The ULTIMATE Inflatable vs. Hard Race Board Comparison.

[@ethanhuffsup]

So, which board do you prefer?

[@mountainhomelodge6324]

Great video. This really shows that it would be wonderful to have a 14' hard board, BUT...storage, durability and the cost, 2.5 times that of an inflatable makes a hard board a challenging buy. Don't forget the board bag too. I have been anxiously awaiting this video to help me decide on my purchase. I don't race, however I enjoy speed and efficiency, storing a 14' hard board is not an option for me, most of my paddling is on flat to light chop water, width is a variable, but as Ethan points out, an inflatable is simply going to require more width for stability. This seals the deal for me , inflatable is a must in my situation. PS...I have a 12-6 Hollow Carbon board, great board, but I need the new board at a different location and I definitely want more length, thus the "hard" decision to move from a hard board to an inflatable. Lastly, it would seem when it comes to racing there should be a consideration for the two different types of boards and in turn have two different classes of racing, hard & inflatable. Thanks again Ethan.

[@ethanhuffsup]

Thanks for sharing and best of luck with getting your next board! 😁 Also, at some races they do have a separate class for inflatables so that makes things a little more fare and fun.

[@mountainhomelodge6324]

Thank you and go to know about the racing.@@ethanhuffsup

[@OutdoorsyGuy604]

definately looks like the inflatable has a tough time keeping the same top speed, which makes sense. the real question is if starboard's unlimited 18' x 27" starboard airline would help with the top speed matching closer the hardboard.

[@mountainhomelodge6324]

Hi Ethan, I just wanted to follow up and thank you again for all your great advice. I did go with the Starboard Sprint 14x27 and the Black Project Tex Carbon medium paddle. I was able to get a number of paddles in and really found the Starboard to be enjoyable. I am glad I went with the 27" width. As you mentioned, the stability is good, but not like a rigid board where you tend to feel some platform as you start to reach a 10-20 degree roll angle. With the inflatable, once I start to roll the board, I need to work on being more reactionary to correct the roll with my balance or I am going to get wet. Your fin video was great, might consider the Black Project Ray for more stability, then the stock Starboard fin. The board tracks very well and the speed seems good too. With recording speed, what are you using, iPhone, gps, Strava, combo of, etc? Thanks so much and Happy New Year.

[@ethanhuffsup]

Awesome! I'm glad it's working out for you and you're enjoying it! There's always a learning curve with any new board but that's part of the fun. 😃 In regards to apps the main two I use with my Apple Watch are Paddle Logger or Strava. Paddle Logger has a better use experience and options for paddling since its build specifically for paddlers, but Strava if great because it's also a community platform. I simply recommend testing them both out and see which one you prefer. 🤙

[@shihb]

What is the difference in price between the 2? My impression is that hard boards are also significantly more expensive.

[@ethanhuffsup]

Great question! And I can’t believe I forgot to include that in the video. 😬 But, an inflatable race board will run somewhere between $1,000-$2,000 while a hard race board will run between $3,000-$4,500 now days. So, a big price difference between the two.

[@nlaplaca]

Nice analysis. Here's mine on the subject. I've been on a Red Paddle Co Elite 14x27 for several years and on the small lake I paddle that's about 3.7 miles around I typically wind up with anywhere between 4.9-5.2 Mph average speed depending on the wind. Although 5.2 was rare. My goal was alway at least 5.0. I now have a Starboard Allstar 14x24.5 and my typical average is 5.4. Was hoping for a little faster and I may get there. Have only had it 2 weeks. But I'm clearly faster on the hard board. Perhaps if they were both equal width it would be closer. Nonetheless I love the feel of the Allstar much better

[@ethanhuffsup]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing! 🤙

[@johnreinheimer508]

Great and informative video. I wonder how the performance test would go if you were on a 24.5" wide Starboard All Star Airline to make it more comparable to the 23" wide hard board?

[@ethanhuffsup]

It would defiantly help a little in terms of speed.

[@ARTIK-86]

Hi Ethan. I would like to ask you. If you inflate an inflatable board to 15 psi out of 15-18. How will the board behave against the wind? Will it sail? Does 3psi have a significant effect on the rigidity of the board for fast gliding through the water?

[@ethanhuffsup]

Great question. I can't tell you exactly how much 3psi will add to the rigidity of the board but overall yes, the higher the PSI the more rigid the board will be. When it comes to paddling again the wind you definitely want the board to be as rigid as possible to help it punch through the chop. Hope that helps you out. 🤙

[@danerik.westerlind]

I prefer performance on hard hard but need the durability of inflatable. Had a full carbon hardboard, I did a lot of repair, so I choose inflatable.

[@ethanhuffsup]

Thanks for sharing Dan! 🤙🏼

[@matteoschintu8219]

Hi Ethan! A 28 width for an inflatable would be better, right?

[@ethanhuffsup]

If you want more stability then yes. 👍

[@christhompson5553]

I just ordered the 28” for that reason - stability.