Last Updated on April 25, 2019 by Editor
This iSUP is the is one of Body Glove’s newer models, and it doesn’t disappoint. Unlike many competitor’s models, this one was designed by Luke Hopkins, a veteran at whitewater paddling. It’s inflatable and designed for flatwater touring.
It’s got some innovative features, and the company says it works as well for family outings at the beach or lake as it does in rivers for pros. Does the performance actually match the hype that the company puts out? Is this the inflatable design that will leave all others in its wake? Well, it certainly looks good, but how does it feel during use? Is it really possible for a board to be as good for amateurs as it is for veterans?
In this review, we’ll answer all those questions and a few more. We’ll put the Performer 11 through its paces so that you can see if it’s the right model for you.
- 11 Foot inflatable stand-up Paddleboard with a stable 34 inch wide platform
- Package includes the board, pump, Paddle, leash, backpack, repair kit, and cell phone Dry bag
- A performance feature rich design for everyday fitness and family use
Features
• Reinforced nose: The rubberized nose is the first indication that the company is taking its promise of high quality seriously. This nose will stand up well to bumps during transport, while in use, or bumps as it’s being taken out of the water.
• Made from Poly-Vinyl Fabric: They weren’t playing around with this fabric. It’s extremely tough, and so puncturing the board is going to be equally tough, which is excellent news if you have kids who are not as careful as they should be.
• Excellent rigidity: We dare you to have stability problems with this board. It’s stiff and stable. Pump it up to its max of 15 PSI, and you’ll be checking the label to see if they’ve used fiberglass. The feel is comparable.
• Six lash points: Most inflatables have a total of four D-rings and a bungee cord. This is more than enough if you’re on your own, but troublesome if you have a family. This model has six lash points that you can string webbing over so you can store a lot more gear.
• Deck pad is excellent: This high-quality deck pad covers a large section of the deck and provides an excellent grip even in the wettest conditions. Use this board out on the river, or for yoga – either way, you’re not slipping anytime soon.
• The Carry Strap is Unique: The board has a carry handle built into it, which makes it easy to carry. It also has a holster made from Velcro that makes it easy to carry the paddle when you’re transporting it. In the water, you can use it to strap your water bottle down.
• Three flexible fins: When you’re out in rough water, you’ll need a fin that can bend under pressure, instead of snapping off if you hit a shallow patch. These fins can be rolled under the board to make transport easier. However, we’d advise storing them flat.
What you get with the Body Glove Performer 11 iSUP Package
• The board
• An adjustable aluminum paddle that can be adjusted between 70 and 85 inches, which is nice if you have a range of different ages and sizes in your household.
• A hand pump with a gauge included. You don’t have to guess whether you’ve inflated it enough – the gauge will tell you.
• A high-quality backpack for storage. When we first read that the board had built-in handles, we figured that you wouldn’t be getting a bag to store it in as well. We were wrong, and the pack has been built just as securely as the rest of the items.
• A coil leash so that your board can’t make a run for it if you do fall off.
• A dry pouch, which seals completely watertight, so it’s useful for storing your wallet, keys, and more.
• A repair kit. The board is built well, but it’s not indestructible. The repair kit is there if you need it for emergency repairs.
Who is This For?
The shorter fins would typically mean that the board is less stable. Body Glove has overcome that by making the board wider than usual. So, it will work well on the river, as well as for the person practicing yoga.
This model has a sharp nose, making it ideal for cutting through choppy water. The downside is that it can catch on larger waves and get swung to the side. For this reason, we’d keep it in flat water, but it could work with larger swells if you don’t mind having to reorient yourself.
The design will work well in a river, a lake, or even out in the ocean, so it’s pretty versatile.
It’s awesome for families with kids who might be a little more careless. It’s designed to take a pounding, and it won’t puncture easily. It’s aimed more at recreational users, but it will work well for veteran users as well.
Would we go racing on it? The sharper nose does help it cut through the water more easily. That said, we’d put this more on the recreational side. You can get some speed out of it, but not enough to compete professionally.
How Simple is the Body Glove Performer 11 to use?
Dead simple. Inflate it and use it, that’s about how difficult it gets. Pumping it up can be a little bit of a chore, especially when you start getting to the 15 PSI level. Overall, though, it’s manageable. Maybe you can bribe your kids – first one to ride has to pump it up.
You are paying a little more for this model, and that shows in the build quality. The reinforced nose and tough exterior make this a durable buy. If you think that the board is going to get a lot of use, these features will come in very handy.
In terms of the fins, we have to be honest; fiberglass would offer better stability. That said, if you’re planning on using this while on a river, that becomes less of a priority than durability. There’s no question that you’ll get a lot more wear out of the rubber fins because they can bend.
Performance-wise, you won’t be disappointed. Despite the rubber fins, the board is still very stable in the water. It moves at a reasonable speed and is good in flat water. With bigger waves, you might be knocked around a bit.
Pros
• Well-constructed
• Light-weight at only 24 lbs.
• High-quality materials
• Useful design features
• Durable
• Very stable
• Versatile
• Rigid
• Looks awesome
• Storage can be expanded or contracted, as you like
• The bumper reinforces the nose
• The carry handle is well-thought out
• You can get a range of great accessories
Cons
• The price is a little higher than other inflatable models
• We would have liked it if they had thrown in some D-rings somewhere as well
• Tracking is not fantastic thanks to the rubber fins
• No handle at the tail or nose to help you pull it out of the water
The Final Verdict
Overall, this model is going to be more than enough for most users. It can be used in a range of different conditions. While it is best suited to flat water, it can also handle some waves. Overall, it scores big points for clever design and durability.
