Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8 SUP Board Review
Summary
The 2020 Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8 package is an advanced all arounder iSUP with plenty of accessories. It’s the extravagant brother of the Bluefin Cruise 10’8 whose UK-based owners developed a few steps further in terms of design and functionality. The result: a solid board for ambitious beginners and veterans alike that will take you further than other iSUPs.
Mix in the kayak seat kit that comes with the board, and you’ve got a sweet deal that’s hard to pass. The 2020 upgrades — to paddle, bag and cargo straps — also attest to Bluefin’s continuous evolution, even as a relative newcomer.
While the 2019 model performs well, the newer board is an improved upon version for reasons we’ll outline below. Keep on reading.
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Reasons to buy
- It features a Flex Reduction System (FRS) that makes the board rigid and close-to-unbreakable
- The carbon-fiber paddle that comes with the board is lightweight with a good flex
- The Croco-diamond deck pad allows for non-slippery paddling and extra insulation
- The 2 cargo storage areas have an additional 4 straps for more flexibility
- The 5-year manufacturer warranty is covered by a company with a good rep
Reasons NOT to buy
- The handle on the great paddle could be a little sturdier
- The board’s capacity is relatively low
Review
- DIVEIN.com Score: 4.8/5
- Construction: 4.8/5
- Stability: 4.9/5
- Maneuverability: 4.9/5
- Portability: 4.7/5
- Price/Quality: 4.7/5
This board has been getting a lot of praise for years now – and that’s to be expected. It doesn’t fail in the performance department and neither does it disappoint in quality. Below, see the features it boasts, the accessories that come with it, and the versatility it provides for paddlers, and join the club of those who rave about the Cruise Carbon 10’8.
See the complete list of the best Paddle Boards here!
Features
- The Air Duo system is another feature we can’t get enough of. It consists of the inflation and central loop chambers that work together to ensure the SUP board is rigid under every circumstance.
- The Croco-diamond deck pad deserves special recognition too. Despite looking stylish, it’s also functional. The crocodile-textured material means no slippage even during the toughest turns. It provides extra warmth on chillier tours too.
- D-rings, D-rings, D-rings. There can never be too many of them, that we know for sure. The 14 D-rings integrated into the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8 nail the task of helping you clip stuff onto the SUP board. When combined with the 4 straps that run along the length of the cargo cords, the 2020 Cruise Carbon gives even more storage.
- There are 5 handles for you to grab onto when carrying the board: one in the center, one on both nose and tail, and two on both sides. No need to ask a friend to help you transport the board from your house to the nearby lake – you can do it yourself now.
Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8 SUP Board Review: Key Specifications
- Best Suited For: Cruising/touring with freight/kayaking
- Material: 1000 Denier Exo Surface Laminate w/ Pro-Weave Drop Stitch Technology
- Volume: 260 liters
- Capacity: 286 lbs.
- Dimensions: 10’8 x 32.5” x 5.9”
- Weight: 25 lbs.
Where to Buy:
Accessories
The price of the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8 SUP board becomes completely justifiable when you take into account the huge bundle of accessories it comes with. And we’re not just talking about the backpack and a paddle – the triple-action pump, a coiled leash, and kayak conversion kit are a part of the deal too. See for yourself.
- Paddle: Since you can’t paddle without a paddle, it’s the first thing you should be looking for when receiving your SUP board in the mail. This paddle is a lightweight carbon-fiber paddle that weighs less than the typical aluminum SUP paddles.
- Pump: The double-chamber triple-action pump is equipped with an ergonomic grip and slim design. Inflating the two chambers is quick when using all 3 settings gradually. The handles aren’t removable though.
- Leash: A 10-feet coiled leash is a gold standard for Bluefin SUP boards. The one that’s included in this bundle features a Neoprene band and a velcro rail-saver, both of which are nice features.
- Backpack: A pack that can efficiently store all of your paddling essentials and more is really nice. Bluefin realized this early on and added a spacious backpack with an extra back padding and a reinforced zipper webbing. With wheels included on the newer model, you can still put it on your back when biking without too much labor.
- Kayak Kit: Who doesn’t like 2-in-1 deals? Those who say so are probably lying. Cruise Carbon 10’8 can be quickly converted into a kayak, which makes it a dual-purpose board. If you’re tired from paddling and want to enjoy the views without having to stay on top of your balance game, convert the board into a kayak in a snap of your two fingers. Yes, it’s that straightforward.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Get used to it – accessories for electronic devices are hardly a novelty anymore. So, it’s only normal to be receiving them when purchasing an outdoor activity tool that implies you being out and about for half a day at the very least.
- Repair Kit: It includes PVC patches and a valve wrench. You probably won’t need to fix a tear or change a SUP valve but we recommend you keep it anyway. Just in case.
Where to Buy:
Stability
You would think that the short-ish length of the Bluefin Cruise Carbon board means it’s not stable. Fortunately, this isn’t the case. Thanks to the Flex Reduction System and the Air Duo inflation incorporated into the board, there isn’t much flexibility to it. And this is a good thing.
Feel free to make as many sharp turns as you want – the chances of you falling over are painfully low. We mean it when we say it – this is one of the most stable SUP boards on the market. (So, go and grab one ASAP, we guess?)
Where to Buy:
Maneuverability
The Cruise Carbon 10’8 is an advanced all rounder. It has a sporty feel to it that makes it very nimble. The responsiveness is pretty impressive. In fact, you could do some small-wave surfing.
We credit the pointed nose and the gripping deck pad for the board’s excellent performance. This combo helps with blasting through the lakes and rivers and executing some challenging tricks the most.
Where to Buy:
Portability
The Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8 SUP board isn’t the easiest [but isn’t the most difficult either] to carry. It sits somewhere in between the iRocker All-Around 10’ and the Bluefin Cruise 12’ boards.
The carbon-reinforced side rails (the much-touted FRS) and the duo inflation chamber are the ones to blame for the ‘just okay’ portability. But this isn’t all that bad – the board still fits nicely into the backpack that comes with it and can be brought by car or by bike to the paddling destination.
Price/Quality Ratio
The Cruise Carbon boards are on the high-end price spectrum of SUPs. But there’s a reason for it. They provide some of the best quality materials that raise the bar for not only the construction but also the performance of SUP boards.
This board in particular outperforms a good chunk of the similar SUP boards. Think long-lasting quality and the wide range of accessories that you’d normally have to purchase separately. With this board, it’s covered. You’re getting all you need for a good paddling session in one package.
Where to Buy:
Summary
Do we recommend it?
There’s no doubt that the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8 SUP board is an outstanding piece of equipment that is a real bargain for those looking to invest in a long-lasting board. It’s built from durable materials, offers exceptional performance, and comes with a more-than-needed number of accessories to supplement the experience. What else is there to ask for?
Everyone who’s under 6 feet tall and under 200 pounds large will find it easy to use. In other cases, look into its 12’ counterpart that does the job just as well.
See the complete list of the best Paddle Boards here!
What We Like
- It features a Flex Reduction System (FRS) that makes the board rigid and close-to-unbreakable
- The carbon-fiber paddle that comes with the board is lightweight with a good flex
- The Croco-diamond deck pad allows for non-slippery paddling and extra insulation
- The 2 cargo storage areas have an additional 4 straps for more flexibility
- The 5-year manufacturer warranty is covered by a company with a good rep
What We Don’t Like
- The handle on the great paddle could be a little sturdier
- The board’s capacity is relatively low
Where to Buy:
Where to Buy:
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8 SUP Board
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🧐 How much weight can the Bluefin Cruise Carbon board withstand?
Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8 SUP board is rated for 286 lbs but it can withstand up to 330 pounds of weight.
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❓Should I go for the 10’8 or the 12’ SUP board?
Generally speaking, if you’re under 6 feet and weigh less than 200 pounds, Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8 is your best bet. Alternatively, if you’re over 6 feet and weigh more than 190 pounds, the 12’ version of the board will suit you better.
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🤓 Is there a warranty for the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8 SUP board?
This board comes with a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer. We believe it’s a great deal that guarantees a good return on the investment.
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🤔 What PSI should I inflate the Cruise Carbon board to?
Thanks to the drop-stitch hull design of the board, you can inflate it up to 28 PSI max. That said, the recommended inflation range sits between 12 and 15 PSI.
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⚡ What does air inflation mean?
The air inflation system integrated into the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8 means that there are 2 chambers that need filling for the board to be fully inflated. It helps with the rigidness and stability – the characteristics that are both essential for a pleasant paddling session.
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