Therefore, different inflatable SUP boards differ in price and quality

Which inflatable SUP board should I choose and what exactly makes some inflatable SUP boards work better than others? In this article, we take a closer look at how different inflatable SUP boards are constructed and what that means for those of us who will be paddling them.

Good - “ Single layer ” construction 

We start this guide with the simplest design for inflatable SUP boards, the so-called “ single ” layer ” or in Swedish “ single layer / skin ” technology .​​

Drop stitch

All inflatable constructions​ based on the The so-called “ D ropstitch ” technology where thousands of internal threads hold together two separated surfaces where the two surfaces in this case consists of a single layer or ply . When this structure is filled with air, the board is allowed to expand to a certain point before the wires contract and form the rigid shape of the SUP board, thereby making it float and paddleable . 

Low weight

The “ Dropstitch ” construction is not inherently airtight, so they need to be covered with a liquid PVC layer , which when they dry creates an airtight seal. Together This forms a so-called “single layer” construction . The two main advantages of SUP boards made with “ single layer ” construction are is primarily weight and price. A smaller amount of material makes for a very light SUP board and the fact that it is also cheaper does n't make things any worse . 

Construction - function

Inflatable SUP boards with “ single layer” construction can handle a slightly lower maximum load than SUP boards with, for example, “ double layer ” construction , stringer s or other types of laminate . The price level of SUP boards with this construction of good quality starts at around 5,000 kr . Boards sold at lower prices are often not able to support an adult. The disadvantages of the “single layer” construction are that boards are not as durable or provide the same stability as SUP boards with stronger constructions . Max air pressure here is about 20 PSI . (recommended pressure is 15–17 psi ) 

Better - “ Machine laminated double layer ” construction 

The so-called “ machine laminated double layer ” construction is the new standardized manufacturing technique for inflatable SUP boards . This construction was groundbreaking when it came out and the best you can get when it comes to SUP boards . standard class. Here a second PVC layer is laminated directly onto a “drop stitch ” construction with “ single layer” . 

Stiffness

The lamination process smooths out any wrinkles or bubbles that may form on the surface of the board . What ’s really impressive here is that these inflatable SUP boards are 20-25 % lighter and 25-30 % stiffer than those that use a glued “ double layer ” construction. This can also result in a weight reduction of around 2kg! 

Optimal function

SUP boards with machine-laminated “double layers” are more expensive than the “ single layer ” constructions, but since we manufacture our SUP boards ourselves, we can offer this construction from around 7 500 SEK . If you want an inflatable SUP board with optimal function and performance that works for everything , our clear recommendation is a construction with “ machine laminated double layer ” . The maximum air pressure here is 25 psi (recommended pressure 15–18 PSI ) 

BEST - “ Machine laminated double layer ” construction with carbon fiber “ stringers ”  

Kona's new inflatable SUP boards for training and competition have, in addition to the "machine laminated double layer " construction , added the so-called " Stringer " technology. The main part of the board is built according to the "machine laminated double layer " technology , i.e. " drop stitch " construction with double PVC layers. The difference here is the addition of " stringers " .

Strings

The concept comes from traditional surfboard manufacturing , where a thin longitudinal reinforcement, a so-called " stringer ", runs from the tail of the board all the way to the nose of the board . and thereby provides increased rigidity. 

Carbon fiber

In Kona's inflatable SUP boards for training and competition, the " stringer " is constructed as a wide carbon fiber strip that is glued to the longitudinal centerline of the top and bottom of the board . The most important parameter regarding inflatable SUP boards for training and competition is stiffness and today this is probably the stiffest construction on the market .  

Minimal flex

The purpose of these two carbon fiber reinforcements is to minimize the board flexing, i.e. bending due to the paddler's weight or the force of the paddle stroke. If this occurs the board will be braked and then “plow” the water. With this design you get an inflatable SUP board with superior glide and acceleration capabilities.  

Stability  for performance ™  

For understandable reasons, SUP boards with this construction are more expensive than those with other constructions and currently range from around 10 000 k r . If you are looking for an inflatable SUP board with superior stability and performance , this type of board is just right for you . Max air pressure 30 PSI (recommended pressure 18–20 PSI ) 

We hope with this guide to create a better understanding of what today's technologies regarding inflatable SUP boards mean and that you will thereby become more confident in your choice of board and at the same time gain insight into what makes the difference in the different price categories . If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us in our chat and we will help you further. 

/Team Kona