Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

FYI - I wrote this review eight years ago and my SUP is still going strong - so there's your quality review! Wouldn't change anything about my review, it is a really good value. PS - follow ISLE on social media they have some cool SUP pics and contests. Also, the new inflatable is significantly upgraded so any improvmenets I offered were solved. Original Review: I had to use this for a few weeks to do a worthy review..I hate when people review and they haven't actually used the product I wanted to buy an SUP for about 2 years now but the price was just not reasonable ($1,000+). However there are several good models now in the $700 range and this is what I consider to be a good value and within most people's acceptable budget range. Specifically I wanted an inflatable and after several months of reviews it was between this and the other popular model on amazon. Ultimately I felt better about buying from an authentic surf company rather than someone who won on shark tank. And after using this for a few weeks I am very happy with my decision Here are my rankings Quality (5/5): fully inflated you can't tell this is an inflatable. very minimal flex. You can bump it off rocks and not worry about damage (a traditional foam/eps board would chip) Convenience (5/5): have you ever tried to lug a hard board SUP? its impossibly heavy. The convenience factor is a 10 - very easy to throw in your car a with minimal space and weight. I heard they asked Ansel Adams what is the best camera and he said "the one you have with you" that is benefit of this board in a nutshell Performance (4/5): You will trade off speed and performance for the convenience. However unless your name rhymes with Laird and you are in a competitive paddling competition between Hawaiian islands this is probably not a big deal. Looks (5/5):dude it just looks cool...as verified by all the strangers asking me where I got it Setup (4/5): I've timed it..it takes 5 minutes with the hand pump to get to 15psi every time. Those last few pumps are a bit strenuous but I think its a good way to warm up before getting on the water. The only improvement I would recommend is the mechanism for attach and un attaching the main fin - could be improved to increase set up time Extras (5/5): love the tie downs in front - don't buy a SUP without this. Like the 3 fin set up with removable hard center fin. Lots of attachment points. The pump is adequate Paddle (3/5): The paddle is of high quality and is adjustable..but man is it heavy. You'll want to upgrade to a lighter higher performance paddle. UPDATE - they upgraded to a carbon 3 piece paddle. Problem solved. Not included but you should get: don't even think about buying this inflatable without buying the travel bag. Its worth every penny and makes transporting so much easier. UPDATE: they threw in the travle bag as part of hte package. Also do yourself a favor and buy a water proof set of speakers (only $30). You can't really get your paddle on without some classic rock to motivate you Cons: constantly being asked if it is really an inflatable, constantly being asked where I go it, constantly being asked if someone else can try it All in all a great value, and very happy I have it for the summer. fyi - I've tested it in the Chattahooche River, Lake Lanier, and Intercostal at Amelia Island Florida so a good range of water and wave scenarios.