Blackfin XL 11’6” - Review 2023

• DiveIn Score: 4.7/5
• Construction: 4.8/5
• Stability: 4.8/5
• Maneuverability: 4.5/5
• Portability: 4.7/5
• Price/Quality: 4.9/5

Review

The Blackfin XL inflatable SUP board is a premium, high quality paddle for paddlers of any level. This board provides superior stability and maneuverability in various conditions and is ideal for fishing, yoga or multiple passengers. It features many different action mounts, and D-rings for attaching equipment making the board extremely versatile. The Blackfin XL package is very comprehensive, offering paddlers a range of high quality accessories that make for a fantastic paddle boarding experience. 

In short, the Blackfin XL inflatable paddle board package provides an amazing, all-round paddle board experience along with a comfortable and versatile paddle board that is accessible to any level of rider.

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 XL 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 paddle experience on the water.

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

• Paddle: The iRocker paddle provided for the Blackfin XL 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 and weighs 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’ when fully extended. It also provides a small pocket to place keys.
• Pump: The twin chamber hand pump has been upgraded since the previous 2020 model of the board and iRocker claims that this model provides 100% faster inflation of the board.
• Backpack: The 2021 Blackfin XL 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 innovative construction of the Blackfin XL provides a comfortable and supportive feeling when on the water. With a thickness of 34” inches this paddle board is easy to balance not only in flat water but also in conditions with some chop or wind. 

The stability of this board is incredible and doesn’t suffer when adding weight onto the board in the form of equipment or additional passengers. This makes the Blackfin XL extremely ideal for families, larger riders or even paddlers who want to use their board for fishing. 

Additionally, the deck traction pad is massive ensuring that riders are comfortable and providing grip on the majority of the paddle board’s surface. 

Maneuverability

The Blackfin XL inflatable paddle board has enhanced maneuverability due to the board’s dimensions. The tri-fin setup provides perfect traction, and making small corrections to the direction of the board is effortless–this makes the Blackfin XL an ideal touring board. That said, making fast and aggressive turns can be difficult due to the length and will need a little more core strength to execute fluidly. 

The high level of stability provided by this board allows riders to put more power in their strokes without having to worry about losing balance, creating better overall performance and control on the water.

You want an incredible premium, recreational paddle board experience.  This board is perfect for activities such as fishing and yoga due to its solid stability and increased capacity. The board also has various action mounts and D-rings for attaching equipment and gear making it convenient for touring.

The Blackfin XL is also great for beginners who haven’t mastered the art of advanced paddle board balancing and want to enjoy paddle boarding without falling off the board every five minutes. It’s also a great paddle board for parents who want to bring their kids for some fun or for couples who want to bring their significant other along for long romantic paddle board sessions.

Ultimately, the Blackfin XL paddle board package is a great option if you want to get a great quality paddle board experience with all the perfect accessories to complement your paddle board.

Portability

Considering the large size of the board, the fact that it weighs just 29 pounds is impressive. With ergonomic handles placed at the nose, center and tail of the board, transportation is made very comfortable. The Blackfin travel bag that is provided is also incredibly convenient and versatile as it can contain all the accessories provided and can be used as a backpack or pulled about using the wheels on the bottom of the bag.

Price/Quality Ratio

The Blackfin XL inflatable paddle board is part of the iRocker brand’s premium paddle board collection and is therefore valued at a premium price. However, given the superior quality of the board and included accessories in this package, the board is offered at an affordable price. 

This board is constructed using high quality materials and the accessories are equally of high value. The package provides a very high quality paddle boarding experience and for that reason this package is a solid deal.

If you’re keen on trying other iSUPs from Blackfin, check out our list of the best Blackfin paddle boards.

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