HEAD: A New SUP Company With a Strong Background!
We’re diving into the exciting world of HEAD Paddle boards. If you’re searching for a paddleboard that offers the perfect balance of power and stability, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s explore what makes these boards stand out from the crowd!
Before we get started, let’s talk a bit about Howard Head. He was a true legend, an American engineer, and an entrepreneur who left an indelible mark on the sports industry. Most notably, he founded the renowned HEAD sports equipment company. And guess what? They’ve recently introduced the HEAD paddle boards, and these models are definitely worth your attention!
The story behind HEAD paddle boards
In the 1950s, HEAD revolutionized the ski industry by introducing the first successful metal laminate ski, known as the HEAD Standard. This innovation replaced the traditional wooden skis, providing improved performance and durability. The success of his ski design led to the founding of the HEAD Ski Company in 1950.
In the 1970s, he expanded the company’s product line to include tennis rackets and other sports equipment. Today, HEAD is a global brand known for producing high-quality equipment for various sports, including skiing, tennis, paddle boarding, and more. And the rest is history!
All about the HEAD paddle boards
HEAD is a globally recognized brand, known for producing high-quality equipment across various sports, including paddleboarding as of most recent.
Now, let’s dive into the HEAD paddle boards themselves, specifically their impressive line of inflatable SUPs, which do not all have the same size. If you visit their website, you’ll discover an array of options to choose from.
Among their SUP product lineup, they currently offer three stand-up inflatable paddle boards: the Epic 10’2, the Sublime 11’2, and the Grand 12’6. Lucky me, I had the opportunity to try out two of them – the Sublime and the Grand Paddle Boards. Let me tell you; they did not disappoint!
I’ve also written detailed reviews of each board individually, the Sublime here and click for the Grand here to discover some insider insights. But for now, let’s give you a sneak peek into what you can expect from these exceptional paddleboards.
The HEAD paddle boards collection of 2023
- Epic 10’2
- Sublime 11’2
- Grand 12’6
The most important boards of HEAD are the Sublime 11’2 and the Grand 12’6 (click to scroll down). The Sublime is the touring, beginner-friendly model, and the Grand is the advanced version for extensive touring and exploring. Both boards are versatile and come in 2 different sizes. Which size you choose depends on your SUP needs. Below you have more details so you can compare.
But first, let’s start with the Epic 10’2.
HEAD paddle boards: Epic 10’2 SUP
Its wide deck, complete with a non-slip traction pad, offers excellent grip to carry the board with comfort safely.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Length: 10’2 / 3.10 m
- Width: 34″ / 86 cm
- Thickness: 6″
- Volume: 230 L
- Weight: 9.74 kg
- Air pressure: min 9psi, recommended 15psi
- Weight Capacity: 100 kg
Best of all, it’s easy to inflate, deflate, store, and transport. Convenience at its finest!
- Versatile Paddle Board
- Uses the latest drop stitch technology
- The pump has an inflating and deflating function
- SUP Yoga Board
- Trolley backpack for easy transport
- Not the fastest paddleboard
- No kick pad
- Low weight capacity
HEAD paddle boards: Sublime 11’2 SUP
Beginners, Best for Touring, and All-Rounders
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Length: 11’2″ / 3.41m
- Width: 33″ / 84cm
- Thickness: 6″ / 15cm
- Volume: 245 liters
- Weight: 10.6kg
- Air pressure: min 9psi, recommended 15psi
- Weight capacity: 120kg
- One of the best inflatable boards in this price category
- Comfortable surface area
- Made of very good and sturdy material
- SUP for longer distances
- Bag with wheels
- Excellent stability
- Complete package with all accessories
- Fin set-up can be quite confusing
- No kick pad
HEAD paddle boards: Grand 12’6 SUP
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Length: 12’6″ / 3.84m
- Width: 32″ / 82cm
- Thickness: 6″ / 15cm
- Volume: 270 liters
- Weight: 11.8kg
- Air pressure: min 9psi, recommended 15psi
- Weight capacity: 140kg
- Uses superior SUP Technology
- Great complete package.
- Made of very good and sturdy material.
- Eye-catching design
- Speed and the maintenance of a straight line while paddling is phenomenal
- Backpack with wheels
- Quite difficult to assemble the fin. They could use a better system.
HEAD Paddle Boards – Accessories
Trolley Backpack
The trolley backpack, for instance, adds a convenient touch to transportation and paddling. It’s effortlessly carried or you can safely carry your inflatable sup, making it a practical and versatile solution for taking your paddleboard wherever you want to go.
Double Stroke Pump
The double-stroke pump included with the inflatable sup features both an inflate and deflate function, making inflation a hassle-free process. And don’t forget the fiberglass paddle, which offers a lightweight yet stable construction for optimal balance and power transmission.
Fiberglass Paddle
The accessories included with the HEAD paddleboard consist of a 3-piece paddle that offers a combination of lighter construction and stability, ensuring optimal balance and power transmission.
Leash