Buying Inflatable Paddleboards - What's the difference?

What do you get when you spend more on an inflatable paddleboard? Lets compare iRocker's product lines to see what the differences really are and decide what paddleboard you should buy.
Nautical ISUPs - www.irockersup.com/nautical-p...
iRocker ISUPs - www.irockersup.com/irocker-pa...
BLACKFIN ISUPs - www.irockersup.com/blackfin-p...
Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for inside stories ;) @tripoutthere / tripsmithot

[@HK-nl3ih]

Im 230 lbs and 6'0" (105kg, 183cm) and I'm doing just fine with the "cheap" nautical. Even when paddling in the ocean and river. It can even take a lot of big waves without any problems and you can attach good amount of "luggage" on it also. I have been able to paddle with it on really strong wind where others were left drifting around. Also the fins and the board have taken a few hits from rocks without any problems. Really good board in my opinion if you are paddling on your own.. You could get two of those with the price of the others boards.

[@LerayHolmes]

do you use electric pumps or hand pumps and how do you check the inflation level before you shove off.

[@HK-nl3ih]

@@LerayHolmes I have only used hand pump, it shows the psi on the pump. 15 psi is enough but I have experimented with 18 psi also.

[@daniellelafleur3744]

Thank you so much for making this video, truly. I’ve been doing so much research about inflatable sup’s and this is by far the most informative video while also being so efficient with your use of time. I feel so much more confident making a decision now. You’re the best. Happy paddling!

[@ericpuffer3359]

You crack me up , love all your videos! Keep up the great work and be safe!

[@sunnysideup8138]

Love your videos Trip. Watching your adventures convinced me to go out and have my own here in little old England. I started off the year with a cheap single layer board and now I have a fanatic air touring. You can really notice the difference between cheaper boards and the upper level ones (still love cheap one though 😅). Anyway, keep up the good work dude.

[@donjohnsmusic3116]

We watched your videos on paddle boards and after your excellent videos, we went with the Blackfin for my wife! It came today and what incredible quality! Can’t wait to see it in action. We hope to go out tomorrow! Thanks again for the great info!

[@eristicfreethinker2098]

Just bought an 11’ All Around board for exactly the reasons you selected it the best “all around” board. Great for lazy days just floating in a lake or down a river, paddling for exercise or outdoor fun, touring/camping, etc. I’ve installed a GCI stadium chair using four d rings and paddle with a combination paddle that lets me stand up or kneel to paddle and, by swapping the grip handle for another blade, paddle like a kayak. Sheer lazy comfort. The better pump and bag are non issues for me also as I mainly leave it inflated and bought the board during the Labor Day sale where the electric pump was included free. 😁

[@marlanm3586]

The front pocket on the Blackfin XL fits the pump & hose!

[@derekwagner2931]

I love my iRocker sport. I use the cup holder , the rod holder not so much. They’re pretty easy to fish off of, but I prefer using the hobie h crate attached to my board. Thanks Trip for the info!

[@annick9684]

Thx for this most informative review, the best I have found so far! Just ordered yesterday my first board and then this vid came out… I was wondering which one to go with, the iRocker or XL. I decided in favor for the XL just because of the touring advantage, having the option to get 2 kayak seats attached and still have enough room, and the bit better bag and paddle. After watching the vid I probably would choose the same board. Regarding the action mounts, I think they overdone it with the blackfin, I wished the placed the back one bit further down and on the side of the board or better leave it at all. I guess the side ones can come in handy for your cupholder if you have one (I got one for free in the European sale) for cruising trips. But the back ones, I don’t really see the point. Awaiting for my board to arrive , it is my first board and can’t wait to start. Btw I did buy a oudoormaster shark 2 pump (instead of the iRocker) and grabbed a star pump battery / powerbank with it as well. Just like the setup of the electric pump from iRocker.

[@dwmbama68]

Hey Trip, we love your videos!! We’re both going to be brand new to boarding (mainly bays and we’re going to take them to the Keys). I’m 6’1” 230 and my wife is 5’5” 115. We are thinking the XL for me and the X for her. You think we’re good? Should we consider one of the iRockers instead. Thanks man!

[@payakadventures]

I bought the blackfin XL on your recommendation maybe 4 years ago and have been very pleased. Getting ready to purchase an additional one for an upcoming vacation to Destin. I love my XL but thinking about the V. And definitely picking up an electric pump now that I will have 2 boards.

[@TripSmith]

Hey awesome! the V is pretty nice....

[@payakadventures]

@@TripSmith looking at throwing a bixby on it for giggles. Would be a nice addition with 8 kayaks and 2 paddleboards.

[@SamuelZamora]

Really nice video! All the small details are very good to know. Thanks and well done 👏

[@TripSmith]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment!

[@BulletNG]

great review. thanks

[@chrisfields8077]

Thanks for the vid! Have you looked at the sea eagle needle nose line?

[@TripSmith]

I have! and would love to try one, they are pretty innovative....

[@dieselrugg]

Just bought a new blackfin V. I had to replace another iSUP touring board that I bought 7 years ago. I’ll let you know how it performs 😎. Still not sure if I’ll make it to rockadock this year 🤔🤔🤔

[@stephenmcfarlane7083]

Thank you for your video… you save me a lot of time.. it will help me make the right decision .. good job

[@TripSmith]

You're welcome!

[@christopherfarrell9227]

I have an iRocker All Around 11×32. The board is just great!

[@ProbablyStonedComments]

So I had to evacuate for this hurricane and ended up goin through Dothan. I tell my my wife, hey this is where that guy that I watch on KZbin with the kayaks is from, the one who always has his shirt off🤣. She says, oh Trip? So there ya go it’s official, you’re famous.

[@TripSmith]

Haha! That's funny ;)

[@bert5660]

I know you suggest starting off with a used kayak as an option. Do you recommend the same for a inflatable SUP? iRocker has some Blackfin's on their website for a nice price. Thanks for the info and inspiration.

[@TripSmith]

That's a hard question for me to answer. We/I don't know a lot about the life span of an ISUPs. I had three new irockers sent to me for filming. One of them (irocker), the attachment s on the top deck starting coming off.... Another, (blackfin) had a seam failure which ruined the board. The third one.... I've blown it up once but am now hesitant to use it with my experience with the other two.... But then I have my original blackfin which is still going strong.

[@bert5660]

@@TripSmith OK. Thanks for the info.

[@travelclipsByAtef]

What do you think about the Blackfin X (10'6") 2023 model compared to the XL? Also, since you have other boards, do you have any other recommendations to consider other than the Blackfin?

[@TripSmith]

I'd say go with the slightly longer board as it doesn't add much weight or cost.... More length generally is better. Only board/brand I've never had an issue with is my Red Paddle Co....

[@travelclipsByAtef]

Many thanks for sharing. I also learned about the Red Paddle SUPs durability.. For now I went with Earth River gen-3.

[@patrickrossi7279]

Heyyy man. Got the Blackfin XL. Cruise Ginnie Springs in style.

[@TripSmith]

Awesome Patrick!!! Enjoy

[@raczyk]

Which would you recommend for a river, any board have a retractable fin?

[@TripSmith]

Most of the time I'm on a river and using my normal fin. You can but river fins that are shorter with more surface area. Or buy an extra and trim it down ;)

[@Atheist81]

That Blackfin does look & sound pretty cool but I love the looks of that IRocker all around board. 🤙🏻

[@TripSmith]

I agree with ya there. The colors on the all around are my preference.

[@DHamm912]

Trip what cameras are you working with.

[@angiecarlton826]

Yes let us know! Thanks

[@filipneacsu7128]

Hi trip what’s the best board I can get for something that is less for 200 that you see is still good quality and if you could thank you

[@TripSmith]

Shew..... I don't think I'd suggest anything in that price range. Find yourself a cheap used kayak would be my suggestion.

[@filipneacsu7128]

@@TripSmith ok but are used paddle boards good to? Because I don't live near any water and was looking for something portable when we go the the beach.

[@petehorton5591]

Thanks for the info.

[@TripSmith]

You're welcome!

[@raczyk]

What kind of sandals are you wearing?

[@TripSmith]

Earth Runners! I wear them every day I can. Ran 2 miles in them this morning doing the Murph workout ;) Use Coupon Code TRIP10 to save 10% earthrunners.com/?rfsn=6743792.b578ed

[@jasonMMorris]

I have a bluefin tandem 15ft for long river camps, I travel alone and can put a huge amount of kit on to last me months. The boards awesome but the bluefin bags 😬 pathetic. And I use the ryobi car pressure tool p+one and batteries double up with the USB charger gadget. Looking in to an electric motorised prop and allow it to take the ryobi batz. Bang tidy

[@CrabbyPattydelight]

Ide just get a generic bahabag and pick my own paddle, just get the cheap one for 200, I'm only like 6 foot 152 lbs should be fine

[@TripSmith]

Maybe.... GIve it a try and report back in 12-18 months. But enjoy it none the less!

[@randallcrenshaw3871]

I have 3 irockers all arounds one 10 and two 11’s good quality fins are ok dont use a tri fin setup just run a single, paddles are ok a little flex and the bags are solid…… no complaints I also have a few other boards and find the ride only behind a old board works 10’6”

[@TripSmith]

Thanks for the input Randall!!!!

[@Jason-qe4tp]

Trip you got a stiff neck brother? Lol! Thanks that video helped alot!!

[@waden404]

I noticed that as well.

[@dp4auburn]

Might be time to invest in an external clip on mic for these types of vids. I feel like it would help drastically when you’re doing the wide shots when you’re not very close to the camera. 👍

[@arthurmanderson4892]

Blackfin XL-Don't be cheap, LOL!!!

[@shugyoforyou211]

Pay more, cry once 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@johnhall7475]

I hope you mean "not inexpensive," and not the catastrophic blow-outs resulting in the subsequent recall of more than 300 (of THESE) boards, followed by inadequate response by the marketer. Owners' comments were warnings enough for me. I'm glad as heck I own/use/share iSUP's from other brands (8). 6 FunWater (my personal favorite has been out over 300 yes three hundred times) and 2 Feath-R-Lite are my faves, 11'6"×32"x6" touring, great on the Tallapoosa River, Cherokee Bluffs. My quiver => 20 iSUP's; Im a bit of an outfitter/explorer...not a noob. I get an average 2hs., and average a SUP session every day of the year. Just sayin'.

[@tomhua4633]

Would the all around be stable and good for fishing?

[@TripSmith]

In my opinion, yes it would. 👍

[@scotf7313]

Do the paddles float.

[@arthurmanderson4892]

Yeah, right to the bottom, LOL!!!

[@kristenmurphy4122]

They DO!

[@MiniFun92]

paddle flex is not waseing energy... it is not alowing u to reach ur maximum performance. So it doesnt matter unles ur looking for minor performance advantage in speed.

[@TripSmith]

That is correct. I guess when I said flex, I meant more shaft looseness in the joints. Flex actually is a good thing in a way (i think I learned that a few years ago) because of the spring action near the end of the stroke....

[@Blackwatercowboy1]

Think a dog would pop them instantly?

[@TripSmith]

Oh no, they are much tougher than you think. Had my dog and my two sons on mine last week 👍🏼

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

Hay trip smith I am at Walmart in dothan just wondering if you whould like to come by and say hi

[@guwop2234]

whats up with all the weird photos on the wall

[@TripSmith]

Heck if I know. Maybe my wife knows?