Paddle boards aren’t always the most affordable pieces of equipment, meaning that sometimes, we all need to budget.
Thankfully, this FBSport board aims to offer stability, speed and style for less than $400 – really not bad if you are serious about taking your paddle boarding to the next level.
In fact, this board is presented as a solid choice for novices aiming to learn the ropes, as well as those experts who are in need of an upgrade.
This impressively thick and colorful board has a lot going for it on the surface, and with hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon alone, I thought I’d take a closer look at the inflatable wonder for myself. Below, I’ve listed the specifications, before getting deeper into what’s on offer.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: FBSPORT
- Construction: Military grade PVC
- Weight: 31lbs
- Supports: Up to 280lbs
- Dimensions: 10 feet 6 inches x 32 inches x 6 inches
- Other features: Non-slip deck, thick surface, three bottom fins, alloy paddle, ankle cuff with safety leash, pump, phone case, carry bag
About the FBSPORT Premium Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
The manufacturers proudly claim that this is the most durable lightweight paddle board on the market. It was released in April 2019. A customer survey of 1270 people awarded this model 4.5 stars out of a possible score of 5. That’s really not bad to start with.
Before you even get to try out this paddle board for the first time, you will notice its visual appeal! In fact, it is hard to miss – it’s one of the most striking paddle boards on the market.
It comes with bright yellow and blue color bands with a contemporary graffiti style design.
This is an extremely modern looking paddle board with an exciting and energetic appearance.
It simply looks as though it is ready for action!
Eagle-eyed boarders will also see that this board’s main appeal lies in the fact that it is extra thick – that should effectively give you more stability on the water – and the fact that there are three fins underneath, too, should give your boarding that little bit of extra efficiency. Reviews are abound that these extra fins – one of which you can remove – also allow you to control the board with better ease.
That’s great news given the fact that this is a board you should be able to comfortably use in a variety of scenarios and situations. You can go lake boarding, take it to the beach, or even up the river. I’d probably only recommend you do that if you have plenty of boarding experience behind you, in any case!
So – that’s the basics – what are some of the best features this board has to offer – and what sets this product apart from the pack?
What are the best features of this Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board?
The design team has focused on producing an appealing, attractive paddle board that is also durable. Robust and with a non-slip surface, it also features a ‘brushed thickened’ surface.
Even the most experienced accomplished paddle boarders stumble. The surface of this is not only non-slip, it is of a ‘brushed’ finish, so therefore helps boarders feel secure. In the event that they do stumble, the soft brushed surface means impact is less severe and more cushioned! The potential for grazes and/or injury is reduced.
The coiled ankle cuff and leash mean that your board won’t drift away from you and that you can easily retrieve it! This is an especially useful feature when river or sea currents can mean that paddle boards and owners can be quickly separated. This is a nuisance and may cause some frustration – especially for learners or very energetic boarders in busy areas!
The extras the board comes with are well thought out and nicely designed too. The waterproof phone case is very handy and reassuring!
The triple fins improve the performance of this board. It is notably speedy and maneuverable. Facilitating good balance, due to its width, means that slower controlled moves or swifter directional changes can be made more reliably. This is a good board for learners and novices – and the removable fin is extremely handy when you want to change things up.
This FBSport board is also quick to inflate and deflate. A pump arrives with this model, so there is no need to search for compatible parts. Everything you need to begin paddle boarding is supplied at the point of purchase – crack open the package and away you go!
All inflatable crafts are generally easy to fold and store, and this one is no exception. This one is made of military grade PVC so it is tough. Of course, if a repair is necessary, it is better to find out before your next adventure. There doesn’t seem to be a patch kit here, but whether or not that’s going to be necessary depends on how you handle your board!
As this board is suitable for a variety of skill levels, from novice to expert, it has been exposed to trials and testing over a period of time and stood up well against competitors!
It is an excellent all-rounder as a sizeable paddle board. People use it for general paddle boarding, simply having fun, developing their technique or even using it for water yoga exercises.
Whether you are using it on the surf for energetic exercises, more sedate paddling on a lake, or fishing on the river, this model can satisfy all general boarding demands plus some – it’s stable and chunky yet exciting in its own way.
If you choose to use it as a training board, it has a good balance to take things slow from. If you want to explore and go sightseeing, you can slow right down and go at a sedate controlled pace – even take some photographs – and you have that handy phone case to make sure your pocket shutterbug is kept safe in the surf.
Are there any drawbacks with this paddle board?
The design and color scheme of the board is something you will either really love, or maybe just get used to – it’s impressively vibrant.
As with all color schemes and patterns, personal tastes vary. This is a showstopper and most people will say, for all the right reasons! Nonetheless, if you don’t like the design, or color scheme, it may be enough to dissuade you from making the purchase. You will miss out on a good boarding experience, but appearances do count.
The board seems to come with much of what you’ll need to get started in paddle boarding, but I would have liked there to have been a patch kit – just in case there’s an issue along the way. However, this board comes with such a strong reputation for strength that you likely won’t need it.
Should I buy this model?
Quite simply – as premium inflatable stand up paddle boards go – this one ticks all the boxes. It might not be a brand you’ve heard of, but buyers are voting with their money, and this board does seem to do well from a versatility perspective.
Other manufacturers offer some of the same features, but not always all of them. It is important to remember that this product is well priced – it’s great value, not just low on the tag. It is a quality performer made of military grade material – and is known to be a wide, thick and stable board. It has also been endorsed for use by boarders of all skill levels.
For a family or friends sharing a board it is a good option – it’s easy for just about anyone to get used to. Or, if you want to buy a board as a learner just for yourself, you won’t need to change up to a better model in the short term. Your skills will increase with this board – and it is likely to appeal to even the most demanding experts on most expanses of water. Even ocean paddle boarding is possible with this mode!
A cautionary note by the manufacturer, however, says that only small ocean waves should be attempted. Seas, rivers or lakes, the choice is yours – just take care, as you know you should!
As an experienced paddle board enthusiast, this board could be a sound upgrade for you. Undoubtedly versatile with impressive all-round performance – it does live up to the marketing label of being lightweight yet durable. In terms of being the absolute best in that regard, I can’t say for certain – but what I can say is that this is a board that’s unlikely to disappoint in many regards.
Take a look online now – it’s getting taken up fast by buyers on Amazon, so get in fast – or take a look at some reviews I’ve provided for other paddle boards.
