Standup Zone Forum
Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => Topic started by: Iks_SUP on June 06, 2019, 01:32:42 PM
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I'm trying to decide between an Infinity Blackfish or the Sunova Allround Faast Pro. If any one has used either of these two boards (or both) I'd really appreciate any input you may have. I'm 6'0" and 265lbs. I currently have a recreational BOTE Traveller that is 14'x29". It's ok, but lacks real performance and is heavy (43lbs).
Blackfish:
https://infinity-sup.com/collections/race/products/2019-blackfish?variant=20775267532911
Allround Faast Pro:
https://sunovasurfboards.com/en/sup/flatwater-touring-race/allround-faast-pro
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nice choice and either brand design will do the job just choose the one that feels and looks nice to you and not to someone else taste. I paddled both but not the latest model, just make sure you get the right width to suit your weight and ability which I think is really important and demo them if you can.
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I would say there are more factors to consider first. What are the conditions you paddle in daily? Open ocean, lakes, or flat water bays / protected waters? If it's flat water, I would look at a Whiplash because they are going to be faster with better glide. The Blackfish is for open ocean and in and out of the surf. The Sunova Allround faaaast ::) looks like it is a trade off between the two? At your size I would think 27" wide would be as narrow as you would want. I'm sure you could paddle narrower, and they are a little faster.....but the fun factor goes down. If the conditions get a little rough, you'll be back on your heavy board.
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I have no input on either board, but when I lived in SoCal I had Infinity make me a custom open ocean/race board and they were wonderful to deal with and I loved the board.
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What is your motivation going with a 14’ race board? Are you looking to compete?
If you’re not looking to participate and compete in races you’ll be paying a steep
Price tag for not much of boost in performance.
At 265LB you really qualify for the unlimited board class and I suspect it will serve
You well beyond the 14 footers could, both performance and fun factor, all for about the same price. I thought it’s worth mentioning.
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At 265LB you really qualify for the unlimited board class and I suspect it will serve
You well beyond the 14 footers could, both performance and fun factor, all for about the same price. I thought it’s worth mentioning.
Wait.... What's an unlimited? How would you store such a thing? ::)
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Oh... I see. Mega fast glide machine that's made for a guy in the 210 lbs + range...
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Oh... I see. Mega fast glide machine that's made for a guy in the 210 lbs + range...
TD, for a second there I thought you’re off-loading one from your fleet of
Unlimiteds, hook up a Zoner :D
that one should probably do just as well. Good find.
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What is your motivation going with a 14’ race board? Are you looking to compete?
If you’re not looking to participate and compete in races you’ll be paying a steep
Price tag for not much of boost in performance.
At 265LB you really qualify for the unlimited board class and I suspect it will serve
You well beyond the 14 footers could, both performance and fun factor, all for about the same price. I thought it’s worth mentioning.
I can handle 27" width no problem. I live in FL, between Destin and Pensacola. Little town called Navarre. Most of my paddling is done in the sound/bays and in the Gulf of Mexico. I want a board that can handle open ocean. I don't want to limit myself to just a flat water board as that is primarily what I have now (I have four boards, all recreational BOTE brand. 12' HD, 12' HD Lowrider, 12' traveller, 14' traveller).
The first board I bought was the BOTE HD Lowrider. It's basically a surf-style SUP with a small displacement nose, flat top, and mild concave. 12'x29"x5.5". Max capacity is 290 I think, so my experience in any type of chop (even very small) was water coming over the nose, adding weight, and destabilizing the board. This made it very difficult for a guy my size to manage. After much thought and consideration, I stepped up to the 14' board I currently use. It's a touring design with a large volume displacement style nose very similar in look to both the blackfish and sunova.
Those extra couple feet and the difference in shape are like night and day for me compared to my other board (now my wifes lol). I do want to race, and I have looked at the unlimited boards, but I don't think I'm ready to commit the space necessary for an 18' board lol.
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They're both great boards. If you can demo them that's great. The Sunova boards have lower volume per size than the Infinity. The Balsa Construction makes the Sunova a little lighter and pretty durable.
Hard to say...
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I have a 2016 Blackfish 14'X25" with the Larry Allison fins. I'm 230 but I was 245 when I was paddling that thing and it worked very well. I could hold 6mph for long periods of time and hit 7 with my pulse pounding in my ears. For the young and skinny that's not much, but I'm 72 and fat. Surprisingly stable board. I fall off boards all the time and I hardly remember falling of that. I think skinny boards make you pay attention. I've done zero-fall Maliko runs on my 12'2" X 25" Ku Nalu which is a solid bitch to just stand on, but I don't think I've ever managed a zero fall run on my 17' X 26" Bullet, which is much more stable.
I like the blackfish, but I haven't used it for two years, so it's part of my "thin the herd" program. As soon as I get around to listing it.
I do think you'd dig an unlimited, if you have the muscle power to make it really go. Unlimiteds are not automatically faster, in fact at low speeds they often have more drag. But if you can push them to their limits, those limits are bit higher than 14's. They CAN be a lot slippery than a 14 because of the limited design potential of a 14. A gradual nose and tail curve runs out of board on a 14 so they are either stubby tails or have a tighter (more turbulent) profile. That unlimited Infinity in TallDude's post is a good example of that. I bet that thing would haul ass in your conditions. Look at the tail on that thing--it starts one third of the length back from the nose with just a slight curve to come to a pin tail. I bet it doesn't leave a ripple.
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Those extra couple feet and the difference in shape are like night and day for me compared to my other board...
Then imagine what extra couple more will feel like ;)
But if you insist on a 14, I’d say save your money and stay away from
those pricy boards that has the race moniker attached.
These are race boards since they are very narrow and very light when
Used by pros. For someone 210+ those 3LBS shaved in construction are
Meaningless performance wise but meaningful price wise.
When you bring 265LBS to the table and you are limited to 14 you either go
Wide or go deep, in any case you’ll be pushing water.
So my suggestion is to go with something like an SIC Okeanos, you’ll save
1.5k in the process and get a board that has those same nice features a race
Board has shape wise, a 28” wide stable platform with tough construction
Only 4LBS more.
I have nothing against either boards mentioned, both good boards from good
Brands, but the only thing you’ll get for the extra 1.5K is just a lighter board.
It will be nicer to carry around for sure, for some that make all the difference :)
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I like the blackfish, but I haven't used it for two years, so it's part of my "thin the herd" program. As soon as I get around to listing it.
I’ve noticed you haven’t said a thing about the Sunova Even though I remember
You’ve tested it. I still can’t shake the memory of that test ride, you looked like a
kid who’s lunch just got stolen ;D
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You have a better memory than I do, I've mostly forgotten that. I just have a vague notion that I wasn't impressed.
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I was considering getting a Blackfish, and found the bottom line being it's a great open water board but designed to be optimally fast at sprint speeds. So you paddle like hell and it gets up and planes (as much as a SUP can plane). As TD mentions, the Whiplash is the glider, and the Blackfish the more open water board.
If you’re looking at used boards, be aware that the Blackfish evolves year to year. The 2017 was intended to increase flat water speed, with rounder rails, but some thought it lost in the stability department, so 2018 went to boxier square rails. That was what was going on at the time I wa looking. Other years are different still.
They are a great board. But then I demo'd a SIC RS and that was the board for me personally.
Another thing supporting Burchas' approach about not spending a zillion dollars on a race board - if you're moving from a 43 lb board, even a 30 lb board will feel like a huge improvement.
Check the classifieds on the Distressed Mullet. Lots of big boards and seems very east coast centric.
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The previous comments on board weight make sense, and fitting as I paddle a Sunova Expedition 14 x 28.5" that is just under 30 pounds. Supposedly a little bit more durable than the Balsa lay up, but weight is the obvious penalty.
The shape on the Expedition is more tuned to rough water paddling than the Bote, having more rocker, and a less pronounced displacement hull that won't/shouldn't get pushed around as easily in messy conditions. The Blackfish and the Sunova allround share similar characteristics for open water paddling as well imo. I have heard the Sunova allroundhas gotten an update for this year, or is getting one, with changes being more of a scooped out deck with scuppers.
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What about something like the 14 x 28 ONE EVO 2.0 which would make a unreal touring board at a unreal weight and construction is BOMB proof. From memory a 14 x 28 in Elite is in the 11kg range or the dynamic construction is about 800g to 1kg heavier so still very light. For us no different in board strength as they get lighter and all you are paying more for is less weight. We do a Hybrid construction as well if weight is no issue and these are in the 13kg range but definitely cheaper in price and still bombproof.
For touring these boards would be perfect as they are very stable and paddle nice in the flat but handle the bumps super well plus if you are paddling rocky areas the construction will handle this better than most.
https://www.oneoceansports.com/partners
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The previous comments on board weight make sense, and fitting as I paddle a Sunova Expedition 14 x 28.5" that is just under 30 pounds.
The Sunova Expedition seems like another good option in that class of well performing/reasonably priced, funny enough, It weighs considerably less than the All-around fast at the same width, according to their website.
the 14 x 28 ONE EVO 2.0 which would make a unreal touring board at a unreal weight and...
Is the price going to be unreal as well, as in under 2k unreal?
if so, I’ll take one Even though I don’t need one.
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The previous comments on board weight make sense, and fitting as I paddle a Sunova Expedition 14 x 28.5" that is just under 30 pounds.
The Sunova Expedition seems like another good option in that class of well performing/reasonably priced, funny enough, It weighs considerably less than the All-around fast at the same width, according to their website.
the 14 x 28 ONE EVO 2.0 which would make a unreal touring board at a unreal weight and...
Is the price going to be unreal as well, as in under 2k unreal?
if so, I’ll take one Even though I don’t need one.
It's a mistake on the web site. It is around the 29/30 lbs range. The Expedition weight more than the Allround. That would be so nice if the weight did not follow the price tag....Weight above 30 lbs equal price under CAD 3K and the opposite holds true- weight under 30 lbs = price over CAD 4K with taxes.
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The wood construction and finish of the Sunova Expedition needs to be seen in person to get an understanding of how nice it really is, and the price tag of well under 2 thousand makes it a bargain in the States. I was able to demo one relatively close to home in BC, which made the decision to buy easier. The Paulowina wood construction is said to be more durable than the Balsa lay up, but it is interesting the weights are the same or very close on the website for the Allround. I thought the allround faast was a few pounds lighter in Balsa wood.
I have a Onesup Evo 1.0 in the composite lay up and can vouch for Jacko on the quality of the construction. I'm waiting to paddle the 2.0 and it's still on my shortlist and it looks like a good option for a do everything board for sure. The composite lay up isn't what most on here would consider light, but I can say my Evo at a bit under 30 pounds, is easily as durable, or more durable than boards that I have owned that are 5-6 pounds heavier. So, for the weight conscious, the dynamic construction is worth a look if you are wanting to save some weight and have a more durable board, and the composite is a reasonable weight for touring or those that just want durability.
The Okeanos was another board I was considering in this class and it's very well priced as well, and while it's priced the same as the Expedition in the USA, it is priced quite a bit cheaper in Canada at the one shop I checked online (muskoka paddle shack).
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@Luc @robon
Have you tried the expedition 27” next to the all-around 27”?
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@Luc @robon
Have you tried the expedition 27” next to the all-around 27”?
I have tried last years Allround, both in 25.5 and 27. And did not find it to be anything memorable. Mostly I believe because of two factors. Lack of recessed deck that really but you higher than you need to be. Very thick board. The Expedition is thinner which I like. I am not sure if it could benefit from a recessed deck too. The 2019 Allround is recessed but still very thick so might still be higher up than desirable. I am totally broke so really did not put any effort in trying 2019 boards....for obvious reasons but will if I have the chance.
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I have a Onesup Evo 1.0 in the composite lay up and can vouch for Jacko on the quality of the construction. I'm waiting to paddle the 2.0 and it's still on my shortlist and it looks like a good option for a do everything board for sure. The composite lay up isn't what most on here would consider light, but I can say my Evo at a bit under 30 pounds, is easily as durable, or more durable than boards that I have owned that are 5-6 pounds heavier. So, for the weight conscious, the dynamic construction is worth a look if you are wanting to save some weight and have a more durable board, and the composite is a reasonable weight for touring or those that just want durability.
The construction from EVO 1 which is a carbon skin board which is still really compared to the sandwich molded construction of EVO 2.0 is crazy, the sandwich boards are lighter and stupid strong which I love so hopefully you will also enjoy. Edit If you have a EVO 1 in the Hybrid construction then these are sandwich boards as well which are super tough just a little heavier!.
Only thing we can make lighter is the Hollow but have to go Dugout for that and a different topic!!
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So I am 6’4 and when I was at my heavy I was around 240. I have a 14x27 infinity blackfish. Now I am around 210 and I race on a 14x25 dougout whiplash. I would definitely go with the blackfish.
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I have a 2018 Black fish 14x27, love the board. Pretty sure its marketed as a kinda do everything board, flat water, open ocean. in and out of surf. I ams 5'11 200 lbs and the board is fine for my size. The cool thing about infinity is that you can call Dave and tell him what you want and they can custom build it for you. Check out this review from a bigger paddler.....good luck
[url]https://youtu.be/J44zGA3-MEA/url]
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Then imagine what extra couple more will feel like ;)
Can you share some links to unlimited boards? I'll take a look, just not sure something so long as to require a rudder steering system is something I'll like. I enjoy moving around on the board and doing the kick turns, occasionally surfing a wave in to shore.
So my suggestion is to go with something like an SIC Okeanos, you’ll save
1.5k in the process and get a board that has those same nice features a race
Board has shape wise, a 28” wide stable platform with tough construction
Only 4LBS more.
I have never even heard of this board. Definitely looking into it.
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Thanks everyone for your comments. I've only been paddling for a couple years and am still unaware of everything that is available out there. I do value quality, but as Burchas has pointed out, price does not immediately equal performance.
You all are a wealth of knowledge and information. Thanks!
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Feel free to keep us informed what did you end up with and how you like it. Board reviews are always helpful.
Good Luck :)
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If you live in Destin it wouldn’t harm to demo the Yolo tr14. Available in 27.5 and 29.5 widths I think. They have a lake behind the store for demos. If you want to custom board in Florida google flying Fish board co.
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If you live in Destin it wouldn’t harm to demo the Yolo tr14. Available in 27.5 and 29.5 widths I think. They have a lake behind the store for demos. If you want to custom board in Florida google flying Fish board co.
I appreciate your input, but I'm not a fan of YOLO, which is why I chose BOTE. I regularly attend demo's with BOTE and am good friends with the FWB store manager, Matt, who used to work for YOLO. As for the TR14 specifically, it's a flat water design and I want to be able to handle open ocean.
I'll look into flying fish board co. Thanks!
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Can you share some links to unlimited boards? I'll take a look, just not sure something so long as to require a rudder steering system is something I'll like. I enjoy moving around on the board and doing the kick turns, occasionally surfing a wave in to shore.
With a 16 footer you can still do this stuff but that's usually a custom job like mine. The cost was under what brand new Starboard or Naish 14 footer would cost and it was made to my specs which is why I like it so much
but you have to know exactly what you want. I'm sure infinity can make you a custom 16 whiplash.
Another custom alternative is as gcs mentioned, a Florida local brand Flying fish that allows you to get a custom up to 14'6" at a reasonable price with a lot of personalized configurations:
https://www.flyingfishboardco.com/3d-custom-build
If all of the above sounds too complicated, for simplicity sake I would definitely take a close look at the SIC Okeanos or the Sunova Expedition, Both good shapes with a very attractive price point.
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I got the SIC Okeanos 14. Loving this board. Thanks for the advice.
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Awesome Iks 8) Enjoy your ride!
Hope to see a review of the board once you logged some miles on it.
I know there are other folks eyeing this board.
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That looks awesome,Iks. Congrats. Looking forward to your impressions.
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So, a few things i immediately liked about the board:
1. Flat deck surface (non-recessed standing area). I'm a big guy, and I have cracked the edge of a board with the paddle handle that had a standing area recessed about an inch. Lower center of gravity, I know, but I like this better.
2. Wide tail. The pic doesn't do it justice. The tail is very wide and adds to the stability, a plus for a guy my size.
3. It handles side chop well. I'm not the best paddler by any means, but I am outperforming myself on this board already.
4. Aesthetics. It looks better in person than in pictures.
5. Weight. Advertised at 32lbs, mine weighed 33.6lbs before I put it in the water for the first time. That's 10+ lbs lighter than my last 14' board. It feels like a massive difference.
6. Overall stability is great. I can't believe how much easier it is to stand and move around on this board.
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4. Aesthetics. It looks better in person than in pictures.
5. Weight. Advertised at 32lbs, mine weighed 33.6lbs before I put it in the water for the first time. That's 10+ lbs lighter than my last 14' board. It feels like a massive difference.
I noticed how nice it looks in your ‘real’ photo compared to the images of it on the SIC website, so I can imagine seeing it live can be even another step up. It’s a good looking board.
The advertised 32 lb weight may have been right on if your 33 included fins and leash. You know those heavy leashes.
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Nice looking board. You should be able to paddle in any conditions with that board. Good choice. Good company.
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Nice board and a very good choice for a dude your size. I like having a flat deck again myself. You are probably noticing a much more responsive and manoeuvrable board with It weighing that much lighter than your last one.
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nice board and good shape to suit your need, well done!
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The advertised 32 lb weight may have been right on if your 33 included fins and leash. You know those heavy leashes.
No leash, but I did have the fin installed. It’s carbon fiber and very light. Regardless, it’s much better than what I had before.
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I've had my Evo 1.0 Carbon for about one year and it gets scratches dents and scuffs very very easily. I take care of everything I have very well (car, road bike, phone etc.) but keeping this boat nice has been a pain. Looking to upgrade but want something lighter and more durable ;)
I do like it's great touring capability, and have bungees up front where handles would have been. I also really like the deck as it's nice and soft (to sit on for picnics) as well as the design as it enables decent drainage.
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Onesup Evo 1.0 (2017) 14'x24 carbon
The wood construction and finish of the Sunova Expedition needs to be seen in person to get an understanding of how nice it really is, and the price tag of well under 2 thousand makes it a bargain in the States. I was able to demo one relatively close to home in BC, which made the decision to buy easier. The Paulowina wood construction is said to be more durable than the Balsa lay up, but it is interesting the weights are the same or very close on the website for the Allround. I thought the allround faast was a few pounds lighter in Balsa wood.
I have a Onesup Evo 1.0 in the composite lay up and can vouch for Jacko on the quality of the construction. I'm waiting to paddle the 2.0 and it's still on my shortlist and it looks like a good option for a do everything board for sure. The composite lay up isn't what most on here would consider light, but I can say my Evo at a bit under 30 pounds, is easily as durable, or more durable than boards that I have owned that are 5-6 pounds heavier. So, for the weight conscious, the dynamic construction is worth a look if you are wanting to save some weight and have a more durable board, and the composite is a reasonable weight for touring or those that just want durability.
The Okeanos was another board I was considering in this class and it's very well priced as well, and while it's priced the same as the Expedition in the USA, it is priced quite a bit cheaper in Canada at the one shop I checked online (muskoka paddle shack).
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I've had my Evo 1.0 Carbon for about one year and it gets scratches dents and scuffs very very easily. I take care of everything I have very well (car, road bike, phone etc.) but keeping this boat nice has been a pain. Looking to upgrade but want something lighter and more durable ;)
I do like it's great touring capability, and have bungees up front where handles would have been. I also really like the deck as it's nice and soft (to sit on for picnics) as well as the design as it enables decent drainage.
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Onesup Evo 1.0 (2017) 14'x24 carbon
The wood construction and finish of the Sunova Expedition needs to be seen in person to get an understanding of how nice it really is, and the price tag of well under 2 thousand makes it a bargain in the States. I was able to demo one relatively close to home in BC, which made the decision to buy easier. The Paulowina wood construction is said to be more durable than the Balsa lay up, but it is interesting the weights are the same or very close on the website for the Allround. I thought the allround faast was a few pounds lighter in Balsa wood.
I have a Onesup Evo 1.0 in the composite lay up and can vouch for Jacko on the quality of the construction. I'm waiting to paddle the 2.0 and it's still on my shortlist and it looks like a good option for a do everything board for sure. The composite lay up isn't what most on here would consider light, but I can say my Evo at a bit under 30 pounds, is easily as durable, or more durable than boards that I have owned that are 5-6 pounds heavier. So, for the weight conscious, the dynamic construction is worth a look if you are wanting to save some weight and have a more durable board, and the composite is a reasonable weight for touring or those that just want durability.
The Okeanos was another board I was considering in this class and it's very well priced as well, and while it's priced the same as the Expedition in the USA, it is priced quite a bit cheaper in Canada at the one shop I checked online (muskoka paddle shack).
WaaSup, I’m really surprised to hear your experience with your ONE Sup. I have the exact same board as you except I’ve got the 12’ 6” x 24”. Mine is also carbon and from 2017, and I find it to be extremely durable. Like you, I also tend to keep good care of my equipment, so mine certainly has not been abused, but any time it has gotten an accidental knock, there has never been a mark on it. This is my favourite board, for both the way it handles and for how durable it is. Sorry to hear that has not been your experience. Should also add that as far as the weight goes, my board weighs in at 22.4 pounds. I know yours is 14' but I certainly don't consider 22.4 pounds for a 12' 6" by 24" board to be heavy.