Bluefin Cruise Carbon - Review 2023

Video Review

Review

• DIVEIN.com Score: 4.8/5 
• Construction: 4.9/5
• Stability: 4.9/5
• Maneuverability: 4.9/5
• Portability: 4.6/5
• Price/Quality: 4.7/5

Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12’ checks off all the right boxes. It has an impressive array of features, sturdy construction that won’t budge under the weight of the water, and a better-than-average performance. Keep on reading to find out more about the many perks this SUP board provides.

Features

• What makes Bluefin Cruise Carbon board last a lifetime is an Exo-Surface Laminate that is coated with a UV-protective layer. When combined with the Air Duo technology, you get a real-life beast that can conquer everything that appears on its way.
• The other feature that goes hand in hand with the rock-solid design of the board is the Croco-diamond deck pad. Its non-slippery structure keeps you on board as opposed to under it at all times. This is particularly appealing to beginners who often have a hard time maintaining balance.
• The cherry on top of the croc-pad is the kicktail. These two are like peanut butter and jelly – you don’t necessarily need both to get the best results, but the coalition of them both is always the preferred scenario. With the kicktail in use, expect to make the turns you didn’t think were possible.
• Two cargo areas are always better than one – especially if you’re planning on paddling for long hours. Bluefin took this into consideration when designing the Cruise Carbon 12’ board and incorporated one at the nose and one at the tail of it. Bluefin has also added straps to the cargo lines on the 2020 model for carrying and maximizing capacity. Smart.

• The 2+1 fin setup is the one to ‘blame’ for the great tracking. Paddlers will appreciate having the 2 side fins and one removable fin placed at the center for more than the ease of tracking though. We’re talking portability – the criteria that can make (in this case) or break your experience. Remove the central fin, throw the board in the trunk of your car, and you’re good to go.
• The two inflation chambers deserve some attention too. While they are known to make the board heavier than normal, they are also known to make the inflation process quick and easy.

Accessories

Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12’ SUP board doesn’t lack in this department – it comes with a complete set of accessories that are designed to enhance your paddling experience. And while you don’t have to bring them all with you every time you go paddling, having some of them on-board with you might prove vital. Keep on reading to decide for yourself what those are.

• Paddle: A carbon-fiber paddle is the best paddle there is at the moment, and it’s included in this package. Not only is it lightweight but it can also be broken down into 3 pieces for easy transportation. Talk about convenience.
• Pump: The dual-chamber, triple-action pump is the star of the show. Its design enables you to inflate your board faster so that you can enjoy paddling for longer. The best part – it won’t take more than a few minutes to pump it up.
• Leash: The velcro fastenings on the 10-feet coiled leash are to thank for the ease of taking the device on and off (even underwater). Since safety should be your primary concern when doing outdoor sports, opting for a SUP board that comes with a high-quality leash is a must.
• Backpack: Just like the board itself, the backpack is crafted from the rugged materials. It has wheels attached to the bottom part for quick and easy transportation and padded straps for comfortably carrying it on your back. The multiple pockets inside the pack make it spacious enough to fit every paddling essential you choose to bring.
• Kayak Kit: Kayaking and SUP-boarding go hand in hand. For this reason, we were stoked about the kayak kit that came with the Cruise Carbon 12’ board. Attach it to the D-rings located by the sides of the board and sail into the sun the next time you’re on a countryside getaway. The memories you’ll make will be unforgettable.
• Waterproof Phone Case: The digital world we live in prompts us to carry our electronic devices no matter where we go. This is why the waterproof phone case that’s included in this accessory bundle is a true jackpot. It significantly reduces the chances of your smartphone getting damaged or, worse, drowning.
• Repair Kit: Things don’t always go to plan. To not stress out about the newly developed hole on the board or a broken valve, consider taking the repair kit with you. You don’t have to purchase it separately – it’s a part of the deal.
• User Manual: Accessed by clicking the ‘PDF Instruction Manual’ button under the board’s image, it’s a guide that will be useful for beginners to go through. It’ll give you a good understanding of how SUP paddling works and the things to keep in mind when in the water.

Stability

The length of the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12’ SUP board means it’s fast, but it’s also stable. Thanks to the squared-off tail and a Flex Reduction System built into the rails, you won’t wobble. The finishing touch is the 3-fin setup that provides a little more grip.

In cases when the wind acts up, you can always convert your board into a kayak. This is how it’s done: remove the handle grip on the upper side, place a second blade instead, and attach the kayak seat to the D-rings. Voila, you’ve got yourself a sturdy kayak that can cut solidly up wind.

Maneuverability

While the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12’ SUP board isn’t the most nimble board on the market, it’s certainly one of the most rigid ones. Longer boards aren’t as maneuverable as shorter ones, but in the case of the Cruise Carbon 12’, you can make some pretty sweet turns with the croc pad grip and dropstep kick pad.  Generally, this touring board tracks well and turns surprisingly well too.

Portability

When compared with other criteria, this one isn’t Cruise Carbon’s 12’ forte. The tough construction combined with the second inflation chamber and the carbon-reinforced rails brings it to 28 pounds, which results in bulkier transportation. But the 2020 model allows you to remove all fins for easier packing and stacking and storing.

That said, the backpack that comes with the board makes the job just that much easier. If you aren’t someone who feels comfortable carrying heavy weight on your back, use the wheels.

Price/Quality Ratio

There’s no denying – the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12’ is on the pricier side. But it’s a SUP designed with a little more performance in mind, packaged in a well-constructed board intended for intermediate to advanced paddlers. Take the excellent build, versatile performance, and the amazing stuff that comes with it and the price seems pretty reasonable.

Do we recommend it? 

For an all-around board that is superior in every department, go for the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12’ SUP board. You won’t get any unpleasant surprises that would make you question your investment, and this is the ultimate goal.

Add it to your Christmas wish list or order it straight away – odds are, you’ll appreciate having a device that allows you to spend some quality time with your family every other weekend. And, let’s face it – this isn’t something you can put a price on.