iSUP manufacturing seems to be advancing quickly over the past 10 years, to the point where a $300 board now is equivalent to a $1000 board a few years ago. Can't speak to this board specifically but it has all the basics, and is capable of inflating to a high PSI. Looks like a good entry level board, and at this price, quite a steal.
Couple notes about inflatables: they can perform and feel almost the same as a hard board. They are actually *more* durable than the hard kind (you can drop them, run into rocks, etc with minimal damage). A well cared for hard board will last longer though, as the iSUP will eventually develop leaks (though these can be easily patched).
This one is wide enough for beginners.
For comparison, here's what you're missing compared to the entry level iRocker I have (which you could probably get *on sale* for $400-$500):
Aluminum vs carbon fiber paddle. I have both and the carbon fiber is definitely a lot nicer. iRocker has a double chamber pump with 3 pressure level settings, and it's still a major pain in the ** to inflate it. Using a cheaper single chamber pump (like this one appears to have) is going to be... not fun. It'll get the job done but I imagine it'll take 10min or so of hard work - and that's if you're fit. An established brand that cares about is reputation, and therefore quality control and reliability. Not saying Tusy isn't going to be reliable just that we don't know.
Now, the paddle and pump differences are worth about a $100 price difference, which still makes this a pretty good deal.
I really want an ISUP and while I don't need a high end one, going cheap on something inflatable doesn't seem smart. I wish I had more confidence in this company.
Makes me think of every $20 air mattress experience I have had in my life
3 Comments
Your comment cannot be blank.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
iSUP manufacturing seems to be advancing quickly over the past 10 years, to the point where a $300 board now is equivalent to a $1000 board a few years ago. Can't speak to this board specifically but it has all the basics, and is capable of inflating to a high PSI. Looks like a good entry level board, and at this price, quite a steal.
Couple notes about inflatables: they can perform and feel almost the same as a hard board. They are actually *more* durable than the hard kind (you can drop them, run into rocks, etc with minimal damage). A well cared for hard board will last longer though, as the iSUP will eventually develop leaks (though these can be easily patched).
This one is wide enough for beginners.
For comparison, here's what you're missing compared to the entry level iRocker I have (which you could probably get *on sale* for $400-$500):
Aluminum vs carbon fiber paddle. I have both and the carbon fiber is definitely a lot nicer. iRocker has a double chamber pump with 3 pressure level settings, and it's still a major pain in the ** to inflate it. Using a cheaper single chamber pump (like this one appears to have) is going to be... not fun. It'll get the job done but I imagine it'll take 10min or so of hard work - and that's if you're fit. An established brand that cares about is reputation, and therefore quality control and reliability. Not saying Tusy isn't going to be reliable just that we don't know.
Now, the paddle and pump differences are worth about a $100 price difference, which still makes this a pretty good deal.
Makes me think of every $20 air mattress experience I have had in my life