Blackfin Model X vs Model XL Review | Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Reviews (2021)

[@supboardguide]

Are you choosing the Blackfin Model XL or the Model X? Let us know which one and why below! 👇

[@nancyyeeting2176]

we purchased 2 Blackfin Model x and one of the center fins does not fit onto the slot. they do not accept phone calls and the only way to contact them is through email. My husband left them an email 2 weeks ago and I left an email with them 5 days ago, and no reply from them. we spend a lot of money on these boards and are so disappointed that one of them is unusable without the fin. We spend close to 3,000.00 on the isups.I would not do business with this company ever again, I'm worried that we may not even get a replacement fin, it seems as if IRocker does not want or need customers or referrals. We are very disappointed with this company. We should of went with another brand. I don't trust the reviews here anymore.

[@totalglitch]

Why don't you respond to the people that are having issues since you seem to have such great experience with this company

[@nancyyeeting2176]

@@totalglitch it's because he gets paid to promote their product, he's not reviewing products for free, but now we all know that the sup board guide's reviews are not to be trusted.

[@TheSouthernPastryChef]

just ordered the Model X - cant wait! I paddleboard in saltwater and cant wait to see how this performs over my board I love now!

[@alinazim9319]

@@totalglitch qqpq

[@CarmelStar2011]

Just purchased my paddle board 2023 version. Wanted to start a new hobby and so far I enjoy it.

[@tenkarapop383]

recently took my xl to lake tahoe with my wife and two kids and paddles 6 miles with a group and had no issues keeping up with their kayaks. the xl really exceeded my expectations. 100% worth it.

[@supboardguide]

6 miles is quite the adventure, especially keeping up with kayaks! Great job! Love hearing your experience with your Model XL.

[@tenkarapop383]

@@supboardguide granted i weigh 150, wife weighs 100 and the kids combined weigh 90 and we were with unexpected kayakers and we were all pacing😅

[@Drymarro]

I bought the 2020 model and have had no complaints or issues. Have taken the xl out like 40-50 times and in plenty of hot Miami sun with salt water. It's holding up. Sorry about your experience. Never had issues.

[@rygi23]

Just got the XL, chose it over the X because you only sacrifice an inch of width for an extra foot of length. It fits a little more stuff/people and is still so stable that I can’t imagine a board being more stable. It also has the higher weight capacity. Also notice the extra foot in length helps it take boat wake better when facing it head on. First trip out was both me and my daughter, she used the kayak seat. It worked awesome and she got such a kick out of catching fish on it. Great video👍

[@supboardguide]

Thanks so much for your input and the view! We also can't imagine a board being more stable than the X and XL. And the reasons you mention were the things that did edge us out to pick the Model XL this year as our best inflatable SUP of the 2021 season. Great choice and happy SUP'ing!

[@bryannivens6696]

Got a xl in June. Love it more than I realized. Super premium board and can get some good speed on it as well.

[@totalglitch]

Have you had any issues at all with it?

[@bryannivens6696]

@@totalglitch no I haven’t had any issues whatsoever. I had a really had “wreck” on the river the other day. Hit a tree, feel off board, flipped the board and it got caught in briars and branches. My buddy who was more upstream had to literally flip it over and pull it out of a tree all while the water and rapids were trying to pull the board under the tree. Luckily I’m still alive for 1. Second the board didn’t even have a scratch on it!!! 3rd nothing fell off the board because of the straps. And kept on floating after that. We even hit some good rapids and I hit rock all the time. Again you’d never know because there are no scratches. My expectations have been far exceeded with this board.

[@ericbakke3060]

I find the Blackfin V to be the best of the bunch. It’s much faster and while not as stable as the others, it’s certainly stable enough.

[@supboardguide]

Speed and tracking wise, the Model V is definitely the way to go amongst the 3 and is definitely stable enough and is even preferred by some on our team over these 2 shown. Definitely all preference when it comes to the dimensions of the boards for different paddlers and what they are looking for but considering they are all each the same feature and build quality wise, you definitely can't go wrong!

[@dusaneremic]

I wonder what % of people actually use the Scotty mounts? I find them ugly and often in the way. I'd really like a BlackFin version without the fishing rack mounts or at least if soft covers are provided.

[@staceyblackburn1960]

Can you show the 2 kayak kits on each one. Both of those are meant to accept two on each board. I’d like to buy one that we could put two on when we are pressed for space but I can’t tell how close they would be or what they mount to in the front. I have the Nautical now.

[@conniewaite1371]

Would you say the larger size is better in larger rivers,and lakes?excellent reviewalso would like to know more about the seat

[@tctk1]

Hi would you take the XL or a BOTE Hd Aero full track with cooler ($600 more total)

[@ChristopherMCross]

I would like to you test some of the Red Paddle Co boards.

[@oildalejones567]

Great review and comparo. Thanks! I'm going with the XL for my size and desire for stability.

[@sebastientremblay5945]

Hi, nice review! But a good things you guys would be to do a video or to link real life pictures of all the Blackfin board because the colors or not exactly the same that on the website… I am trying to decide witch color I want between the ice gray , steel gray and the pacific teal but it’s not easy because I don’t see the real colors… can you help me please ?? Thank you in advance!!

[@khosrowtaj]

I picked Model XL just because I'm taller than 6' tall and i got an 80lb dog to go fishing so i need extra room for cargo /other riders since the speed is not the goal!

[@scottmitchell3761]

I'm 6'7" 350lbs Is this a good board for me? I know I'm under the weight capacity but it's different when it's so much weight in the center vs a total capacity of several people or +pets, gear that can be spread out Thanks!

[@scottmitchell3761]

Or would the Model V be better ?

[@supboardguide]

The XL would be better than the Model V. However, you could also check out the Isle 11'6 Pioneer Pro - that has an even higher weight capacity than the Blackfin XL (and you are 100% correct about capacity being different when it's the paddler vs paddler + gear that is distributed across the board). I think you would be fine with the XL if you have a good amount of paddling experience, but you would probably do better on the Pioneer Pro 11'6. The extra rigidity and width throughout the board will make a difference for someone your height and weight.

[@scottmitchell3761]

@@supboardguide Thank you for the reply- I just checked it out- you believe that's better even though the max weight for the Isle Pioneer pro is 380lbs vs 485lbs for the XL? That's interesting - it's not just about max weight but other strength and distribution qualities? I have been paddling for a while- 15 years or so but getting back into it after a couple knee surgeries that kept me sitting or kneeling for the last 4 years

[@scottmitchell3761]

@@supboardguide Hey - I just bought the Isle board today Thought about it and realized you should get some credit. Let them know you sent me their way. And I'll let you know how I do with the new board. It was me humbling myself a bit bc I want to think I have a bit of paddling experience- but... I've had 5 years off since I paddled a lot. Hoping I don't outgrow and regret the isle

[@zunphil]

I’m 6ft, 270, would the model x work for me?

[@lesthompson7923]

I’d love to get more info on the “foam seat insert” that you mention at the 24:43 time mark. As a senior, I really need to get an angle of my hips/butt raised a little above my legs for comfort. The website doesn’t show anything on this. Is that foam insert still available? Is it available aftermarket somewhere else?

[@jameshoncoop8511]

It’s an accessory on irockers website

[@TheAmeliaOswald]

Hi! Can you help me compare boards? I’m between a BF XL, an Ultra CX, and possibly an Ultra AA11 2.0. I bought a standard AA10 a couple years ago and want to upgrade. I like the length of the longer board and maybe a little more speed but don’t want to trade a lot of stability for speed. I think an AA11 would’ve been a perfect fit but since it’s discontinued, that ship has sailed. I’m 5’2, 110, & paddle mostly in rivers. I’m not worried about the extra foot since longer boards don’t affect shorter people the same way shorter boards affect taller people. (Sorry for the essay & thanks for any advice!)

[@supboardguide]

I'd look at the AA 10 Ultra 2.0. It's going to be a lot like your AA10, but lighter (and better internal construction) and a little faster. If you want more speed, then look at the AA11 Ultra 2.0. I think you might find the Blackfin XL to be a little slower given it's a wider board for someone your height.

[@ValhallaUltimate]

Are you going to do a video review/comparison of the Model V? Or have you done one? I enjoy all of your insights on the boards

[@supboardguide]

We haven't done a video review yet, but we do have a written review here: www.supboardguide.com/blackfin-model-v-review/

[@scotsemmens596]

Great review!

[@barryandmyra]

I purchased BF model X 2021 for my wife to use. She prefers the Kayak seat setup with that foam pad and loves the stability and seat position. We got the Berry Pink color and wish they had brighter colors on all Blackfins. I personally think the BF X is too wide, heavy, and slow vs my lighter iSUPs. For speed the XL would certainly help but these are extremely heavy boards. 34 inch wide gives stability but changes Paddle stroke. The spear straps on the side are super annoying and need to be removed altogether. I like the Blackfin for build quality and stability but the BF X and XL are a full sized SUV not a sports car. I leave the BF X for my wife and beginners and take lighter boards out 90% of time for my personal use.

[@supboardguide]

Very good points and the likening to an SUV vs a car is rather spot on. These wider and heavier boards are not for everyone, especially those seeking a more performance oriented board but for those like your wife or others that you go out with, they're incredibly solid. Out of curiosity, were you able to try the Model V? Thanks for the input!

[@barryandmyra]

@@supboardguide I purchased BF model Y 2021 in October for my own use. I really like the length and stability of the model Y. For distance paddling in flat water, the model Y is great. I would not recommend it for beginners given price, weight, and very large size compared to other boards I own. However for taller/heavier people/cargo or experienced paddlers the BF model Y is a great option.

[@JudasBytes]

i have a boat and can I pull that with someone on the board?

[@MICHAELNITSCHE]

What color was the Model XL?

[@supboardguide]

The Model XL is in the Steel Gray and possibly our favorite color option this year!

[@MICHAELNITSCHE]

@@supboardguide Thank you! And what color is the model X? (The one you are sitting on at the end of the video.) Is it blue? Because it looks so different from the color on the website: irockersup.de/2021-boards/blackfin-model-x-2021/

[@MultiANTI]

Can't the fish mounts be in the way?

[@donjohnsmusic3116]

Blackfin has been recalled! Have you not heard?

[@supboardguide]

We are well aware. As you can see this video is over a year old, but we do have a blog post regarding the recall here: www.supboardguide.com/blackfin-sup-recall/

[@leiaspillane3786]

The 2022 models were not 2023

[@joaquimfigueiredo945]

Hello. For the man who is 1.80m tall, 100kg in weight, to star ar Sup, what is the best model. Thanks.

[@supboardguide]

Hello Joaquim! Honestly, the Model X and Model XL would be a great choice for you. This year we are leaning towards the Model XL due to the extra length better accommodating for activities such as kayaking, fishing, etc. as well for it's higher performance. However, when it comes starting out on a SUP, stability is one of the most important aspects and both of these boards excel in that area. Hope that helps!

[@hollywood0012]

Are you able to provide what colorway is the XL you are reviewing?

[@MICHAELNITSCHE]

What color is the model X? Not the berry colored at the beginning but the model X at the end. Looks like turquoise in the video but this color is not available with the model X, so is it summer blue? Thank you in advance.

[@kevywilliams3304]

People on fb show these expensive boards ripping apart at the seems after 2-3 uses BLOWN UP UNDER THE LIMIT !!!!

[@leiaspillane3786]

There was a recall in 2022 and has been corrected for 2023

[@standingmannequin7911]

As a newby Im not buying the stability of the board based on how you remain stable and centered as your feet pump left and right. If your off balance then that would be more accurate.

[@nancyyeeting2176]

don't think of buying it, you will be sorry, we bought 2 sups from them .one was defective and we are having problems with the no customer service. Choose another brand. there are better brands than IRocker! Save yourself some headaches

[@marek5179]

one day

[@LaszloBagi]

iRocker spends all their money on marketing and video. Customers service and quailty has gone down the toliet

[@LdFarquaad]

I mean aside from the fact that they make some of the best quality boards for the price. Unless you’re spending way to much on some bote brand paddle board which has all the same features as irocker but for double the price there’s not much for better options. This video looks like it was filmed with an iPhone for free. I’d go as far as to say irocker are the best possible boards you can buy when considering everything.

[@corpsvet2000]

Customer service and support is absolutely the worst I've dealt with. Cannot get in touch with anyone from customer service through phone, email or chat. I received my blackfin xl damaged and obviously very poor quality control standards. They will sale you a product and deliver quick, but no reply if there are any problems with your board. Just for customer service issues alone I would stay clear of this company! This review is typical from someone getting kickbacks from the company.

[@LaszloBagi]

BINGO........ iRocker spends all their money on marketing and video. Customers service and quailty has gone down the toliet

[@randymccomb9555]

Agree. I have an XL that developed leaks at 3 seams. Mounting points for sand stake are not spaced correctly and to far inboard. Back scotty mount pads lifing under pad. Center fin box vinyl lifting. I've had for a few weeks and aired up 3 times. Website has 1,000 perfect 5 star reviews, yet their support is so overwhelmed they had to remove their phone number and just work with a que of emails? I'm currently in a que of emails and no response to follow-up emails or any way to contact a person for an update. How long did it take to resolve the warranty with your board?

[@nancyyeeting2176]

@@randymccomb9555 I feel for you. We bought 2 sup boards and are very disappointed .customer service sucks. I'm pretty sure the company will be folding soon because of the shoddy product and lack of customer service. I'm thinking that the 30-day warranty doesn't mean anything anyway cause they are ignoring their customers. these boards are really heavy too!

[@Drymarro]

I bought the 2020 model and have had no complaints or issues. Have taken the xl out like 40-50 times and in plenty of hot Miami sun with salt water. It's holding up. Sorry about your experience. Never had issues.

[@nancyyeeting2176]

@@Drymarro The problem is that when there is a problem, there is no customer service.

[@lomax7871]

Atoll Isup!

[@corpsvet2000]

Your review is BS. Received my board and very poor quality control and getting someone in customer support to answer or respond is impossible! Horrible customer service! For a premium board and company, at this point I strongly disagree!

[@sjspurr3199]

Brutal experience with this company. The board is severely flawed and the company is ghosting anyone with criticism.

[@corpsvet2000]

@@sjspurr3199 Currently going through the same experience with them. Customer service and support is horrible!!!!!

[@nancyyeeting2176]

We are experiencing the same horrible no customer service.IRocker Blackfin is a scam company in my opinion.The supboard guide should not be endorsing this company. It's just not ethical, I'm sure he is aware of what the situation is with IRock.

[@totalglitch]

I am seeing him reply to good reviews but says nothing about the people who have issues.

[@Usiris23]

I’ve had nothing but great customer service and fast shipping from them. Ordered mine in 2021 and have had zero issues, will say I didn’t get my cup holder with the purchase of the cooler but a month later I got one.

[@Kaze_o]

PSA: Just want to notify viewers there is a product recall for blackfin boards.

[@leiaspillane3786]

Your comment misleads people. I just looked this up and the recall was for 2022 and has been corrected for 2023 models.