clip I posted in videos here is the SR on a big day and absolutely rock solid and speedy in 40 knot winds. Can't see the size from the GoPro but on big downhills I'm lying waaay back in the ski. Excellent choice and endorse all comments above; she's one crazy baby! Mine Excel layup just a poofteenth over 11 kilo's.

vimeo.com/165399229

Congratulations on the purchase runes. Missed this thread for some reason.

As with some of the other respondents, I used to have a 1 gen SR in excel layup too. A great boat, but lots of volume and a wide seat, And as those on this forum who personally know me and are aware of my svelte 112kg body can attest, for me to say Wide... it was Wide! It was also slow for a ski on the cusp of a beginner / intermediate craft. Also having an S18S in advantage layup I traded the SR for a 1 gen SEI in excel. Much faster, less stability of course, but a great boat all the same.
Then... out comes the 2 gen SR...Well, what can I say. The perfect ski for me. Much less volume, seat slightly more forward, much better paddling position, dual venturi, much faster and I will argue to be a true intermediate craft. So much so I sold the S18S and traded the SEI in on a new 2 gen SR in excel. The best ski I have ever had... for me. Now I have the one ski, one long rec mutli-sport racing yak and a new K1 packed in a container in Slovakia ready for the long trip Downunder.


Yes the 2 gen SR allowed me to consolidate on the one ski. You will love it runes

First pic is my 1 gen SR after a race (notice the volume) and the second my 2 gen SR... chalk and cheese.






Mick