Hello! Given that you are looking to carry gear + the dog, I’d recommend going with the XL. I don’t think your going to be sad that you have that extra 1 foot of length, as it makes the board a little faster and gives you more space.

As far as the 2020 vs 2021 models go, if you can still get a 2020 model I’d go for it. They did update a few things in 2021, but the 2020 version is very similar.

Hope that helps!

Hi thank you so much for your great review and video – I found the comparison review of all inflatable SUP which is great, it has helped me a lot with my decision making. I am in Australia so our stock is different to what you have over there in the US, think these brands and Bote are all new to Australia. I have a carbon fibre SUP currently (new, used it once) but it is 9 foot 6 inches and coming from a big stable hard SUP (which I love but find it too hard to manage on my own) I just didn’t like it, I take my dog with me and found it too small for both of us and too unstable. So I am looking at selling it and now looking at the Blackfin as I also fish and kayak (but my kayak is heavy and difficult for me to get it on and off the roof racks of the car on my own) so the Blackfin looks like a great option for me that I can manage and easier for travelling (car and I have a camper trailer). So my question is I am a female 60kg and about 165cm tall, my dog is an Australian Kelpie she is about 18kg so I am unsure if I should get the X or XL of the Blackfin please? We paddle in the bay/river side of the ocean (not waves) big area but the wind does get up, lots of jet skis and boats so get boat roll and the tides are strong and fast there – we try to time it with the tides and wind however that does not always work! I carry gear as I paddle to sand islands for my dog with friends and we carry a lot of water for the dogs and lunch for us too. When I travel I plan to use it then in bay/river side of ocean at places or at big dams/rivers no rapids etc. Any assistance be greatly appreciated. Also is the 2020 model ok too of the Blackfin X or XL please, much difference to the 2021 model? as I have found they are on sale on our Aus website (the 2021 model is more expensive). Thank you so much!

Annick,

I would recommend the Model V over the XL given that you want to eventually get into recreational touring. The XL is a fantastic all-around (it’s the one board I take if I have just one to choose), but the Model V is a little bit faster, and at your height/weight you won’t need the extra width for everything you are looking to do.

I hope that helps!

I am 5’5-5’6 , about 130 lbs, looking for a board to use for family cruising and maybe when I get the hang of it do some recreational touring myself on daytrips. Like the idea being able to switch to kayaking when it gets windier and / or getting tired at the end of a session. Have youngsters as kids, so taking a youngster or a friend on the board along sounds great to me as well. Any suggestions for me? Kinda leaning towards the XL atm , but it is my first board and maybe the xl is a bit too much? The budget is not the problem though. Thanks!

Bob,

Do you know who the sales rep at iRocker was who said that? I’d love to discuss with them, as I would disagree completely. I’m almost your exact same size and I would choose the X over the XL for going down a river every time. The 10’6 length makes the board more nimble and maneuverable, which is what you need on the river.The XL can work, but I don’t think it would be the best option for your use case. For the lake/second board, I would actually recommend looking at the Model V. It would be a great compliment to the Model X, as it’s a touring board vs an all around. The V will be faster and will still be great in the lake chop.

Nick,

I think I’d recommend the XL for you, mainly due to the fishing. I think you’ll appreciate having that extra 1 foot in length with fishing gear. However, you would be more than happy with the Model X, so if the extra $$ is an issue, then go with that one.

Hope that helps!

Marti,

If you are using the board mostly for recreation and casual paddling, then the width will not be a big deal at all. It would come into play if you are going on longer touring adventures or trying to go as fast as possible. However, for cruising around with friends and doing yoga, this is a great SUP!

Hi. I’m looking for a board that I can take on a river. No real whitewater, but do need to maneuver around a lot of downed trees. I’m 5′-11″ and about 180 lbs, a beginner, but generally athletic and pick stuff up quickly. I also kayak a lot. I was leaning towards the Model X, but iRocker told me that I’m too tall for it – they said it’s for people 5′-8″ or shorter and that I would be better off with the Model XL or the iRocker Cruiser or even the 11′ All Around. I’m not sure I follow their logic given the board specs, but they are the ones designing/making them. What do you think? I am likely also getting a second board for medium/large lakes with some chop. Leaning towards the XL for that board, but also considering the 11′ All-Around. Any recommendation? Thanks!