How to Check the Paddle Board Quality: Materials and Price

We know it’s tempting to believe that an internet search can provide you with thousands of good paddleboards. However, the rather unpopular truth is that it’s much more complicated. To get the best paddle you can possibly buy, you need to pay attention to some personal factors to decide which is more suitable for you.

Be Wary of the Best Paddle Board Lists that are Flooding the Internet

A large number of people believe it is all out there on the internet to know the top best inflatable paddle boards. Unfortunately, this is not always the case as most of the sites that publish articles on SUP rating are really not reviewing the boards they enlist. You will have to rely on PaddleBoardTips.com if quality paddleboards are what you really want. The expert tips provided here as well as the critical review would go a long way in helping you make a better and more informed choice. 

The problem with settling on improperly done reviews or ratings with little or no critical reviews is that you run the risk of making the wrong choice of the paddleboard. Many of these sites just check for the most frequently sold boards on sales sites like Amazon or Alibaba and add them to their list just for the likes and the clicks.

They also win certain commissions from Amazon when they do this because they’d be boosting Amazon’s sales. The more clicks and purchases the bigger the commissions irrespective of customer satisfaction. In case you end up with a wrong buy, you may not be receiving a refund or replacement. 

Know the Difference Between a Cheaply Made Board and a Quality One

Some entry-level SUPS like the ones sold on Amazon, eBay, etc are usually made with a single layer of plastic-covered fabric on both the top and bottom surfaces of the board. It usually has two overlapping layers of fabric to connect both the top and bottom sheets of fabric and also hold the air in. While some modernized and advanced SUP pieces have an added layering of materials which keeps one more protected from air leakage, it also can stand a more intensive use and this usually results in a board that will perform better.

Apart from the pressurized center of the board, many places brands opt for cheap materials can save on. For instance, the deck part though usually looking fantastic in photos is made with different foam densities which goes as far as affecting how long they will last and how much cushioning they can provide. The handles too may look like an afterthought but a detailed designed handle with a removable cushioned grip can provide a great comfort system when you carry your board to the water. Similar trade-offs between cost and quality don’t stop here, you’ll need to consider all materials of the board with the accessories inclusive.

Start with a Realistic Expectation for what a Durable and Well Constructed Inflatable Paddle Board Should Cost

In life, you get just what you pay for and when it comes to boards, there are absolutely no exemptions. For this reason, the prices of various brands should give you a hint about the quality they could offer. In as much as some brands will definitely provide you more value than others, don’t expect one gotten for a lesser price to be of better quality than one get at a more expensive rate. You may get to see high cases of brands that eliminate the middleman to provide direct factory pricing to you. However, what they won’t inform you is that they have invested more significantly in advertising their products. So what they save when they deal directly with consumers is incomparable with what quality they lead you to believe.

So, let’s talk about how much you will spend on a paddleboard kit that will provide you security on water, better skills, and the ability to stay out of landfills in many years to come. If you get under $1000 for a good board that comes with a travel bag and pump, decent paddle, and leash, you’ll be doing pretty well. You may later have to spend more on upgrades whether it’s in design or construction if you get one far below $1000. The price of boards should give a fair idea of the materials used. But this isn’t the case most times. So, comparing and contrasting the different features of boards will help you in finding one that suits your purpose and budget.

Ask Yourself How You Intend to Use the Board

Getting the best board is always dependent on what activities you intend to use it for. If you intend to go on long paddles along coastlines or engaging in expeditions, you might want to opt for a longer board shaped for touring. If you are planning to engage in the ocean surfing, then you should opt for a shorter board that is shaped for a faster turning. And if you are planning on doing fishing or yoga, it means that you will have to go for a wider board which is designed for more stability. If you are planning to do everything, then no issues, just get an all-around SUP board with an average width or length.

There is no one-size-fits-all board. That is why you must have a fair idea of how you intend to use the board so you can eliminate all other models that don’t fit what you have in mind. Nevertheless, you might see yourself doing various things you never intended to do, so getting a board that has some level of versatility is a brilliant long-term investment. That is why most boards are designed in such a way that you can use them in any type of water, enjoy your ride and keep up with your skill development. One more thing to note is that your board should assist you to expand your paddling activities rather than limit them to specialized equipment.

To sum, getting a paddleboard should not be stressful when you have your intentions at heart. Even though one cannot always rely on price to determine quality, your plans should guide you when getting one. A good board paddle will always go for higher than a few hundred dollars.