WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF INFLATABLE SUP BOARDS?

We often get asked – “Which is better, HARD or INFLATABLE SUP boards? ”

The answer really depends on what you want to use the board for. If you have space issues or would like to pack your board away (in a bag the size of a rucksack) for example on a boat or over winter, then an inflatable SUP board is the answer. There can be a performance trade off with some inflatables.

The PRO’s and CON’s of Inflatable SUP’s.

PRO’s

• Packs away if you have storage issues
• Great for travelling if you have space issues
• No more expensive than a hard board
• Good quality inflatable SUP’s are very durable
• Great for kids as they are soft and double as a ‘party island’.
• Very high ‘fun factor’ being super durable and ‘softer’ than a hard board.
• CON’s
• You do need to blow them up. You can however leave them inflated for any length of time and a good quality board will loose minimal pressure.
• The cheap boards do wobble which adds an extra level of instability.
• The cheaper thicker boards – 6″ are affected by wind as they sit higher in the water.
• The rail profile means you can catch waves, but it is hard to really ‘surf an inflatable SUP boards
• Like any board, hard or Inflatable – DO NOT leave your board exposed to sun and heat for extended periods.

WHICH ARE THE BEST INFLATABLE SUP BOARDS?

A new generation of ‘Hard Inflatables’ is now available and they solve most of the issues that you see with the softer cheaper inflatable boards of old.

We started stocking Gladiator SUP’s in 2018 and it has fast become our biggest selling boards. Top quality boards, they back there product with 2 and 3 year warranties.

GLADIATOR LITE SERIES

Single layer with Stringer

Linear Drop-Stitch construction in  4,7” and 6″ (12/15 сm) thickness offers a performance board that takes 20psi which means it is both HARD and light.

Higher quality allows for higher pressure which means that the boards are stiffer and more stable than you average Inflatable SUP. They glide through the water better and have the feel of a harder board. Stiff, durable these boards are designed for use in all conditions. Perfect for families, boats and travel!

The LITE series includes a cargo net for stowing a dry bag or water bottle and a rear handle for ease of walking with the board in very shallow water. Oversized bag, 3 piece adjustable paddle, leash and repair kit.

GLADIATOR back the quality of these boards with a 2 YEAR WARRANTY

*8′ Kids board – 10′-12’6

GLADIATOR ELITE SERIES

Double layer MSL (Fusion) construction

Made of linear Drop-Stich 12/15cm (4,7”/6”) with a double-layered coating which is commonly called “MSL fusion technology”. This technology achieves increases the stiffness and stability of the board and allows for a board that is approximately 30% lighter. 

Stiffer and lighter, these boards increase glide and stability. 

We recommend this series for those who want the latest industry technology at the reasonable price.

The EITE series comes with a cargo net for stowing a dry bag or water bottle and a rear handle for ease of walking with the board in very shallow water. Oversized bag, 3 piece composite adjustable paddle, leash and repair kit.

GLADIATOR back the quality of these boards with a 3 YEAR WARRANTY

YOU CAN SEE OUR RANGE OF INFLATABLE SUPS HERE