This is a unique ISUP because of the the V hull technology, I was a little skeptical as all ISUP brands have some "revolutionary" technology that make them stiffer, faster or more efficient and sometimes they live up to the hype other times they don't. I have owned HALA, ULI, C4 waterman and Badfish boards and I can honestly say this is the best board I have owned in terms of speed, stability and tracking. I also owned a 12'6" sport from from Red paddle a few years ago and was not impressed with it, this board is different.
I first took this board out on Fort Myers beach with a strong steady south wind that made for repeated ankle to knee high chop that I thought was perfect for testing the V- hull technology which would in theory slice through the chop instead of bounce through it. Anyone who has used an ISUP knows what hull slap is, the front of the board bounces on chop, waves or wakes as the board more or less floats and bounces over the peaks and troughs in the water. This board went right the the chop like no other inflatable I have owned, there is still a slight bounce but nothing like other boards I have used. On top of that the board is rock solid underfoot, I had it up to 18 PSI, was using the battens and I definitely noticed I had less foot and lower leg fatigue. I was really pleased with the initial run and have since taken out several times on the gulf here in Florida and have been repeatedly impressed.
PROS: Tracks amazingly well, Efficient because of V Hull, Fast though it should be noted this is not a race board and thus relatively stable. A kind of solid underfoot feel I have not experienced with other inflatable boards, well built, very nice carry bag. Also a rather pleasing board aesthetically. The manual pump gets it up to the proper PSI in about 15 minutes although I use an electric pump for convenience (It worth for a board of this size!)
CONS: Camera mounts can sometimes get in the way underfoot and feel uncomfortable depending on your footwork, the deck pad though cool and grippy may sometimes get slippery if you get sun block or oil on it if you sit or somehow get it on the board. Price, this is an expensive board but really there is nothing else like it.
Lastly the twin fin system works, I have read some negative comments regarding it because it reduces speed but I really think this board is more than fast enough for most. I have had two 14" race boards from HALA and ULI and yes this board is not as fast but this it makes up for that in terms of stability and efficiency which to me makes more a pleasant overall experience on the water.
