That’s a question that gets asked about a million times a day — and rightfully so, because SUP boards are nothing if not a major investment. Most recently it was posed on the Seabreeze Australia forum — specifically regarding the Naish 9.6 vs the Starboard 9.8 — and the answers were quite illuminating in a number of different ways, in terms not only of those two boards but also about board buying in general. Here’s the 1rst page of the three page thread (see Seabreeze Forums! – Stand Up Paddle Starboard 9’8" or Naish 9’6" for the entire thing!):
I had the pleasure of riding Brooko’s Naish 9’6" in small waves yesterday and quite liked it.( thanks Brooko) Bit tippy but once I got the sea legs working I felt quite at home on it. 
I love my Starboard 11’2" and intended to only have the one board for waves but after trying something smaller I guess I’am going to have to part with some hard earned and buy myself a Xmas present
I would love some feed back if anyone has tried the Nasih 9’6" and Starboard 9’8".
Which board would be more user freindly in smaller waves. I only have a few months surfing experience and don’t believe Ill be heading out into anything over head high, or was that 3 ft waves.
Ian
Can you demo the 9 8?? Might help your decision.
I have the 9 8 it is fantastic in small waves.
More stable at 30 inches and less nose rocker than the 9 6.
Both good boards might depend on the deal you get with bag, paddle and leash.
Thanks Hilly,
Not much chance of demoing a Starie. 400+ km’s from Melbourne and Adelaide.
Other than the length and tail shape is the 9’8" built along the sama lines as the 11’2"?
If the 9’8" was a mini me of the 11’2" it would be a no brainer.
high as a kite said…
Thanks Hilly,
Not much chance of demoing a Starie. 400+ km’s from Melbourne and Adelaide.
Other than the length and tail shape is the 9’8" built along the sama lines as the 11’2"?
If the 9’8" was a mini me of the 11’2" it would be a no brainer.
Hi HAAK, also worth considering is the 9’6 AR wide, Paddle Surf Hawaii board.
Mark at CUTLOOSE (SA) has a 9’6 wide PSH on its way and Rich (aka:SESSIONS) from STRAPPER SURF (Torquay) is also riding one. Rich can also give you some feedback on the board as he has had a couple of sessions on it now and he has also ridden the Naish 9’6. 
Try em all (if you can) – its half the fun!! If not talk to the guys (not sponsored) who are riding them.
They are all good board from all reports!! So it boils down to your personal preference.
Enjoy the ride.
Andrew.A
9 8 different animal to 11 2, 9 8′s wide tail = instant speed and looseness in small waves. 11 2 is a cruiser, more longboard style.
Only wierd thing is the 9 8 goes better with side fins but they are not supplied, WTF? on a 2k (with paddle) board?
[quote]high as a kite said…
I would love some feed back if anyone has tried the Nasih 9’6" and Starboard 9’8".
Which board would be more user freindly in smaller waves. I only have a few months surfing experience and don’t believe Ill be heading out into anything over head high, or was that 3 ft waves.
Ian
Hi Ian
I have owned both the 9’6 Naish and the 9’8 Starboard I also owned a 10′ C4 and out of the three I have the most fun on my Starboard 9’8 as it is more stable for me in less than Ideal conditions and still surfs really well in good conditions, I hover around 90 kgs and this board is fun fun fun.
Having less rocker made me a bit sceptical at first but after surfing the SB 9’8 I was sold and have surfed it in over head high and also one foot waves , the less rocker seems to make it plane easier to pick up waves.
It also has a lot of concave throught the nose and has vee in the tail
I can surf rail to rail down the line on this board and it turns really easy and you have the option of fin ajustment for bigger or smaller waves the fin is a "Drake" fin and has a flexy tip which I think gives the board a lot of thrust I love this board and will stick with it and will probably only change down to the 9’0 in the future.
Jono
Thanks guys for the feed back.
I won’t get to demo any boards for a while so I’m pretty sure the Starie 9 8 will be the choice of weapon.
Cheers
Ian
Hello Ian ,
I just received my new 9’6 PSH (wide) late last week .
This is with out a doubt the most stable , loose , easy to paddle board i have ridden so far .This board has shortboard feel but so stable with heaps of drive.
Your welcome to demo my 9’6 if you are ever over this way (TORQUAY) or next time you visit Robdog and Brooko we might head over to Portland and join you for a weekend.
Will post some pic’s of this board soon , had some fun waves with Matt Lumley on Saturday arvo.
The Naish 9’6 Fish is also a good option but the PSH 9’6 is more stable and just as loose !!……Im interested in how the PSH 9’6 will go in bigger surf as i’ve only had it in 2-3 foot so far and im only 83kg’s
Rich
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Hi Ian
Sorry I missed having a surf with you and Brooko on Saturday.
Travelled to Torquay to pick up this little beauty.
At my stage of development this is the board for me. I am stoked with how it surfs and it’s stability in choppy conditions is great.
You are quite welcome to try it out next time you are over.
Rich
We’d be stoked to have you guys down for a surf.
RobDog 
Thanks Rich,
I plan to SUP a fair bit with Robdog and Brooko over the holidays. I would be keen to demo the 9 6 PSH wide if your planning a trip over to Portland?
I was out a Torquay Point a few weeks ago and storked Matt for awhile trying to learn a few things. Man he really rips it.
Robdog,
I heard you went for a drive to pick up your new toy.
I’ll take you up on the offe
r the next time over there, sometime this week I hope.
I was going to place an order for a Starie 9 8 tomorrow, but I might take everyones advise and try a few boards first.
Once again thanks everyone for their advise.
Ian
high as a kite said…
Thanks Rich,
I plan to SUP a fair bit with Robdog and Brooko over the holidays. I would be keen to demo the 9 6 PSH wide if your planning a trip over to Portland?
I was out a Torquay Point a few weeks ago and storked Matt for awhile trying to learn a few things. Man he really rips it.
Robdog,
I heard you went for a drive to pick up your new toy.
I’ll take you up on the offer the next time over there, sometime this week I hope.
I was going to place an order for a Starie 9 8 tomorrow, but I might take everyones advise and try a few boards first.
Once again thanks everyone for their advise.
Ian
Ian
Definately try those boards posted by Robdog and Sesh !! I have not demoed them but MATE !! they look the goods for sure!! those boards with their specs and out lines would be great in all conditions.
Jono
Dont forget that Starboard have the 10’5 x 30" and the 9’8 x 28"
If you are a Starboard fan and love the 11’2 then I bet you will be just as stoked with the 9’8 x 30"