When selecting inflatable paddle boards, I did some major research, and I mean major. I looked into 26 brands, and out of those 26 brands, I determined what I consider are the top 4 inflatable paddleboards. So here it is, my inflatable stand up paddle boards review.
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But before my Inflatable Stand Up Paddle boards Review, First I Must Determine My Inflatable Paddle Boards Criteria…
So I started reading and reading and reading about all the different paddle boards and what they had to offer. Feeling overwhelmed by all the minor differences in the huge variety of options, I decided I needed a more organized approach to research paddleboards. So before I continued the search, I sat down and thought about what my criteria were for the ultimate inflatable paddleboard.
Here are my Inflatable Paddle Board Must-Haves:
1. Durability
This was absolutely a must. Sure, you could get super cheap paddleboards, but would they fall apart? I love paddle boarding and on average paddleboard about once a week; so I needed something that would last. I decided I didn’t want a paddleboard if it had less than a 2-year warranty. As I see it, any company that included a 2-year warranty must feel confident in their product’s durability. I also wanted the inflatable to have fantastic reviews attesting to great durability, convenience, and portability.
Side note: High-quality inflatable boards are often more durable than hard boards. In fact, I noticed many brands offer a 2-year warranty for their inflatables while only offering a 1-year warranty for their hardboard counterparts.
Side note 2: To make sure your paddleboard lasts, you need to pick a board that will hold the weight you plan on loading onto the board. Our paddleboard holds 400 lbs. so it can easily hold me, my child, coolers filled with drinks, and chairs.
2. I Wanted the Backpack, Paddle, Leash, and Pump Included
Okay, so once we get past the quality of the boards, I started being nit-picky. For me, I wanted the backpack and paddle included in the purchase of the board. I felt like I am getting an inflatable BECAUSE they are portable. In other words, they are easy to grab, throw in the back of the car, and go. I feel like the backpack and pump are part of what gives a PORTABLE inflatable its identity. You need these things for an inflatable paddleboard to perform as it is intended to perform.
3. I Wanted Action Mounts or Scotty Mounts Included on the Board
Almost all inflatables come with D-rings and storing-straps. Action mounts take a paddleboard to the next level as far as attachment capability. These are places on the board where you can screw in attachments. With these action mounts, you can add cup holders, fishing pole attachments, phone stands, go pros, and more. It’s just a really nice addition that not all paddle boards have.
With these criteria in Mind, Here are is My Top Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards Review (They are Not in Ranking Order)
1. Gili Inflatable Paddle Boards
The Gili Inflatable Paddle Board comes with a 2-year warranty, and all the goodies (backpack, paddle, and pump). However, some of the boards come with a one-chamber pump so I would recommend getting a dual-chamber pump or an electric pump. (I like having an electric pump anyway, no matter what board I am using). The Gili boards come with a variety of action mounts, d-rings, and bungee storage areas, depending on which board you get.
Best Gili for Exercise/Yoga/Family Outings/Leisure
I love to do workouts on my paddleboard (See one of my Paddle Board Workout Routines Here). The best boards for workouts are going to be extra stable. You will also want to choose boards with an extra-large deck. The deck should provide a nice amount of traction and some padding for support. The wide boards also provide enough room for multiple passengers. My daughter and I can comfortably sit together on my extra-large paddle board deck. Gili has several boards that will do nicely for exercising and family leisure. The Gili Meno or Gili Komodo is a great board for exercising because it has a large deck and ample traction. The Gili Komodo also comes with a paddle holder so that you can store your paddle out of the way while exercising.
Best Gili For Speed and Distance
The Gili Meno and the Gili Adventure Inflatable Paddle Boards are great for touring. These boards have a pointed nose and increased rocker for optimal performance in the water.
2. Nixy Inflatable Paddle Board
The Nixy Inflatable Paddle Board is super durable because of the dual-layer PVC and reinforced carbon side rails. This durable board comes with a 2-year warranty, a backpack on wheels, a three-piece storable paddle, and a dual-chamber triple action pump. A dual-chamber triple action pump is much easier to pump than a single chamber pump. I can pump up the floats with these high-quality pumps within minutes; whereas, I have a hard time pumping up the floats with a single chamber pump. The Nixy has ample attachment and storage capability. For example, the Nixy Venice Cruiser has 16 D-rings, 5 action mounts, and two bungee storage areas.
The Best Nixy for Exercise/Yoga/Family Leisure
The Nixy Venice Cruiser has a large, wide deck and a thick deck pad, which is ideal for exercise. This wide and longboard are perfect to spread out while doing planks and push-ups. This board also has a paddle holder so that you can store the paddle out of the way while you are doing your workout or yoga. The Nixy Venice Cruiser is also capable of holding two kayak seat attachments.
Best Nixy for Speed and Distance
The Nixy Manhattan is made for speed and performance. It’s perfect for advanced paddle boarders ready to take it to the next level.
3. iRocker Inflatable Paddle Board
The irocker inflatable paddleboard is extremely durable thanks to its triple-layer military-grade material, and it meets my criteria by including a 2-year warranty. The iRocker Cruiser currently comes with a matching wheeled backpack, 20 d-rings, 2 bungee storage areas, and the must-have (at least for me) 4 action mounts. It also comes with the super important dual chamber, triple action pump. Most of the paddleboards I researched only come with a one-chamber pump. One chamber pumps are super hard to use. In fact, some may find them near impossible.
The Best iRocker for Exercise/Yoga/Family Outings/Leisure
The iRocker Cruiser and the Blackfin Model X are my picks when it comes to the best boards for exercise, family outings, and leisure. The decks are padded with a foam no-slip pad so they provide plenty of cushion and grip for your paddleboard workouts. With a larger deck, you can also spread out and relax. I love throwing anchors, lying down, and simply relaxing on these spacious boards.
Best iRocker for Speed and Distance
The Blackfin Model V and the iRocker Sport are the best picks if you are looking for speed, distance, and performance. The V shape and width help these boards speed through the water.
4. Bluefin Inflatable Paddle Board
Get this! The Bluefin, with its military-grade PVC construction, includes a 5-year warranty! Now that is some warranty! The Bluefins comes with a backpack, paddle, and dual-chamber pump. This board has slightly less attachment capability than the others with 14 d-rings, 2 bungee storage areas, and only 1 action mount.
The Best Bluefin Board for Exercise/Yoga/Family Outings/Leisure
I would say the Bluefin Cruise is the best choice when it comes to having plenty of room for family outings and exercise thanks to its extra-large grip deck.
The Best Bluefin for Speed and Distance
You will want the Bluefin Sprint if you are looking for a racing, touring, or distance paddleboard. This board was built with speed in mind.
Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Review Summary
And there you have it, my top inflatable stand up paddle board picks.
To recap, my top four brands are Gili, Nixy, iRocker/Blackfin, and Bluefin.
For exercise, family outings, and leisure, I like the Gili Komodo, Nixy Venices Cruiser, iRocker Cruiser, Blackfin Model X. and Bluefin Cruiser. For speed and distance, I recommend the Bluefin Sprint, iRocker Sport, Blackfin Model V, Nixy Manhattan, and the Gili Adventure.