In this article, we uncover the difference tiers of inflatable boards. Reveal which one will work for you. And include a helpful checklist you can use to make sure your inflatable paddle board purchase is the correct one!
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Are you in the market for an inflatable stand up paddle board (iSUP)? If so, you’re not alone. These days, the inflatable paddle board has come to dominate much of the SUP market.
There are a few reasons why this is now the case.
Inflatable paddle boards are much easier to store and transport. So, if you live in a smaller apartment or if you don’t have an off-road vehicle with roof racks you can still take your paddle board to a local launch location and get on the water.
In addition, inflatable boards are easier to store. After each use all you have to do is roll it up. And place it back into its carrying backpack.
Plus, paddlers love to check their iSUP's onto airplanes and take them on unforgettable adventure-vacations.
And the modern iterations of inflatable boards are tougher, stronger, shaped better, and more durable than those built in the past.
Before you decide to buy, there are a few guidelines you should be aware of in order to make the right purchase for you.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the types of inflatable paddle boards, from the more affordable Costco and Amazon brands to the mid-tier brands, to the top-tier brands and what makes them different. As well as what to look for in terms of accessories and one very important factor that most people neglect before they buy.
Knowing these guidelines can be the difference between having fun on the water with a board you love. And having to replace it only after a season or two.
The Different Levels
If you’re familiar with the different types of inflatable boards and manufacturer’s on the market, then it’s likely you’ve noticed the high variance in prices between boards.
There are a few reasons for this wide-range in pricing. Mostly it comes down to quality.
To make this as easy to understand as possible, we’re going to briefly touch on the differences between the three.
Lower-Tier ($199 - $499)
iSUPs on Amazon and at Costco are the lowest in price that you will find on the market. And along with this lower price comes lower quality.
Lower-tier boards don’t have reinforced rails. Drop-stiching technology. Reinforced seams. And often they are slow on the water. And don’t last longer than a season or two.
Consider the lower tier inflatable boards glorified pool toys or rafts.
- Grab one of these boards to become involved with SUP as soon as possible. But don’t expect them to last long or be high-performance on the water.
Mid-Tier ($499 - $899)
Moving on from Costco and Amazon, we’re into the mid-tier iSUPs. Companies build mid-tier boards with drop stitching, reinforced rails, higher quality PVC construction, and more.
They will last much longer than the lower-tier boards. But they too often lack in performance on the water. Boards in this price range are built with the general population in mind so their shapes fit as many body-types as possible. This is great for the casual paddler. Experience paddlers will want something with a higher performance.
- If you’re a casual weekend paddler who would like a board that will last, but won’t have a high-end performance feel on the water, then this is the perfect board for you.
High-End ($899 - $1999+)
These are the best inflatable boards on the market. Not only will these last for as long as you like paddling, but they are used in extreme conditions like whitewater rapids or in the ocean. The build of these boards is done with high-quality materials and are shaped in an intuitive way that increases their performance on the water.
High end boards are the closest thing you will feel to paddling a hard board on the water with the convenience of an inflatable board.
- For those involved in the SUP community, grab one of these boards. Especially those who want to test their skills in extreme conditions like moving water, in the ocean, etc.
Now that you know what the different tiers are, let's cover the details as to the differences of each tier.
The Different Technologies
Woven Drop-stitching
The woven part is made of polyester threads that run through the vinyl in a criss-cross pattern. You can think of it as similar to carbon fiber. When this type of stitching is added it creates a pattern that increases the resistance your board has to stretches and bends.
Meaning, your board is durable.
So, when it comes to inflatable boards, always look for woven drop-stitch technology.
Reinforced Seams
If there was any part of an inflatable board that might be extra vulnerable to tears, breaks, or splits, it is the seams.
Good board manufacturers will reinforce these seams by wrapping the joined material around before they stitch them together. This creates a solid barrier inside the paddle board to avoid any air leaking.
If your board does not have reinforced seams, you are more likely to experience a tear or leak within a short amount of time.
To make sure you don’t need to replace your board after a season or two, always make sure the board you’re looking for has reinforced seams.
Double Layer Construction
Double layer construction is simple. It’s an extra layer of material that doubles the durability of a board. Instead of just one thin layer of fabric, manufacturers will use it two. This increases the thickness of the board overall.
With this combination you’re going to receive a board that is thick enough to withstand bumps in any paddling environment — from oceans to rivers.
MSL Drop-stitch + Fusion Weave Drop-stitch
Some of the major inflatable board companies out there have taken the normal drop stitch material and improved on it.
Most are now using MSL drop-stitching, which stands for monocoque structural laminate and fusion weave drop-stitch.
While these may sound fancy, the results of using this tech is simple — increased rigidity and durability.
For more information on the process, Solstice Paddleboards have written a fairly comprehensive breakdown on their site.
They explain, “Starting from the drop stitching, how the PVC is added is what makes up the different construction methods. Basic single layer boards are made by hand applying a layer of soft PVC to coat the drop stitch core. This construction is generally seen in cheaper end boards as it requires the least amount of material and specialized equipment. Due to only relying on one layer of soft PVC to keep the drop stitching core airtight, they can be less durable. Single layer boards will also have more flex to them and don’t perform as well.
Double layer boards are made by gluing yet another layer of more rigid PVC to coat the entire paddle board. This results in a board that is far more rigid and durable, however much heavier. It also can introduce air pockets and cosmetic flaws during the gluing process and is vulnerable to de-lamination as the adhesives break down.
This brings us to MSL Fusion construction that provides the best of both worlds. MSL fusion does away with hand applying the first layer of soft PVC. Instead, the drop stitch core is covered in a strong adhesive before a strong layer of rigid PVC is added to the board. This is much like the PVC used in the second layer of traditional dual layer boards, however it is machine laminated and fused onto the board.
This eliminates any potential imperfections of the hand gluing process and gives the board a perfect cosmetic finish and look. Just like double layer construction, rigidity, strength and durability is drastically increased over single layer boards by adding a layer of strong PVC. At the same time the board is kept far lighter by using the machine lamination and eliminating the need to first coat the board in a soft layer of PVC. Due to the layer of rigid PVC, this soft PVC layer is redundant and does not serve much purpose on dual layer boards.”
The for longest-lasting, most durable inflatable boards on the market, looking for either MSL drop-stitching or Fusion Weave Drop-stitching.
Reinforced Rails
The rails on your inflatable paddle board take the most beating. On the water, it can be from objects in your paddling environment — rocks, sticks, and other debris. Or it can be from the paddler hitting the rail with their paddle as they move through the water.
On land, if you drop the board or rest it on its side, sharp gravel, even glass, can cause abrasions and even punctures.
No matter what the cause, this abuse is not good for your SUP. The way to counter this? Reinforce the rails. Typically, a solid board manufacturer will double or triple the thickness of the rails. With an added layer of material stitched to the outside of the rail, you can bounce off any obstacles and keep paddling.
Now typically, most cheap Amazon boards will either have one of these as a feature, or none. Especially if you find them in the lower price range.
Before you decide to buy one, just know that you may need to take extra care of your board to avoid any dings, tears, or holes.
But even with these differences covered, there are still a few more.
Shape
Your board’s shape will dictate your stability, speed, and whether it tracks straight or not.
The wider the board, the easier it is to stand right away. The thicker a board, the more weight it can hold and the easier it will be to stand as well. And the length of a board will determine how well it tracks (or paddles straight with each paddle stroke) over long distances.
Most Amazon boards try to hit a wide audience. What does this mean?
Simply put, you’re not going to receive the best of any characteristic for quality. Instead, you’ll receive a generic board that kinda works okay for everything and everyone but doesn’t excel in any area.
Basically, you’ll receive a board that is just long enough to paddle decently in flat water, but it doesn’t track straight. This might be okay for the average weekender. But people who are involved with the sport of SUP will be disappointed with the performance.
Thickness
One of the biggest causes of failure on an inflatable paddle board is getting on one that can’t hold your weight. Or match your athletic ability.
And nine times out of ten, the reason for this is because of the thickness of the board you choose.
Without a board that is thick enough to hold your weight, you’re going to struggle. And since these boards are cheaper than most, you’re likely going to receive a board that isn’t thick enough to have a comfortable time on the water. As well as a board that lacks the stiffness to hold an adult paddler’s weight.
What do we mean by that?
Without the proper stiffness and thickness to hold a person’s weight, the board will bend in the middle.
This will slow your paddling down and will make it difficult to balance, especially in rougher waters.
Always opt for a board that is at least 4-5” thick and you will avoid any issues with it bending in the middle.
Accessories
Each inflatable paddle board package usually comes with a variety of accessories such as a paddle, fin, leash, pump, and bag. With a few variations. Along with this, the board themselves have d-rings, handles, different fin boxes, and valves.
All of these accessories will be of different quality based on the type, style, and manufacturer of the board you buy.
A solid board will have reinforced d-rings that you can use to attach accessories to your board. They will be a higher quality and able to withstand tugs with ease. In addition, you want to make sure the handles, fin boxes, and valves are reinforced and the hand pump that’s included is of a high-quality.
While all of these pieces of equipment are important, what you really need to pay attention to is the paddle.
The Paddle
Cheaper kits will naturally come with cheaper paddles. They are typically made of aluminum and nylon, can be heavy to paddle, and can break in certain areas like the handle or the blade itself.
It’s important to consider a paddle upgrade if you purchased an affordable kit as this piece of equipment can determine how far and how fun your paddles will be!
Of course, some do have decent accessories that come with their boards. To find out if you are purchasing one that does, we recommend reading through the reviews.
Most people are honest with their purchases on Amazon. And the best research is market research.
Customer Service
Okay, so we’ve covered the main differences between Amazon boards and high-end manufacturers. But there is still one huge difference between the two. And it might be the biggest difference there is…
Their customer service.
If you purchase a board on Amazon for a cheaper price and there is a defect in the manufacturing or you experience a hole or tear, you are either left to your devices or you have to take it up with Amazon.
With a more well-known manufacturer, you can call a representative directly. And either have your board replaced (in some instances free of charge as most board companies have at least a 2-year warranty). Or they will give you personal advice on how to solve your situation.
That might seem like a small difference in some people’s minds. But to anyone who has had an issue with customer service in the past, especially for a faulty product, you know how much a difference it can make.
With an entire team backing up your board purchase, you are covered for whatever may come.
Shortcuts To Know If Your Inflatable Paddle Board Is Built to Last – Or End Up in the Trash (After a Season or Two!)
Paddle boards are by design both a surfboard and as described by the USCG, a vessel. Their definition depends on where you use them. Therefore, any board you buy could be capable of both.
An iSUP gives you even more options because you can put it in a backpack. And take it anywhere your skills can take you.
If you’re ready to make a purchase, here’s some quick tips to know what to look for so you can make the best decision that is best for you.
Every watercraft purchase involves making choices and compromises. For example, if you want speed, you may have to sacrifice stability. Making your decision process even more challenging is the size, experience level, physical ability, technical know-how, and goals of every paddler. Not to mention you’re going to be on a fluid, ever changing environment so while you may have the perfect gear ready to go on one day, the next day you may go somewhere else where the conditions are completely different. It could be calm one day where you want speed to glide longer, and the next day the conditions change half way through your paddle and instead of speed you’d rather have stability.
Knowing this, here are some quick tips:
- Embrace the process. For your first purchase your goal should be to get on the water and be comfortable. It’s important to start here so you can build your skill and experience. And maybe down the road you can invest in a different board.
- Skill and technique go a long way. If you’re not yet able to move your feet on the board while you paddle or aren’t comfortable going through the boat wakes, or when the wind picks up to 10mph, then a few lessons will go a long way to making you more comfortable on whatever board you choose. A good paddler can do a lot more with less so calculate if a few coaching sessions can help you make a better choice.
Practical Information to Consider for Your First Purchase:
- Know your goals and have realistic expectations. If you’re hardcore spend more
- If the thread clusters on the back of the board are in a criss cross pattern it’s a better board than straight lines.
- As mentioned above double layer PVC or MSL is stronger than single layer and reinforced rails is tougher than single
- Boards built to be tough will have a PSI range that goes to 25. If you want to go where there are risks or waves than go with the tougher board
- If there are a lot of graphics the board is 99% of the time a lower quality board. This isn’t a bad thing, just a trade-off the manufacturer makes. If it has a mermaid or a seahorse on it and you like to keep it mellow and stay local then it’s all good. If you like adventure then stay away.
- A 3 year warranty is a great sign you’re getting a quality board.
- Carbon fiber paddles are the best paddles. They are strong, tough, and expensive. Don’t skimp on your paddle so save some in your budget. Side note: Carbon fiber paddles aren't the ideal choice for rocky water. In these instances, opt for nylon.
- Bigger riders need bigger boards. But as your skill develops and you can walk on the board without falling. Catch small wakes or waves. You probably will want to get something slimmer for speed or shorter for surf.
- Smaller riders can struggle in the wind and waves because they are lighter and an iSUP can aggravate the situation so know your limits until you can recognize and paddle comfortably in at least 15 mph of wind.
- Lighter is not always better. iSUPs get pushed around by everything. On the water a lower, heavier base will help minimize that. While it may be easier to carry on land it may not be what you want on the water.
- If you do have skills, and an adventurous spirit a high quality iSUP that you can take with you is the ultimate expression of SUP – access to anywhere your skills can take you. If you know your limits and can catch and ride waves, a good iSUP can be the key to unlock all that SUP has to offer.
Should You or Shouldn’t You?
After reading through this short breakdown, you might have come to the conclusion that you should stay as far away as possible from a lower-tier Amazon inflatable paddle board.
And while we mostly agree with this sentiment, sometimes it’s not possible.
Cheap kits are great for weekend paddlers who just want to relax and have fun on the water. And they work perfect for kids who just want to mess around on the water. Plus, with a lower price, you can get on the water much quicker.
For these reasons, we can’t write off the cheap boards completely. But if you want to truly immerse yourself in the sport of SUP, then you should invest in a board, and a company, that will be your partner in paddle boarding — on and off the water.
If you would like more helpful information about paddle boarding just like this article, be sure to visit our Knowledge/Resources. There you will be able to find everything you need to know about SUP!
And register to become a Member today to receive exclusive discounts at participating SUP outfitters around the world!
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