Bluefin Cruise Carbon – Outdoor Gear Lab Inflatable SUP

With its carbon-reinforced build and inspiring, all-around performance, the Bluefin Cruise Carbon SUP is my favorite model.

Its 12″ length and remarkable touring style pointed nose provide delicate glide.

The 32″ width and carbon fiber flex elimination system help maintain rigidity via conditions and give a consistently stable paddle surface.

The BLUEFIN Cruise Carbon is advanced Inflatable SUP that boasts impeccable performance. It’s designed more like a touring paddleboard and has features that make it stand out from others. The paddle board comes with more than the typical package other SUPs offer.

But is it as fine as the BLUEFIN claims? We’re about to find out in this review. But let’s go to know BLUEFIN Company first.

They are based in the UK, and the paddleboards are available worldwide. The BLUEFIN was started by two water sports lovers in 2013.

Charlotte and Will wanted families to enjoy premium inflatable paddle boards at an affordable price. So far, they’ve managed to make some of the most reliable SUPs you can get.

Features Bluefin Cruise Carbon

The package is unique to this variant. The package includes a fine kayak seat and adjustable paddle that allows the paddleboard to be ridden like a kayak.

The high-capacity dual-chamber pump is one of the finest that we reviewed and includes a heavy-duty carrying bag with this Bluefin Cruise Carbon paddleboard, including roller wheels and comfortable straps.

Additional functions include double cargo tie-down systems, back and front grab handles, and a built-in stomp pad on the deck.

With top-end materials, build, and consistent SUP performance across the paddleboard, the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12-foot Outdoor gear lab inflatable SUP is my new favorite model.

The Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12feet Outdoor gear lab inflatable SUP is a unique, top-end board and one of the finest models in the lineup and slightly on the costly end.

In addition to the bulky and heavy board, the additional functions like the kayak seat and the extra convertible paddle blade make it a significant challenge to squeeze all into the included bag pack and make this SUP quite the load to haul.

And while the alterable kayak paddle is exceptionally innovative, we found it very flexible in SUP mode for such a high-quality and rigid board.

Overall, the Bluefin Cruise Carbon’s extraordinary performance overshadows any potential shortcomings.

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Design

The BLUEFIN Cruise Carbon SUP is built like a touring paddleboard. It’s long and narrow with a square tail and pointed nose. This shape allows it to be quick yet stable and straightforward to control.

The Inflatable Standup paddleboard only comes in 1 color, but it looks great. The paddleboard has a fixed go-pro read mount at the nose. At the SUP’s end, a kick pad feature helps you make sharp turns easily and quickly.

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Build Quality

Like every BLUEFIN SUPs, the Cruise Carbon 12 is made using 1000D laminate and pro wave drop stitch technology. The rails are reinforced with heat welded and carbon to make the SUP incredibly rigid and indestructible. The SUP is so strong it can be inflated to 28 PSI. BLUEFIN Cruise Carbon also has a flex reduction unit.

For included stiffness, it has two air chambers. And the inflation loop is free of the main chamber. The SUP can float on the inflation aim chamber only. Not only does the Air Duo function make the paddleboard rigid, but it also boosts safety.

The BLUEFIN company provides a five years warranty for the SUP. Quality build means a super durable paddleboard. People prefer inflatable SUPs for their portability and ultra-durability. BLUEFIN Cruise Carbon is virtually indestructible.

This paddleboard has been tested in each way to make sure you’re getting nothing but the best. You’ll have a wonderful time traveling anywhere with the BLUEFIN Cruise Carbon. Unlike a strong paddleboard, it’ll not get dings or dents when you drop it or bump it against anything.

Stability

The BLUEFIN Cruise Carbon SUP is 12′ long and 32″ wide. Wider and longer SUPs are more stable. Typically, a 32″ width is a standard. It provides enough stability for beginners—yoga and several other activities without being bulky. Even with two paddlers and a restless pet, it’s stable enough.

Though the width and length of the paddleboard are the biggest determines of reliability, the board’s build quality plays a part.

Cheaply made SUPs flex, causing them to be less stable; the BLUEFIN Cruise Carbon is built using modern technology and two air chambers. That makes it stiff as a solid board when fully inflated.

The thickness of the board contributes to its stability also. A thicker paddleboard is incredibly rigid and has better volume. It rides above water a can hold good weight. Thinner SUP will sink and bend, making the board wobbly.

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Maneuverability

The BLUEFIN Cruise Carbon is maneuverable. It handles nicely and is quite responsive. Generally, the shorter board, the more maneuverable it is. The BLUEFIN board is a little on the long part, so a smaller rider might be a bit hard to handle.

But it has a unique kick pad function that improves responsiveness, assisting you to make fast, sharp turns. The fin unit also helps with board maneuverability.

Tracking

The BLUEFIN Cruise Carbon tracks exceptionally, thanks to the fin. A paddleboard that does not track rightly will be snaking all over. You’ll find yourself switching sides more than necessary.

Fins prevent the tail of the SUP from being swayed to the side when you push water back with every stroke. This makes sure that the boards maintain a straight line.

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Speed

The BLUEFIN Cruise Carbon is fast than average all-around paddleboard. It’s narrow and extended with a pointed nose. This form reduces resistance and helps it quickly cut through the water with awe-inspiring speed.

But unlike most inflatable SUPs made for speed, it is not too long and narrow. So, it manages to provide a nice balance between stability and speed.

Who should buy BLUEFIN Cruise Carbon?

As an all-around paddleboard, this is one of the universal SUP options on the market and can be utilized to try a bit of everything out on the water. Consider buying this SUP if you’re one of the following:

• A beginner rider who wants a SUP can grow into it. BLUEFIN Cruise Carbon is a fantastic board to get comfy initially but grow on while advanced skills are created.
• An advanced or intermediate paddler for premium ISUP is trying to spend less than one thousand dollars on a kit.
• Those who want an all-around SUP want it to be slightly longer and have superior tracking than a traditional all-around paddleboard.
• Riders who must have a better deck pad when they go paddleboarding
• Heavier, larger paddlers want something more accommodating to their dimension, mainly if they have found the 10.8 feet a bit short.
• Advanced riders who’re interesting in getting into standup paddleboarding kayaking.

What I like

• Complete standup paddleboard package and kayak conversion kit
• Excellent build, ultra-durable, and five-year warranty
• Top-quality accessories and paddle floats
• US fin box design, tool-less installation
• Flex reduction unit, excellent rigidity.

What I don’t like

• Side fins are not adjustable
• Heavy and bulky to carry

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Bluefin 10’8″ Cruise & 12′ Cruise Carbon iSUPs / Comparison Review Video

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End words…

The BLUEFIN Cruise Carbon is an impressive model which a solid build and versatile accessories that enhance its excellent all-round performance.

Perfect for any paddler in all situations, the BLUEFIN Cruise Carbon SUP earns an Award for the best Inflatable Standup paddleboard.