C4 vs Saturn

[ColoSup]

As a C4 owner I often wonder what "other boards" paddle like.  Specifically Ive wondered if my thousand dollar purchase for a high tech air bag was worth it or would I have been better off with one of the cheaper boards.  Knowledge and experience has taught me that for outdoor equipment (and many other items too) you get what you pay for but I wanted to make sure.  Who knows maybe there isnt SUCH a difference in the ISUP class.

Well as fate would have it I was able to purchase a Saturn 10' 6".  I picked it up locally and hit the water today.  Now know up front... Im a river guy.  I prefer the ISUP for river runs simply because it doesnt hurt my soul as much bashing them off rocks as it does a composite board.  take what im gonna sat from that perspective.

At first glance and feel it is ready apparent that the C4 utilizes much thicker material.  That being said the weight is only marginally different in feel.  The Saturn rolls up tight as the material is very pliable. Both easily fit in the bags each company provide.  The C4 bag is more utilitarian but the saturn bag fits the bill-----it get you where your going.

Pumps-  My C4 pump is pretty good but certainly feels brittle although it has serviced me very well with no issue.  The saturn pump (manufacturer name removed) is actually a great little device.  It is capable of being used in single or double action mode and simply is more substantial and feels more durable.  Both work great but I definitely give the nod to the saturn pump.

At ride pressure 12 psi for saturn and 15 for c4 it is clear that the c4 is much thinner (almost 1.5 inches).  The saturn has no carrying handle but does have multiple d-ring attachments.  The deck pad on the C4 is really one of the best in the industry along with a firm up sloped kicker pad in back.  I like these so much I have used them on many non-C4 boards.  As to the deck pad on the saturn....well there really isnt one.  They do have a double layer top side but no traditional deck pad.  It doesnt lack for grip though so its adequate. Definately a win for the C4 here but again the saturn is adequate.

The ride. The first thing to note is that the Saturn has a large tri fin skeg system(c4 also has a tri-fin system).  Coupled with its lower pressure and despite its thickness it definitely draws more water and your more apt to skeg out.  On stand up on the saturn I immediately noticed the flex.  By no means does it cave but it definitely gives more than the C4.  Similarly on the saturn you feel the 'ripple" effect of chop and flex.  On the C4 I just dont get this sensation....with the exception of flex on big hits the platform is solid (without the ripple feel as shock echoes thru the saturn).

Up to class III my C4 really feels stable.  On the saturn even IIs are sketchy but it takes them on without ejecting me but its definitely more "interesting" as the board gives a lot of chatter as it skims along.

Final impression....you  get what you pay for but at about $350 vs 1grand who knows you might be better off.  I love my C4 and it was worth every penny and over the long haul I think it will way out live the saturn from a construction stand point (seems seem to be a recurrent complaint).  Performance...hands down C4.  The analogy that came to mind was it felt like standing on a blow up mattress vs a temperpedic BUT heres the real deal............we (my daughter and I) were on the water having a blast and for the recreational SUPer that all that matters. 

Are the saturn worth $350.....I think yes if you just wanna have fun and get wet.  If your into paddling and performance save up for something else BUT just get out there and paddle.  Mahalo

[Wavecloud]

My next iSUP purchase will be the Badfish MCIT.

Surely they are the most advanced inflatable out there.?

[ColoSup]

For rivers I would say so......nothing is as stable that Ive ever ridden.  Flat water.....not its niche but for rivers its the board.