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Stand Up Paddle => SUP General => Topic started by: dee151 on July 05, 2020, 06:43:52 PM

Title: NEW to all of it
Post by: dee151 on July 05, 2020, 06:43:52 PM
Hello guys i am new to all of this, I live in Oregon and i have been looking at so many ISUP
but i think i have narrow it down to 2 of them

Gilisports MENO 11'6
https://www.gilisports.com/collections/stand-up-paddle-boards/products/meno-inflatable-stand-up-paddle-board?variant=33079707041923

Blackfin XL 11'6
https://www.irockersup.com/blackfin-paddle-boards/blackfin-model-xl-inflatable-paddle-board/


So like i mention i am NEW to all of it, it will be me & my wife & are 9yr old son playing on it, But mainly me & my sun so i like the weight these 2 can HOLD.......

just dont know jack crap about these brands, both have good reviews But cant find much about this gilisports meno allot out there about Irocker blackfin tho....

I really like the BOTE HD Areo But it does not hold much for weight. I am only 152lbs so BOTE is not made for 2 people



Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: dee151 on July 05, 2020, 07:54:31 PM
OK i would like to add a 3 one in,
BOTE HD Aero 11'6
https://www.boteboard.com/collections/all-purpose/products/hd-aero?variant=30309826625654

its out of stock, so even tho this one holds lil over 300lbs only i can work with it, like this one allot.
so between all 3 of them dont know much about these, are these a good brand? do they suck? would like to here advice this is why i am here, thanks looking forward to replies
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: TallDude on July 05, 2020, 09:18:01 PM
Bote is a pretty big name in the SUP business. Never heard of the other ones. Most of these come from China the the quality of the 'drop stitch' fabric is an unknown. They drop the "military grade" statement on just about every single one, even if they are crap. Biggest name in the inflatable world is Red Paddle company. Top of the line. I had an few ULI's which were actually military grade and top of the line, but they've been out of business for a number of years now. I left my ULI fully inflated for almost two years. Never had a problem. My brother was camping and a couple showed up at the lake with a brand new right out of the box inflatable. They pumped it up, then walked back to their car to get more stuff. 2 minutes later...BOOM! That was it.  ::)
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: surf4food on July 06, 2020, 09:01:48 AM
I have never heard of those two brands so I would consider avoiding, especially if there is none to very limited info on them.  Bote is pretty well known but is considered a low end brand.  The kind you will find at a West Marine or even a Walmart. If you’re looking for a good inflatable board you might want to look into Red Paddle or even the top hard board brands like Naish, Boardworks, Starboard, Hobie, Infinity, etc.  All have good quality inflatables in their lineup.
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: dee151 on July 06, 2020, 02:08:35 PM
Bote is a pretty big name in the SUP business. Never heard of the other ones. Most of these come from China the the quality of the 'drop stitch' fabric is an unknown. They drop the "military grade" statement on just about every single one, even if they are crap. Biggest name in the inflatable world is Red Paddle company. Top of the line. I had an few ULI's which were actually military grade and top of the line, but they've been out of business for a number of years now. I left my ULI fully inflated for almost two years. Never had a problem. My brother was camping and a couple showed up at the lake with a brand new right out of the box inflatable. They pumped it up, then walked back to their car to get more stuff. 2 minutes later...BOOM! That was it.  ::)
Thanks the 2 of you guys, that answered me, yes i see Red paddle CO is top of the line, But i dont like them, very plain not enough bungees to ties stuff down
Just might have to go with the BOTE when they get in stock
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: dee151 on July 06, 2020, 02:11:45 PM
I have never heard of those two brands so I would consider avoiding, especially if there is none to very limited info on them.  Bote is pretty well known but is considered a low end brand.  The kind you will find at a West Marine or even a Walmart. If you’re looking for a good inflatable board you might want to look into Red Paddle or even the top hard board brands like Naish, Boardworks, Starboard, Hobie, Infinity, etc.  All have good quality inflatables in their lineup.
other then BOTE whats a good ISUP, that has bungee in front & back of the board to tie gear down and D rings to tie stuff down like a YETI soft cooler?
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: surf4food on July 06, 2020, 03:17:54 PM
I have never heard of those two brands so I would consider avoiding, especially if there is none to very limited info on them.  Bote is pretty well known but is considered a low end brand.  The kind you will find at a West Marine or even a Walmart. If you’re looking for a good inflatable board you might want to look into Red Paddle or even the top hard board brands like Naish, Boardworks, Starboard, Hobie, Infinity, etc.  All have good quality inflatables in their lineup.
other then BOTE whats a good ISUP, that has bungee in front & back of the board to tie gear down and D rings to tie stuff down like a YETI soft cooler?


As I mentioned: 
" If you’re looking for a good inflatable board you might want to look into Red Paddle or even the top hard board brands like Naish, Boardworks, Starboard, Hobie, Infinity, etc.  All have good quality inflatables in their lineup."

You might want to research those brands that I suggested to see what features they have on their inflatables. 


Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: dee151 on July 06, 2020, 05:24:29 PM
I have never heard of those two brands so I would consider avoiding, especially if there is none to very limited info on them.  Bote is pretty well known but is considered a low end brand.  The kind you will find at a West Marine or even a Walmart. If you’re looking for a good inflatable board you might want to look into Red Paddle or even the top hard board brands like Naish, Boardworks, Starboard, Hobie, Infinity, etc.  All have good quality inflatables in their lineup.
other then BOTE whats a good ISUP, that has bungee in front & back of the board to tie gear down and D rings to tie stuff down like a YETI soft cooler?


As I mentioned: 
" If you’re looking for a good inflatable board you might want to look into Red Paddle or even the top hard board brands like Naish, Boardworks, Starboard, Hobie, Infinity, etc.  All have good quality inflatables in their lineup."

You might want to research those brands that I suggested to see what features they have on their inflatables.
I rent so no room for a hard board, as for red co,  there boards dont have what i am looking for on them.....
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: SouthCounty on July 06, 2020, 06:56:51 PM
I believe you get what you pay for, buy nice or buy twice, These guys have always put out a very good product for a fair price.https://vimeo.com/298696942
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: surfcowboy on July 06, 2020, 08:25:02 PM
You can buy stick on bungee mounts from NSI. Buying a board for the bungee is like buying a car for the roof rack. Easy add on to any board. Literally a 15 min job with zero tools.
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: PonoBill on July 06, 2020, 09:18:58 PM
You can buy stick on bungee mounts from NSI. Buying a board for the bungee is like buying a car for the roof rack. Easy add on to any board. Literally a 15 min job with zero tools.

Yup, and nice analogy. Boards with lots of tie-downs generally have them in the wrong places for you, for one simple reason--they aren't designed by you. The NSI mounts are bulletproof if you install them properly, and almost as good if you screw them up. Just don't make the mistake I did and put one down where you didn't want it--they don't come back up without a lot of suffering.

This year in Hood River I'm seeing more inflatable paddleboards than ever before. the people that show up and seem to know what they are doing are on Reds and Starboards. Beyond that, I don't know much about inflatables. I used to own a Red Dragon--a 22' inflatable that carries 4 (or more). It was bulletproof. We beat the crap out of it and when I sold it I gave it a quick wash and it looked brand new. I ran into the guy who bought it a few weeks ago--he's been having a blast with it. One of those would carry you, your wife, your kid, a dog, your mother-in-law, a barbeque, and a few coolers.
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: surf4food on July 07, 2020, 09:00:57 AM
Quote from: dee151SUP
I rent so no room for a hard board, as for red co,  there boards dont have what i am looking for on them.....
[/quote

Ok let's see if the third time is a charm. I am very aware that you are not interested in a hard board. That is why I gave you those suggestions. The brands that I mentioned (and many more) all have inflatables in their lineups, and very good ones at that.  Yes they are hard boards brands but AGAIN they all have a lineup of inflatables which is what you said you are looking for. I'm not sure if they have all the features you mentioned but that is why it would be a good idea to research them. And you can do what surfcowboy suggested. 
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: Quickbeam on July 07, 2020, 04:10:20 PM
Just a quick note on Red Boards. I have two of them and they are great. And to the OP, I have what is now called the “Voyager” in the 13’ 2” size (when I bought mine it was called “Explorer” but they are basically the same board). It is a great board and comes with tie downs on both the nose and tail. This (https://redpaddleco.com/en-ca/product/132-voyager/) is from their Canadian website.
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: dee151 on July 07, 2020, 04:13:34 PM
Quote from: dee151SUP
I rent so no room for a hard board, as for red co,  there boards dont have what i am looking for on them.....
[/quote

Ok let's see if the third time is a charm. I am very aware that you are not interested in a hard board. That is why I gave you those suggestions. The brands that I mentioned (and many more) all have inflatables in their lineups, and very good ones at that.  Yes they are hard boards brands but AGAIN they all have a lineup of inflatables which is what you said you are looking for. I'm not sure if they have all the features you mentioned but that is why it would be a good idea to research them. And you can do what surfcowboy suggested.
Starboard Touring Deluxe is nice, its about the only name brand that i went threw that i saw & like
but it seem's to be out of stock, only down fall is max weight is like 260 or so......
its a nice board tho even the 2020 IGO But everything is out of stock
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: dee151 on July 08, 2020, 04:32:49 PM
Just a quick note on Red Boards. I have two of them and they are great. And to the OP, I have what is now called the “Voyager” in the 13’ 2” size (when I bought mine it was called “Explorer” but they are basically the same board). It is a great board and comes with tie downs on both the nose and tail. This (https://redpaddleco.com/en-ca/product/132-voyager/) is from their Canadian website.
That voyager is sweet, i like it, but just like all the ones i like, out of stock....
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: dee151 on July 08, 2020, 05:47:49 PM
is this a good brand i like this board, but dont no nothing about the brand.
https://thursosurf.com/stand-up-paddle-boards/waterwalker-all-around-sup/
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: TallDude on July 08, 2020, 05:57:27 PM
It's crazy how many inflatable companies are popping up. It must really be a growing market? None of them last that long. The more you roll them up, the shorter the life span.
I just saw this ad on Surfline.... https://atollboards.com/
Out of nowhere. All these companies???
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: surf4food on July 08, 2020, 07:19:10 PM
Never heard of that brand either.  Here's one I hear nothing but good things about:
https://infinity-sup.com/pages/air
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: dee151 on July 09, 2020, 04:28:18 AM
Well I am limited on what you pick,
And I don't know if these are build with good material or garbage. But right now my options are limited.
Thurso sup and Gili sports sup are both close to price range
What would u pick between these two?

https://www.gilisports.com/collections/frontpage/products/meno-inflatable-stand-up-paddle-board
OR

https://thursosurf.com/stand-up-paddle-boards/waterwalker-all-around-sup/

Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: FoilColorado on July 09, 2020, 06:41:53 AM
Heaps of inexpensive inflatable SUP’s on eBay that look very similar to these 700-800$ boards for $250 shipped. Most likely all are made in the same factory, with different graphics applied. Just be sure whichever seller you choose has stock in country already
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: dee151 on July 09, 2020, 08:32:17 AM
Heaps of inexpensive inflatable SUP’s on eBay that look very similar to these 700-800$ boards for $250 shipped. Most likely all are made in the same factory, with different graphics applied. Just be sure whichever seller you choose has stock in country already
not looking to anything off eBay, just looking for feedback or from experience sup riders on the 2 brands above, and what they use to make them.
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: surf4food on July 09, 2020, 10:08:53 AM
Heaps of inexpensive inflatable SUP’s on eBay that look very similar to these 700-800$ boards for $250 shipped. Most likely all are made in the same factory, with different graphics applied. Just be sure whichever seller you choose has stock in country already
not looking to anything off eBay, just looking for feedback or from experience sup riders on the 2 brands above, and what they use to make them.


The thing is, most experienced paddlers on here have not used those two and for that reason wont have a lot of feedback to give. You say your options are limited. Do you mean as far as price? If so that's understandable but keep in mind as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.  I looked at both those links and their Facebook page in the "about" section.  Thurso Surf doesn't have any info to where they are located.  Gile makes the bold claim they make "the best paddleboards you can buy".  And their mailing address is in the watersports mecca of Las Vegas but no info as to where the company is actually located.  That should be an obvious red flag on both of those. 

To be clear, there are some good quality small companies out there. The good ones are going to at the very least be owned and operated by an avid SUPer or SUPers.  Also they will be headquartered in an area where people SUP. 
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: dee151 on July 09, 2020, 11:44:58 AM
Heaps of inexpensive inflatable SUP’s on eBay that look very similar to these 700-800$ boards for $250 shipped. Most likely all are made in the same factory, with different graphics applied. Just be sure whichever seller you choose has stock in country already
not looking to anything off eBay, just looking for feedback or from experience sup riders on the 2 brands above, and what they use to make them.


The thing is, most experienced paddlers on here have not used those two and for that reason wont have a lot of feedback to give. You say your options are limited. Do you mean as far as price? If so that's understandable but keep in mind as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.  I looked at both those links and their Facebook page in the "about" section.  Thurso Surf doesn't have any info to where they are located.  Gile makes the bold claim they make "the best paddleboards you can buy".  And their mailing address is in the watersports mecca of Las Vegas but no info as to where the company is actually located.  That should be an obvious red flag on both of those. 

To be clear, there are some good quality small companies out there. The good ones are going to at the very least be owned and operated by an avid SUPer or SUPers.  Also they will be headquartered in an area where people SUP.
my max for a Isup will be about 900$ to 1000$
This is where I been looking at for review

https://www.supboardermag.com/what-are-you-interested-in/?_keywords=Thurso

This website talk allot about them
Is this website good? Or bogus?
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: Dusk Patrol on July 09, 2020, 11:57:35 AM
Supboarder is reputable. It's reviews are not merely manufacturer content.

Have you set their search filter to 'inflateables'?

https://www.supboardermag.com/equipment-guide/?_tested=1&_construction=inflatable

General advice (sorry if repeats) is to stick with established companies (who have a reputation to maintain), 6" thickness and psi capacity near 20 or above, and keep your eye on Craigslist as well. Some people buy them and don't put them to much use.

I have noticed a ton of new SUPers in my area over the last few months, almost all on inflateables.
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: dee151 on July 09, 2020, 12:17:18 PM
Supboarder is reputable. It's reviews are not merely manufacturer content.

Have you set their search filter to 'inflateables'?

https://www.supboardermag.com/equipment-guide/?_tested=1&_construction=inflatable

General advice (sorry if repeats) is to stick with established companies (who have a reputation to maintain), 6" thickness and psi capacity near 20 or above, and keep your eye on Craigslist as well. Some people buy them and don't put them to much use.

I have noticed a ton of new SUPers in my area over the last few months, almost all on inflateables.
So the website is good then?
The one I wanted the most is BOTE HD Aero
But they are out, that thurso had more then 1 review on that site, I like that one, Blackfin XL I was thinking about that one, but to much hard plastic on it for all sorts of crazy stuff. The Gili look clean also but don't know Jack crap.
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: dee151 on July 09, 2020, 12:34:59 PM
😅 now the Gili is sold out 11'6
Does anyone have a Thurso sup on here? Give a lil feed back? They are on 2 Isup review sites, yesterday there was 15 now 13 thurso 11'6 😒🤔
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: dee151 on July 09, 2020, 03:57:56 PM
OK wish me luck i just pulled the trigger on the THURSO SURF Waterwalker All-Around SUP
here are my reason.

#1 yesterday they had 15 of these available now only 8
#2 And they are on 4 websites for reviews, must say somthing.

inflatableboarder
isupworld
supboardguide
supconnect
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: Califoilia on July 09, 2020, 06:09:41 PM
Well congrats "dee", I Googled the "Waterwalker All-Around" and all had good things to say about it, and it even got a 4.7 on Amazon with 381 customer rating which is almost unheard of there. So it sounds as though you found a good one, even if no one here has heard of them. Keep us posted as to how you like it, and if you'd buy it again which is usually the final question wrt them. Good luck, and most of all... have fun!!
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: dee151 on July 09, 2020, 08:17:02 PM
Well congrats "dee", I Googled the "Waterwalker All-Around" and all had good things to say about it, and it even got a 4.7 on Amazon with 381 customer rating which is almost unheard of there. So it sounds as though you found a good one, even if no one here has heard of them. Keep us posted as to how you like it, and if you'd buy it again which is usually the final question wrt them. Good luck, and most of all... have fun!!
OH deff will keep you guys posted, & wil post pictures to,
I found some NRS 9' x 1' straps,  now looking for bungee with S Hook on them?
any suggestions ?
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: PonoBill on July 09, 2020, 11:09:03 PM
I looked at the reviews, to me they looked like someone did a lot of good quality marketing work writing those reviews. Not so glowing that they looked fake, but nothing that would prevent you from buying one. and they made a fine case for buying a better pump from them. Call me a cynic, I think they all came from the same person.
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: dee151 on July 10, 2020, 01:30:51 PM
I looked at the reviews, to me they looked like someone did a lot of good quality marketing work writing those reviews. Not so glowing that they looked fake, but nothing that would prevent you from buying one. and they made a fine case for buying a better pump from them. Call me a cynic, I think they all came from the same person.
I'm pretty confident that those reviews are pretty real they are on 3 sup board review websites, all good reviews, All good reviews on Amazon, over 300, and then there actual website, when it comes down to it that's a lot of good reviews coming from a lot of different sources from a lot of different places, Only time will tell, since I am new to all of this & my first Isup, I'll make a lil review/post about it, when time comes & I take it out to the lake, lakes are all around me here in Medford Oregon 🏄‍♂️🙌👍
Title: Re: NEW to all of it
Post by: dee151 on July 10, 2020, 01:34:19 PM
Also customer services on there I.G page is help full, we been talking and I remember somebody on here mention there is no information about them given where they are located, I ask him he shot me back dm with their information where they are located...


We don’t have a customer facing phone number yet but we’re pretty quick (24 hours or less) on email and social media with support and we don’t have surf shop that customers can visit either. We hope to someday! Our address is 30 N Gould St Ste R, Sheridan, WY 82801.
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