Choosing between a few cheap boards...advice appreciated

[Ichabod Spoonbill]

Shoals,

The Imagine Surfer isn't a high-performance board by any stretch, but it's definitely not junk. Yes, it's heavy and plastic, but it's also a hell of a lot of fun. You won't be able to compare the durability of an epoxy SUP to a plastic board. They're just two different beasts. I've been a bit obsessed with this topic recently. It's a personal decision, but there are many times when I'll gladly take the extra weight in exchange for an indestructible board.

I get that it's a pretty plebeian ride, but so is a VW Beetle. (Actually, my board kind of reminds me of a VW Beetle.)

BTW, my board is technically a BodyGlove Wave, which is a licensed copy of the Imagine Surfer. Some board, different logo.

[blueplanetsurf]

I have to agree with those that say that both choices are a waste of money, better to get a decent used board, the big wheels vs. bicycle analogy is spot on, these are water toys, not real SUP boards.  If you have to pick one of the two, get the costco board, use it for a while, then return it when you are ready for a real board.  Price is what you pay, value is what you get.

[baldbull]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I am pretty sure I am going with the imagine. My reasoning is that...my kids can actually use it. i have an ocean kayak made out of the same stuff and 10 years later and tons of beatings the thing is in perfect shape. Sure its a generic pop out but so are nearly all of the boards i checked at the shops ie surftech, nsp, etc. that I could ever get even used in my price range (are all mid priced sups popouts?).  I am already so cautious with my 9'0 longboard and I hate that - this will be one less headache. plus i have 3 custom surfboards when there is actually surf (long, short, fish). here is a cool pic of the board on backdoor (pipeline in hi) that i found on this forum. haha i would never take a board that big on waves like that...

[Ichabod Spoonbill]

I don't think you'll regret it. You won't win any races, but you'll gave a lot of fun.


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