Blackfin Model X iSUP Review (2020) | SUPBoardGuide.com
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ส.ค. 2024
- See latest pricing and discounts here: geni.us/BF-Model-X-YT-2021
Read our full review of the BLACKFIN Model X here: www.supboardguide.com/blackfi...
Summary Review:
The Blackfin Model X is our number one all-around board for the year! We give this board a 9.9 out of 10 for its excellent durability, high weight capacity, and huge accessory assortment.
The 10’6 length, 35” width, and 450 lbs weight capacity makes the Model X an ultra stable board for even the biggest paddlers. With an all-around shape, the BLACKFIN Model is great for flat waters, open ocean paddling, and even is a great option for white water SUPing and fishing. Beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders will all find something to love with the BLACKFIN Model X.
While the Model X performs really well in all-around conditions, the 20 D-ring, 8 action mount, and 2 fishing rack setup make it a fantastic option for fishers who want a premium iSUP. The 2 large bungee areas are great for hauling fishing boxes, coolers, and other containers as well.
Featuring a 10’6 length, 35’’ width, and 6’’ thickness, the BLACKFIN Model X weighs 27 lbs when inflated. The board can support 450 lbs, with a triple layer composite PVC protecting a tight drop-stitch core. The Model X also has a carbon rail that provides even more protection, firmness, and performance. When inflated to 15-18 PSI, the BLACKFIN Model X will offer tight maneuvering, great tracking, and a comfortable ride.
A lightweight full carbon shaft and nylon blade paddle is included with the Model X kit, along with a triple-action, dual-chamber manual pump. The 2020 Model X has opted for flip lock nylon fins instead of a traditional US fin box like the 2019 Model. These flip lock fins offer satisfactory performance, while being easier and quicker to install, even in the water. The backpack is also great, featuring multiple storage compartments to keep your kit organized, multiple carry handles, and wheels. BLACKFIN also offers a 2-year warranty, 60-day guarantee, and 0% finance options for up to 18 months and free shipping to the continental US and many parts of Europe.
The BLACKFIN Model X is well deserving of the 2020 all-around iSUP of the year. Beginners will find it very easy to learn stand up paddle boarding with, while advanced users will appreciate the Model X’s performance and accessory compatibility. This is an extremely firm, durable, and stable board that is great for yoga, fishing, and many other SUP water sports. Whether you are new to SUPing or want to upgrade to a more premium board, the BLACKFIN Model X is well worth your attention!
Let us know if you have any questions or comments! - กีฬา
You do absolutely the best reviews on TH-cam. Just wanted to make sure you get all the credit you deserve for these. Love the videos man and really appreciate em!
Thanks for the love!
You sold me. After reading a ton of SUP reviews and watching a lot of youtube videos, I finally pulled the trigger on this one.
Loving your videos. Thank you for making them. Very useful for a newbie
Best SUP reviews. Just subbed! Thank you.
We appreciate it!
Thank you for the review. We just ordered ours earlier this morning. We did a lot of research and decided to spend a bit more to get these boards. I was actually super excited to see they are based out of Jacksonville as well. We were trying to support our local vendors and it just so happened to work out! We cannot wait to get these in. My husband purchased just about every accessory as well. The fishing stuff was sold out so I'll be excited to try that someday in the future as well.
That is very exciting Leslie! We believe you are going to be very pleased with your decision. We would love to get your feedback on the boards from both you and your husband when you get out on them. Happy SUPing!
How has your experience with the board been!
Just ordered mine. Super pumped! Im very impressed with the features packed into this board for its price. I'm hard on equipment and ride the hell out of my boards on over night mountain river trips. This board has everything and more than i would have given if asked to design it myself. Great job iRocker and Blackfin! Looking forward to slaying the white water and leaving 5 star reviews!
You won't be disappointed! We agree 100% that they nailed it on the features given on this board. We would love to hear your feedback after one of your overnight mountain river trips on this board!
@@supboardguide You bet i will!
How has it been now you've had it a while???
this was my dream board
Great video, great board. I ended up buying 2 of those. However at 8:40 you're not mentioning that for the electrical pump you need a 12V battery. In fact is well hidden behind the board.
Your video reviews are perfect. No fluff, no BS, no polarizing grand-standing or off-putting personality quirks. Just facts and real world experience presented in a non confrontational way that's easy to understand. I have watched a ton of TH-cam video reviews on hundreds of different products (who hasn't) and you set the standard. As a bonus the locations you choose for the reviews are breathtaking. Thank you!
I have to completely agree. This review made me buy the Blackfin Model X (2019). I like that the specs / facts also appear as bullet points in the video for quick reference. Also noteworthy imo is that he actually mentions the paddle weight instead of saying "it's fairly light weight". The 2019 Model X paddle is considerably more heavy than the 2020 paddle. I measured 950 grams or 33.5 oz compared to 765 grams / 27 oz with my houshold kitchen scale.
@@oBsRVr666 What do you think of your X? When you first got it was it as wide as you thought it would be? As stable as you thought it would be? If you had to do it all over again would you do anything different? I would love to hear your full thoughts on it. I am bouncing between an X and an XL and not sure how I make the decision. Last question....how is the quality? Does it "feel" like a premium board? Thanks so much in advance :). Sorry for piling on :)!
@@michaelthayer6995
I am still a beginner myself and my ballance is quite poor in general. I am 1.8 meters (5'11'') tall but quite heavy at 108 kilogramms (238 lbs). I started the sport on an Aqua Marina Fusion which isn't that wide (76cm / 30 inch) and I felt that my own board would need more stability and would need to be able to support my higher weight. Since I was looking for a wide board and heard good things about the iRocker support and watched videos like the ones from SubBoardGuide or InflateableBoarderCom I bought the Model X (2019) because it was cheaper and I don't need seven action mounts. That way I could afford some upgrade like the 12V pump and the cooling bag, though the latter was ordered by mistake. I actually wanted to order the Kajak-Set. Will do that later once it is available again. The paddle has a carbon shaft but is quite heavy. Seems very well made though and as if it could take a lot of abuse. I don't feel much difference in weight between the 2019 Blackfin paddle compared to the cheap Aqua Marina aluminium paddle. I bought a cheap 650g full carbon paddle from some dude locally for 50 euro bucks and while not being as nicely made the weight reduction is really noticable especially during paddling.
Board Quality: I feel that it is a very well made board. All the seams look straight and there is no glue residue. The board feels very stiff when inflated to 15-18 PSI. Besides the paddle weight all the accessories seem high quality as well. Compared to the Aqua Marina Fusion and my even more recently bought Aztron Neptune 12'6 (which I haven't tested yet) it feels like a very high quality premium board. The Aztron is full of glue residue and has some not so straight seams on the inner chamber. Since my paddling technique is still not the best (I suppose) I can already see some miner scars on the printing on the sides of the board where my paddle rubbed against it. It doesn't look like the PVC itself has any damage but the print of the blackfin logo on the side seems to be quite thin (silk screen print?). So that would be a minor complaint since I've only had the board since 25th June 2020, so for 12 days or so.
Board Performance: I feel that due to it's increased weight (11kg, compared to the 9kg of the Aqua Marina Fusion) it doesn't seem to move as quickly and tracking isn't that great either though this might be related to my still poor paddling technique (or so I've read). I feel that the gliding and speed is fine for it's size. Stability is great.
"What do you think of your X?" I like it, but I think the tracking performance could be better (compard to the much leighter Aqua Marina). I don't think that the silk screen rubbing of is an issue.
"When you first got it was it as wide as you thought it would be?" It is about as wide as I expected it to be but seeing it uninflated on the floor made it look even wider.
"As stable as you thought it would be?" Compared to the 76cm / 30 inch Aqua Marina the stability is like night and day. It is super stable even for dummies like me. I have only tried it in flat water rivers yet and a bit of chop / small waves are still troubling for me, but my ballance is exceptionally poor. So I am quite happy with the stability. With the Aqua Marina I could only stand for short amounts of time, falling into the water quite often (though falling into the water is one of the fun aspects of paddling for me really).
"If you had to do it all over again would you do anything different?" Yes, I think I would buy it again but it's a bit early and I am still to inexperienced to draw a full conclusion on the Model X. I will get to test my new (previously owned) Aztron Neptune 12'6 (2019) tomorrow if all goes well. That board is longer than the X but only 31.5 inches (80cm) wide. Maybe I will be able to give you an update on my tracking issues then. My brother will ride the Model X tomorrow for the first time. He usually uses the Aqua Marina Fusion or some local brand (Norden) epoxy hard board. I will also ask him about his opinion but he was already really impressed with the build quality of the Model X.
This is me paddling the Blackfin Model X two days ago: th-cam.com/video/WtBL6O5W3mA/w-d-xo.html
Maybe you can spot my tracking issue at 9:00. I can take like two strokes on one side at most before I feel that the board steers to much in one direction and I have to switch to the other side. I think this can be improved with more precise paddling. At around 29:20 I fall on the board due to the slightly more choppy water. I also tend to still paddle a lot while sitting down, but standing up is much easier on the Blackfin compared to the Aqua Marina Fusion.
Great, YT killed my formating. Looks like you have to read through a wall of text. Hope it helps.
@@oBsRVr666 What a great review! Thank you very much. I appreciate all of the details. I bet you are being too hard on yourself and that you are really pretty good. I did check out the video where you fell onto the board and the chop was pretty rough that day so don't feel bad about that one! Your assessment gave me exactly what I was looking for. It sounds like it is a premium board and deserves it's good reputation. I am getting one for sure! Thanks to iRocker, SUPBoardGuide, and you!!! Take care and be safe. Happy boarding.
@@michaelthayer6995
I made some pictures so the rubbing damage becomes assessable. It really is nothing, just the printing.
Deflated, Fresh out of the water:
allthepics.net/image/673yz
Slightly Inflated (not to 15 PSI by any means):
allthepics.net/image/67Cla
Rubbing "Damage" left side:
allthepics.net/image/67VEN
Rubbing "Damage" left side:
allthepics.net/image/670u2
Minor scratch on the nose:
allthepics.net/image/67eqX
Please also note the rubbish in my living room. It's super important.
Oh and one more thing about the stability, even I can do a pivot turn on this board. I still might fall in the water if I do not pay attention but yeah. Quite cool. The Aztron Neptune was also stable enough for me but it was a bit more challenging. Maybe I am improving. My Brother tried the pivot turn and fell into the water on the Aztron. Hehe. It glides and tracks a bit better as is to be expected from the touring form. Both are good boards but the fabrication quality of the Blackfin is much higher.
Beat SUP channel🔥
Im so excited 😁
Now THIS is how you sell a product. Great high quality video that goes beyond what I’ve seen others do.
FYI all their models Nautical/iRocker/Blackfin are $75 off until I think 11/15 (Veteran's Day week), plus they throw in for free their 12v pump and the kayak conversion kit.
Awesome video. Thank you for all the info. If I'm going to use the kayak seat addition often, would the X be fine or should I get the XL for the bit of extra length? I'll mostly paddle on lakes and bays.
Hey Barbara, great question!
The Model X and Model XL both make due as great kayaking boards and you truly can't go wrong with either or! However, we would lean towards the Model X due to the tad bit more maneuverability you will get with the shorter length than the XL. However, if you feel as if you will be loading up a lot of gear to take (cooler, fishing gear, etc) with you kayaking we would probably go with the XL since we find it to be just a little more stable overall!
We just released our review on the Model XL and would highly recommend giving that one a watch as well: th-cam.com/video/w652czX3VcU/w-d-xo.html
We would love to know your thoughts when you get on one of these excellent boards!
Your reviews are excellent. I’m thinking of getting a fishing SUP any recommendations? This seems like it could fit that role but was curious if there was any others you’d recommend looking at for that purpose.
Depends where you are fishing actually. The Blackfin is a very quality board but i am not a fan of the new finbox design, (at all )unless they come out with the shallow water flex fins for all 3 fins. The 2019 model uses a US finbox design which is universal and i could get 4.5 flexfins from Atoll which is a must if you river or creek fish. Example here this video will show you how durable the Blakfin is. th-cam.com/video/Lcs2tdiMupw/w-d-xo.html. My only other gripe would be the color scheme is made for the coastal community not us Inlanders hunting and fishing crowd that likes to blend in with nature. Probably the reason i use Atoll boards which is basically the same board less 2 drings and the front handle. Hopefully Irocker comes out with more color choices and i would dif buy one.
But i can't see paying the extra 300$ just for 2 D rings and a front handle and not get the fin setup i need or color i want.
Definitely getting a blackfin SUP! Is this the teal or blue?
what brand of your electronic air pump?
I want to teach Yoga on paddleboards and have a question about the fishing rack mount. How tall is the rack and how sturdy is it? Wondering if that would work to have participants use that as a balanced bar for different standing/balancing yoga positions!
Do you recommend to me? I have a kid, 8 years old and a dog, Amstaff 35lg. And I would love to go the 3.
what else can you mount on those fishing mounts?
I'm an old man, but I'm falling in love to Blackfin XL. :):)
Please tell me, have I to wait for Blackfin XL model 2021?
Sorry for my bad english.
I am really interested in the model x but I’m 110kg and I know it says it supports that weight but the volume seams really low??
So would this board handle rubbing against and over rocks in whitewater?
Great video! I am tempted to buy this model now. May i know whether this is also good for open sea paddling (not much waves)?
Fantastic question, this board is actually a great board for open sea paddling and generally most conditions you would SUP in. It is that good of a board!
Where is this filmed?
Just ordered mine! Can’t wait to get on the water and fish
Great review thanks. How does this board compare to the Red Paddle equivalent please? The Ride I believe it’s called.
Very good question. We recently got the Red Paddle Co Ride 10'6" board in our office not too long ago and believe it is a stellar board as well. RPC puts in a ton towards their research and development compared to most brands because they do things so well. However, with the amount of features, removable fins, and cheaper price point we would aim most paddle boarders towards the Blackfin Model X.
Would you recommend the Atoll, Blackfin Model X, or iRocker Cruiser? Mostly using it for recreation, exploring, lounging, working out, ect. Looking for a good amount of possible storage, and the ability to convert it into a kayak.
Hi Kerri, great question! If given the choice of those 3 boards we would comfortably suggest the Blackfin Model X if given the choice. Especially given the features that this board has over the other 2 boards.
Great video. I so appreciate your reviews. I do have one question. I have noticed that no reviews show people getting off to swim, then on again. That is a big reason for me getting a PB. I am wondering if the boards vary in the ease of getting off and on again for swimming. Thanks.
That is a very good point that we have not considered with our reviews yet. Some boards are a little easier to get on compared to other boards. This Blackfin Model X is particularly one of our easiest boards to get back on to if you got off in the water. Usually, the most stable boards with a wider width (32"+) tend to be much easier boards to get back on to. Thank you for bringing that comment to our attention!
@@supboardguide Thanks for the reply. That is good to know about the boards 32" and wider being easier to get back on to.
@@artravision Absolutely! I should clarify that it isn't necessarily all boards over 32" are easier to get onto. However, the more stable a board (usually a wider board), generally the easier it will be easier to push yourself back onto without having a hassle of tipping off! So there's not a magic number necessarily but the Blackfin Model X definitely fits the mold of one of the most stable boards we have reviewed!
@@supboardguide Makes sense. I decided to purchase the iRocker Cruiser (33") - also by iRocker. Seems like that fits the mold too! Do you agree? Thanks again!
I’m torn between the 2019 model and the 2020 model. Which is more maneuverable? The fish mounts are really putting me off since I will not use this for fishing. I wonder if they will make other accessories for this. Do you know?
Let me help you out.
Get the 2019. I don;t know what other changes going into 2020 they changed, but the US finbox, was better in every way.
I would also suggest NOBODY short of someone doing yoga on this board, would require a 35 inch wide board.
32 inch wide is MORE than enough.
Try and find a place to rent a 32 inch board. Personal opinion, I could never recommend a 55 inch wide board. Anyone happy with their 35 inch board, hasn't ridden anything better.
Where are you getting power to the electric pump out there?
Just got my model X delivered yesterday. I'm excited to take it out tomorrow. One thing I immediately noticed though that I didn't see mentioned anywhere is that the action mounts are M8 threaded. At least in the US, standard GoPro mounts are threaded 1/4-20 and that's all I see anywhere online at the moment. So I'm kinda scratching my head and trying to figure out what hardware I can use to make my own mounts since none of mine will work. If anybody has links to adapters or inexpensive mounts please share!
So the standards GoPro mount doesn’t fit? Hmmm 🤔 now I’m even more torn...
I tried it today for the first time and even dough is a stable board its kind of slow too. I'm not completely sold with my purchase.
Great review! What’s the color of this showed paddle board?
Thank you! This is the Blackfin Blue color option!
I purchased this model a few weeks ago and love it. I was using it a few days ago and paddling past a SUP rental shop when an employee of the shop yelled out to me that I needed to turn the paddle around. This paddle does not have a large angle as some other SUP paddles. Will the logo on the paddle and shaft face away from you and towards the nose of the board or is this one made differently? It was hard to tell by watching the video. Thanks!
We appreciate the feedback! So glad you are loving it! As for the paddle, most manufacturers (including Blackfin) will have the logo facing forward on their paddleboards. Otherwise, have the blade angle facing away from you and towards the most of the board. I hope that helps! We will soon be implementing short videos covering these questions in the near future. Happy SUPing!
I found you can feel one side of the T-handle is deeper than the other, and your fingers fit nicely into that deeper side, with the flatter side against your palm. Since the whole paddle only goes together one way, this will have the blade facing the correct way.
Michelle Tapscott are you able to carry this on your own? I’m seriously considering purchasing, but worried about the weight.
How has it been now you've had it a month!
Alexander Lucas I have been able to us my board several times since purchasing it in many different situations and locations and I love it! It has performed very well and have had people use the board that said they have not felt comfortable on other boards and have loved this one. I have hit rocks in the James River without issues (except a fall when I didn’t see the rock). My pup is loving the board and it has been easy to get off with him, swim around and get back up without any problem. I am in my mid- 50’s and am in decent shape. Regarding how hard it is to carry around:
I typically don’t roll it tightly and store it in the backpack so I have not had the trouble of packing it all up and carrying it. As soon as I am out of the water I deflate it which takes maybe 5 min without any effort on my part. I roll it up loosely and throw it in the back of my car. I have a tote bag that stays in my car with the fins, leash, dog bowl, PFD, repair kit, sunscreen, hat and towels. When I get home I rinse and clean my board and allow it to dry outside several hours and then in my basement for a day or two. When ready to head to the river I roll it up loosely, throw it in the car and have everything I need in my canvas bag along with the paddle.
I did purchase two electric pumps and after contacting Honda and learning it was safe to inflate two at once , my husband and I can be on the water in 15 min with our pup rather than 30. Yes, I could do it with one!! I highly recommend this board!!
Is this the teal or blue option?
Hi Carli! This is Blackfin's blue color option!
How bothersome are the fishing mounts on your feet and yoga on the board? They look painful.
Hi Lynette, we actually have not had an issue with the fishing rack mounts on this board since the placement of our feet are forward (near the center handle) when riding. However, for yoga we could see the placement being an issue. However, with how stable this board is we were very comfortable to adjust our positioning if needed and still feel stable. For the added feature of converting the board into a kayak, these mounts were not a bother to us at all! Hope that helps!
If you’re using your board frequently does it hurt to leave the board inflated for a more extended period of time?
I think you really want to avoid direct sunlight exposure of the board or exposure to any other heat source that might overinflate and damage the board. I think iRocker themselves state that the Blackfin Model X's nominal working pressure is from 15 to 21 PSI (14 to 18 recommended) so that will give you some leeway but still heat is your enemy as it will make any gas expand. Other than that I'd say it should be safe to story your board inflated. iRocker also states in their FAQ:
"Q: Can I keep my board inflated?
Absolutely, we keep our displays and demos inflated for several months at a time and they never lose any air. If you choose to leave the board in direct sunlight for an extended period of time it is recommended that you deflate the board to prevent over-expansion as this is not covered under the warranty."
Absolutely not. As oBsRVr666 has stated thoroughly, the boards themselves are completely fine to be inflated for long periods of time. However, heat and direct sunlight is in fact the part of the recipe that could damage your board if it is. At our office, we will deflate the boards each time for the sake of storing many boards but you absolutely can leave your board inflated. We do recommend checking the PSI before getting out on the water, however, as different temps can change the psi to some capacity.
How is iRocker’s customer service and support?
As an Owner of a 2019 Blackfin model V. I have to say, I love the board, and have no complaints.
Both
the included pump and paddle are a huge step up from the included
package on any of the non premium companies (really I think only two
companies I have seen include anything near as good, and we both know
what companies they are) and a price to reflect it.
However,
I have to say, I have some disappointments.
First
off, The dramatic change, in "model years" is a clear attempt to make
owners of previous years feel like they need to buy a new board (many
bike companies do the same thing) I feel it is a little shady.
The
transition out of US Fin-box, No matter what they claim, we all know
it was to cut costs, and increase profits, I am not impressed. The
Dramatic downgrade in the fin that is used is also clearly noticeable,
and clearly shorting the consumer.
Last
I am still very disappointed that they still do not offer a 1 iRocker 11’ Long x 31”
Wide Inflatable Paddle Board in the blackfin lineup. With a US finbox.
The “dramatic change” in model years is nothing new Henry Ford was the one that started it in the auto industry, in order to get owners to buy the most up to date version. Nothing shady about it, especially since you already know the reason why
It looks like he uses the electric pump without it being attached to a batter or a cigarette lighter in car. Can someone clue me into how he did that? Thx!
Extra battery hidden behind the board / of screen. Also the leads of the pump are quite long. 3 meters I'd say at least. It looks bit like magic though, I have to admit.
Hate the fishing mounts, aren't they in the way?
Blackfin has had a recall, check your serial number to see if you are in that bad batch!
I have been in the military for 23 years, trust me "military grade" does not mean what you think it does LOL. Everything for the military is built based off specs from the military but all contracts are then awarded to the lowest bidder. So "military grade" literally means the cheapest way posable LOL.
I was wondering if a military man was going to chime in on that. Lol. A friend of mine served with the Canadian Dragoons and says the same thing, "Military grade doesn't mean what you think it means" lol.
You are absolutely correct. However, it is a term most people outside of the military view as "tough, durable, and well built". But you bring up a good point and will be something we may have to start describing differently in future videos. Thank you for the input!
I bought the 2020 Blackfin XL and I still watched the video. My only complaint so far is that it’s not fun putting it back in the bag, but hopefully over time it becomes easier. I bought blackfin because I wanted quality and stability and hasn’t disappointed. I’m able to ride in wind and chop here in Florida that I wouldn’t be able to navigate on my last Isup which was the Body Glove 11’.
pintofmiller what do you think about the X vs XL? I am thinking of the XL as well.
Quick question - is your issue rolling it up or fitting into the bag? The BLACKFIN lineup is a little harder to roll up given it's carbon fiber rails. The extra stability provided by the rails is worth it in my opinion, and you do get better at rolling it up with experience.
If it's putting into the bag, it might be that you aren't getting all the air out when deflating. I love using the electric pump to do that. Basically, I open the valve and let the board deflate. Then, after a few minutes I close the valve and connect the electric pump to suck the air out. Get's it all out and lets me roll up the board super tight, like it's brand new.
Hope that helps! If it's another issue, let me know and I might have trick or two to help - I'm constantly taking the BLACKFINS out :)
@@motonoia From our perspective, it depends on a few factors: weight, height, and what you are looking to do with the board. The Model X is 1" wider, and 1' shorter than the Model XL. It has less volume, and just a little bit less weight capacity.
So...for the Model X you'll find it a little more maneuverable and 'all-around' shaped vs the XL. The XL paddles just a little better for touring situations given it's longer, and that 1" in width difference makes it just slightly easier to reach over and keep your paddle stroke straight.
This makes the model X just a little better for whitewater SUPing, and the XL better for long-distance paddling. The XL is also nice for fishing if you want to bring a lot of gear, as you have that extra foot of length.
More Nark I picked XL because my last isup was 11 ft and I didn’t want to got to a 10.5 after that. Plus, I bought it to fish off of too so I have more room for gear.
SupBoardGuide I can roll it, it’s just bulky. But yes, it being rigid makes it well worth the trade off.
iSUP good for relaxing on the water, but it is not a stand-up paddle classes...
nope. has to have us fin box and don't trust lock