Since beginning our paddle board reviews in 2016, we’ve tested more than 100 boards, with the Bluefin Rogue standing out among the rest.
This exceptional board caters to advanced paddlers, offering high-quality performance and materials, as well as a fantastic five-year warranty.
In this Bluefin Rogue review, we’ll explore why this paddle board has become a top choice for those seeking a superior touring SUP experience. Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
📹 Video
📊 Data & Facts
| Board Type | Inflatable (iSUP) |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bluefin |
| Skill Level | Advanced |
| Price Range | Upper Mid-range |
| Intended Use | Touring |
| Maximum Paddler Weight | approx. 130 kg (286 lbs) |
| Length | 381 cm (12’6″) |
| Width | 76 cm (30″) |
| Thickness | 15 cm (6″) |
| Volume* (estimated) | 310 – 330 Liters |
| Weight | 12.3 kg (27 lbs) |
| Accessories | Manual SUP Backpack NXT (convertible to dry bag) Removable single fin (US-Box-System) 3-piece Carbon Paddle (NXT Carbon) Switchable Triple-Action Air Pump with 2 Pistons (Swift Maxi) Coiled Leash (spiral safety line) Waterproof Phone Case Repair Kit |
🔄 How did the Bluefin Rogue change over time?
The Bluefin Rogue has experienced several updates and improvements throughout its development, particularly in its 2022 model.
- Board Range Overhaul: In 2022, Bluefin completely revamped its board range, expanding its offerings and finally including a dedicated touring board with the Bluefin Rogue 12’6.
- Construction: The 2022 model features a modern welded fusion construction (ESL Fusion-Layer) with an additional layer of carbon reinforcement on the side surfaces (Carbon Rails), providing excellent rigidity while keeping the board’s weight under control.
- Shape & Design: The Bluefin Rogue 12’6 adopts a classic touring shape with a pointed nose, straight tail, and decreased width for improved gliding performance and a more streamlined look.
- Fin System: Unlike previous models featuring Bluefin’s Smartlock system, the Rogue 12’6 uses a traditional US-Box system with a single touring fin for better stability and reduced drag on long and straight trajectories.
- Features: Enhanced features include a double-textured deck pad with a kick pad; seven clear D-rings; five carrying handles; two removable cargo nets with side reinforcements and reflectors; a tail skimming edge; and an action cam mount on the nose.
- Accessories: The Bluefin Rogue 12’6 comes with a full gear package, including a manual, a convertible SUP backpack (NXT) that serves as a dry bag, a removable single fin (US-Box system), a 3-piece carbon paddle (NXT Carbon), a switchable triple-action air pump with two cylinders (Swift Maxi), a coiled leash, a waterproof phone case, and a repair kit.
- Warranty: As with other Bluefin products, the Rogue 12’6 comes with an impressive 5-year warranty upon online registration and a 60-day return policy.
👍👎 Pro & Con
Pros
- Classic touring shape and dimensions
- Excellent glide performance and tracking
- High maximum weight capacity (approx. 130 kg)
- Single fin setup with popular US-Box-System
- Double-structured deck pad with kick pad
- High-quality and thoughtfully designed accessory package
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- The pump is quite small and low
🛠 Built & Material
The Bluefin Rogue features a unique combination of high-quality construction techniques, including the ESL Fusion-Layer Construction (or MSL Fusion, as it is known by other manufacturers).
This process involves fusing a dense drop-stitch core, made from robust composite materials, with a UV-resistant PVC outer layer through heat and pressure. The resulting fusion ensures a rigid, lightweight, and robust board.
Additionally, the Rogue features Carbon Rails, and a Flex Reduction System (FRS), which further enhances the stiffness of the board by incorporating a carbon layer along its side rails. This blend of innovative construction techniques results in a board that offers an excellent combination of stiffness and reduced weight.
The Bluefin Rogue 12’6 weighs 12.3 kg, which is still relatively high compared to some competitors, but the advanced construction techniques used afford it exceptional rigidity. Its weight remains manageable for most adults, and its numerous carrying handles make transportation and handling easier.
⚖️ Weight Limit
The Bluefin Rogue has an official weight limit of 130 kg (286 lbs). Based on our experience, this weight limit should provide a sufficient buffer for most paddlers.
However, to enjoy optimal performance and prevent the board from sinking too deep into the water, we recommend staying within a weight range of 70-110 kg (155-240 lbs).
While it’s possible to exceed this range, the board’s riding characteristics may be compromised as a result.
🏄♂️ Intended Use & Riding Characteristics
The Bluefin Rogue is a versatile touring board designed for intermediate to advanced paddlers. It excels in providing smooth gliding and excellent tracking over long distances, making it an ideal choice for sporty riders seeking high-performance capabilities.
With its classic touring shape and measurements, the Bluefin Rogue offers an impressive glide potential and straight-line performance. Some of the key features influencing the riding characteristics of the Bluefin Rogue include:
- Long and pointed nose: Helps the board slice through the water efficiently, reducing drag and enhancing acceleration.
- Single touring fin (US-Box-System): Provides optimal tracking and keeps the board on a straight course, minimizing the need for frequent paddling adjustments.
- Abrasion edge at the tail: Prevents the board’s tail from being sucked into the water at high speeds, ensuring a smooth glide over the water’s surface.
- Double-layer textured deck pad with kick pad: Offers excellent grip and support while performing turns and maneuvers.
- Two removable storage nets: Provide ample space for storing gear, provisions, and other essentials during longer trips.
The Bluefin Rogue’s narrow width and elongated shape make it less stable than wider all-around boards, requiring a higher level of skill and experience to navigate comfortably. However, this design also enables the board to cut through the water with ease, allowing for excellent glide and straight-line performance.
🎨 Design
The Bluefin Rogue stands out with its stylish and sporty design, featuring a modern camouflage pattern in shades of turquoise, light blue, and black. The deck pad seamlessly blends in with the overall design, showcasing various graphic elements.
The rails of the paddle board are designed in a solid gray color with all the necessary details about the board, manufacturer, and construction printed on them. The underside of the board highlights the large camouflage pattern, making it not only functional but also visually appealing.
The overall design of the Bluefin Rogue is a perfect combination of sportiness and contemporary aesthetics, appealing to paddlers who appreciate style as much as performance.
⭐ Features
- Deckpad with Kickpad: The Bluefin Rogue’s deckpad is made from comfortable EVA foam and features a double texture of diamond structure and crocodile skin. This design promotes efficient water drainage and provides additional grip for paddlers. The pad’s rear end features a kickpad for improved maneuverability during turns.
- 5 Carry Handles: The board comes equipped with five carry handles, each padded and constructed from durable materials. These handles are located in the middle, front, back, and on both sides of the board, making transportation and handling more accessible than ever.
- 7 D-rings: The Bluefin Rogue offers multiple attachment points with its seven strategically placed D-rings. These rings can be used for securing accessories, such as waterproof bags or even a kayak seat, transforming the board into a versatile SUP experience.
- 2 Removable Cargo Nets: The board features two removable cargo nets, one in the front and another towards the rear. These nets provide ample storage space for gear, snacks, and personal belongings during long paddling sessions.
- Action Cam Holder: A built-in action cam holder is located on the nose of the board, allowing users to document their adventures with ease.
- Abrasion-resistant Edge: The rear part of the board’s deck features a rubberized abrasion-resistant edge. This design helps the board glide smoothly over the water at high speeds without getting caught on the surface.
- Touring Fin with US-Box System: The Bluefin Rogue comes with a detachable touring fin that uses the reliable US-Box system, ensuring optimal tracking and minimal drag during long-distance paddling sessions.
🎒 Accessory
- Bluefin Rogue Manual: A comprehensive guide on setting up and using the Bluefin Rogue is provided with the package.
- Bluefin Rogue SUP Backpack (NXT): The newly designed NXT SUP Backpack comes with an innovative feature – it can be compressed to fit into its front pocket, converting it into a waterproof dry bag. The backpack features a large main compartment with adjustable straps, a front zippered pocket, padded handles and straps, and side pockets for paddle storage. Dimensions: 90 x 46 x 30 cm.
- 3-piece Bluefin Rogue Carbon Paddle (NXT Carbon): This adjustable paddle (175 cm to 210 cm) is made with a carbon shaft and durable nylon blade and handle. It’s lightweight and offers improved performance compared to aluminum alternatives found with cheaper boards.
- Bluefin Rogue Triple-Action Pump (Swift Maxi): This powerful pump is equipped with 2 pistons and 3 operation modes. It allows for convenient inflation, with the dual-action mode filling most of the volume quickly and a single-action mode for easier pumping as you reach higher pressures.
- Removable Bluefin Rogue Touring Fin (US-Box System): The specially designed touring fin is easily removable and attaches using the US-Box system, offering optimal guidance and better tracking during use.
- Bluefin Rogue Coiled Leash: The spiral safety leash can be securely fastened around your ankle or below the knee, keeping the board close in case you fall into the water.
- Bluefin Rogue Waterproof Phone Case: A waterproof case that keeps your smartphone safe and dry while allowing touchscreen functionality is included in the package.
- Bluefin Rogue Repair Kit: The repair kit comes with color-matched PVC patches, two spare adhesive reflectors, and a valve wrench for minor repairs and maintenance of the board.
💬 FAQ
How long does it take to inflate the Bluefin Rogue?
Inflating the Bluefin Rogue typically takes between 5-10 minutes, depending on the user’s experience and pump efficiency.
What pressure should I inflate the Bluefin Rogue to?
The Bluefin Rogue should be inflated to a recommended pressure of 15-18 PSI for optimal rigidity and performance.
Is the Bluefin Rogue good for beginners?
The Bluefin Rogue is designed for intermediate to advanced paddlers, so it may not be ideal for beginners due to its narrower width and elongated shape.
What’s the weight limit of the Bluefin Rogue?
The Bluefin Rogue has an official weight limit of 130 kg (286 lbs). However, for optimal performance, it’s recommended to stay within a range of 70-110 kg (155-240 lbs).
Conclusion
The Bluefin Rogue truly stands out in the world of paddle boards.
Its excellent construction techniques, including ESL Fusion-Layer and Carbon Rails, result in a rigid and lightweight board.
The classic touring shape and dimensions ensure superb glide performance and tracking.
The thoughtful accessory package and impressive five-year warranty add extra value.
While it may be on the pricier side, the Bluefin Rogue 12’6 is a top choice for advanced paddlers seeking a superior touring SUP experience.
