Blackfin Model X 10’6″ Review

The Blackfin Model X Offers a Top-Notch Package

Welcome to my first-hand review of the Blackfin Model X 10’6″ Stand Up Paddle Board, an incredibly versatile and robust inflatable SUP that has steadily gained a reputation in the paddleboarding community.

The Blackfin Model X lives up to the high expectations. Perfect for all skill levels, this board offers a blend of stability and manoeuvrability, making it ideal for various water activities, from leisurely cruising and fitness paddling to SUP yoga and fishing.

Crafted from the highest quality materials, the Blackfin Model X promises remarkable durability and performance. Its military-grade PVC construction ensures resilience to damage, while its carbon rail layer provides added rigidity and strength, an aspect that sets this board apart in the inflatable SUP market.

At 10’6″ in length and 35″ in width, the Blackfin Model X provides ample space for a comfortable stand-up paddleboarding experience. In addition to its build and performance, this board stands out with its extensive features, including multiple action mounts, cargo areas, and more.

In the following sections of our review, we delve deeper into what makes the Blackfin Model X 10’6″ such a popular choice among paddleboarding enthusiasts. Stay tuned as we explore its design, performance, and overall value, helping you make an informed decision for your next SUP purchase.

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

10'6" / 320 cm

Width

35" / 88.9 cm

Thickness

6" / 15.2 cm

Weight

27 lbs / 12.2 kg

Max Rider Weight

450 lbs / 204 kg

Max Air Pressure

15 PSI

Board type

All-Around

Skill

Beginner / Advanced

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.

Swipe from right to left to view the rest of the table

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	Price unknown	Price unknown
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!

Buy kayak seat

Electric SUP pump
For those who don’t want the exercise before getting on the board.

Buy electric SUP pump

Difference between an Inflatable board and a Hard board

In the realm of stand-up paddleboarding, the choice between an inflatable and hard board is a significant decision. Both offer distinct features and benefits depending on your requirements.

Inflatable paddle boards, often referred to as iSUPs, provide unmatched portability and storage efficiency. These boards can be deflated, rolled up and stowed away, making them an excellent choice for those with limited storage or for those who like to travel with their board.

They’re typically made from durable PVC material, which can withstand knocks and bumps. However, they can sometimes be less rigid than hard boards and might be more affected by strong winds due to their lightness.

Conversely, hard boards, also known as solid or rigid boards, are made from a variety of materials such as foam, fibreglass, epoxy, wood, or even carbon fibre. These boards offer exceptional performance and stability on the water.

They glide more efficiently, which is beneficial for long distances, racing or surfing. However, they are bulkier and more challenging to store and transport, and they can be prone to dings and scratches.

In summary, an inflatable board is your best bet if you value convenience, portability, and durability, while a hard board might be the way to go if performance and speed are your top priorities. Your specific needs and circumstances will guide your choice between these two types of paddle boards.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Blackfin Model X

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 this SUP?

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.