2020 Bluefin iSUP range overview / Review video
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2020
- In this video we look at the 2020 Bluefin iSUP range of boards and packages. The Cruise and Cruise Carbon constructions offer paddlers 2 different price points, at difference stiffnesses.
Bluefin iSUP packages are well made and good value. They're not the lightest boards on the market but they're certainly some of the stiffest. So if you're a heavier rider or after a robust, stiff iSUP then the Bluefin SUPs are worth checking out.
Please let us know your feedback and thoughts about the Bluefin range below. - กีฬา
Really appreciate the informative reviews, especially the deflection test. Based on this review as well as the one you did about a year ago on Bluefin, I ordered last week and already received the 12' Cruise here in the USA, at Early Black Friday pricing of $549 US. Tested it out today and was quite happy with it... other than weight, of course. Damned thing weighs 32.8 lbs! I bought it so that my wife can sit in front while I paddle, and my two daughters can paddle alongside us on their own boards. My fiberglass all-around SUP is 11'4" x 29 x 4.5", at 185L it is basically only good for me, at 178 lbs. That one has a fair amount of both fore and aft rocker, whereas the Cruise really only has fore rocker, and therefore I think this iSUP actually glides better on flatish water than my fiberglass SUP.
Thanks again for all your good work informing us SUP buyers.
PS Just noticed Blackfin/IRocker/Nautica have all their boards $75 off, plus throwing in their kayak conversion kit *and* a 12V electric pump at no charge. That's quite a bargain as well.
PPS. I like that this 2020 version of the Cruise has removeable side fins as well.
Hi Larry, thanks for all your great feedback and really glad you are happy with your board.
Your question about negative rocker and brands putting it on their boards in production.
About five years ago we came across a few new brands who were actually playing around with this and it did give your board a flatter rocker line overall.
But it still didn't increase the actual stiffness of the board, which does affect the boards performance and makes them less stable.
However this was definitely better for paddlers wanting to take more weight on their board and not turn their boards into banana rocker lines.
Maybe this is something that the brands could look at again especially with the newer materials and the boards being stiffer than ever before?
But I think the main problem was it was more crucial having the right size weight of paddlers on the board to change the rocker enough to use the board in certain conditions. And it did rule a lot of lighter paddlers out.
Hope that makes sense? Reuben
@@SUPboardermag Yeah, that makes sense that the weight of the paddler becomes really important if the design anticipates, say 80 kilos, to take deflection from negative down to zero. There is still a possible range... where say the negative deflection would be -6mm, and a 60 kilo person brings it to down to zero, an 80 kilo person takes it to, say, 8mm, and a 100 kilo person takes it to 12mm positive deflection. Or something like that, but you get the concept.
Whey, thanks for reviewing these. I have one of their first sups and asked for these reviews 👍
No problem 👍
Had my 10.8 cruise carbon since June enjoying. First day out with husband on his new 12 ft cruise carbon today. He was much happier as he is over 6ft tall. Agree they are heavyweights but the durability is important to me. There are now 6 of us friends with bluefin boards.
Thanks for the comment Liz 👍🏼
Thanks @supboarder for the really in-depth review ! I've bought the Cruise 10'8" and found your tips on pressure and stiffness very helpful, so will be running mine at the highest possible PSI when inflated. Also worth noting that the Fibre glass paddle that came with the standard Cruise was quite prone to twisting at the handle, which was quite annoying to use when paddling. The shaft Clips also seemed quite flimsy so not sure how long they would last under prolonged use. I've since ordered a new Carbon/Nylon paddle to replace it..
Thanks so much for your insights into your purchase of the Bluefin Cruise. Glad to hear you are enjoying it. Noted about the paddle handle. This is great info for others looking to buy the package. Thanks again and happy paddling! Cheers, Beau
I had a question about deflection, and rocker in general. Could a designer spec an iSUP with, say 13mm negative deflection (high middle hump), so that when a person stood on the board in the water, it postively deflected 13mm to sum out to zero deflection? Would sure save a lot of time, effort and money trying to make boards not deflect, when you could simply design anticipating for flex.
Quick question: I tested the cruise 12. They are out of stock of the 12 carbon. Would the 15ft Carbon be too much for paddling on the lakes (2-3ft chop from boats) running rapids and some light touring.
Thank You for all great reviews I’m 5’10 195lbs with two years of paddling
Hey Jeremy. Yes I would say its a bit too long really. On real flat water conditions it wouldn't be a problem but as soon as it gets choppy the longer boards do get effected by it more. A 12' board would work better for all types of paddling. Thanks Reuben
Thanks for another great review! I have to ask... are you related to SciMandDan?
Thanks and No, never heard of SciMandDan.
Looking at the cruise 12 carbon for use in rivers and lakes @6’3 amd 80kg, will be my first iSUP. Only ever used rental solid boards on holiday in the sea. Is there any other makes/models you could recommend? Many thanks in advance
Hey Lee. loads of boards out there, but if you want to get into paddling in a bit faster and exploring your local to waterways then going for a longer baseboard like this is ideal.
Bluefin boards are well-made and really tough they are a little bit heavier because of this but many people are really happy with them.
Other brands, Thurso, iRocker are good and at similar price points.
Width wise, I wouldn't look at any boards narrower then 30" as a first board at your weight. Hope that helps Reuben
Hey great reviews and just subscribing. I'm new to paddle boarding, I'm about 170 pounds but 5'9...however I like the option of maybe taking a friend out occasionally, so will the 12 foot board be ok to handle for someone under 6 foot or stick with the 10'8, albiet feel would restrict me with taking another person out occasionally....I very much welcome.your thoughts....
Thanks for subscribing! Lots to consider here. If you are using the board for cruising around and leisurely paddles, the 10'8 would be the best option as it's much easier to handle and control when paddling. The 12ft would feel like a lot of work when turning, but still very suitable for you.
However if you plan on paddling further and using the board for more touring style the 12ft would be your best choice. You'll get a faster board and the ability to carry gear and take your friend along.
Hope this helps to make a decision. Thanks, Beau
@@SUPboardermag great thanks for advice and replying, it's much appreciated 👍
I've been debating between the bluefin 15' cruise tandem and the body glove 15' tandem for awhile now, any recommendations on which board I should go with?
Bluefin are know for their 5 year warranty on boards which is always a safe bet when choosing your SUP. But it also depends on your needs. If you just want a board to mess around on and do some leisurely paddles, you may find the Body Glove is the choice. Bluefin would be the pick for a longer lasting board. Hope this helps. Beau
Thanks for the review, really helpful, I’m 84kg and 6’1 does that put me on the 10,8 or the 12. Or the 10.8 Carbon as stiffer?
Hi Rich, the carbon board will always be stiffer but at your weight you won't have to go for the carbon board.
Regarding the 10' or 12'? If you are looking to paddle further and cover a bit more ground maybe do a bit of light touring than the 12'. But if you are wanting more of an all-round board to do it all, catch a few waves paddle with family and friends and also see places then the 10'8 would be fine for that. Hope that helps Reuben.
@@SUPboardermag Great help you have saved me some £££. Great channel and advise, thank you
No worries Richard. Just spread SUPboarder to all the SUPers you know. We are here to help. Thanks Reuben
Great review!! Looking at a cruise 10.8 to be our first board. My wife is 1.67m and I am 1.90m (110kg)... Later I Will buy a cruise 12 (carbon?)
Can a smaller board be good to train my balance and learn faster? Or is it the exact opposit? Looking forward to get started.
Really excited to hear you are getting started in SUP! Good job. Opting for a board that will be stable at the beginning is going to really help you improve in the long term. Going too small too early means you may not learn the correct technique and balance skills which can result in a not so fun experience. Once you feel comfortable paddling your first board, try and ask friends or demo some smaller boards before dropping down in size so you know what your limit might be. All the best! Thanks, Beau
Thanks for the advice! I would like to buy the cruise 12 carbon. I think it will be better for me and my wife as well
Thank you very much for adding the heavier rider standard in your review 🙏 this review is top notch
Ps: would have been fun to test one at 28psi 😈
Thanks for the idea!
I would like to see a deflection test at 28 psi as well.
If this helps anyone I've just bought the arua fit, it didn't state on the website that it comes with the kayak conversion and I couldn't see drings on the pics shown. It has however arrived with those drings and the complete set to convert it, so I'm super happy as I was going to chose the cruise for this option and now I have it Anyway!! 😊
Great Feedback Kiana. Thanks for the share.
Hi, I am trying to decide between the 2019 and 2020 version of the Bluefin 10'8' cruise board. The 2019 version is currently available £100 cheaper. Do you think the new one is still worth the extra money? Thanks!
Hey Emma. There isn't a huge amount of difference between the 2019 and 20 boards just subtle refinements to the product, package and graphics overall but really nothing that you will note when paddling. Weights a boards shapes are the same. Definitely could be good to save £100 ;-) Thanks Reuben
@@SUPboardermag well, the click in side-fins are a nice improvement, wouldn't you say? But probably not worth £100
You might of got me on that one Larry, I thought the 2019 model had the click in fins? There's a lot of boards floating around my head ...so could be wrong , lol. Thanks Reuben
@@SUPboardermag Not correct what you say, The paddle for example is over 100 gr lighter,the net in the front ist away better with neopren stripes and the rings on the side are better and new,Greetz
Are these from the same OEM that makes Blackfin? The components look identical
Hey Dylan. With most iSUPs you can always recognise some components across different brands. But after reviewing iSUP for years we do notice a big difference in how they use their components and the overall package quality. Not sure about the link to Blackfin, but I do know the name has nothing to do with them. Thanks Reuben
Hard choice between the Bluefin 10'8" Cruise or Sandbanks Ultimate. Bluefin is cheaper with more accessories but Sandbanks is lighter...which is the better board quality?
InstaBlaster...
Thanks for your question. They both have similar build qualities, but the Bluefin probably has more reinforcement which adds to the weight. It really comes down to what type of paddling you will be doing and if you need all the accessories with the purchase. They are both good boards and will last a long time with correct use and care. Hope this helps. Beau
Just got a cruise 10,8 as an upgrade to my cheap amazon board, was betterment this and the i rocker nautical, but the bluefin 5 year warrenty sold it, not to mention the accessories.
Hello. Is this board glued or not? it has such an impressive weight.
Hey Alex most of the board is glue PVC yes. The board that are welded (heated) together are even lighter.
@@SUPboardermag
But if the board is so heavy, does it mean to start and paddle on it harder and slower than on a less heavy one?
Is it harder to maneuver than on a less heavy one?
Yes, a heavier board will sit lower in the water and be harder to manoeuvre. Although, once up to speed heavier boards can glide faster too.
how do you rank ocean fit against bluefin?
Depends on how you are going to use the boards as they come with different fittings. Bluefin has some extra handles for manoeuvring the boards, but they are also heavier. Fit Ocean will get you on the water with a lighter board and we have tested their racing style SUPs and are fairly impressed. Hope this helps. Thanks, Beau
Wonder what happened to the 10' 10''
The super wide one? Its still in the range.
@@SUPboardermag cheers , its a really good fishing board
Have you tried the new one yet?
We haven't reviewed any newer Bluefin boards yet. Hope to soon!
Unfortunately, a backpack is without wheels!
It is an important deficiency for me.
Yeah the Carbon boards come with wheels on there back packs but not the more basic range. Sorry if we didn't highlight this well enough. Thanks Reuben
here a little unboxing I did: th-cam.com/video/z07CNGEFGX8/w-d-xo.html
Great video. Thanks for sharing