Best Inflatable Paddle Board
Are you looking for the best inflatable paddle board? There are so many options that the decision can be overwhelming. To help you out, here are in-depth reviews of some of the best inflatable paddle boards on the market. They’re all great products but they also come with compromises. Get all the information before you come to a decision.
1) SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
When it comes to searching for the best inflatable paddle board, you have to consider SereneLife. They make exquisitely well-built boards that come packed with features. The SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is one of their most ingenious products, although the design isn’t for everyone. To find out whether this is the paddle board for you, read this in-depth review.
Description
This is a sturdy paddle board for serious paddlers. At 10 feet and 6 inches long, you’ll have the confidence as you set off on the waves, stable and fully in control of your board. To complement this long length, the paddle board is extra wide at 32 inches. This adds an extra level of stability and sturdiness, leaving you more room for error before you fall into the water (as even the most experienced paddle boarders do!).
As one a contender for the best inflatable paddle board, this is extremely travel-friendly. It packs up small and can easily be transported. When you get to the beach, inflate the board in seconds and you’re ready to go. Despite its compact nature when deflated, you get the full range of features you’d expect from a paddle board when it’s all set up and ready to go. That includes a no-slip cushion that helps you to remain on your feet. When you inevitably do slip, the cushions are designed to break your fall so that you avoid pain and injuries.
This is a fantastic, top of the range paddle board that comes with plenty of accessories. If you’re planning to go paddling often, then you want something of this build quality. It has a great range of features, revealing a clever design process and attention to detail. However, there are some drawbacks to this design that you might want to consider. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference. Read this review to find out whether the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is the best inflatable paddle board for you.
Pros of the Paddle Board
If you’re into your paddle boards, then this really has a lot to offer. Firstly, let’s talk about transportation. Unless you live right next to a body of water – as in, it’s literally in your back yard – you probably don’t want to be lugging something big and heavy around. Now, this paddle board certainly is big (more on that later) but due to how well it compacts down, it’s been described as incredibly easy to transport. This is a true traveler’s tool. You can take it on all your road trips, whether your traveling up the coast of California or rolling down Australia’s Great Ocean Road.
Secondly, this is easy to set up. How frustrating is it when you have a hobby you love but it takes forever to get set up and ready to go? This can discourage you from doing it in the first place. Maybe you’re traveling with friends and they don’t want to be kept waiting. You might just decide to skip this session. Well, with the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board, you don’t have to hold back on your passion. People often worry that inflatable paddle boards are a pain to set up but this inflates in seconds, coming with a complete all-in-one blow up paddle kit. This kit is custom-made for this specific board and they work together in perfect harmony.
Finally, it’s important to mention the riding experience. The size of the board is designed to increase stability and control. In particular, it’s been designed extra wide. This might look odd to you at first if you prefer a streamlined aesthetic but trust us – once you try a wider board you’ll never go back. It just feels so much more stable, allowing you to stand for longer and get more out of your paddling.
The SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board also excels in maneuverability. With triple bottom panel fins and full steering capability, it gives you excellent control. You’re able to work with the paddle board rather than fighting against it. For all these reasons, this is a fantastic board for serious paddlers looking for a fun and easy experience that helps them get the most out of their time on the water.
Potential Drawbacks
No paddle board is perfect so it’s important for reviews to honestly discuss where this particular board might be lacking. Firstly, at more than $300, it isn’t cheap. It seems that in order to create a board that is so good on the water when also easy to transport, the makers had to spend a lot of cash. That’s fine if you value these features and have the money to spend but that’s not true of everyone.
Do you really need a blow-up paddle board or do you live close enough to the sea that a full-sized one will do? Secondly, do you need such a big board? Many paddlers prefer a sleeker model. Yes, it lacks some stability but this is made up for in agility and speed. You might find this board to be too cumbersome and prefer a smaller, lighter model that you can take more control of. Sometimes, an unstable board is actually better. It helps train your technique so you can become better at your hobby. You therefore may not want to pay for these fancy features. Also, these thinner and harder paddle boards just look a lot cooler. This one might not be to everyone’s tastes.
Really, though, these criticisms come down to personal preference. What do you want from a board? One paddler might absolutely love the design of this product while others view it as overkill and want something more traditional. The only way to know for certain is to try one out and see how it feels. You should have a natural instinct for whether the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is the best inflatable paddle board for you.
Special Features
- All-in-One Blow-Up Kit: Many users of blow-up paddle boards complain about the time it takes to get ready. When you buy the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board, it comes with an all-in-one blow-up kit that allows for easy setup. This includes an air pump that comes with its own travel bag for protection and easy transportation. The kit comes with an aluminum paddle and everything else you need to get out paddling as soon as possible.
- Triple Bottom Panel Fins: The factor that really sets this paddle board apart from others is the maneuverability capabilities. In particular, the triple bottom panel fins allow for more accurate tracking and greater control. The board doesn’t work alone but put all the components together and you have a seriously sophisticated bit of kit.
- Extra-wide board: Another unique aspect of this paddle board is its focus on stability. This is exemplified best by the large width that makes this board a lot wider than others. It might look a little goofy but paddlers agree that it adds incredible stability.
- Anti-slip deck: The final feature worth noting is the deck. Paddle boards can often become slippery quickly, making retaining balance when riding the waves becomes almost impossible. The SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board gets around that by offering a soft cushioned deck made from an anti-slip material.
If you’re looking for a rugged bit of kit that’s highly transportable and offers incredible stability on the water, then the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is for you. That’s why we think it might just be the best inflatable paddle board.
2) FEATH-R-LITE Inflatable
Another contender for the best inflatable paddle board award has to be the FEATH-R-LITE Inflatable. It looks a little cooler but has many of the same benefits as the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board. The two are similar in terms of specs but this one comes out as being much more affordable at just a touch over $200. You might sacrifice a little in terms of features and build quality but for this low price, is that something you can live with?
Description
The FEATH-R-LITE Inflatable is a beautiful board, designed from the bottom up to be as lightweight and transportable as possible. It’s inflatable, meaning it can easily be stored away. When opened up and ready use, however, it has the full range of features that passionate paddlers demand. This board has great balance for beginners while offering the technical capabilities required by more advanced paddle boarders.
In terms of specs, the FEATH-R-LITE Inflatable is 10 feet long, making is a full-sized board that hasn’t compromised in favor of transportability. It’s also reasonably wide at 30 inches, although it’s not quite as wide as the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle board. This makes for an arguably better aestethic but it could mean a less stable ride. The board is also 6 inches thick, which is plenty enough for a stable paddling session.
The board comes in a cool-looking white color, trimmed with your choice of blue or pink (one for him and one for her, perhaps?). At 17.6 pounds, this is a very lightweight paddle board that can easily be carried on your back using the backpack provided. Despite this low weight, it’s a durable paddle board, capable of supporting up to 220 pounds. That means it can comfortably support two riders.
If you’re wondering where the FEATH-R-LITE Inflatable is for you, here are the benefits, some drawbacks to consider, and the unique features. Check out this review to see whether this is the best inflatable paddle board for you.
Pros of the Paddle Board
The greatest advantage of this paddle board is how little it weighs. Have you ever tried lugging a paddle board down to the beach only to realize that it wasn’t worth the effort? Traditional boards are certainly cumbersome, whereas this board packs up into a travel bag meaning you can take it just about anywhere. It manages to still be a fully functional board with all the features you’d expect – read on to find out what they are!
Furthermore, this is a versatile board designed for all skill levels. Are you a complete beginner looking for a board to keep you balanced and upright? Then the FEATH-R-LITE Inflatable is for you. If, however, you’re an experienced paddler looking to take your skills to the next level, then this board is also for you. It offers comfort to new users while be flexible enough to cater to people looking to push themselves and get the most out of their paddling.
Finally, there’s the build quality. Although there are more premium boards out there, this one punches well above its weight especially when you consider the comparatively low price point. The board itself is strengthened using an extra PVC layer. If you thought an inflatable board could never be as durable as a traditional paddle board, then the FEATH-R-LITE will prove you wrong.
While there’s no doubt that this is a great board, it might not be for everybody. There are certain potential drawbacks to consider. Read on to find out what they are.
Potential Drawbacks
Before you decide that this board is definitely for you, remember that users have described a couple of potential problems. Firstly, there have been reports from a smaller number of paddlers that this bosrd doesn’t hold up to hard usage. Prolific paddlers found that the board leaks, water sinks in, and the foam padding starts peeling quickly. Beyond this, there are reports of the fins not fitting properly and the pump not working properly. Results are mixed but there’s some evidence of shoddy build-work.
Although this hasn’t been the case for the vast majority of users, it’s important to consider that this might not be the most durable product. If you’re only using it occasionally, then that might not matter. If, however, you plan on paddling on it all the time, then it might be worth investing in a more reliable product. Nevertheless, most people report that this is a firm and durable paddle board.
Secondly, there’s the fact that paddle doesn’t always float. While the paddle is adjustable and made of high-quality aluminum, there’s always the risk of dropping it. Reviewers have noted that the paddle sinks and they have to swim down to get it when it’s inevitably dropped. Others have noticed that theirs does float, however, so this could be another example of inconsistent build quality. For the low price point, though, you have to accept that you get what you pay for.
Special Features
When it comes to looking for the best inflatable paddle board, you need to decide why this particular one is unique. What makes the FEATH-R-LITE Inflatable unique? Here are the special features you’ll be able to enjoy if you choose to purchase this paddle board.
- Durability: Despite the built quality concerns listed above, this is a firm board. It may be inconsistent but a good example of the FEATH-R-LITE Inflatable will have a reinforced PVC layer in the board to add to its stability and durability.
- Ultra-light: The key selling point of the FEATH-R-LITE is how lightweight it is. It’s very hard to find a board that weighs less than 18 pounds but that’s exactly what you get here. That makes it so easy to pack up and carry around without it becoming a burden.
- Paddle: the paddle is a high-quality product, made of aluminum as the top of the range paddles are. It’s also adjustable, meaning that it’s comfortable and easy to use, whatever height you are.
- Travel backpack: To further highlight the portability of this board, it comes with a travel backpack. This makes for a convenient travel case to throw the board in there. You could also use the backpack to store other items so it’s really handy to have around.
- High-pressure pump: This paddle board also strives to be as convenient and stress-free as possible. That’s why it comes with a high-pressure pump. This allows you to quickly inflate the board so you can be set up and ready to go as soon as possible.
Do these special features appeal to you? It’s clear that despite the commitment to being light, the FEATH-R-LITE doesn’t compromise on functionality. Users find it easy to use and balance on and it’s certainly a good-looking board. In summary, for the price, this is certainly the best inflatable paddle board. However, if you have the budget, you might be able to find a more well-made and reliable inflatable paddle board elsewhere.
3) ISLE Pioneer Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
The final product to discuss in our search for the best inflatable paddle board has to be the ISLE Pioneer Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board. It has excellent reviews on Amazon and may just be the board you’re looking for. Like the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board and the FEATH-R-LITE Inflatable, it’s designed to be mobile and lightweight and yet still fully functional and durable. The Isle Pioneer Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board certainly fits into this category but is it right for you?
Description
This is a lightweight board no it might not seem like that compared to FEATH-R-LITE Inflatable, coming in at 24 pounds. However, for that you get a 10 feet six inch long board that can hold up to 300 pounds in weight. That shows you already that this is a full-sized, robust and fully usable product. Due to its stylish design and versatility, it’s the most popular board offered by ISLE.
Due to the large size and ability to handle a lot of weight, it’s popular with couples and those with kids. In fact, it’s even popular with pet owners who want to bring their dog out into the ocean with them. This is a paddle board truly designed for fun. If you just want to have a good time with a group of your best friends, then this paddle board certainly handles that.
As a company, ISLE have been designing boards like this one since 2004. By now, they’ve pretty much got it perfected. It’s a clever design with fantastic build quality. This is a truly top of the range product with few things to complain. Nevertheless, there are certainly things to consider. In particular, there’s the almost $700 price tag that puts this at 2-3 times the price of the SerenceLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board and the FEATH-R-LITE Inflatable.
For that price you do get amazing quality though. Read on to discover the advantages of the ISLE Pioneer Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board.
Pros of the Paddle Board
The most obvious benefit of choosing this board over others is the build quality. Even the paddle has a carbon shaft with a nylon blade, going beyond the aluminum that is common on cheaper models. That means it’s strong, long-lasting, and extremely lightweight. Most importantly, there’s no chance of it sinking and becoming lost.
The board itself is extremely well-stitched together. It’s constructed with military-grade PVC that is almost indestructible. The company claim you can throw it off a roof or run it over with your truck and it’ll be absolutely fine. We don’t recommend doing either of those things but it’s nice to know that you’ll be dragging it over jagged rocks and into the water.
The large size gives you a sense of stability and confidence when out paddling. Even complete beginners should be able to maintain their balance. To further aid you in this endeavour, there’s an EVA traction deck pad. This is top of the range stuff, giving you optimum grip. Inevitably, you will fall. That’s just part of the fun. However, if you’re really looking to become an accomplished paddler, then this product allows that to happen where others may be more difficult to tame.
Almost everything about this board is great but is it the best inflatable paddle board for you? To determine that, we need to discuss some potential drawbacks.
Potential Drawbacks
The biggest downside to this paddle board is, well, how big it is. It’s slightly longer than many other paddle boards and therefore doesn’t pack up so small. On top of that, it’s on the heavier side. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still lightweight, especially when compared to traditional boards of the same size. It just doesn’t feel as light as it could be. Nonetheless, it was created by travellers and is used by similar people. Most people say it’s not too much hassle to move around. If you truly value lightness, however, then you may be better off going for the FEATH-R-Lite Inflatable.
You might prefer a larger size, of course, and this certainly offers that. What you may not like is the price. In the world of paddle boards, this is at the very top end of the scale. You could certainly get a very high quality product for less than half the price of this one. If you’re on a budget, then this unfortunately won’t be for you. Similarly, if you only plan to use this a couple of times a year, then it’s hard to justify that price point.
For many people, though, it’s a price worth paying. If you will use this all the time, then why not fork out for the best possible build quality? No one ever complains about a lack of durability with this board, even after years of heavy usage. If you’ve got a group of friends who don’t mind sharing this, then you could all pitch in and spread the cost.
So once again, these drawbacks depend on your personal circumstance. Are you comfortable with a big board and willing to pay the money for the best quality product? Then the ISLE Pioneer Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is for you.
Special Features
This is a paddle board bursting with features. If you want to know why it costs so much, then here’s your answer:
- All-inclusive: For what you pay, you certainly get a lot. There’s the board itself, the adjustable carbon and nylon paddle, a high-pressure pump, a carry backpack, a coil leash, a snap-in travel fin, and some extra ISLE stickers for good measure. That means that right out the box, you’re ready to get going.
- Extra stability: The deck is wide and six inches thick. That means you have complete confidence standing up and staying balanced while you paddle over the waves.
- Increased durability: For a long-lasting paddle board, there’s no better product. With military-grade PVC, there’s no need to worry about rips or leaks.
This is the ultimate paddle board but it comes at a cost. If you prefer a larger board built for fun and have the funds to invest, then it’s well worth doing. If, however, you want a cheaper, more lightweight product, check out the reviews above. At the end of the day, when it comes to the best inflatable paddle board, it just depends on your personal needs and budget.
