Have you gained an interest in paddle boards lately? They present a really effective option for getting in a workout while you get the chance to enjoy nature and breathe in some fresh air in the process. If you’ve already tried the activity and you liked it a lot, there’s a chance that you’re interested in buying your own board but you don’t know where or how to start looking for the right one. When you try searching for paddle boards on your own, you probably notice that this can be a bit complicated considering that there are so many choices available. And, if you’re just starting out and don’t want to make a huge investment in these somewhat-expensive pieces of equipment, your budget is probably a concern, too. Take a look at this article to find the best inflatable stand-up paddle boards for the money.
When you first start searching, consider the cost, first and foremost, as well as the durability, weight limits, and lengths to ensure you can ride comfortably. The next step involves checking out the various products available so you can make a decision. Without further ado, here are some excellent inflatable stand-up paddle boards with high customer-satisfaction ratings.
Vilano Navigator Inflatable SUP Package
This 10-foot-long, 6-inch-thick board from Vilano feels quite similar to a typical hard board because of its high-grade PVC construction with drop stitching. When deflated and rolled up, it measures just a foot in diameter. The deck has diamond-groove comfort traction pads for grip and several stainless D-rings and bungees for storage. The package comes with the board (in blue, white, or orange), pump with integrated pressure gauge, three-piece aluminum paddle, a removable fin, and a backpack carrying case for about $550.
Pros:
- Very Rigid– You can inflate this board up to 18 PSI to make it extremely hard if that’s your preference.
- Convenient– The backpack that carries the board also holds all the included supplies (pump, paddle, fin) so you never have to leave anything begin.
- Easy to Use– This board only takes a couple minutes to inflate and about a minute to deflate, so you won’t have trouble packing up when it’s time to go home or store the board.
Cons:
- Balance Issues– This board is better suited to people who’ve used SUPs before. It feels a little tippy and it’s important that you have excellent balance when using this board.
As long as you’re not a complete beginner at paddle boarding, you’re sure to love this board. It comes with plenty of thoughtful features, namely the backpack, making it convenient and a breeze to use. Its price is a little higher than some of the models’ prices below, but if it’s within your budget and you want a speedier model to fit your higher skill level, it’ll still work well.
Tower Paddle Boards Adventurer Inflatable SUP Package
This is one of the heavier-duty inflatable paddle boards on the market. It’s extremely rigid, holding a rider of up to 350 pounds, and inflates to 15 PSI (but is ready to ride at 10). It’s made of military-grade PVC material featuring drop-stitch construction to prevent any sort of ding or crack, and it’s 9 feet, 10 inches when inflated but only a foot in diameter when deflated and rolled up. It comes with a pump and three-piece aluminum paddle for $700.
Pros:
- Thickness– This is over 6 inches thick, which increases the stability, keeps you above water, and prevents your feet from getting wet.
- Stable– This board handles everything from glass-out conditions to choppy whitecaps.
- Extreme Rigidity– The board is rigid enough to ride comfortably and safely even when it’s not fully inflated. You’ll never feel unsafe on it.
Cons:
- High Price– Compared to other similar boards on the market, this one isn’t the best deal. You can find similar quality in the Solstice board below and it’s more than $200 cheaper.
Tower is known for producing great SUPs, and this model is no different. Almost every customer who has bought this board has been more than impressed by the quality, except for the rare occasion when the seam comes with rips or other manufacturing defects. It’s also somewhat shorter than other boards, so it’s easier to transport when fully inflated. Overall, you most likely won’t be disappointed at all if you buy this board unless the $700 price is above your budget. You’ll feel better about either option below.
Solstice Bali Stand Up Paddleboard
This 10-foot, 8-inch inflatable paddle board from Solstice is sleek, lightweight, and fast with rigid, strong texturing on the top for added traction and stability. It’s made of 1000 denier three-ply PVC fabric material to keep punctures at bay, and it also features four stainless steel tie-downs so you can secure it to your car while inflated. The set comes with a carrying bag, a pump, and a gauge for about $470.
Pros:
- Strong- If you would like a board that you can take with you almost everywhere, you don’t have to worry about throwing this on your car or in the back of your truck because it won’t get damaged.
- Durable – It is not only enough that the product is strong; it has to be durable too. This one can stand the test of time.
- Stable – No matter what weight you are currently at, this board will be able to hold you and make sure that you will get a great experience gliding on the water.
Con:
- Inflation Valve Problem – Some customers encountered this and it made them unable to use their boards because they were unable to pump them up. This requires you to return the product for a new one.
As far as paddle boards go, this one is meant for almost any kind of situation. It’s reasonably priced and it looks great, but what’s more is that it’s extremely durable. You won’t worry at all about slipping off of it because the nylon material on the top adds great texture for your feet to hang onto. As long as you get the board inflated to 14-15 PSI, you won’t be disappointed, but make sure your model doesn’t have any manufacturing defects in the valve.
Aqua Marina Standup Paddleboard
This board is meant for all water conditions and can handle them well with its rigid feel that’s quite similar to a traditional hard board. It’s made of PVC with drop-stitch construction for extra durability, and it measures 9 feet, 9 inches long. There are seven D-rings attached along with bungee cords so you can store things on top of it while you’re paddling. It holds riders up to 205 pounds and comes with a pump, adjustable paddle, three fins, and a carrying bag for $400.
Pros:
- Great Price– This is definitely on the cheaper end of the cheap inflatable paddle board spectrum.
- Portable – This paddle board is really easy to transport.
- Easy to Deflate – It only takes about two minutes to inflate or deflate this board, so you can pack it up and get it into your car or the carrying bag quickly.
Con:
- Pump Quality– The pump that comes with this model is not a very high-quality option and it’s difficult to use with the pressure gauge. You might have trouble figuring out how full you’ve filled the board.
- Durability- Some customers report that the non-slip pads on this board start to peel off after a couple of months of use.
Overall, this board represents great value for the money simply because it’s just so cheap but still has all the great features of a regular paddle board. The fins work well to keep you stable and on track, and the paddle is surprisingly good quality as well. Do be careful with this when you’re in very shallow water, as the fins can break off easily if they end up caught among rocks. Most customers report that they’re happy with the durability of the board but that some of the finishing elements, especially the non-slip surface, are a bit of a disappointment.
Summary
So, which one should you get? Of course, if you’re looking for the best paddle board for the money, the Aqua Marina is the clear winner. At $400, it’s cheaper than almost every inflatable paddle board on the market, and although the durability of the finishes suffers a little to keep costs lower, overall the board performs well and won’t let you down. The Solstice Bali comes in at a close second; if you’re a little flexible on pricing, you might prefer this to the Aqua Marina because the traction grip is better even though the setup costs about $70 more. The Vilano takes the third spot due to its marginally higher price and the fact that it’s not ideal for beginners.