Bluefin Sprint Carbon Review (2022) iSUP Paddleboard

The Bluefin Sprint Carbon is the high-end board from Bluefin.

Especially with the Bluefin Cruise, the British brand has made a name for itself.

While the Cruise is primarily aimed at sporty beginners & advanced, the Race board Bluefin Sprint Carbon is made for racers.

In our Bluefin Sprint Carbon review, it became clear that the board is top for some paddlers, but probably not at all for others.

But everything back to the beginning.

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Even at first glance, the Sprint Carbon promises good mileage. The narrow, streamlined outline with pronounced board tip seems made to glide effortlessly through the water and meets all the requirements of the classic race board.

With its dimensions of 14′ x 30” x 6” (426.5 x 77 x 16 cm), the board is designed to cover long distances at sporty speeds. Length and reduced width basically lead to improved gliding behavior – but also to slightly less tipping stability.

The Bluefin Sprint Carbon variant differs from the normal Bluefin Sprint by the additional carbon layer on the rails (sides) and the double-chamber construction with the two separate air chambers, both of which provide even more stiffness, a more extensive scope of delivery, the upgraded accessories and the US fin box system of the center fin.

For performance maximizers looking for an inflatable board with the stiffness of a hardboard and rarely transporting the board or doing so mostly while inflated, the Bluefin Sprint Carbon is the top choice.

Bluefin Sprint Carbon Review in Detail

In our review, we’ll go over the construction methods, riding characteristics, accessories included with the board, and frequently asked questions (such as the pros and cons of the Bluefin Sprint Carbon compared to the regular Bluefin Sprint).

If any other questions come up, feel free to leave me a comment. I will try to answer you as soon as possible!

Product Specifications

Board Type	Inflatable
Brand	Bluefin
Skill	Advanced, Professional
Price Category	High-priced
Area of Application	Race
Max. Paddler Weight	190 kg (420 lbs)
Length	426.5 cm (14′)
Width	77 cm (30″)
Thickness	16 cm (6″)
Volume	–
Weight	ca. 15 kg (28 lbs)
Accessories	Instruction manual, trolley backpack, fiberglass paddle, double stroke air pump (reversible), 3 removable fins (smart lock system), coiled leash (spiral safety line), repair kit.

Construction

The Bluefin Sprint Carbon is a 14′ race paddle board. With its dimensions it is fully within the standard range of the board class and provides together with the streamlined shape for fast gliding pleasure.

The Bluefin Sprint Carbon features two separate air chambers. A dual-chamber design has two advantages: safety and more stiffness, which makes for better riding characteristics.

With the Bluefin Sprint Carbon, the British brand relies on a 2+1 fin setup with one large center fin and two smaller side fins. Unlike the normal Bluefin Sprint, the center fin uses the US fin box system and only the side fins use Bluefin’s proprietary Smart-Lock system, which only a few other manufacturers like Thurso Surf and iRocker use.

In the U.S. fin box system, the fin is attached to the rail with a screw and threaded plate. Installing the fin takes about 30 to 45 seconds – with a little practice – which is more than the Smart-Lock fin system. Here, the attachment takes less than five seconds.

The small advantage of the US fin box system is that the position of the fin in the fin box can be freely selected. The following applies: the further back the fin is, the better the straight-line stability. With Smart-Lock fins, there is only one fixed position for the fin.

The main advantage of the US fin box, however, is that there is a wide range of available fins for this fin system. Above all, touring fins are also available here, which can additionally improve the straight running of the paddle board.

Unfortunately, only a normal dolphin fin is included in the scope of delivery of the Bluefin Sprint Carbon, and it is the same as, for example, the Bluefin Cruise Carbon – i.e. a different board class.

However, with the US fin box system, there is the possibility to replace the included model with any fin in the world. In this way, the straight run can be improved.

Due to the fact that all 3 fins are removable, you can additionally adjust the running characteristics to different conditions. You can find out exactly what effects this has in the section “Areas of application and running characteristics”.

With a thickness of 16 cm, the double chamber construction, the already good stiffness of Bluefin boards and the extra carbon layer, the Bluefin Sprint Carbon is really extremely stiff.

Out of all our tests, the Bluefin Cruise Carbon and the Bluefin Sprint Carbon come closest to a hardboard. The Bluefin Sprint Carbon has thus earned our title of “inflatable hardboard”.

The enormous stiffness has a positive effect on the riding characteristics. More on that in a moment.

Also noticeable is the comparatively low noserocker. The carbon layer ensures that the board hardly bends upwards despite its length of 14′ (= 426.5 cm).

This is good for water displacement, but in waves I don’t think a certain amount of noserocker is a bad thing, as it means the board dips less in waves and glides over them better.

However, if you want to ride a race SUP, you will certainly be able to handle the waves… besides, race SUPs are not designed to ride in wavy water.

Load Capacity

The maximum load capacity of the Bluefin Sprint Carbon is 420 lbs (190 kilograms). The board offers enough space and is wide enough for this to be used for SUP with a dog, paddling with a child on board, or with two adults.

Compared to the Bluefin Cruise Tandem, which is actually Bluefin’s SUP board for two people, standing and paddling on the Bluefin Sprint Carbon is much more wobbly.

Those who regularly plan medium-length and longer tours for two should rather look at the Bluefin Cruise Tandem. Especially when the water is a bit choppy, it is difficult to stand upright on the Sprint Carbon with two adults.

If one of the adults is sitting, the Bluefin Sprint Carbon is no problem at all. However, a second paddle is not included.

Areas of Application and Driving Characteristics

With the elongated race SUP construction, the Bluefin Sprint Carbon offers very good directional stability. The directional stability ensures that it is rarely necessary to change sides when paddling, which makes it possible to build up higher speeds.

With top straight-line tracking, the Bluefin Sprint Carbon is a great choice for longer trips. Typically, Race SUPs are a bit tipsy when at rest and maneuverability is not good.

However, compared to other race SUPs, the Bluefin Sprint Carbon is built quite wide. With a width of 30” (77 cm), the board offers enough space to stand safely on the board.

The tilt stability ensures that even sporty beginners can quickly get to grips with the board. The Sprint Carbon also gains stability through the setup with three fins. Bluefin has also thought of the other problem with maneuverability and has attached a kickpad as with all of their models.

The kickpad is located in the rear area of the deckpad. If you shift your body weight onto the kickpad, the board tip can be levered up and the board can be turned (almost) on the spot. In this way, abrupt changes of direction can also be performed.

However, the pivot turn technique is not child’s play and especially not easy with this board due to the length as well as the high dead weight.

The great strength of the Bluefin Sprint Carbons remains, however, the straight-line ride at high speed. If you are looking for a SUP board for fast tours and longer distances, this model is the right choice. Currents and waves can be handled up to a certain point, but in the best conditions (calm waters, canals, lakes, …) you can get the most out of it.

3 removable fins mean maximum flexibility. With a single fin improves the straight line, this is the optimal touring variant. 3 fins, on the other hand, increase stability.

If the water is extremely flat, you can also ride for a short time with just the side fins…but then you have little guidance.

Material and Weight

The outer shell consists of several robust PVC layers, which are glued together and UV-resistant coated. The top and bottom sides consist of two layers (double layer), the side surfaces (rails) are 3-layer.

The middle layer of material on the rails is carbon reinforced. This leads to an excellent stiffness of the board and makes it more robust against external influences or damage. Bluefin calls the construction of its carbon rails “FRS” (“Flex Reduction System”).

The core of the board is made with the so-called “dropstitch technique”. In this process, many nylon threads are woven very tightly together inside the board (11200 threads/sqm). This technique leads to an improved stiffness and resilience of the Bluefin Sprint Carbon.

The weight of about 15 kg (33 lbs) is in the upper comparative range, but can be explained by the high-quality materials and the additional layers.

Workmanship

Bluefin always convinces me with absolutely impeccable workmanship and high-quality material selection. The board and the accessories make a very good impression and are designed for durability.

The good processing quality of the accessories is also enormously important. After all, without a good paddle driving is no fun, a bad backpack complicates the transport (especially with the weight of the Bluefin Sprint Carbon!) and with a bad air pump inflating takes well and gladly times twice as long. But more on that in a moment.

Design

The board is colored in different shades of blue and turquoise. The design underlines the sporty claim of the Bluefin Sprint Carbon. The deckpad in light gray and black is provided with many design elements and the name of the board. In the area of the tip, the manufacturer has applied its logo.

The underside is designed in matching colors and with oval decorations. In the middle runs a design band that bears the words “Bluefin SUP”. The surrounding rails are color-coordinated and labeled with the manufacturer’s name and the designation FRS (Flex Reduction System).

In the carbon version, an extra lettering and some color elements were added. In terms of design, this board is otherwise similar to the normal Bluefin Sprint.

I like the look really well, but who stands on rather simple designs is here certainly different opinion!

Other Features

The Bluefin Sprint Carbon has the following additional features:

• Deckpad: The deckpad is the large surface coating of anti-slip EVA with diamond embossing and crocodile surface that covers most of the standing area.
• 6+2 Extra D-rings: In addition to the rings for the luggage nets, there is an extra ring on the action cam mount, a ring on the tail (for the leash) and six more D-rings for attaching a kayak seat in the center area of the board.

• Carrying Strap + Paddle Holder: The carrying strap in the center of the board is located exactly in the center of mass. With this the board can be carried by one person. In addition, this central carrying handle can also be used as a paddle holder, which is really handy when transporting the board or even a short swim break on a SUP tour.

• 4 Extra Carrying Loops: In addition to the central carrying loop, the Bluefin Sprint Carbon has a total of four additional carrying handles. These extra carry handles are attached to the nose (front), tail (rear), left and right of the board respectively.

• Two Luggage Nets: In the front is a spacious luggage net with extra neoprene straps for extra luggage.

• The rear luggage net is a little smaller. Here you can safely store equipment or provisions.

• The space is also enough to carry the necessary equipment and food for tours with several stages.

• Fully Detachable 2+1 Fin Setup: The Bluefin Sprint Carbon has three fins. The large center fin is a US box fin. The smaller side fins utilize Bluefin’s proprietary Smart-Lock system. All three fins are removable and included.
• Kickpad: The deckpad is raised in the rear area. If you shift your weight to the kickpad, the tip lifts a bit, making it easier to turn. With practice, the pivot turn works almost on the spot.
• Action Cam Mount: There is an action cam mount in the front area, in which all common action cam models can be mounted.

Accessories

In the Bluefin Sprint Carbon review, we also took a look at the included equipment:

• Bluefin Sprint Carbon Backpack: The color-matched backpack, which measures 39” x 14.5” x 12” (100 cm x 37 cm x 30 cm), comes with a volume of 111 liters. The backpack has a high-quality finish, two carrying loops, wide comfortable padded straps and large off-road wheels at the front of the backpack. The zippers are also of good quality.
  Bluefin Sprint Carbon Paddle: The high-quality paddle is continuously adjustable from 5’7 to 7’2 (170 cm to 220 cm). The shaft is made of carbon and the paddle blade is made of plastic (PU). The paddle is lightweight due to the carbon content and yet very durable.
• Bluefin Sprint Carbon Triple-Action Air Pump: The set includes a switchable triple-action air pump with double piston and pressure indicator. With this, you can pump air into the board both when pulling up and when pushing down with one or both air pistons. Towards the end, pumping becomes increasingly difficult. Therefore, first switch to double stroke mode with both pistons, then switch to single stroke mode with both pistons, and finally switch to single stroke mode with only one piston.
• Bluefin Sprint Carbon Fins: The US box center fin attaches to the rail with a screw and threaded plate. This takes a little longer, but you are flexible if you ever want to upgrade to a new or different fin. The two Smart-Lock side fins only need to be clipped in. Here, the assembly takes only a few seconds.
• Bluefin Sprint Carbon Coiled Leash: The included leash has a strong Velcro strap to connect you to the board at the ankle. The coiled leash, which stretches to its full length only when you fall into the water, will not get tangled in plants or rocks due to its short base length. Please always wear a leash on SUP tours!
• Bluefin Sprint Carbon Repair Kit: The included repair kit includes a few PVC patches and a valve wrench.
• Bluefin Sprint Carbon Waterproof Smartphone Case: The waterproof phone case is a nice gimmick to protect your smartphone from the water.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Bluefin Sprint Carbon is a very good race board for advanced as well as sporty paddlers who like to go fast and cover long distances. The running characteristics of the board are very convincing due to the high stiffness and the elongated design.

The construction with the carbon reinforced rails and the many features is well thought out and the workmanship on a consistently high level.

The Bluefin Sprint Carbon is – alone with the high price tag – not necessarily built for beginners. Here, in most cases, the Bluefin Cruise is more suitable, but who is sporty and has ambition, as far as longer tours are concerned, will also cope with the Bluefin Sprint Carbon.