BEST HIGH-END PADDLE BOARDS
- BEST PERFORMANCE: Red Paddle Co 11’3 Sport
- BEST FOR LARGE PADDLERS: Blackfin Model XL
- BEST STABILITY: BOTE HD Aero 11′6
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Honu Byron 10’6
- BEST FOR SMALL PADDLERS: Huntington G4 Ultra Compact
COMPARISON OF MY HIGH-END PADDLE BOARDS
| PRODUCT | PRICE RANGE | USE | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT | CAPACITY | COMES WITH | REVIEW | SHOP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BEST PERFORMANCE Red Paddle Co 11’3 |
Very high | All-around/touring hybrid | 11’3″x32″x4.7″ | 22 lbs | 242 lbs | – Backpack – Paddle – Pump – Fin – Leash – Repair kit – RSS battens – Phone dry bag |
Jump to Review |
Check Price on REI.com |
BEST FOR LARGE PADDLERS Blackfin Model XL |
High | All-Around |
11’6”x34”x6” | 29 lbs |
485 lbs |
– Carbon paddle – 2-chamber 3-action pump – Leash – Roller backpack – 3 fins – Repair kit |
Jump to Review |
Check Price on iRockerSUP.com |
BEST STABILITY BOTE HD Aero 11′6 |
High | All-around |
11′6″x34″x6″ | 30 lbs |
315 lbs |
– Backpack – Paddle – Pump – Fin – Rac receivers – Paddle sheath – Repair kit |
Jump to Review |
Check Price on BoteBoard.com |
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT Honu Byron 10’6 |
High | All-around |
10’6x32″x4.72″ | 16.9 lbs |
250 lbs |
– Wheeled backpack – 2-action pump – Fin – Leash – Repair kit – No paddle |
Jump to Review |
Check Price on HonuBoards.com |
BEST FOR SMALL PADDLERS Huntington G4 Ultra Compact |
Mid to high |
All-around |
9’6x32”x6” |
18.75 lbs |
250 lbs |
– Carbon fiber paddle – 2-chamber 3-stage pump – Backpack – Leash – 2 fins – Repair kit |
Jump to Review |
Check Price on NixySports.com |
HIGH-END PADDLE BOARDS REVIEWS
Red Paddle Co 11’3 Sport
BEST PERFORMANCE
| WHAT I LIKE | WHAT I DON’T LIKE |
|---|---|
| – Very stable – Lightweight – Great performance – Beginner friendly – Solid maneuverability – Very durable MSL construction – Maintains a largely straight line – Comes with the best manual pump on the market and a very durable backpack – Grippy and comfortable deck pad | – Very high price tag |
IDEAL CHOICE FOR:
- Beginners with deep pockets looking for a very stable padle board
- People looking for an easy to handle paddle bord
- Advanced paddlers looking for a good performing SUP
- Paddlers looking for a SUP with high end accessories
- Advanturers looking for a touring SUP that still does well in other categories
GREAT IN/FOR:
- Flat water
- Recreational paddling
- River running after some practice
QUICK SPECS
- Price range: Very high
- Main use: All-around/touring hybrid
- Dimensions: 11’3″ x 32″ x 4.7″
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Weight capacity: 242 lbs
- Comes with: Backpack, Paddle, Pump, Fin, Leash, Repair kit, RSS battens, Phone dry bag
TODAY’S PRICE
Red Paddle Co 11’3 Sport Review
- GLIDE & SPEED
The Red Paddle Co 11’3 is able to build speed faster and keep up with longer racing/touring paddle boards due to its tail tight edge that improved water release and nose design that reduces drag.
- STABILITY
The combination of the very durable MSL construction, the RSS baton system, and the reinforced taped rails makes this board have great stability even with a kids, pet, or another lighter adult paddler on board.
- TRACKING
On the Red Paddle Co 11’3 Sport, you can maintain a straight line even if you are still a beginner with non perfect paddling form.
- MANEUVERABILITY
This board is easier to maneuver due to its thickness of just 4.7’’ that let you sit closer to the water and better than many other similarly shaped touring paddleboards because is not so long.
- PORTABILITY
The Red Paddle Co 11’3 Sport is easy to carry even for younger and shorter paddlers because its lightweight.
Getting it to the water or out of it, you have the center handle to to carry it by yourself or the nose and rear ones if someone is helping you.
- EASE OF INFLATION
Because the kit includes a high end hand pump, this paddle board can be completely inflated in less than five minutes without even breaking a sweat.
- ACCESSORIES
The Red Paddle Co 11’3 Sport comes with everything needed to start having fun.
Compared to the previous model, the new kit hand pump (Titan II) is now more compact and easier to store because the handles are removable and does not force you to spread your feet so far to stabilise it. For performance, I can say that this one is amongst if not the best hand pump on the market.
The paddle you get in the package is adjustable and easy to pack with a lightweight shaft and a durable blade.
The backpack is very durable with its bonded nylon thread and double-stitched seams and able to regulate the internal temperature to protect everything inside from overheating. It can also be carried comfortably by short and tall paddlers with the adjustable straps and the wheels that let you roll it using one hand.
Blackfin Model XL
BEST FOR LARGE PADDLERS
| WHAT I LIKE | WHAT I DON’T LIKE |
|---|---|
| – Seriously stable board – Its construction makes it feels solid under feet – High weight capacity – Tracks very well – Turns easy using the step-back technique – Comes with high-end hand pump and backpack – Plenty of attachment points to easily customize it depending on your needs – Versatile | – The rear action mounts placement take out of the important deck pad real estate |
IDEAL CHOICE FOR:
- People looking to go on long touring SUP adventures
- Beginners looking for a stable paddle board
- People looing for the best paddle boards for big guys
- Anglers looking for a great fishing paddle board
- Parents who often SUP padde with a kids or pets
- Paddlers who need to bring a lot of gear or equipement
GREAT IN/FOR:
- Flat water
- Fishing
- Ocean
- Rivers
- Small waves surfing
QUICK SPECS
- Price Range: High
- Main use: All-Around
- Dimensions: 11’6”x34”x6”
- Weight: 29 lbs
- Weight capacity: 485 lbs
- Comes with: Carbon paddle, 2-chamber 3-action pump, Leash, Roller backpack, 3 fins, Repair kit
TODAY’S PRICE
Blackfin Model XL Review
- GLIDE & SPEED
The Blackfin Model XL speed is impressive.
Its high stability capacity help you execute vertical strokes and reduce drag by shifting your weight to one side while paddling.
- STABILITY
Because this bord is well-built, very large and extremely voluminous, it really excels in stability. It remains stable even if you bring a lot of gear/equipement or have another adult on board.
- TRACKING
The Blackfin Model XL is able to track very well due to the longer water line, slightly narrower shape, and triple fin setup.
- MANEUVERABILITY
This board is good when you try to turn it using the step-back technique but its 11’6 of length makes it resist more basic turning techniques.
- PORTABILITY
The heavy weight of just the board makes the package not easy to carry on the back for long distance.
- ACCESSORIES
The Blackfin Model XL comes with everything needed to start having fun on the water.
Starting by the kit paddle, it is really very nice with its durable nylon blade and carbon-fiber shaft but it still has some twist on the shaft.
The hand pump you get is a dual chamber, triple action one that does not eave you out of breath and fairly effective if you compare it other kit pumps.
The included backpack has nice padded straps and back and plenty of features to keep your gear stored and organized. Another thing that I liked about this bag is that it comes with wheels to simply roll it using just one hand.
BOTE HD Aero 11’6
BEST STABILITY
| WHAT I LIKE | WHAT I DON’T LIKE |
|---|---|
| – Extremely stable – Reasonably fast for an all around SUP – Fairly easy to turn using the step back technique – Its very stiff constrution makes it very sturdy – Comes with plenty of accessories – Useful paddle sheath when you want to free your hands – Nose and tail are more durable with the extra PVC underneath | – Side fins that are angled fairly steeply against the forward plane provides additional drag – The wider width makes it hard for paddlers with shorter arms to execute perfectly vertical strokes – The kit paddle s slightly heavy – Comes with no ankle leash |
IDEAL CHOICE FOR:
- Beginners looking for the most stable paddle board to be stable in almost all conditions
- Larger paddlers looking who bring a child or pet with them
- Anglers who needs to carry a lot of gear of equipement
- Paddlers who want to customise their addle with a lot of accessories
GREAT IN/FOR:
- Flat water
- Ocean
- Fishing
QUICK SPECS
- Price range: High
- Main use: All-around
- Dimensions: 11′6″ x 34″ x 6″
- Weight: 30 lbs
- Weight capacity: 315 lbs
- Comes with: Backpack, Paddle, Pump, Fin, Rac receivers, Paddle sheath, Repair kit
TODAY’S PRICE
BOTE HD Aero 11′6 Review
- GLIDE & SPEED
The BOTE HD Aero 11′6 glides through the water very well.
Due to its length, it can be fast as touring SUPs but its wider width slow it down a little bit. While it is not the fastest, it remains better then expected in terms of speed from a similarly-shaped iSUP.
- STABILITY
This board is really very stable in most water conditions due to its longer water line, wider width, and two molded fins that are angled fairly steeply against the forward plane.
- TRACKING
Compared to other boards, the BOTE HD Aero 11′6 does not track as well as the Blackfin Model XL due to its short side fins and wider width that makes it hard to execute vertical strokes for paddlers with short arms.
- MANEUVERABILITY
Because this board is not short or lighter, it is not easy to maneuver if you do not use intermediate paddle techniques.
Since the tail is very wide and the deck pad cover the rear end of the board, you can fairly easy turn it using the step back technique.
- PORTABILITY
Just the paddle board itself weighs 30 lbs, so when you add the weight of the accessories the package becomes heavy to carry. Fortunately, the very nice backpack feels relatively comfortable on your back.
You also can get yourself the Travelink carry sling that let you remove all the weight from your arms and ergonomically carry it with your shoulders and back.
- EASE OF INFLATION
Inflating the BOTE HD Aero 11′6 using the kit phand pump take a fair amount of work and can be completed in about 10 minutes.
- ACCESSORIES
The BOTE HD Aero 11′6 comes with more than everything needed to start having fun on the water, except the ankle leash.
Starting by the kit paddle, it is on the entry-level side of paddles and slightly heavy but remains very durable with its ABS plastic blade and not bad for a kit paddle.
The hand pump you get is a single chamber one that is not powerful when you compare it to dual-chamber hand pumps but it still gets the job done sufficiently.
The heavy duty zippers and high quality materials makes the backpack very nice and feels relatively comfortable on the back. The other thing that I liked about it is the wheels that makes transporting this heavy board easier using just one hand.
The other accessory that you will not see with many other boards is the paddle sheath that is great when you want to take selfie, take a sip of beverage, or just free your hands.
Honu Byron 10’6
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT
| WHAT I LIKE | WHAT I DON’T LIKE |
|---|---|
| – Ultra light weight – Versatile – Competitive price – Faster to inflate due to its thickness of just 4.72″ – Include a comfortable to carry backpack that have wheels – The hand pump is also lightweight, ergonomic, and fits nicely in the backpack – With every purchace, the company donates towards protecting the ocean | – You have to buy the paddle separetly, but you can get it on a discount if you bundle it |
IDEAL CHOICE FOR:
- Smaller paddlers looking for an easy to take out and convenient to use
- Parents who want to bring out the familly for fun on the water
- Intermediate paddlers who want a SUP board that can takle some light surf
- People seeking a faster to inflate board
GREAT IN/FOR:
- Flat water
- Light surf
QUICK SPECS
- Price range: High
- Main use: All-around
- Dimensions: 10’6 x 32″ x 4.72″
- Weight: 16.9 lbs
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Comes with: Wheeled backpack, 2-action pump, Fin, Leash, Repair kit, No paddle
TODAY’S PRICE
Honu Byron 10’6 Review
- GLIDE & SPEED
On he water, the Honu Byron 10’6 doesn’t take much effort to glide through the water and cruises along nicely.
- STABILITY
Despite its thickness of just 4.72″, even when loaded up with gear, its strong durable construction keep it stable.
In waves and chop, it does need more focus to stay stable.
- TRACKING
Even though the board use just one large fin, it still tracks straight.
- MANEUVERABILITY
The smaller size and lighter weight of the board, combined with its thicknness that help you connect better to the water allows you to turn very easily the board and play around with.
- PORTABILITY
Because the Honu Byron 10’6 is amongst the lightest paddle boards and its backpack has wheels, you can easily carry it or roll it like a suitcase.
- EASE OF INFLATION
Using the kit hand pump, you can completely inflate this board to 15 PSI uner 7 minutes.
- ACCESSORIES
The Honu Byron 10’6 comes with many accessories but not paddle.
The backpak you get is comfortable to carry that opens on three sides, with adjustable shoulder and chest straps, and really sturdy handles.
Another feature that I liked about this backpack is the integrated wheels that help you easily pull the bag, especially for kids and weak adults.
The kit pump is a single chamber dual action hand pump that works great and feel good to use with integrated wheels that let you roll it like a suitcase.
Huntington G4 Ultra Compact
BEST FOR SMALL PADDLERS
| WHAT I LIKE | WHAT I DON’T LIKE |
|---|---|
| – Extremely lightweight – Very solid and well built – Stable even for beginner paddlers – Easy to carry, even for smaller paddlers – Tracks very well -Really easy to get up to speed – Easy to turn and guide – Easy to store – Efficient hand pump – The compact backpack can fit in places where almost all other ones can’t – The kit is similar to the ones you upgrade to | – Start to get less tracking with paddlers over 180 lbs |
IDEAL CHOICE FOR:
- People looking for an extremely lightweight SUP board that is easy to carry
- Paddlers under 200 lbs
- Paddlers looking for a paddle board with high-end accessories
- Beginners looking for great stability on the water
- Those looking for a very compact paddle board package
GREAT IN/FOR:
- Flat water
- Small wave surfing
- Light ocean paddling
- Paddling with friends
QUICK SPECS
- Price range: Mid to high
- Main use: All-around
- Dimensions: 9’6 x 32” x 6”
- Weight: 18.75 lbs
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Comes with: Carbon fiber paddle, 2-chamber 3-stage pump, Backpack, Leash, 2 fins, Repair kit
TODAY’S PRICE
Nixy Huntington G4 Ultra-Compact Review
- GLIDE & SPEED
Because the Nixy Huntington G4 Ultra Compact is lightweight, you can easily get up o speed but its shorter and wider shape make i slower than a touring paddle board.
- STABILITY
This board is very stable and easy to maintain your balance on even if you are a larger paddler.
- TRACKING
Due to its two large fins, it is able to keep a straight line much better than anticipated.
- MANEUVERABILITY
The lighter weight of the Nixy Huntington G4 Ultra Compact makes it extremely maneuverable and easy to turn.
- PORTABILITY
When it is fully inflated, you can easily carry it around using the convenient carrying handle in the center.
- EASE OF INFLATION
I dont know the exact time required to full inflate this board, but I can say that, using the dual-chamber tripe-action kit pump, you can inflate it completely in about 7 to 13 minutes depending on you.
Despite if the kit hand pump is good or not, I always see that an electric SUP pump remains always the first upgrade to have.
- ACCESSORIES
The Nixy Huntington G4 Ultra Compact comes with everything needed to start having fun on the water.
Starting by the pump, it is dual-chamber triple-action hand pump that makes the job easier and more efficient, compared to simple single-chamber ones.
The feet that fold up and the removable handles makes it more packable for easy storage.
The Carbon fiber hybrid paddle you get is similar to premium ones you upgrade to. It has a firm connection and instead of three, it uses four pieces that makes it easy to fit in small bags.
The backpack you get with the package is much more compact compared to all SUP bags I have seen before. It compact size makes it easy to store and much more comfortable to carry on the back.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST HIGH-END PADDLE BOARDS
SOLID VS INFLATABLE
| SOLID | INFLATABLE | |
|---|---|---|
| PROS | – More rigid – Provide a more stable feel – Best performance – Travel faster – Require less effort to move on the water – Smoother glide | – Require less space to store or transport – Handles rocks and logs bumps way better – More comfortable to stand on |
HULL TYPE
- Planning hull: this type of hull is flat, wide, and rides on top of the water and is very maneuverable, which is ideal for whitewater.
- Displacement hull: this type of hulls cuts through the water and push water to the sides for a smooth and fast rie, whih is ideal for racing and touring.
VOLUME
The paddle board volume is expressed in liters and its what indicates its ability to float on water.
The more volume a board has the more weight it can support.
WEIGHT CAPACITY
The board weight capacity is expressed in pounds.
The closer your total weight is to the board weight capacity the less efficient your paddling becomes.
Do not forget to count the weight of the gear and equipment you will bring with you on board.
FAQ
MY BEST HIGH-END PADDLE BOARDS ARE…
– BEST PERFORMANCE: Red Paddle Co 11’3 Sport
– BEST FOR LARGE PADDLERS: Blackfin Model XL
– BEST STABILITY: BOTE HD Aero 11′6
– BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Honu Byron 10’6
– BEST FOR SMALL PADDLERS: Huntington G4 Ultra Compact
MY BEST PERFORMING HIGH-END PADLE BOARD IS…
If you are looking for the best performing high-end paddle board, I will recommend you the Red Paddle Co 11’3 Sport.
This board is very stable, lightweight, able to maintain a straight line, has solid maneuverability, great performance, comes with the best manual pump on the market and a very durable backpack.
Updated on March 17, 2022 by Ben