Upgrading to inflatable... Help me decide

[overthebars]

Hey all... I'm upgrading from my 2 year old beginner plastic SUP to an inflatable to make it easier to get to the lake more often.

I'm a big dude (6'-4" 230 lbs) and ONLY paddle flat water. I've done tons of reading on here, and have narrowed my choice to a 12'-6 board. I really like the Red Explorer, but at $1599 it's well above my $1100 budget. Any thoughts on the Boardworks Inflatable Raven? It fits the budget and is said to be very stable, but the 15 psi max has me nervous.

Thoughts?


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[WingSuit]

speaking in general, you are a pretty big guy for an inflatable.  I saw a guy who weighs 210 on a Starboard 14 and it was sagging quite a bit. 

[PonoBill]

Step up for the board you want, not the one you can afford. It's cheaper, not just in the long run. You're spending time doing this sport. Hampering your fun with junky gear will waste your time and can ruin the sport for you. Either that or you will buy cheap, then later buy what you wanted in the first place.

You won't have any problem with a good inflatable. I'm 245# and the good ones work fine for me. My brother is 270 or more and he has an ULI that he likes.

[SeaMe]

How about the Fanatic Fly Air Touring 12'0" (2014)? If I'm not mistaken, the retail price is under $1,200. I don't have personal experience with any inflatable, but Jim K. (he's here on the boards) knows all things Fanatic and can likely get you the best deal around.

[Skate]

I am the same hight as you but a few lb less. I had a inflatable and I got rid of it. I was on a tight budget and bought a board that was a max 15psi. the board just keep sagging and it just looked funny when I was on it. "the banana boat effect" Buy the board you really want.

[overthebars]

How about the Fanatic Fly Air Touring 12'0" (2014)? If I'm not mistaken, the retail price is under $1,200. I don't have personal experience with any inflatable, but Jim K. (he's here on the boards) knows all things Fanatic and can likely get you the best deal around.

Thanks! I will see if Jim chimes in.... I checked out their website, but it doesn't list recommended rider weight range, or max inflatable PSI.

[Green Water Sports]

Hi overthebars, did you consider the 12'6" Race. Don't let the name put you off, it's also a great touring and cruising board. It also comes in at $1579, a $20 saving!!

I'll also mention, as with everything in life, you get what you pay for. I spent double my "budget" on the SUS board I wanted. I am so glad I did it.

[blong5150]

Hi overthebars, did you consider the 12'6" Race. Don't let the name put you off, it's also a great touring and cruising board. It also comes in at $1579, a $20 saving!!

I'll also mention, as with everything in life, you get what you pay for. I spent double my "budget" on the SUS board I wanted. I am so glad I did it.

All this time I was thinking that the 12'6" Race was 26" wide so I dismissed it. I'm gonna have to consider this one in my decision.

[overthebars]

Hi overthebars, did you consider the 12'6" Race. Don't let the name put you off, it's also a great touring and cruising board. It also comes in at $1579, a $20 saving!!

Would the Race be better than the Explorer for flat water? I see their both 150mm thick.

[spookini]

Would the Race be better than the Explorer for flat water?

The Race is 30" wide and has battens, the Explorer is 32" wide.  IMO 30" is plenty wide but 32" is all the more stable.  The Explorer for 2014 has tie-downs in the front and back, but extra side fins in the rear which they claim will help the board track better if you've got gear tied down in the back.

I've found if you go to Red's website and "ask us a question", you'll get a very quick response from their head of sales.  Let them know your weight and intended use.

[pugsup]

I can 2nd the Red Race suggestion. I went on a little tour on Tuesday with a pack strapped to the front and my dog walking all over the board. It was nice and stable.
The Explorer will be a bit more stable and allow you to carry more, but the Race has the battens that add stiffness.
The 2014 Race also has tie downs in the front.

[Alkasazi]

Can't speak to the Red boards yet, but I've been very happy paddling the Raven the last few months. I'm 6' 220 lbs, and it floats me no problem. I've had it everywhere from flat glass on lakes to knee-high chop on the Columbia, and haven't once yet wished I was on a different board.

[Bradley]

Any thoughts on the Boardworks Inflatable Raven? It fits the budget and is said to be very stable, but the 15 psi max has me nervous.

Thoughts?

The Raven inflatable is a joy to paddle just as the hard version of the Raven.  Super versatile, looks great and has plenty of volume to float  most anybody wanting to try it out.  I have had mine in the ocean, in rivers, and on lakes.  Quiver killer for sure.

[Green Water Sports]

If you plan to carry gear pretty often and want the most amount of stability all round, the Explorer would be the way to go. If you're only carrying a bit of gear sometimes and want a little more cruising speed and performance, the Race would be the choice. Both should handle your size and weight without issue. Note, RSS battens for extra stiffness are only on the Race model.

[deepmud]

I'm 5'11", 270, and a newbie - but I'm really liking my Blue Planet 12'6"x30 .

I'm flat-water only here in Alaska - so surfing isn't an issue. I'm only putting it to 15-17 psi so far - and it seems firm to me - pictures of me compared to my 130lb teenager show about the same curve - on flat water.

I'm up to about a 15 minute mile - don't know how bad that is, but it's feeling pretty fun