Standup Zone Forum
Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => Topic started by: Kip on July 06, 2020, 10:20:15 AM
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Just noticed this PVC hybrid version of the 2020 Blackfish at a pretty decent price point.
https://infinity-sup.com/products/2020-blackfish-pvc
Is this similar construction to the SIC RS ? Anyone seen this or ridden a demo version yet ?
Seems like a pretty sweet option saving you $600, but costing you 5 to 8 lbs over Carbon.
Thoughts from all you knowledgeable folks ?
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Why not pay the extra $500 and purchase the full carbon SIC RS?
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The carbon are made in the same factory as Jimmy Lewis, Kinetic, so most likely it is the same as the fiberglass construction of the JL boards.
I have a 2018 Infinity Whiplash 14*25 dugout and it is not light, 29lbs, but it is extremely durable compared to my Jimmy Lewis Rail Carbon which is still a hybrid PVC with carbon on the outside and fibreglass on the inside of the PVC. I know that the new carbon construction from Infinity is lighter so it is possible the weight penalty is not that bad compared to the older boards.
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Can't really go wrong with an Infinity. Not familiar with the PVC versions but the Carbons are among the most durable I've found. Whether the extra pounds make a difference depends on what you're using it for. Certainly, every pound helps but since I'm well over 200lbs an extra 5lbs on the doesn't make as much difference as 20 less pounds on the paddler. If you're lighter and in the hunt for the podium, that weight becomes more of an issue.
I'm a big fan of Infinity, but should say that I've never owned a new board. Much better value to find something used if there's a market in your area. Despite what I said above, I still prefer a lighter carbon construction, but I haven't paid more than $1500 for either of the two I own. Sure, they're not the shape du jour, but again, those little tweaks in performance are lost on me. I should say that if your comparison brand is SIC, you probably can't go wrong with either choice. Both very reputable well, made boards.
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Why not pay the extra $500 and purchase the full carbon SIC RS?
Probably worth it in the long run. Family of 4 on a single income, so ya know, always trying to find the best deal
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Infinity weight the 14x23 for me @ 25lbs 8)
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Infinity weight the 14x23 for me @ 25lbs 8)
I hear you Kip - and you are smart to have a budget. We can all keep playing that game..."if I just spend an extra $300 I can buy XYZ", before you know it, you've purchased a $5,000 board.
The only reason I asked it like that (and sorry for not being more clear), is I was curious about comparing the two boards since I think they're basically competitor boards in the same class. I'm considering both myself.
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LoudounSUP,
Truth be told I'm just learning about all this stuff. I was originally looking at the SIC RS because somtehing drew me to it aesthetically and people had recommended it as a fast board + you could get the 23" for quite a bit less than the Starboard 23". I was/am looking for something that can perform in the choppy lakes I paddle with the ability to hit the bay every so often. Someone on this forum recommended the Blackfish which I hadn't considered and I saw this year they made the PVC blend at a lower price point ($500 less than the carbon verson, $500 less than the SIC RS PVC sandwich) and figured for my needs and current abiity it would be a good option without breaking the bank.
The carbon sounds nice, but it's only 5lbs of difference for the blackfish. $100/pound doesn't make sense to me personally for what I'll be doing. If I get serious about racing I can just drop 5 lbs off myself. Did that for plenty of years before competition when I was trail running competitively haha
Anything interesting you've found while comparing the two ?
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Kip - I'm in a similar boat (so to speak). I'm in my 4th week of SUP so also still learning. I'm currently on a iSUP so getting a hard board is next on my list. As a novice, I'm seeking stability over everything. The perfect boat for me would be a barge that has good glide. 8) This is basically what the SIC RS is for race boards. From what I've gathered, its a very stable SUP with good glide. Perhaps not as "all out" fast as the Starboard All-Star but easier to get up to speed for a newbie.
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Sorry to hyjack your thread, but I obviously haven't paid much attention to the race scene lately. Because of this thread, I watched some of Infinity's videos. Kia Lenny is on Team Infinity. Did not know that.
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Sorry to hyjack your thread, but I obviously haven't paid much attention to the race scene lately. Because of this thread, I watched some of Infinity's videos. Kia Lenny is on Team Infinity. Did not know that.
I knew he did some stuff with Infinity last year but last time I checked he had a Starboard All-Star as the quiver race board.
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Kip - I'm in a similar boat (so to speak). I'm in my 4th week of SUP so also still learning. I'm currently on a iSUP so getting a hard board is next on my list. As a novice, I'm seeking stability over everything. The perfect boat for me would be a barge that has good glide. 8) This is basically what the SIC RS is for race boards. From what I've gathered, its a very stable SUP with good glide. Perhaps not as "all out" fast as the Starboard All-Star but easier to get up to speed for a newbie.
Nice!
The best thing I did was buy my used 25” Riviera for $800 to I make sure I was still improving and would like it. Now I’m selling it and won’t lose any money. Only negative I got was the wifey eye roll 😂
I also saw you could get the Starboard 24.5” blend on Paddle Surf Warehouse for $1995 which I considered.
Let me know what you go with and how you like it! I’d be interested to hear.
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Infinity weight the 14x23 for me @ 25lbs 8)
If thats the weight on the PVC, that's great. I'd pull the trigger. For what you're using it for that's not going to be much of a factor. The Blackfish is a very solid and stable open water board. I paddle mine everyday and haven't come across anything better across all potential conditions. Since the price is where you want it to be, just do it so you can get out and have fun.
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Sorry to hyjack your thread, but I obviously haven't paid much attention to the race scene lately. Because of this thread, I watched some of Infinity's videos. Kia Lenny is on Team Infinity. Did not know that.
Did you see his latest instagram post riding the BlurrV2?? Sweet...
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LoudounSUP,
Truth be told I'm just learning about all this stuff. I was originally looking at the SIC RS because somtehing drew me to it aesthetically and people had recommended it as a fast board + you could get the 23" for quite a bit less than the Starboard 23". I was/am looking for something that can perform in the choppy lakes I paddle with the ability to hit the bay every so often. Someone on this forum recommended the Blackfish which I hadn't considered and I saw this year they made the PVC blend at a lower price point ($500 less than the carbon verson, $500 less than the SIC RS PVC sandwich) and figured for my needs and current abiity it would be a good option without breaking the bank.
The carbon sounds nice, but it's only 5lbs of difference for the blackfish. $100/pound doesn't make sense to me personally for what I'll be doing. If I get serious about racing I can just drop 5 lbs off myself. Did that for plenty of years before competition when I was trail running competitively haha
Anything interesting you've found while comparing the two ?
I've been waiting to see the new construction myself. Wifey needs a new raceboard and the PVC version looks great i live in DP so had to see for myself and i weighed a few with Dave at Infinity here's what i got fyi...
Blackfish flatdeck 14' x 24.5" x 23lbs (this is new molded carbon construction for this year and it is killer!)
Blackfish flatdeck 14' x 24.5" x 26.4lbs (this board looks very nice and can't tell the difference from the carbon almost like they made it too nice ha!)
Pretty impressed you are gonna be stoked
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Bulky and Brent,
They had one of each color left in the 14x23 PVC for the season and went out and weighed that bad boy @ the 25lbs for flat deck.
We only get a couple months of sun here and I was getting a little burnt on reading reviews and manufacturing info instead of shredding so...
HAD TO PULL THE TRIGGER!
WOOOOOOOOOOOT! 8)
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Stoked!
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Sorry to hyjack your thread, but I obviously haven't paid much attention to the race scene lately. Because of this thread, I watched some of Infinity's videos. Kia Lenny is on Team Infinity. Did not know that.
Did you see his latest instagram post riding the BlurrV2?? Sweet...
Just watched it. I'm stoke for Dave and the Infinity team. That's a great relationship. I think I just figured out who Dave's mystery Ranch guest was:)
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There was a mix up at the warehouse and I got the wrong size board (wrong color too but I was so excited I didn't realize until I realized the deminsions were wrong haha). Infinity was pretty quick about getting it fixed and I should have my 14 x 23 tomorrow, but thought you all would like to see the new 2020 Blackfiish PVC 14' x 27"
It's nice! And felt light.
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Sweet. Paddle on. I don't think either of my older carbon Infinitys come in at less than 27. Each have had some repairs but I don't think that put on a pound. Enjoy!
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Very nice.
I have not tried a Blackfish since the 2015/2016/2017 iterations but that is a board that might be worth revisiting just based on the Kinetic construction.
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There was a mix up at the warehouse and I got the wrong size board (wrong color too but I was so excited I didn't realize until I realized the deminsions were wrong haha). Infinity was pretty quick about getting it fixed and I should have my 14 x 23 tomorrow, but thought you all would like to see the new 2020 Blackfiish PVC 14' x 27"
It's nice! And felt light.
Waiting with great anticipation with you Kip. Can't wait to hear your review!
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Waiting with great anticipation with you Kip. Can't wait to hear your review!
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You and me both brother! Looks like a delay until early next week, but will post an unboxing and quick review here when it arrives 😎🤙
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So Kip - how much did the 27” weigh, and can/could someone else ;) collect it?? Not far from you.........
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So Kip - how much did the 27” weigh, and can/could someone else ;) collect it?? Not far from you.........
Haha...good thinking Whitecap (I had the same thought, but would need divorce papers in hand). In all seriousness, this looks like a great value/performance board. I can't wait to hear Kip's review.
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Kip?? Should I contact Infinity??
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Kip?? Should I contact Infinity??
I’m not sure! Honestly (and surprisingly after all the reviews here) I haven’t been having the best service experience. This board was originally supposed to be picked up Thursday, then there was another snafu and they said they’d let me know when yesterday, but never got back to me. I still haven’t received a confirmation on when a freight company will pick the 14’ x 27” up. You could certainly reach out to them if you’re interested in purchasing and picking up ? Unless it’s spoken for, it would save them some money on freight.
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thanks mate! Did you get a sense of how much it weighs - say compared to your Rivera? My X14 is about 27+/- but with teh SIC solid handle, [best there is!], it's super easy to manipulate - so long as your keeping a close eye on where the ends are :-[
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thanks mate! Did you get a sense of how much it weighs - say compared to your Rivera? My X14 is about 27+/- but with teh SIC solid handle, [best there is!], it's super easy to manipulate - so long as your keeping a close eye on where the ends are :-[
It definitely felt lighter than my Riviera (but I weighed my Riviera right around 29-30lbs). They weighed the 14x23 @ 25lbs... not sure how much 4” would add in weight. Felt good though! I immediately boxed it back up and I’m out of packing tape or I’d weigh it for ya.
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Thanks for all the feedback - I’ll reach out to HQ and see what’s really goin’ on
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Hey Kip. I just picked up a used Blackfish yesterday. I got a 2019, 12’ 6” x 23”. I’ve only taken it out a couple of times, but my initial impression is that I love this board. It’s fast, it tracks straight, it’s nimble and really responsive, and it turns on a dime. It’s also really stable for a 23” board. My very early impression is that this is one of the nicest boards I’ve owned or paddled. Given what I am experiencing, I’m sure you are going to love your board.
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Hey Kip. I just picked up a used Blackfish yesterday. I got a 2019, 12’ 6” x 23”. I’ve only taken it out a couple of times, but my initial impression is that I love this board. It’s fast, it tracks straight, it’s nimble and really responsive, and it turns on a dime. It’s also really stable for a 23” board. My very early impression is that this is one of the nicest boards I’ve owned or paddled. Given what I am experiencing, I’m sure you are going to love your board.
Weeee ooooh! Stoked to hear it! And congrats on scoring a used one; that’s the smart way to go
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Hey Kip. I just picked up a used Blackfish yesterday. I got a 2019, 12’ 6” x 23”. I’ve only taken it out a couple of times, but my initial impression is that I love this board. It’s fast, it tracks straight, it’s nimble and really responsive, and it turns on a dime. It’s also really stable for a 23” board. My very early impression is that this is one of the nicest boards I’ve owned or paddled. Given what I am experiencing, I’m sure you are going to love your board.
Weeee ooooh! Stoked to hear it! And congrats on scoring a used one; that’s the smart way to go
Yes, this one came available, I took it for a test paddle and couldn’t say no. I really didn’t need another board and I may end up selling something else, but this one is a keeper for sure.
I’ve always either bought used, or got a really good deal on new. I’ve never paid full, list price for a new board. But after I went for a good paddle this morning on the Blackfish, I told my wife that this is the first board I would pay full price for.
You really are going to love it. Once you get it and take it for a couple of paddles, I’d love to hear your impressions.
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Hey Kip. I just picked up a used Blackfish yesterday. I got a 2019, 12’ 6” x 23”. I’ve only taken it out a couple of times, but my initial impression is that I love this board. It’s fast, it tracks straight, it’s nimble and really responsive, and it turns on a dime. It’s also really stable for a 23” board. My very early impression is that this is one of the nicest boards I’ve owned or paddled. Given what I am experiencing, I’m sure you are going to love your board.
Weeee ooooh! Stoked to hear it! And congrats on scoring a used one; that’s the smart way to go
Yes, this one came available, I took it for a test paddle and couldn’t say no. I really didn’t need another board and I may end up selling something else, but this one is a keeper for sure.
I’ve always either bought used, or got a really good deal on new. I’ve never paid full, list price for a new board. But after I went for a good paddle this morning on the Blackfish, I told my wife that this is the first board I would pay full price for.
You really are going to love it. Once you get it and take it for a couple of paddles, I’d love to hear your impressions.
AT this rate you are going to need a bigger lake!
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AT this rate you are going to need a bigger lake!
Too funny! Maybe at least a bigger house with a larger storage area. Or probably just need to sell something to make some more room, which is likely going to happen.
Do you know the board I got? It was Genna’s board, which she apparently only paddled once or twice.
Good to hear from you Luc. Hope you are doing well.
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HEY-OH DUDES!
Got my 14x23 PVC today and I absolutely love it. Have only taken it out once so far to do some fartlek and mess around with step back turns, but my frist impressions are this:
LIGHT! It felt so much lighter and manageable than my Riviera.
Tracking is phenomenal. I can do multiple strokes on one side without having to switch.
Smoooooooth. This sucker just GLIDES over the water. It's so quiet and surreal, almost like it's skipping along. You can bring it up to 7MPH no problem. Maintining with this weak runner's upper body is a different story, but it really has some get up and go! I don't think I was able to do that for very long on my Riviera without the wind at my back.
Stability is rock solid. I got a lot of advice not to drop down to a 23" from a 25" since I've only been on the water since March/April, but I don't regret it one bit. With the board being narrower and my technique lacking, it feels much better getting my paddle to catch without feeling like I'm over reaching. And it feels just as stable as my 14x25 riviera. The strange thing is that once you step back towards the flat area on the tail to turn, it feels even more stable. I have no problem walking around on this board.
Undoubtedly I will fall multiple times when I get out in the bay on choppy days, but that's ok!
Durability: Stout. Of course, I wasn't paying attention on my way to the water and bumped the tail against the parking lot - not one paint chip! Was super suprised.
I am SO happy I purchased this. And after taking it for a spin I have no regrets paying full retail either. This thing is sick!
THANKS INFINITY!
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BITCHIN' Kip!
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Hey Kip. Congrats on the board. I knew you would love it. You even got the exact same colour as mine! Or maybe there isn't a choice on colour??? Not sure as I bought mine used.
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Hey Kip. Congrats on the board. I knew you would love it. You even got the exact same colour as mine! Or maybe there isn't a choice on colour??? Not sure as I bought mine used.
They had one left in each color, and I went with blue.
LOVE THIS THING MAN! Can't wait to wake up tomorrow haha ;D
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Awesome report Kip and congrats! Soon, I'll be in a similar situation...trying to decide which size width to drop down to. I'm currently at a 28 and would love to dip down to a 25 or even 24 inch wide board. Although, the 'safer' pick would be a 26.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymdC0CThNcA
Still a little tippy when side chop gets me, but thought you all would like to get an idea how this bad boy slices and glides!
I LOVE IT!
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Awesome report Kip and congrats! Soon, I'll be in a similar situation...trying to decide which size width to drop down to. I'm currently at a 28 and would love to dip down to a 25 or even 24 inch wide board. Although, the 'safer' pick would be a 26.
This is definitely more "work" than the 25, but I don't regret it. I know it's going to take a while on the bay to get really comfortable on biger days, but I enjoy the challenge! I've been able to get an extra 1MPH, even upwind, on my last couple outtings which is nice. I onlt started in March though, so I can't even gie much advice. I've only been on a 31, 25, and 23.
Burchas had really great advice on my first post asking about race boards:
"Many SUP beginners are making the mistake of getting sucked into the narrow board hype but you have to ask your self to what end? Do you intend to race a lot?(you'll have to wait a bit for that ;))
Even if your answer to this is yes, you'll still benefit from a little wider board. As talented as you might be, developing a good stroke is something that takes time and can be executed much better on a little wider board where you don't struggle with balance. Another reason is race starts. Often chaotic and full of contact, chances are you'll find your self swimming and right there you lost your narrow board perceived advantage.
If you're not going to race a lot, then what's the point of getting a narrow board? If you just like to be fast on the water, you're in the wrong sport. Sup are slow. You also want to consider further down the road when you might want to take on downwinding. You may regret not having a wider board when you'll spend a lot of time swimming rather than catching bumps.
With flat water it easy to ride narrow board and feel accomplished. I went as far as riding an 18" board, looking back I can't remember what was the point of the exercise. If it just speed you're after, you might grow out of this sport as fast as you could ride a 21" wide board. If it's the challenge, the water can always match you with condition you wouldn't be able to ride even a 40" wide board. It's all about the conditions you want to ride or see your self riding in the future, that's how you'll choose the right board.
Before buying a 21" or even a 23" board consider that in case you do not like the board, you'll be taking a big hit on what you paid when trying to sell it, that is if you'll even be able to sell it at all."
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Wanted to give a little long term review:
I still absolutely love the ride of this board. It glides smooth and handles chop very well. I’ve taken it on everything from flatwater, to a lake with wakes in the summer (see: washing machine), to the choppy bay, to a 7 mile downwinder with 35MPH gusts. It can handle almost anything.
I still maintain that it feels equally as stable as the 25” Riviera I had (this is 23”) and it’s fast too. It’s just an amazing board and it looks sick AF. I love this board so much that I actually bought 2 more infinity boards. Out of my 3 boards, I almost always reach for this one. If I had to have just one board, this would absolutely be it.
I still don’t know a whole lot about SUP construction or production, but my suggestion would be: if you can afford the Team Elite construction, buy it! I opted for the PPVC Tech version because I was impatient and couldn’t come up with the extra money for Carbon that week, but if I could go back I’d wait a bit and buy Carbon.
After purchasing this board, I ended up purchasing a Team Elite Whiplash - and besides some paddle marks and pressure dents (dents were from careless 3rd party freight company), it’s in very good shape. It is SUPER durable. Same story with the used 2 year old Team Elite Downtown I picked up: no chips, dings, or damage. Both have held up very well. It’s pretty amazing.
My PVC Blackfish hasn’t been quite as durable. I do paddle it a lot and I can be pretty rough on my gear, but it’s got paint chips, dings, and a crack in the outter shell from a paddle smack (Not complaining here; I shred on this thing).
I’ve had some issues with the deck pad getting little air bubbles when it’s warm out and recently the adhesive started lifting near kick/tail area. Super minor and somewhat expected stuff, and pretty easy to fix, but these little issues are simply nonexistent on my two Team Elite boards. That’s how good that construction is!
All in all the Blackfish is fantastic board. When I break this one I’ll definitely buy another, but this time in Team Elite construction. Highly recommend!
Anybody else been riding this board ?