The Blackfin brand is a subsidiary of the iRocker company. Since 2013, this US company from Florida has been selling high-quality, as well as affordable SUP boards under the names iRocker, Blackfin and Nautical. Despite its young age, iRocker has become one of the most popular brands of inflatable paddleboards.
In this article we will take a closer look at the brand Blackfin and the currently 3 different iSUP. As a premium brand, they are characterized by extremely high quality, robustness and high-quality composite construction. Every year the boards are improved with the latest technologies and functionality.
Why we like to recommend the Blackfin SUPs?
The iRocker company has earned a great reputation in the stand up paddling world over the years. With the Blackfin product line, they have used all their experience to offer the best possible SUP board. The boards convince both beginners and experts because they are equipped with every imaginable feature and also have an extreme durability thanks to the robust construction.
Blackfin and the company iRocker in general, are known for a low return and defect rate, which logically also speaks for the quality of their products. However, should something still go wrong, you can take advantage of the 2-year warranty with a clear conscience. The customer service also enjoys an excellent reputation and is praised again and again for its helpful and accommodating nature.
As you can see, we’re really excited about the brand. Let’s take a closer look at each board and its specific features, then you can decide for yourself if a Blackfin SUP meets your needs.
Blackfin Model X
The Blackfin Model X is currently one of the best all-round paddle boards in the world. Although the smallest model of the Blackfin family, it still has a high enough load capacity of 205 kg (450lbs) that it is easily enough for most paddlers. Is also perfect for families to be on the road in pairs or threes.
The construction with triple-layer PVC hull and carbon reinforced rails makes the board extremely robust and practically does not bend even under high load. Two-layer hulls are now relatively common in high-end SUPs, but this triple-layer construction makes the Blackfin Model X stand out from the crowd.
In addition to this high-quality construction and excellent build quality, the Blackfin X SUP also stands out due to the built-in features. iRocker has really built everything that is possible on the board. Multiple handles facilitate the transport, various action cam mounts as well as other mounts make the board ideal for a variety of conditions and demands. Fishing, yoga, white water SUP as well as surfing in small waves everything is possible.
The ideal companion, however, it is especially for beginners on calm waters, which will make rapid progress thanks to a high tilt stability. But also advanced and experienced paddlers will have a lot of fun with the Blackfin Model X alone, in pairs or however.
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Blackfin Model XL
The Blackfin Model XL is an extremely versatile SUP. Thanks to the slightly higher volume than the Model X, it is even better suited for multiple people, more equipment and a lot of luggage for your outdoor adventure. But even if you don’t have the maximum load of 220 kg (485 lbs) in mind, you can still benefit from the extreme stiffness. The SUP practically does not bend and almost feels like a hardboard. In addition, thanks to the slightly narrower cut than its little brother, it has a better glide and allows higher speeds.
It is best suited for beginners who are looking for a very stable board. Thanks to the high tilt stability, the first attempts will certainly be a success. But also experienced paddlers who are looking for a SUP that works in a variety of conditions and uses meets with the Blackfin Model XL the right choice. Thanks to various mounting options, various accessories can be attached and the board can be equipped to a real fishing platform.
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Blackfin Model V
The Blackfin Model V is the touring board in the Blackfin line-up. Especially for more experienced paddlers it offers an excellent glide due to the narrower width of 32″ on a length of 12’6″. Sure a certain tilt stability is lost and for absolute beginners it is not the first choice, but the 32″ for people with some balance, quickly mastered.
Also the outer line with a tapered nose makes the Blackfin Model V ideal for longer tours. That’s why it shines on open waters where you find enough space to build up some speed and paddle over longer distances.
The construction is exactly the same as its two shorter siblings. The three-layer PVC outer shell with carbon reinforcement in the rails ensures high robustness and rigidity. Thanks to the maximum load of 220 kg (485 lbs), the Blackfin Model V can also be used by heavy paddlers, two people at the same time or all imaginable equipment can be taken on the expedition.
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Accessories in the Blackfin Sets
The included accessories in the Blackfin SUP packages can also convince with high quality. All boards are delivered with the following equipment, so that you can immediately start on the water:
- The 3-piece, height-adjustable iRocker paddle consists of a carbon shaft and paddle blade made of nylon. The lightweight paddle weighs just 800 grams (28 oz) and floats in the water.
- The 10′ coiled leash (Coiled) ensures that even if you fall into the water, the SUP will not drift. It also has a small pocket to supply a key.
- A double stroke hand pump with two chambers. Thanks to this, the board can be inflated within 5-10 minutes.
- The backpack or travel bag is another highlight in the Blackfin products. Thanks to well-padded shoulder straps, waist support, it is comfortable to carry even over longer distances. Thanks to the integrated wheels, it can also be easily pulled behind you as a trolley. Very spacious, it offers easy space for the board, accessories and everything else you need for a day at the lake.
If that’s not enough, Blackfin also offers other optional accessories:
- A kayak seat which can be attached to the various D-rings on the Blackfin boards.
- A fishing bracket to attach the fishing rod vertically.
- A SUP anchor to keep you in place during yoga or sunbathing.
- An electric pump. If you pump up your SUP board often, you’ll quickly realize that an electric pump is probably one of the most popular optional accessories. You might not save too much time, but you’ll have even more energy for paddling afterwards.
