Tuesday, November 25, 2014

BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard series review



You'll find 3 boards in the BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard series to select from, and in this article we will explain why they are excellent entry level paddle boards, that will also keep you going in the water as you become more experienced.

Features

  • These boards provide an ideal balance between thickness, width, and classic longboard shape
  • BIC Sport DURA-TEC Polyethylene construction for good strength and durability
  • Integrated deck pad for comfort and traction and comes standard with an FCS Dolphin fin and also integrated leash plug
  • Integrated deep-set carry handle for convenient transport

Dimensions
There are 3 board dimensions to choose from, but we recommend that if you weigh less than 200lbs (90kgs) you select the nine foot 10 inches (9’ 10”) model. This is thirty two point five inches (32.5”) wide and four point six inches (4.6”) thick. This board weighs forty pounds (40lbs/18kg).

If you weigh more, you will be best off opting for the eleven feet four inch (11’ 4”) model, since this has more volume (205L). The width of this board is thirty two inches (32”) and four point five inches (4.5”) thick. This board weighs in at forty one pounds (41lbs/18.5kg).

If you're of petite or lightweight stature, then why not get the nine foot four inches (9’ 4”) model? It could take longer to master, because of its shorter length, but is going to be far more dynamic in the water when you get experienced. The width of this board is twenty seven point five inches (27.5”) and weighs thirty pounds (30lbs/13.5kg). The volume of this model is 120L.

There were other sizes initially in the BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard series (as you can see by some of the product images), but these seem to have been streamlined by BIC into the three currently now available.

Construction
The BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard is made from BICs Dura-Tec construction. This integrates an ultra-durable polyethylene outer shell (a bit similar to a kayak, but lighter in weight) with a full polyurethane foam core (a lot like a surfboard). The board is thermo-formed inside steel molds to ensure consistent and accurate reproduction of the original shape. This all promises great board durability and ruggedness.

Accessories
The BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard comes with a 10 inch FCS Dolphin center fin. You also get an integrated diamond-groove deck pad to assist with retaining a firm grip on the board.

There is also an integrated leash plug and built in deep-set carry handle for easy transport, but sadly, you will have to buy a separate paddle and leash, since they are not provided with the BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard.

Brand information
BIC sport is a French company, and has been involved with making watercraft since 1979. Since that time, they have made top quality wind surfers, surfboards, and stand up paddle boards. And if you're wondering, yes they are the same company that produces the famous BIC pens and shavers!

Performance
This stand up paddle board is superb for beginners wanting to get into this sport. As long as the right size is purchased, you can learn how to SUP easily on the BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard, and when you're more experienced you can use it to do more advanced paddle boarding.
These boards possess a fairly flat deck as well, so are ideal for SUP yoga. They are also perfectly suited to either flat water, or beach break paddle boarding.

These boards perform similarly to EPS boards, and tend to sit ON the water. Stand up paddle boards (and surfboards, for that matter) made out of fibreglass tend to sit IN the water. This means nothing really, but some people prefer one to the other, and there can be cases where it is more apparent, such as on a windy day.

Consumer ratings/reviews
The rubber is peeling up a bit, but not enough to complain… If your over 220 pounds, hold off for a longer bigger board.

Great board. Easy for beginner and experienced. Cleaning is my only criticism, the muddy water tends to stain the board and becomes hard to get off. I've bumped into paddle boats without dents, very durable.

Got this for my birthday, and I love it. Perfect all around paddle board. Well constructed, great quality. If you're worried about ordering a paddle board online, don't! Online delivery was great, and packing was "not-a-scratch" perfect. Great for our whole family - we're ready to order a 2nd! Be sure to plan for someone to be home to sign for the delivery.

Pros

  • Well constructed
  • Great durability - tough
  • Easy to use - excellent dimensions


Cons

  1. No paddle or leash provided
  2. Some may find the boards slightly hefty

Price
The BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard series is listed under $900, and individual pricing is determined by the board dimensions you order.

These boards are certainly priced greater than some of the other SUPs we have reviewed on paddleboardssale.com, so that should be considered in your overall decision, but when it comes to build quality, they'll last as long as more pricey brands and models.

BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard Summary

The BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard series is an excellent introduction into the fun world of stand up paddle boarding. They're very easy to ride, stable, and just the thing for both flat water paddle boarding (on lakes etc) or down at the beach (in small to medium waves). BIC carries a good reputation when it comes to quality construction, and these boards aren't any different. If you want a board that will last you as long time, then the BIC Sport Dura-Tec Stand Up Paddleboard series is without a doubt worth considering.

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