Blackfin Model X 10’6” - Review 2023

Review

• DIVEIN.com Score: 4.8/5
• Construction: 4.9/5
• Stability: 4.9/5
• Maneuverability: 4.5/5
• Portability: 4.7/5
• Price/Quality: 4.9/5

The Blackfin X 10’6” inflatable SUP board is one of the best all-round recreational paddle boards currently available. The board offers a really enjoyable paddle boarding experience due to its innovative design and construction that provides exceptional stability, intuitive tracking and overall ergonomic control of the board.

The innovative design refers to a convex shape with tapered ends to enhance stability without being a detriment to maneuverability.

The 2020 version of the Blackfin X model is specially designed for taking gear with you on your paddle board session as it features a number of D-rings and action mounts for attachments as well as a large bungee system at the nose and tail of the board for storing equipment.

The board is complimented by a range of well designed accessories that give you the full paddle boarding experience. These accessories include a high-end carbon fiber paddle as well as a convenient backpack with wheels that makes the package extremely portable.

The Blackfin X inflatable SUP board is a competitive premium range paddle board that offers an incredible all-round recreational paddle board experience for riders of any level.

Features

• Soft EVA traction pad on the deck of the board with lined grooving that extends all the way to past the back valve, provides grip and comfort to the rider as well as helps with maneuvering.
• Tri-fin setup using 3 flip lock fins provides intuitive traction in various water conditions, while also improving stability and control.
• Large 6 point bungee system at the front and back of the paddle board for attaching equipment and gear.
• Comfortable carry handles at the nose, tail and center of the board for easy transportation and portability.
• 20 action mounts for use with cameras, speakers and any other accessories you want to bring along on the water.
• Fishing rack attachment points for mounting fishing rack to the paddle board.
• 19 D-rings allow for you to bring equipment on the water and gives you the option of converting your SUP into a kayak.

Accessories

The Blackfin X inflatable SUP board comes with a large range of accessories that are of the highest quality. An iRocker 3 piece adjustable carbon fiber paddle with a nylon blade and a iRocker leash are provided to give you the best paddling experience on the water.

The Blackfin X package also includes an iRocker twin chamber hand pump and a versatile travel backpack.

• Paddle: The iRocker paddle provided for the Blackfin X model, is a 3 piece adjustable carbon shaft paddle with a nylon blade. As well as providing the rider with strong, powerful strokes in the water it is also ultra lightweight, coming in at only 28 oz. It also floats indefinitely if dropped in the water.
• Leash: The included Blackfin leash is comfortable and sturdy, stretching up to 10 feet when fully extended. Unique to this, it also has a small pocket to place keys.
• Pump: The twin chamber hand pump has been upgraded since the previous 2019 model of the board. iRocker claims that this model provides 100% faster inflation of the board–while an improvement, don’t take this to mean it takes half the time though.
• Backpack: The Blackfin X travel bag is a versatile and comfortable backpack. The backpack also features wheels, cushioned shoulder straps, waist support and back support. It is also spacious and fits all the accessories provided with a little room left over to stash valuables.

Stability

The Blackfin X is one of the most stable paddle boards on the market. Due to its innovative design and shape the board’s construction allows for unparalleled stability and support on the water.

A factor that largely affects the board’s stability is the 35” width which creates a more stable platform for the rider to balance on. The superior stability makes this board great for beginners as well as intermediate paddle boarders that want to challenge themselves in harsher conditions or environments.

Maneuverability

Offering a balance between stability and maneuverability, the Blackfin X inflatable paddle board provides great maneuverability and makes moving around on the water very easy to control. Due to the board’s size and shape, it’s maneuverability is superior to the Blackfin V. Rounded sides with tapered ends achieve this profile.

The tri-fin setup provides perfect traction and making small corrections to the direction of the board is effortless. Even making quick and agile turns is convenient on this board and maneuvers such as back-step turns are easily achieved.

Portability

This board is Blackfin’s lightest at just 27 pounds, the board is lightweight and easy to transport. Comfortable handles are provided at the nose, center and tail of the board for fluid handling of the board. Additionally, the Blackfin travel bag that is included in the Blackfin X package offers accessible transportation of the board and the provided accessories.

With wheels and comfortable straps to make carrying or wheeling the board very convenient for any paddler, you can easily take it on flights and on public transit. That said, the Blackfin X is quite wide and this might pose a problem for smaller riders handling the board.

Price/Quality Ratio

The Blackfin X inflatable paddle board is part of the iRocker brand’s premium paddle board collection and is therefore valued at a premium price. That said, this board is definitely worth the more expensive price tag.

The Blackfin X’s innovative design and intuitive feel provides an impressive all-round recreational paddling experience and given the high quality material used to construct the board and incredible accessories that are included in the package the price of this package is very competitive.

Optional Accessories from iRocker

• iRocker paddle
• iRocker leash
• iRocker 12v electric pump
• iRocker SUP to kayak conversion kit
• iRocker kayak blade
• iRocker 25L roto-molded cooler
• iRocker SUP anchor
• iRocker backpack

We recommend the Blackfin X inflatable SUP board for paddle boarders who want a premium, all-round recreational paddle board experience. The board is very popular due to the fact that it offers one of the highest levels of stability available, making it accessible to virtually anyone.

The board is extremely stable yet provides intuitive control and maneuverability making it great for beginners and intermediate paddlers alike. Additionally the board’s supportive stability makes it great for paddlers who want to try fishing or yoga while on their paddle board.

The Blackfin X package is perfect if you want a high level, all-round paddle board experience with high quality accessories along with a beautifully designed paddle board.

Want to see how the Blackfin X compares to other Blackfin boards? Check out our lineup of the best Blackfin iSUPs.