Since we began reviewing paddle boards in 2016, we’ve put more than 100 models through their paces.
Among them, the Bluefin Sprint Carbon stands out for its high-performance characteristics and exceptional quality.
This race-inspired board is designed for advanced paddlers and offers great stiffness, enhanced features, and an extensive warranty.
Is it worth the higher investment?
Let’s dive into our Bluefin Sprint Carbon review.
Table of Contents
πΉ Video
π Data & Facts
| Board Type | Inflatable (iSUP) |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bluefin |
| Skill Level | Advanced |
| Price Range | High-end |
| Intended Use | Race |
| Maximum Paddler Weight | up to 190 kg (418 lbs) |
| Length | 426.5 cm (14′) |
| Width | 77 cm (30″) |
| Thickness | 16 cm (6″) |
| Volume* (estimated) | N/A |
| Weight | approx. 15 kg (33 lbs) |
| Accessories | Manual Backpack-Trolley Triple-Action Air Pump Fin (US-Box) Two Side Fins (Smart-Lock) 3-piece Carbon Paddle Coiled Leash Repair Kit Waterproof Smartphone Case Carrying Strap |
π How did the Bluefin Sprint Carbon change over time?
The Bluefin Sprint Carbon has undergone several changes and improvements over time.
- Carbon Layer: The Bluefin Sprint Carbon now features an additional carbon layer on the rails (sides) for increased stiffness and durability as compared to the standard Bluefin Sprint.
- Double-Chamber Construction: The Bluefin Sprint Carbon now boasts a double-chamber construction, providing added safety and improved overall stiffness for enhanced paddling performance.
- Fin System: The Bluefin Sprint Carbon now has a US Fin Box system for the center fin, offering greater flexibility to change and upgrade the fin as needed. The side fins continue to use the proprietary Smart-Lock system.
- Backpack: The Bluefin Sprint Carbon now comes with an updated backpack that has added features such as improved padding and an overall more spacious design.
- Accessories: The Bluefin Sprint Carbon includes high-quality accessories like a triple-action pump, carbon paddle, and coiled leash in the package, delivering a complete, ready-to-use SUP package.
ππ Pro & Con
Pros
- Extremely stiff with double-layer construction and carbon reinforcement
- Excellent tracking performance for racing and long-distance paddling
- Additional features such as kickpad and multiple carrying handles
- High-quality accessories, including carbon paddle, triple-action pump, and wheeled backpack
- 5-year warranty for peace of mind
- Option to attach a kayak seat for added versatility
Cons
- Transportation may be cumbersome due to its rigid board construction and weight
- Not always available in stock
- Priced on the higher side for a race SUP board
π Built & Material
The Bluefin Sprint Carbon is constructed using advanced technology that incorporates a double-layer and carbon reinforcement for exceptional stiffness. The double-layer construction, comprising two layers of robust PVC material bonded together, provides increased stiffness, durability, and resistance to external factors.
Additionally, the carbon reinforcement along the rails (sides) of the board further enhances its overall rigidity and sturdiness. The core of the board utilizes the drop-stitch technique, where numerous nylon threads in a tightly knit pattern (11200 threads/square meter) connect the upper and lower surfaces, increasing the stiffness and load-bearing capacity of the board.
With a thickness of 16 cm and a weight of approximately 15 kg, the Bluefin Sprint Carbon is designed to offer top-tier race SUP performance while being relatively lightweight and easy to handle. By strategically combining these advanced construction and material technologies, the Bluefin Sprint Carbon offers paddlers an inflatable race SUP that is remarkably stiff, durable, and lightweight.
While this may come at a higher price tag, the quality of the board, combined with the included high-quality accessories and a 5-year warranty, make it a worthy investment for serious racers and long-distance paddlers.
βοΈ Weight Limit
The Bluefin Sprint Carbon has a maximum weight capacity of 190 kg (419 lbs), making it suitable for paddlers of various sizes and experience levels. It also offers enough space for SUP with a dog, paddling with a child on board, or even accommodating two adults.
While it can handle up to 190 kg, we recommend considering the following weight ranges for optimal performance:
- Up to 120 kg (265 lbs): Best for fast gliding and racing performance.
- 120-130 kg (265-330 lbs): Good for leisurely touring and more experienced paddlers.
- 130-190 kg (330-419 lbs): Suitable for multiple passengers or large loads, but will likely impact performance and gliding efficiency.
Keep in mind that as you approach the weight limit, the board may sink deeper into the water, potentially affecting its handling and riding characteristics.
πββοΈ Intended Use & Riding Characteristics
The Bluefin Sprint Carbon is designed as a racing SUP, with a streamlined shape that allows for smooth, fast gliding across the water. It is suitable for advanced and experienced paddlers who want to achieve high speeds and cover long distances.
However, its 77 cm width and three-fin setup provide a degree of stability and maneuverability that even sporty beginners can appreciate. The intended use and riding characteristics vary depending on the number of fins in play:
- Three-detachable fins: Provides maximum stability and maneuverability, ideal for new racers.
- Single center fin: Leads to better straight-line tracking and reduced resistance, perfect for racing and high-speed cruising.
- Smaller side fins only: Can be used in shallow water conditions but will have less directional stability.
As a race SUP, the Bluefin Sprint Carbon is best suited for calm, flat water conditions such as lakes, canals, and slow-moving rivers. It may not be the best choice for beginners or casual paddlers who prefer all-around stability and versatility, but for racers looking to push their performance and cover long distances at high speeds, the Bluefin Sprint Carbon is an excellent choice.
π¨ Design
The Bluefin Sprint Carbon sports a sleek, streamlined design that sets it apart from the competition. The board features various shades of blue and turquoise, emphasizing its sporty appeal. The deck pad is a combination of light gray and black and bears multiple design elements, including the board’s name.
The underside of the board matches the color scheme and showcases oval-shaped patterns, with a central design band adorned with the “Bluefin SUP” lettering. The rails surrounding the board are color-coordinated and feature the manufacturer’s name and the FRS (Flex Reduction System) inscription.
In its Carbon variant, the Bluefin Sprint Carbon also includes additional design elements and color cues, resembling its classic Bluefin Sprint counterpart. Overall, the Bluefin Sprint Carbon presents a visually appealing aesthetic that caters to both style and performance enthusiasts.
β Features
- Deckpad with Kickpad: The Bluefin Sprint Carbon features a deckpad made from non-slip EVA foam, providing comfort and traction for the paddler. In addition, the board has a kickpad located in the rear, allowing riders to perform sharp turns with ease.
- 6+2 Extra D-Rings: Apart from the rings used to attach the cargo net, the Bluefin Sprint Carbon also has eight additional D-ringsβone for an action-cam holder, another for attaching the leash, and six more for securing a kayak seat in the middle part of the board.
- Paddle holder: The carrying loop in the center of the board is positioned precisely at the center of gravity. With this loop, the board can be carried by one person. Additionally, this central carrying handle, with the Velcro strap, can also serve as a paddle holder, which proves to be really convenient during board transportation or for a quick swim break on a SUP tour.
- Multiple Carry Handles: The board comes with a total of five carry handlesβone central handle for easy one-person transportation and four extra handles located on the nose, tail, and sides of the board for added convenience.
- Fully Removable 2+1 Fin Setup: The Bluefin Sprint Carbon boasts a versatile 2+1 fin setup, featuring a large center fin with a US-Box system and two side fins using Bluefin’s Smart-Lock system. All three fins are removable, providing paddlers with plenty of customization options.
π Accessory
- Bluefin Sprint Carbon Manual: A comprehensive guide is provided with clear instructions on setting up and using the Bluefin Sprint Carbon.
- Bluefin Sprint Carbon SUP Backpack-Trolley: The stylish backpack features a spacious main compartment with adjustable luggage straps and a large front pocket. It is made with high-quality material, ensuring durability and comfort. The backpack includes convenient rolling wheels (trolley) for easy transportation. Dimensions: 100 cm x 37 cm x 30 cm.
- 3-piece Bluefin Sprint Carbon Paddle: This adjustable paddle (170 cm to 220 cm) is made with a carbon shaft and sturdy PU (polyurethane) blade and handle. It offers lightweight performance and enhanced durability compared to other options.
- Bluefin Sprint Carbon Triple-Action Pump: The included pump allows for rapid inflation, with a triple-action mode that fills the board quickly and efficiently. It takes about 6 to 8 minutes to inflate the 14-foot model to 15 PSI.
- 3 Removable Bluefin Sprint Carbon Fins: The set comes with one large US-Box center fin and two smaller Smart-Lock side fins for versatile performance and easy installation.
- Bluefin Sprint Carbon Coiled Leash: The spiral safety leash can be securely fastened around your ankle or below your knee, keeping the board close in case you fall into the water.
- Bluefin Sprint Carbon Waterproof Phone Case: A waterproof case keeps your phone safe and dry while allowing touchscreen functionality.
- Bluefin Sprint Carbon Repair Kit: The repair kit includes color-matched PVC patches, a valve wrench, and other essential components needed for minor repairs.
π¬ FAQ
How long does it take to inflate the Bluefin Sprint Carbon?
It takes approximately 6 to 8 minutes to inflate the Bluefin Sprint Carbon using the included triple-action pump.
What pressure should I inflate the Bluefin Sprint Carbon to?
Inflate the Bluefin Sprint Carbon to a recommended pressure of 12-15 PSI for optimal rigidity and performance.
Is the Bluefin Sprint Carbon good for beginners?
The Bluefin Sprint Carbon is designed for advanced paddlers; however, its stability and maneuverability can be appreciated by sporty beginners.
What’s the weight limit of the Bluefin Sprint Carbon?
The weight limit of the Bluefin Sprint Carbon is 190 kg (419 lbs), suitable for various rider sizes, paddling with a dog, a child, or accommodating two adults.
Conclusion
The Bluefin Sprint Carbon is a top-performing race SUP, designed for advanced paddlers seeking speed and distance.
Its advanced construction materials and technology ensure remarkable stiffness, durability, and weight capacity.
The race-inspired board offers versatile fin setups, impressive features like the kick pad and multiple handles, and high-quality accessories such as the carbon paddle and wheeled backpack.
Although it comes with a higher price tag, the Bluefin Sprint Carbon’s performance, stylish design, and comprehensive package make it a worthwhile investment for serious racers and long-distance paddlers.
