I test paddled 3 SUP's and while all were good, this Body Glove won me over! It's high quality durable materials and construction, built in stringer (unlike Red Paddle where you must insert them which is tedious and made worse with getting sand in the slots), reinforced nose for added protection, large padded area for grip and comfort, built in fins (no worry about breaking or losing them), and excellent performance. I took them down a river with good flows and the stability and ability to turn with the Performer 11 was better and I think this is do to it's balance and upswept nose..it works. Every included item like the 2 stage pump, spare valve (very nice) and patch kit in the sealed container, paddle is top notch and made from high quality aircraft aluminum, leg/board leash, water proof/resistant cell phone bag, and a very well made and roomy bag that works as a backpack with comfy straps. Listed as being able to carry 325 lbs and I believe it as my 220lbs barely made it sit down.
Others test paddled: Red Paddle Sport 12' and the Isle Air Tech 12'6". I liked both and gave 2nd place to the Isle board for speed, build quality, and handling. The Isle board was not as stable as the BOdy Glove and speed between the two are very close. The Isle paddle is 3 piece and did not feel like the high quality of the Body Glove paddle. Red Paddle makes a nice board, but for me, the stability was not as good as the others. Speed was close on all, but overall, the BG just performed better all around. It's durability is one reason why many sup rental companies are going with their Outfitter model with the same specs as the Performer 11'. Price: Body Glove wins big! Available online or at Costco online at a great price. The other boards were priced $200-$300. higher. Although these boards are all made very well, the Body Glove's high quality and attention to detail helped make it my Number 1 pick.
