SUPs for this upcoming Spring 2014

[TWiles]

OK guys...just something to daydream and brainstorm about until this upcoming Spring.  Here is what I'm hoping to buy when the water gets warm.  I would appreciate any input for those who know about these brands.

My first choice (after seeing Mike's).  Jackson SUPerFishal.  I like the storage options, add-ons, the padded deck, the handles and durability factor.  Main drawbacks: weight (69 lbs) and portability of a bulky craft.  Seems like a good choice for someone a bit hefty like me who packs a ton of gear, and is considering overnight camping float-ins.  At $1000, it runs above an average cost of a quality SUP (still pricey, though).

http://jacksonkayak.com/jk-kayaks/kayak-fishing/superfishal/

My Second choice:  the inflatable Stride Airlite Blast and Cast--Camo.  This board really looks awesome.  You can drive a freakin' full size truck over the darn thing.  32 lbs, stowable, made for whitewater...there are a lot of things I really like about the board.  My only concern is drift.  I think the lighter board will get blown all over the place without any inertia to keep it in place.  $1300 is getting a bit out of my comfort zone on a board...but it's really got my attention.

http://www.ridestride.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=16&osCsid=lj9uu4l5c069m8jminbmtr9c06

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w54aZIkf5_Y
[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X08nFOWP_Ug[/youtube]

Choice #3  Badfisher fishing SUP.  Holy shit...$1600??  That's some big money.  The 40" wide platform looks incredibly stable though, and once again, it's stowable and around 30 lbs.  This board looks like it's got some good fishy qualities though.

http://badfishsup.com/the-badfisher/

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAdLTW04Mjg[/youtube]

Other considerations...Native's board, and the smaller Jackson SUPer Charger (more geared for whitewater and less gear).  The Bote boards look good, but I think glass is out for the dragging and banging around of river fishing.

It will take a lot of belly-aching and demo tests before I settle on 2 boards...but I sure look forward to the upcoming warmer months when I get to float on some of these things (the extra one will be for buddies and family).  The days are getting longer now guys...wishful thinking.

TW

[Steve H]

Those are some nice boards. The Botes get great reviews for salt fishing and I believe they have their place for that and like you stated, wouldn't be good for the banging and dragging in rivers.

[MikeA]

Travis, Jackson's whitewater board is really nice. Craig has one and it's totally fishable.

The other one I've looked at and like is the Diablo
 http://www.floridasportsman.com/2012/07/25/diablo-paddlesports-adios/

As for the weight. Sign up at the gym and start lifting. Dude, do you even lift! 

[jladdsmith]

If you would consider an "off brand", check this out: http://www.boatstogo.com/military-inflatable-SUP.asp

The marketing angle on this particular model is laughable, but these are very high quality boards and supposedly made in the same Korean factory as the name brands.  Lots of info in their FAQ's. 

I'm going to buy their Kaboat 13' one of these days. 

That Badfisher is badass though! 

[gaspergou]

Anna just picked up a Bote Breeze iSUP (way too narrow for fishing, but fun for puttering around), and I have a Badfish MCIT 10.5 en route. Couldn't get past the superfluous fluff on the Badfisher. Should have an idea on how well the MCIT is going to work for our purpose soon...

[TWiles]

Dave,
Your SUP fleet is growing...Saw those Badfisher boards last week in Asheville---they look very stable and versatile.  I'm narrowing in on my decision, and those are at top of the list.  Our upcoming FL trip in May will put us close to a pass filled with Tarpon---it may be a foolish venture, but I'm picturing a 2 mile tow with a 100 lber pulling the sled.

We'll be staying on this point in the background: