Starboard Vision - Review 2023

Review

• DiveIn Score: 4.5/5
• Construction: 4.8/5
• Stability: 3/5
• Maneuverability: 4.6/5
• Portability: 4/5
• Price/Quality: 4/5

A unique design and concept, the underwater viewing window is an excellent addition to this Starboard iSUP. It gives paddle boarders the opportunity to explore under the surface of the water, allowing them to view the sea below. As well as the fun feature of the underwater viewing window this board is made of premium quality materials and its wide shape makes it extremely stable on the surface.

Additionally, the shape of the Starboard Vision Inflatable SUP makes it stable on most waters. A fact that comes in handy when floating about on large clear ocean waters. The use of galvanized 2000D rails also increases the rigidness and strength of the board.

The Vision Starboard is made using the Zen Construction from Starboard; this construction method uses heat-welded rails to increase the strength of the board and create a completely airtight, mechanically bonded seam. The heat welded rails also insure the board will last a long time. The added use of the linear dropstitch means the board is strong and lightweight, making it ideal for transporting to and from the water.

All Starboard iSUPs are extremely environmentally friendly and consumers can rest assured that they are buying an environmentally friendly product.

Overall, the Starboard Vision iSUP is an excellent paddle board for those looking to explore the water from beginner to intermediate paddle boarders. The board is made of premium materials and is of excellent quality. With lots of added accessories and features this board is excellent value for money and will last a long time if properly looked after and maintained.

Features

• The most prominent feature of the Starboard Vision iSUP is an in-built underwater viewing window. This is the first paddle board to have a viewing window and allows users to see through to shallow depths and explore the underwater life whilst paddle boarding.
• Full length EVA pad adding to stability and balance for users. This EVA traction pad increases grip but also adds extra comfort with its layer of cushioning. This is an ideal board for all the family to enjoy exploring.
• The board also includes a high quality EVA kick pad on the back of the board which aids when making pivot turns and moving the board on the water.
• The board has a unique shape which is particularly wide. This larger width makes the board extremely stable on the water and also means a higher weight capacity, ideal for families or recreational use.
• As well as all the performance features the board has two bungee ties to hold down personal items (one at the front and one at the back of the board).

Accessories

The Starboard Vision Inflatable SUP has lots of unique takes on the standard features and is made from high-quality materials differentiating it from other options on the market. An added bonus of the Starboard Vision iSUP is the added accessories included when purchasing the board. It comes with an Enduro paddle, a V8 Pump, a lightweight leash and high quality Re-cover bag.

• Paddle: The package includes a 3 piece adjustable hybrid carbon Enduro paddle. This paddle is strong and durable, perfect for long distance paddling. The paddle also features one of the most ergonomically comfortable handles on the market.
• Leash: A lightweight safety leash weighing only 70g is included in the pack. Made from Yulex instead of neoprene, it has an 80% smaller carbon footprint and when stood on it flattens thanks to the cushioning.
• Pump: V8 double-action pump means the board can be inflated very fast. With continuous pumping cycles in both upward and downward action it also makes it easier to inflate your board to 15PSI. The pump also comes with a Tiki gauge which indicates the board pressure (PSI).
• Backpack: A Starboard Re-cover bag made from upcycled plastic bottles that is made into the strong 450D material. This bag features padded rucksack straps and a set of wheels for easy transportation.

Stability

One of the most stable boards in the Starboard iSUP collection thanks to its width and length. Starboard uses innovative technology which adds to the rigidness and sturdiness of the board including the linear drop stitch. This dropstitching means the board remains lightweight whilst adding to the rigidity of the board, and in turn the stability.

The added Galvanized 2000D rails of the board also increases the stability of the board as it makes the board more stiff and rigid, mimicking a hard board.

Thanks to its shape and construction the Starboard Vision is an incredibly stable board making it ideal for beginner paddle boarders, paddle boarders looking to use it for yoga or paddle boarders who wish to bring along passengers who can take advantage of the unique viewing window.

Maneuverability

Although the Starboard Vision iSUP is very stable it is not the most maneuverable board by Starboard. Due to it’s lightweight construction the board is still surprisingly easy to turn in the water despite its length and width. But it is not even close to as maneuverable as the Starboard 12’6 Touring Deluxe. Neither is it as fast, but they serve different purposes.

The added EVA kick pad at the back of the board also makes it easier to move and turn the board in the water. The width and length of the board do provide good stability making this board an excellent choice for beginners who want to practice turns on the water.

Portability

As an inflatable SUP board the Starboard Vision iSUP is made to be portable and lightweight. The added bag included in the package is made from upcycled bottles, and opens fully making it easier to remove and re-fold the board and all accessories inside it. The bag also has wheels and backpack straps, this makes it great for transporting over varied terrain. The durability and strength of the bag is also convenient for those who wish to travel with their Starboard iSUP.

When inflated the board has a central flat-handle which makes it easy to carry to and from the water, whilst also being small and unnoticeable when using the board when seated or when doing yoga. There is also an added handle at the rear of the board. The materials used in construction are also very lightweight and mean that the board is light to carry.

Price/Quality Ratio

The Starboard Vision iSUP is made of premium and high quality materials, all the materials sourced are as environmentally friendly as possible and this means that the board does come at a more premium, expensive price.

Although it is expensive, the board boasts lots of added accessories and features that are higher quality than most others, including the pump, leash and bag, and most importantly the underwater viewing window. It is apparent when using the board that it is of high quality, as it’s very durable, sturdy and rigid on the water. For families, beginner and intermediate paddle boarders this board is a good investment if looking for quality and durability.

Optional Accessories from Starboard

• Starboard Lima Paddle
• Starboard Enduro Paddle
• Starboard Armacore Fin
• Starboard Net Positive Fin
• Starboard Coil Race Leash
• Starboard Surf Leash
• Starboard V8 double action pump

Yes, we strongly recommend this SUP board if you want an extra wide SUP board for exploring and spending time looking through the window while doing yoga stretches.

The Starboard Vision Inflatable SUP is recommended for all levels, especially beginner to intermediate paddle boarders who are looking for a fun, recreational touring board. While it’s light enough to easily transport and paddle along, don’t expect it to win any races. It is also one of the most environmentally friendly SUP boards available, so it is highly recommended for ethical consumers. Check out our full lineup of the best Starboard SUPs here.