With these sorts of iSUPs, we need to give a disclaimer before talking about their performance: this is not a performance board and is not designed for racing or anything of that sort. This is a board designed to be more of a means to an end. That being said, the changes this year do actually make for a better-performing iSUP.
In the paddleboard world, a 10’6 board is considered the standard size since it’s right in that Goldilocks zone — not too short, not too long. So, it makes perfect sense that the 2020 ISLE Pioneer is a board designed their truest all-around iSUP, would come in at that very standard length.
While not impossible, it can be difficult to find a decent iSUP for under $500. But if we’ve said it once, we said it a thousand times: paddleboarding shouldn’t be a sport just for people with money. We firmly believe that even if you need to save up a little bit, buying a quality iSUP shouldn’t send you to the poor house.
Since this board is extra wide and on the shorter side, it’s no surprise that it doesn’t come in at the top of our speed tests. So, we would say this is better for someone who just wants to get out on the water without too much fuss.
Whenever we review iRocker boards, we have to be careful not to be biased since they are easily one of the best iSUPS on the market, especially when you factor in price. As a touring iSUP, the Cruiser has just about everything we would want to see and more, with the 2020 version being the best yet.
As previously mentioned, Bote is known more for their add-ons and additional accessories. That’s why it’s so refreshing to see an iSUP on their lineup so focused on performance. This is by far the fastest iSUP to bear the Bote name and it truly glides on the water.
This board presents itself as an all-around board with all the bells and whistles, though as a paddle board, how does it actually do on the water? Right off the bat, you notice just how stable it is.
