Yoga
All-round
Touring
Pets
Family
Stability
Design
Performance
Price/Quality ratio
Supplied accessories
Reading time: 11 minutes
The Blackfin Model X Offers a Top-Notch Package
The Blackfin Model X lives up to the high expectations. It is one of the most sold inflatable paddle boards and this is justified. The paddle board is great on the water and is very sturdy.
Pro’s
- New lighter weight design
- Upon purchase you get a complete package so you do not have to incur extra costs to start
- Suitable for both quiet and slightly wilder water
- Extra safety handles for kids
- Carrying capacity up to 204 kg
- Possible to attach an action camera with the supplied mount
Cons
- Quite expensive, a big investment for beginners
- The board is not fast enough for the advanced SUP boarder (5+ years experience)
Most suitable for:
The BLACKFIN Model X 10’6″ iSUP performs great in all water conditions and is suitable for all skill levels. It works great for more than one person on board. With a multitude of added accessories, it is the perfect board for anyone looking for extra activities like yoga or fishing.
Length
Width
Thickness
Weight
Max Rider Weight
Max Air Pressure
Board type
Skill
Primary use
All Round / Relaxing / Touring / Yoga
Speed on the water
The board has a nice glide, but is not meant for racing due to its shape. For touring it has a great combination of a good glide and high stability.
Transport
With a weight of 12 kg this board is easy to carry. The very comfortable backpack that is supplied also has wheels, so you can roll it until you actually reach the beach.
Stability
The board is 35″ wide and 10’6″ long, which in combination with the used material and EVA-deck make it easy to keep your balance and not fall off.
My own experience
Watch my unboxing video of the Model X, where I showcase all the elements that come with the board.
When I got on the Blackfin Model X I was right away pleasantly surprised by the very high quality of the board and the completeness and quality of the package that comes along with it. Where you usually receive a standard aluminum paddle with your purchase, Blackfin offers a fiberglass paddle with carbon shaft.
| Product image |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Bluefin Cruise 10’8″ Review | Blackfin Model X 10’6″ Review | Goosehill Paddle Board Sailor 10’6 Review |
| Build | Inflatable | Inflatable | Inflatable |
| Skill | Beginner | Beginner / Advanced | Beginner |
| Price | Price unknown | $299.99 | |
| Score | 10 | 9.2 | 9.8 |
| All-round | |||
| Touring | |||
| Surfing | |||
| Yoga |
The high pressure pump was also of great quality and got the job done quickly. Everything about this board shows quality, which makes it obvious why the price is quite a bit higher than with a standard budget Stand Up Paddle Board.
Important features
Setup
- Multi-Use Action Mount at the front of the board for your cameras, rod holders, speakers, phone mounts, etc.
- Additional D rings to the rear of the board and a wider front cargo area made for even more storage space
- 24” triple action dual chamber hand pump
- Blackfin paddle, adjustable from 72 to 85 inches, Carbon Matte 3-piece paddle with nylon blade
- Comfortable coiled leash
Fins
In the new version the fins are now removable. That means two things. First, it makes it easier to roll up and second, it gives you more control over the board’s performance. A tri-fin set up is more stable and it is easier to turn, while the one-fin set up makes it glide faster.
Material
By using a new tougher Triple-Layer composite PVC construction the Blackfin Model X 10’6’’ is now 20% lighter but still as strong as the Quad Layer boards. The extra carbon fiber rail adds to the toughness of the board.
Inflate / deflate
SUP is inflated in nearly 7 mins with the supplied pump
Warranty
A 2 year warranty that covers all workmanship and materials. It does not apply to the included accessories.
Design
Stylish and bold. Six color options to choose from!
Included in the package
Paddle
The Blackfin paddle is adjustable from 72 to 86 inches. It is extremely portable since it can break down into 3 pieces and the best part is that it floats! Its carbon fiber shaft means it’s lightweight and durable plus it won’t tire your arms as quickly.
Leash
A comfortable coiled leash that attaches to the end of your board will give you the reassurance you need when in open water. Beautiful design with the Blackfin logo and also a nice extra velcro stash spot for your keys.
High pressure pump
With the new 25” triple action dual chamber hand pump you can fully inflate your Blackfin in 5-8 minutes. It is quite a lot faster than the previous dual chamber pump. Deflating is quite easy too. Just push the pin and twist it off to let the air out. Removing the fins will make it easier to roll up too.
Backpack
The Blackfin Model X paddle board comes with a travel roller backpack included, so you can easily carry this paddle board along with you. Even on longer trips the extra padded straps are very comfortable and with the front belt you can keep it in place no matter what happens.
Optional accessoires (not included)
Blackfin kayak seat
Transform your paddle board into a kayak, sit down and relax!
Electric SUP pump
For those who don’t want the exercise before getting on the board.
Difference between an Inflatable board and a Hard board
Advantages Inflatable board
- Easy to take on holiday (even on the plane)
- Easy to store in the winter days
- Much cheaper
- Technology has improved greatly over the past 10 years. For this reason, these boards are now almost hard to distinguish from hard boards
Advantage Hardboard
- More speed, which is important if you are a professional
- Easier to make sharp turns on the water because the board is thinner
- No inflation needed, you can get on the water right away
Frequently Asked Questions about the Blackfin Model X
What is the size of the Blackfin Model X Paddle Board?
10’6″ x 35″ x 6″
What is the maximum carrying capacity of the Blackfin Model X Paddle Board?
204 kg / 450 lbs
Which paddle is included with the Blackfin Model X?
The Blackfin ultra-light, adjustable travel paddle made of carbon compound
Which pump is included with the Blackfin Model X?
Full throttle hand pump with double chamber triple action
How long is the warranty on the Blackfin Model X?
A 2-year warranty covering all workmanship and materials
How many handles does the Blackfin Model X have?
5 handles in the middle, on the back, front and sides of the board
How many fins does the Blackfin Model X have?
2 small removable fins and 1 large removable middle fin
What material is the Blackfin Model X made of?
BLACKFIN uses a three-layer PVC composite construction, which makes the boards 20% lighter for the same durability
What is the air pressure of the Blackfin Model X?
15 PSI
Other reviews of the Blackfin Model X online
The Blackfin Model X is a very popular Stand Up Paddle Board and has thus been reviewed by many different websites online.
A short overview of these reviews below:
Supboardguide.com: Rating 9.8/10. “If you will be on your own more than others, the Model X should be your choice.”
Inflatableboarder.com: “The Model X is an extremely stable board that offers amazing versatility and it’s a SUP that’s been designed for serious use.”
Sunsetpaddler.com: “You’ve found the right board when you were after an extremely good quality, verstile wide and stable board that goes a little faster than you’d expect due to its width. Good one for flatwater paddling, yoga, fishing or even some whitewater.”
Paddlelove.com: Rating 4.7/5. “The Blackfin Model X is a highly versatile iSUP that cover plenty of water activities without failing at any.”
Supinsider.com: “The fun part is the versatility of Blackfin Model X, which makes it suitable for any water activities.”
Conclusion – Should you buy?
If you want to start paddle boarding and you have the budget to purchase a high-quality board right away, the Blackfin Model X is definitely a great option for you. Because of the complete package, there is nothing else you need to get started right away.
You can be sure all the supplied accessories are of very high quality and should not need a replacement any time soon. Highly recommended for people with a higher-than-average budget.
Review written by:
Tom
Hi! My name is Tom. During the year I try to be on a paddle board as much as possible. By reading this blog you'll stay updated on everything I test on the water :)
Questions? Ask me anything.
Comparison
| Product image |
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Bluefin Cruise 10’8″ Review | Blackfin Model X 10’6″ Review | Goosehill Paddle Board Sailor 10’6 Review |
| Build | Inflatable | Inflatable | Inflatable |
| Skill | Beginner | Beginner / Advanced | Beginner |
| Price | Unknown price | $299.99 | |
| Score | 10 | 9.2 | 9.8 |
| All-round | |||
| Touring | |||
| Surfing | |||
| Yoga |
Specifications
Length
Width
Thickness
Weight
Max Rider Weight
Max Air Pressure
Board type
Skill
3 responses to “Blackfin Model X 10’6″ Review”
Leave a Reply
Review written by:
Tom
Hi! My name is Tom. During the year I try to be on a paddle board as much as possible. By reading this blog you'll stay updated on everything I test on the water :)
Recent articles
What do you think is a better board the Irocker 11′ all around or blackfin xl and why?
Hi Tom.
I appreciate the information you provide on your website.
My wife and I are thinking about purchasing our first ever paddleboard . We like the idea of an inflatable board but cannot decide on which one. My wife and I would both be on the board and we would both paddle together ( although I suspect that I would end up paddling more😉 ). The board would be used for exercise, but mostly for leisurely paddles and relaxing on the board on the lake.
We are beginners ( never paddled). I am 6’2″, 165 lbs, and my wife 5’4″, 130 lbs.
The board would be used primarily for lake use . I do not mind investing in a premium board.
I have seen positive reviews on the Blackfin models and would appreciate
your input.
Would a blackfin xl be suitable or a different blackfin model?
I would purchase a kayak seat, but could two seats be installed on the blackfin that would allow both of us to kayak paddle together ( I.e enough room between the two of us)
Thanks
John
Hi John,
Thank you for your extensive response, I am happy you are going to give Stand Up Paddling a try!
If you want to go together the Blackfin XL would indeed be most suitable, but it does not allow two seats to be installed at the same time.
Honestly I don’t think Blackfin has a board with the option for two seats (please correct me if I’m wrong). You will need 2 times 4 D-rings in the middle to put down both seats.
In that case I would pick a Bluefin Cruise Tandem 15′, which already includes 2 seats in the first place and is quite a lot cheaper than the Blackfin.
Hope you find the board you are looking for, let me know which one you will purchase in the end!
Tom