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Best Non-Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards 2017

After personally paddling, weighing, and thoroughly testing 70+ boards, our expert staff has selected the best non-inflatable stand up paddle board 2017 models. These are designated by the "A" grade and organized by categories (inflatable, all-around, touring, etc). The Supconnect team traveled across 3 states and spent 8 months individually assessing each one of the inflatable SUP boards below, counting a total of 23 metrics per board and consistently applying them across all products. The end result: simply the most comprehensive, consumer-friendly, value-added review platform in the standup paddle world. Click through each one of the reviews and find a consistent, in-depth assessment of each product listed.

Quick Answer:

The Best Non-Inflatable SUPs 2017

best non inflatable sup boardworks muse 4

best non inflatable sup bark expeditionbest non inflatable sup bote rackham 3

 

 

 A Comparison

The Best Non-Inflatable Paddle Boards 2017

 

Picture Board Weight Price Use Skill Build Width
best non inflatable stand up paddle board 2017 pelican moorea Pelican Moorea 29.4 lbs $849 All-Around Beginner Non-Inflatable
32 inches
best non inflatable stand up paddle board 2017 surftech generator Surftech Generator 23.08 lbs $1,399 All-Around Beginner Non-Inflatable
32.5 inches
best non inflatable stand up paddle board 2017 pauhana lotus Pau Hana Lotus 35.3 lbs $1,149 Yoga Beginner Non-Inflatable 34 inches
best non inflatable stand up paddle board 2017 bote rackham BOTE Rackham 46.6 lbs $2,349 Fishing Beginner Non-Inflatable 34 inches
best non inflatable stand up paddle board 2017 naish maliko Naish Javelin Maliko 27.11 lbs $3,199 Race Intermediate Non-Inflatable 28 inches
best non inflatable stand up paddle board 2017 sic bullet SIC Maui Bullet 27.5 lbs $1,599 Touring/Race Intermediate Non-Inflatable 28.25 inches
best non inflatable stand up paddle board 2017 boardworks muse Boardworks Muse 27.3 lbs $1,149 All-Around Beginner Non-Inflatable 32 inches
best non inflatable stand up paddle board 2017 pau hana endurance Pau Hana Endurance 31.3 lbs $1,599 Touring Intermediate Non-Inflatable 30 inches
best non inflatable stand up paddle board 2017 bark expedition Bark Expedition 27.02 lbs $2,299 Touring Advanced Non-Inflatable 26 inches
best non inflatable stand up paddle board 2017 boardworks joyride flow Boardworks Joyride Flow 28.01 lbs $1,099 Yoga/All-Around Beginner Non-Inflatable 33 inches
best non inflatable stand up paddle board 2017 bote hd lowrider core BOTE HD Lowrider 30.15 lbs $1,550 Touring  Intermediate  Non-Inflatable  29 inches
best non inflatable stand up paddle board 2017 surftech sport touring Surftech Sport Touring 26.02 lbs $1,499 Touring  Intermediate  Non-Inflatable  28 inches
best non inflatable stand up paddle board 2017 starboard freeride Starboard Freeride 26.4 lbs $1,999 Touring/All-Around  Intermediate  Non-Inflatable  29 inches

 

Non-Inflatable Paddle Boards 101

3 Things to Consider to Find the Best Non-Inflatable SUP

 

1. BUILD

Non-inflatable paddle boards come in various constructions, with most of them falling into three broad categories, plastic, epoxy, and carbon, each with its own pro’s and con’s.

Plastic: SUP boards made of plastic tend to be highly durable and affordable, but lacking in performance and in looks. Nearly all plastic stand up paddle boards can take quite a beating and withstand lots of abuse, whether it’s exposure to weather or misuse by owner. And most of them price under $1,000 (USD). On the down side, they normally are quite heavier than their counterparts, weighing 30+ lbs (13.60+ kg). Some of the higher-price point plastic boards can be lighter but much like almost all plastic paddle boards their looks are quite bland, with simple color schemes and graphics.

Epoxy: Paddle boards generally have three main components, a foam core, resin, and fiberglass. The most widely used resin is epoxy, which now has proven to work quite effectively with multiple foam cores and tends to yield the lightest-weight boards. Epoxy boards can have countless layers and variations of foam core and fiberglass, so the fact that a paddle board is made of epoxy, it does not necessarily make it a more premium board. There are plenty of subpar epoxy boards in the market, which are very heavy (35+ lbs) without the benefit of increased durability. But as a rule of thumb, an epoxy paddle board weighing 25-30+ lbs (11-33 to 13.60+ kg) will likely perform better than plastic but still not quite as well as carbon sup boards.

Carbon/Wood/Other: Carbon paddle boards tend to be the highest-performing boards in the market. They are lightweight and more easily display the desired flex patterns. Their main objective, though, is not durability. In fact, carbon sup boards should be treated quite carefully, as delicate and premium gear. The goal of a carbon board is performance: better glide in the case of race and maneuverability in the case of surf, for instance. By adding carbon, there is less use of resin and fiberglass, typically making the sup board more light-weight. Carbon, however, tends to be the most expensive sup board in the market. Alternatives to carbon, which also reduce weight and boost performance, are wood inlays, like bamboo and others. These composite constructions normally deliver the highest quality boards but also with the higher price-tags.

2. USE

The beauty of stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is that there are so many ways and situations where you can participate. Here at Supconnect we break down the different uses of a paddle board into 7 categories: All Around, Touring, Yoga, Fishing, Race, Surf and River. Each category has their own specific purpose and thus, a different shape/design is necessary for each. There are boards that fit into multiple SUP disciplines and can be used in a variety of ways. A brief breakdown of each category is as follows:

  • All Around: For multiple purposes but primarily for recreation
  • Touring: For cruising paddles beyond the shoreline and for expedition paddling
  • Yoga: For optimal stability as a floating yoga mat
  • Fishing: For stability to cast the line, with plenty of accessories
  • Race: For speed, coming with lightweight build
  • Surf: For maneuverability and wave handling
  • River: For rapids, river eddies and river wave riding

3. ADD ON'S

Add-on’s are accessories for a paddle board that add to your experience on/off the water. The quality of the bag/backpack and the air pump tend to be directly related to the board’s price points. Aside from your paddle, bags and pumps are the most important add-on’s to your board and can drastically improve your overall experience with the board, such as helping you more easily carry the board and/or pump it up more quickly. Other popular add on’s include bungee cords, a minimalist way to haul things; Connexsup, which allows for all sorts of attachments, even fishing rods; and FCS II/Connect, for easy fin instal. Other add on’s could be upgraded handles like the Liftsup & EZgrab and paddle holders for when you aren’t using your paddle.

 

Best Non-Inflatable Paddle Board Reviews

 

PELICAN MOOREA

best non inflatable sup pelican moorea

The Moorea from Pelican is a non-inflatable, beginner board that is available at some of the lowest price-points in the market, but packs tremendous value with beautiful graphics and an all-around great package. It naturally misses some of the features of intermediate, advanced boards, such as faster glide and lightweight construction, however, at its very affordable price point this board offers great value and is one of the best that you can get, meriting it Supconnect’s “A” grade.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $849 Build: Non-Inflatable  Weight: 29.4 lbs 
Use:  All-Around  Skill: Beginner Sizes: 10'6", 11'6"

 

 

 

SURFTECH GENERATOR

best non inflatable sup surftech generator

The Generator is a beginner, non-inflatable board, offered at an affordable price but has a premium look. The board is very stable, lightweight and has some gorgeous looks, coming with an exceptionally beautiful play on color and graphics. The bamboo construction combined with either green or blue accent colors make the board really stand out. The board is best suited for short-range paddling around the beach and dock and is a great board that the entire family can enjoy. Its premium look and lightweight feel alone warrant Supconnect’s “A” grade.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $1,399 Build: Non-Inflatable  Weight: 23.08 lbs 
Use: All Around  Skill: Beginner Sizes: 9'6"10'6", 11'6"

 

 

 

PAU HANA LOTUS

best non inflatable sup pauhana lotusThe award-winning Lotus from Pau Hana is the ultimate SUP yoga paddle board that works for paddlers of all skill sets. The board is incredibly stable (as it should be since it’s geared for yoga). The shape design is unique for boards in this category and has a squared nose and tail, which is very uncommon to see. It is pretty heavy and difficult to carry however, once you’re in the water you feel comfortable and stable while practicing yoga. The board also has multiple attachment points that can be used to hold you paddle or attach a number of your favorite accessories. The unique design and suitability for practicing yoga gives the Lotus a well-earned “A” grade.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $1,149 Build: Non-Inflatable  Weight: 35.3 lbs 
Use: Yoga  Skill: Beginner Sizes: 10'

  

 

 

BOTE RACKHAM

best non inflatable sup bote rackham

The Rackham is a fishing-specific board that packs a punch all that it encompasses. The board is incredibly stable, perfect for what’s needed in SUP fishing and has a killer mix of colors and graphics. The board is very difficult to carry because of its size and weight, but the board comes with a ton of additions that are perfectly suited for SUP fishing. It has a paddle sheath which conveniently holds your paddle upright, ConnexSUP plugs, 2 fishing post holes, a cup holder, bottle opener, 2 through holes and 2 cooler tie downs. That’s a whole lotta extra awesomeness easily warranting it Supconnect’s “A” grade.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $2,349 Build: Non-Inflatable  Weight: 46.6 lbs 
Use: Fishing  Skill: Beginner Sizes: 12', 14'

 

 

 

NAISH JAVELIN MALIKO

best non inflatable sup naish javelin malikoThe Javelin Maliko is a non-inflatable premium quality race board that is best suited for intermediate and advanced paddlers. The Javelin Maliko looks great and has detailed graphics that are displayed all throughout the board that are rather eye-catching. This paddle board is pretty easy to carry considering its size and the glide feels fast, which is no surprise since lightweight construction and speed-centric design are at the core of this board model. The board was really fun to paddle and stood out compared to other boards in the category earning Supconnect’s “A” grade.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $3,199 Build: Non-Inflatable  Weight: 27.11 lbs 
Use: Race  Skill: Intermediate Sizes: 14'

 

 

 

BOARDWORKS MUSE

best non inflatable sup boardworks muse 1

The Muse is a very stable, non-inflatable beginner board designed for all-around paddling. The Muse is an award-winning board and has gorgeous graphics geared in particular towards the female paddler coming with an exceptional mix of bright colors and artwork that are eye-catching and nice to look at. The board misses a few points like lightweight construction and speed-centric design that many intermediate and advanced paddle boards encompass but for the affordable price the Muse is a stunning all-around board that is great for recreational paddling, well-deserving of Supconnect’s “A” grade.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $1,149 Build: Non-Inflatable  Weight: 27.3 lbs 
Use: All-Around  Skill: Beginner Sizes: 10'6"

 

 

SIC MAUI BULLET 

best non inflatable sup sicmaui bullet

SIC Maui’s award-winning Bullet is a multi-purpose, non-inflatable board great for intermediate and advanced paddlers. The graphics are simple yet stunning and give the board a premium look. Because the board is 27 lbs it’s borderline-difficult to carry however the EZ grab handle makes carrying much easier because you’re able to fully grip the handle. The board is great for downwinders, touring and even racing, making it very versatile and fun. Premium looks and feel combined with a variety of conditions that it works in warrants the Bullet Supconnect’s “A” grade.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $1,599 Build: Non-Inflatable  Weight: 27.5 lbs 
Use: Touring/Race  Skill: Intermediate Sizes: 11', 12'6", 14'

 

 

PAU HANA ENDURANCE

best non inflatable sup pau hana enduranceThe Endurance is a stable and extremely durable non-inflatable touring board geared towards intermediate paddlers. It looks beautiful, coming with an exceptionally striking play on colors and graphics but it is difficult to carry since it weighs over 31 lbs. The board has handles on the tail and nose which are helpful for carrying the board and the 36 sea mounts allow for endless scenarios on how to setup your board to hold down gear or setup accessories. With stunning looks, rugged construction and tons of ad-ons this board is deserving of Supconnect’s “A” grade.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $1,599 Build: Non-Inflatable Weight: 31.3 lbs
Use: Touring  Skill: Intermediate
Sizes: 12'

  

 

BARK EXPEDITION

best non inflatable sup bark expedition 1The Expedition is a fast, non-inflatable board geared towards advanced paddlers who want to invest in a touring/expedition board. It has some gorgeous looks, coming with an exceptionally beautiful play on color and graphics, intended to be potent and yet with class. It’s relatively easy to carry and has a couple cool features incorporated: the GoPro mount located on the nose as well as bungee inserts on both the tail and nose. This paddle board is easy to carry and the glide feels fast, which is great for expeditions. With its superior graphics and smooth glide on the water this board warrants Supconnect’s “A” grade.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $2,299 Build: Non-Inflatable Weight: 27.02 lbs
Use: Touring Skill: Advanced Sizes: 12'6", 14'

 

 

STARBOARD FREERIDE

best non inflatable sup starboard freerideThe Freeride is a stable, non-inflatable board that is suited for intermediate-skilled paddlers. It has some really nice looks featuring beautiful Australian Pine and with pops of color. This paddle board is pretty easy to carry since it’s only 26.4 lbs and the glide feels fast. And although the width is a bit narrower at 29 inches, it does feel very stable when paddling. The board is best suited for mid-range paddling between 3 and 5 miles. A premium look and feel give the Freeride a well-deserved “A” grade.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $1,999 Build: Non-Inflatable Weight: 26.4 lbs
Use: All Around/Touring Skill: Intermediate Sizes: 11'2", 12'2"

 

 

BOTE HD LOWRIDER CORE

best non inflatable sup bote hd lowriderThe HD Lowrider is an awesome non-inflatable touring board that is fit for intermediate-level paddlers and can be used in a wide range of conditions. Its shape makes the HD a great touring board that could also be used in a race because of its race-board hull design. Although the board is difficult to carry has a ton of cool accessories and additions that cater to touring and fishing. It has ConnexSUP inserts which allow for endless opportunities to hook up cool gadgets and tools, a paddle holder on the rail of the board, cooler tie downs, fishing post inserts more. With the premium look and countless add-ons the HD Lowrider is awarded with Supconnect’s “A” grade.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $1,550 Build: Non-Inflatable Weight: 30.15 lbs
Use: Touring Skill: Intermediate Sizes: 12'

 

SURFTECH SPORT TOURING

best non inflatable sup surftech sport touringThe Sport Touring Escape from Surftech is a non-inflatable board designed for intermediate-level paddlers who are interested in touring. The board has some exquisite looks, coming with a bamboo finish and gorgeous graphics. This paddle board is easy to carry and the glide feels fast which is a definite plus. The board doesn’t have many add-ons other than the bungee on the deck of the board but the look and glide of the board are excellent, befitting of Supconnect’s “A” grade.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $1,499 Build: Non-Inflatable Weight: 26.02 lbs
Use: Touring Skill: Intermediate Sizes: 11'6"

 

 

BOARDWORKS JOYRIDE FLOW

best non inflatable sup boardworks joyride flowThe Joyride Flow is a great all-around / yoga hybrid board suitable for paddlers with any skillset. The board is very stable due to its width of 33 inches and the graphics are gorgeous, featuring a wood deck and awesome artwork on the deckpad. The deck pad conveniently doubles as a yoga mat for times when you want to practice your yoga on the water and has bungee tie downs that are perfect for holding gear while you’re on the move. This paddle board is easy to carry due in part to the LiftSUP handle as the main holding point in the board. Because of the multi-purpose aspects of the board in part with premium features like the LiftSUP handle the Joyride Flow is awarded Supconnect’s “A” grade.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $1,099 Build: Non-Inflatable Weight: 28.01 lbs
Use: Yoga Skill: Beginner Sizes: 9'11"

 

To look through the 70+ boards reviewed for 2017 click HERE.

 

Photo Gallery

A Look at Imagery from our SUP Reviews

 

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Last modified onFriday, 29 April 2022 16:47
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