Hi there,
Looking at an inflatable SUP (space restrictions at home...), and have narrowed it down to the Naish One, the Starboard Astro Touring, and possibly the Hobie 12'6" Touring. I've seen plenty of comparisons on the Naish & Starboard (seem to be very similar re. performance etc) but can't find much on the Hobie.
Does anyone have any experience with the Hobie? Is it up to the same quality & capability as the Naish & Starboard? It seems a little cheaper and comes with a 3-piece paddle, so am thinking it's either not up to scratch or is a bit older in terms of technology...
Would love a solid SUP but just have no storage options.
Any advice out there?
Cheers,
Ross

What purpose do you have in mind for the board? Also, what height and weight?

Select to expand quote

PTWoody said...
What purpose do you have in mind for the board? Also, what height and weight?

Mainly flat water & bays, with the odd tiny roller. 6'2" and 110kg

Has anyone had any experience with the Hobie 12'6" Touring ISUP? Or any of Hobie's other ISUP's?

Out of the ones you have listed the Starboard Tour and Naish would be the go, I have paddled alot of different inflatables and paying for the more premium ones is worth it.
I my self would chose the Starboard one as it can be pumped to a higher pressure keeping it stiffer and better for paddling.

Thanks PaulJ - I'll go ' arrange a demo for the Starboard. Appreciate the help

Select to expand quote

roscoe1974 said..

PTWoody said...
What purpose do you have in mind for the board? Also, what height and weight?

Mainly flat water & bays, with the odd tiny roller. 6'2" and 110kg

At your height and weight go straight to the RED Air 12'6 Race. Much sturdier construction + higher pressure + batten system in the rails make it stiffer and more stable than ANY of the other pump up 12'6s. Take this from a heavyweight who knows. I tried the others, bought the Red.

I agree with HC if you want the best for a big guy.. and I like the Naish One next best.

Check this out.. www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/SUP/Paddling-with-Pete/?SearchTerms=red,air

DJ

Select to expand quote

DavidJohn said...
I agree with HC if you want the best for a big guy.. and I like the Naish One next best.

Check this out.. www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/SUP/Paddling-with-Pete/?SearchTerms=red,air

DJ

Thanks HC & DJ - the RED Race 12'6 looks good. I particularly like the battens down the side - one of my big concerns is rigidity, and I'm assuming these would help enormously!

Hi there roscoe,
I have not tried the 12-6 tourer hobie inflatable but have a hobie 12-6 race board and 3 piece paddle that goes great.
Try your hobie dealer in Qld and arrange a demo.

Select to expand quote

roscoe1974 said..

DavidJohn said...
I agree with HC if you want the best for a big guy.. and I like the Naish One next best.

Check this out.. www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/SUP/Paddling-with-Pete/?SearchTerms=red,air

DJ

Thanks HC & DJ - the RED Race 12'6 looks good. I particularly like the battens down the side - one of my big concerns is rigidity, and I'm assuming these would help enormously!

The battens help a lot through the standing area. But across the whole board it's more about the sturdier construction and higher pressure (which is achievable with the sturdier albeit a bit heavier construction). I run mine at about 22psi with the standard hand pump*. Around 14-15-16 is recommended max for the lighter built boards...OK for regular folk, big units need a lot more. Red also comes with a US-compatible fin box, so you're not limited to the little plastic jobbies that most inflatables come with.


(*note: it's an inflatable so it will still flex a bit compared to a rigid board, no matter how hard you pump it up)

Rosco , i have the hobie drifta 10", great board, kids use it and I take it camping and ride on shore breaks, it is well constructed. I originally was looking at the Redpaddle but the guy just didnt really want to sell a board so started looking at the hobie. I went for the hobie as the store was ( and i mean was, went bust last week) close to me and figued if i had a prob can take it back to them, bit harder on the web. hobie also have been around for years and have been making inflatable kayaks for ages. They are made from the same stuff as inflatable boats so are pretty strong.

At 14psi i can stand on mine onto of 2 esky's and it bends about 1cm.
takes about 5-6 min to pump mine up, once it gets to about 8-9psi its 1-2 pumps per psi, by 12psi it is hard work to get the last 2psi. but you are warmed up by the time its all pumped up.


www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/Review/Hobie-ISUP-Drifta-10/

Select to expand quote

Air80 said..

Rosco , i have the hobie drifta 10", great board, kids use it and I take it camping and ride on shore breaks, it is well constructed.

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/Review/Hobie-ISUP-Drifta-10/

Mrs C has the 10' Hobie Drifter, it's great. She and the kids love it, it got us started on inflatables. At 110kg and 6'2 , the OP will be happier on a thicker, bigger volume board.

I am selling my 10'6 Red Air in good condition its in buy and sell.
I also have an air compressor with 2 adaptors to pump the Red AIr.

Select to expand quote

Kickels said...
I am selling my 10'6 Red Air in good condition its in buy and sell.
I also have an air compressor with 2 adaptors to pump the Red AIr.

Thanks Kickels - I'll check it out