Blackfin iSUPS – which to choose
There are three blackfin paddle boards that are inflatable on the market. Thus, it can be pretty challenging to decide which of these quality SUP boards meets all your needs.
Therefore, in this post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Blackfin inflatable paddleboards to figure out what makes them so exceptional!
A little about the Blackfin inflatable paddle boards
With superior engineering and cutting-edge technology, iRocker has a long and successful history of designing paddle boards. Furthermore, the Blackfin paddle boards are premium crafts that combine the best aspects of iRocker paddle boards.
In addition, these watercraft boast different amounts of stability, maneuverability, and speed on the water. Moreover, they also have different weights and carrying capacities.
Thus, not all Blackfin paddle boards are suitable for every SUP activity. After all, they each have their unique features and shape, making them ideal for specific types of paddling sessions.
Still, all of the inflatable Blackfin boards come with a nearly complete SUP package.
This way, no matter which board you choose, you’ll be able to head out and enjoy paddleboarding with minimal hassle!
Blackfin Model X
Stable & Versatile!
The Model X is the smallest iSUP of the Blackfin paddle board series with a hybrid nose and a cutaway tail. Thus, it offers an incredible amount of versatility.
It’s about 10 feet 6 inches in length, 45 inches in width, and 6 inches in thickness.
As such, due to its size and shape, it’s easier to handle this craft. Even the beginners who are learning the ropes will have little trouble paddleboarding with this board. After all, it’s wide and stable enough to support paddlers of all heights.
Moreover, it’s thicker than the standard paddleboard to have a better buoyancy and carrying capacity.
This way, the board can support up to 450 lbs or 204 kg. Yet, the watercraft is pretty light, weighing only about 27 lbs or 12.2 kg.
Therefore, it offers high portability.
On the other hand, since the board has an average length, it doesn’t have the best speed in the water. However, it’s more affordable than the other, larger boards of the Blackfin series.
Main advantages
- Versatile
- Stable
- Lightweight
- Portable
Main drawbacks
- Lack of speed
- Little space on the deck
Verdict
The ideal Blackfin all-arounder fit for a wide range of paddleboarding activities.
Blackfin Model XL
Balanced & Versatile!
Unlike the Model X, Blackfin’s Model XL boasts a near-perfect balance between speed and stability.
It’s approximately 11 feet and 6 inches long, 34 inches wide, and 6 inches thick.
So, in essence, it’s longer than the previous model, yet it has a narrower surface. This way, the board offers a better than average speed while still being stable in the water. Moreover, its shape lets the rider paddle in a straight line for better maneuverability and tracking.
Additionally, the board itself weighs around 29 lbs or 13 kg. As such, it’s a little bit heavier than the Model X, but it’s still pretty lightweight.
Furthermore, it can safely support 485 lbs or 219 kg. Thus, you can carry all your paddling gear and essential supplies on it without too much hassle.
However, since the board is longer and has an average width, it takes a bit of skill to maneuver it accurately.
Still, in the hands of an intermediate or expert paddler, this watercraft will offer an overall fantastic performance. Plus, you can even use this board for medium-distance traveling and short SUP fishing trips.
Main advantages
- Well-balanced
- Fast
- Stable
- Lightweight
Main drawbacks
- Requires a bit of skill to handle
Verdict
An excellent choice for paddleboarders who loves to paddle at pace and enjoy customizing their boards.
Blackfin Model V
Fast & Efficient!
If you are a seasoned paddler who wishes to battle the whitecaps and paddle the waves, the Blackfin Model V will have you covered.
It’s about 12 feet and 6 inches long, 32 inches wide, and 6 inches thick.
These dimensions make the board perfect for SUP racing and long-distance expeditions. Plus, it has a decent carrying capacity and strategically placed bungee storage areas.
In addition, this board is even narrower than the XL, and it’s also longer than the previous two models. Thus, it boasts an incredible speed even in moderately rough weather and raging waves.
Nonetheless, since it lacks the stability of an all-arounder, it’s not very suitable for beginners.
In contrast, experts can use, maintain this paddleboard much more efficiently than the other two Blackfin iSUPs. But, it’s also the most expensive inflatable watercraft among the series. Still, its exceptional speed and efficiency make it worthy of the price tag.
Main advantages
- Fast
- Efficient
- Reliable
- Expert-friendly
Main drawbacks
- Expensive
- Requires a fair bit of skill to handle
Verdict
Of the Blackfin paddle boards, this is the overall best for long-distance expeditions and SUP racing activities.
Blackfin paddle boards: What’s in the package?
One of the Blackfin paddle board’s best aspects is that they come with a top-quality SUP package. Typically, these accessories are alsmost the same for all the boards in this line.
So, usually, a Blackfin SUP package includes,
- Adjustable carbon paddle with nylon blade
- Coiled SUP safety leash with ankle cuff
- Dual-chamber triple-action manual pump
- Attachable SUP fins
- Repair kit with patches
- Travel backpack
While these are all excellent accessories, you may also want to pick up and wear a PFD before heading out in the water. After all, water can be unpredictable, and a life jacket, vest, or belt can save you in case of an emergency.
A few tips & tricks to choosing the best Blackfin iSUP
The Blackfin’s are iRocker’s premium boards. Therefore, each of these watercraft is highly sturdy and rigid. Furthermore, these boards typically has 20 D-rings and eight multi-use action mounts. So, it’s safer to choose any of these Blackfin paddle boards.
Nonetheless, not all of these boards are equal. Thus, here are a few tips and tricks to make the search easier for you,
- If you are a beginner, an all-arounder board like the Blackfin Model X with an average size may suit your needs the best.
- However, if you have some prior paddling experience or better balance, you may get more out of the Model XL board.
- On the other hand, if you are an expert paddleboarder and want to enjoy the adrenaline rush, cut through the water, and race, then the Model V board is ideal for you.
- Last but not least, if you are a travelling paddler who needs to pack up, camp, and moves around often, you may enjoy the more lightweight boards.
Besides these, there is also helpful information about these boards on the iRocker’s official site. Plus, you can rent these boards from a paddleboard rental to try them out before making your final decision.
Bottom line
No matter which Blackfin paddle boards you choose, they will let you take your paddleboarding experience to the next level.
However, it would still be better if you pick the most suitable SUP board for your paddling needs. After all, it’ll be way more fun if you can enjoy paddling without needing to exhaust yourself often to balance and propel the craft.
So, take your time and choose carefully. Afterward, you’ll be paddling like a pro in no time!
But don’t just take our word for it. Instead, pick up one of these top-quality Blackfin boards today and enjoy your next SUP adventure!
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