Inflatable paddle boards took the world of SUP by storm and so they proceed to achieve reputation.
Whereas these boards are inexpensive and sturdy, there are nonetheless doubts about their reliability. No one needs to spend some huge cash on a paddle board, just for it to return aside after just a few months (or pop while you take it out for a paddling session).
So, like many different individuals, you might be questioning: are inflatable paddle boards well worth the cash?
The easy reply is sure.
Sure, they’re completely well worth the cash! Inflatable SUPs have confirmed to be dependable, in every kind of circumstances.
Let’s get into the main points.
RELATED: What are the very best price range paddle boards of 2022?
How Are Inflatable Paddle Boards Completely different from Conventional Paddle Boards?
The primary distinction between a tough (i.e. ‘conventional’) board and an inflatable board is, unsurprisingly, the development.
Arduous paddle boards are constructed utilizing stable supplies like wooden, plastic, and fiberglass. They’re neither inflatable nor collapsible.
Inflatable paddle boards, then again, have a drop sew core and layer(s) of PVC on high of that. You inflate them earlier than use and so they’ll take the form of a SUP. When you’re achieved you’ll be able to deflate and roll them up for storage.
Do Inflatable Paddle Boards Pop Simply: Are They Secure?
This is a vital query as a result of relating to water security, you’ll be able to’t be too cautious. Moreover, there have been circumstances of inflatable SUPs popping so it’s truly a very good query.
However you don’t have anything to fret about. Inflatable boards are protected and don’t pop simply. The supplies used to make a high quality inflatable paddle board are military-grade. Your SUP can take a beating and deal with any type of situation.
Attempt to keep away from low cost no-name inflatable boards as these could have poorly achieved seams that may pop simply.
Why Inflatable Paddle Boards Are Definitely worth the Cash
I might confidently vouch for inflatable get up paddle boards any day, and right here’s why.
Inflatable SUP Boards Are Extra Sturdy
iSUPs are harder than stable paddle boards and so they deal with influence higher. The military-strength materials used to make iSUPs doesn’t puncture simply. Your inflatable may even probably bounce off an impediment as a substitute of getting broken.
You possibly can drop your inflatable on concrete or bump right into a rock whereas paddling a river and it gained’t get ruined.
You possibly can’t say the identical a few conventional paddle board. They dent extra simply.
In case you take excellent care of an inflatable board it could possibly final a lifetime, particularly if it’s top quality.
iSUPs Are Extra Reasonably priced
The value of SUP boards ranges from $200 to about $3000. These on the cheaper facet are largely inflatable. It’s straightforward to discover a high quality and sturdy iSUP for lower than $500 and one with premium options for about $700.
Most respected inflatable corporations even make an entry-level board that’s nonetheless well-made however cheaper than their different boards. You don’t want to interrupt the financial institution to get an awesome iSUP that may final.
This isn’t the case with conventional paddle boards. A great arduous paddle board will price you not less than $1000.
They Are Simple to Retailer and to Carry Round
Inflatable SUP boards might be deflated, rolled up, and packed right into a bag which you could simply carry round. They may even slot in smaller areas like underneath the mattress, in your closet, or right into a nook someplace–good in case you have restricted space for storing.
These boards are usually lighter and even smaller paddlers can carry them too.
Arduous boards are slightly heavier and you’ll’t roll them up. Carrying a tough SUP board, particularly an extended racing board or giant fishing SUP, will not be a enjoyable activity. And don’t overlook that it’s important to purchase a roof rack for transporting it together with your automobile too.
You additionally want large space for storing–so in case you have a small house a stable board could not even be an possibility for you.
Inflatable Boards Are Nice for All Sorts of SUP Actions
Another excuse why I imagine that inflatable boards are well worth the cash is due to how versatile they’re.
There’s a lot you are able to do with a very good all-around inflatable get up paddle board. You possibly can strive fundamental paddling, SUP health, brief SUP excursions together with your children or doggo, or perhaps a little whitewater paddle boarding.
What Concerning the Downsides?
In case you’re contemplating an inflatable paddle board, listed below are the downsides you have to be conscious of.
iSUPs Don’t Make the Greatest Efficiency Boards
The distinction in efficiency between inflatable SUPs and stable boards continues to get smaller. Nonetheless, arduous get up paddle boards are nonetheless the clear winners so far as efficiency is worried.
In case you’re in search of a high-performance racing or browsing paddle board, an epoxy SUP is the best choice.
Inflation Takes Time and Effort
I don’t know a single paddle boarder who enjoys the method of inflating and deflating a board, particularly with a hand pump. It takes effort and time that you just’d slightly use for paddle boarding.
Probably the greatest issues about conventional paddle boards is that they’re at all times able to go. You don’t have to fret about inflating or touring round with a pump.
How A lot Ought to I Spend on an Inflatable Paddle Board?
You have got seen that inflatable SUP boards might be ridiculously low cost or critically costly. What is an efficient quantity to spend on an iSUP and nonetheless make sure that you get a very good inflatable paddle board?
Sadly, there’s no clear reply as a result of there are a number of components concerned.
However right here is a simple technique to determine that out. What are you in search of?
Are you on a good price range and solely desire a fundamental inflatable SUP board for informal paddling? If the reply is sure then you’ll be able to put aside $350 to $500. That may get you a high quality however low cost inflatable paddle board, just like the Gili Air.
TIP: Learn our Gili Air Overview.
Mid-range inflatable SUP boards include higher options like a number of motion mounts for gear and higher high quality equipment. That is the place the extra standard inflatable paddle boards fall. They typically price $600 to $900.
In case you’re in search of a higher-quality board that’s versatile, that is the quantity you must count on to spend.
Now, when you want a premium high quality board, designed primarily for a particular SUP exercise like fishing, you may need to get an costly inflatable paddle board, costing $1000+. This might be a Pink Paddle Co board meant for racing or a Bote fishing SUP with all of the bells and whistles.
Are Low cost Inflatable Paddle Boards Any Good?
There are such a lot of low cost paddle boards in the marketplace and, actually, a few of them are fairly good.
In case you determine to get a less expensive board, I’d advise you to watch out as a result of it’s very straightforward to finish up with a low-quality paddle board with equally low-quality equipment.
You’ll quickly end up having to get a brand new paddle board after just a few months.
Sadly, most inflatable paddle boards within the sub $400 class can disappoint you. They characteristic poor high quality development and low-quality supplies so they may not final lengthy.
However in that class, it’s also possible to discover some good boards. All the time attempt to go along with an entry-level SUP from a good firm like iRocker, Bluefin SUP Boards, and Gili. They often have a less expensive various for rookies, however the boards are nonetheless made utilizing high-quality supplies.
It’s additionally essential to purchase a board with an inexpensive guarantee interval when you’re shopping for low cost–like one 12 months. This manner, you’ll be lined in case the paddle board is flawed.
Conclusion
So, are inflatable paddle boards well worth the cash? Sure, they’re!
Inflatable get up paddle boards characteristic drop sew development with PVC layers, making them extraordinarily sturdy. They deal with influence higher than epoxy boards as a result of they don’t dent as simply.
Opposite to what some individuals might imagine, iSUPs don’t pop simply. They don’t seem to be like low cost inflatable pool toys.
Lastly, inflatable boards are versatile and simple to move and retailer.
In case you’ve been occupied with getting an inflatable board, go for it! They’re dependable and superb.
