Yes, to some extent, more expensive paddleboards are worth it. More premium paddleboards come with more and higher-quality of included gear, have an overall better built-quality, often cooler design, better stiffness and durability.
With paddleboarding becoming more popular and, nowadays, so many brands and boards to choose from, the price range of these products is vast.
So what should you keep in mind when it comes to the upper limit?
Which factors do you need to consider, and how much more can you expect to pay for a paddleboard?
There is one question that always comes up when it comes to SUP, and that is the following: Are more expensive paddleboards worth it?
In this article, we want to answer this question, so you can decide for yourself if, and how much, a higher price tag is worth it.
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Are More Expensive Paddleboards Better Than Cheaper Alternatives?
Yes, more expensive paddleboards are certainly better than cheaper alternatives. But what exactly makes a paddleboard more expensive?
One thing that definitely gets more expensive with a higher price tag is the quality of the paddleboard. Cheaper models are usually made from less durable materials, and offer less overall built quality.
They are less stiff, which means they are not as responsive when paddleboarding and more difficult to handle on the water, as they are not as stable.
Next, we’ll take a deep-dive and look what are the features more expensive paddleboard offer.
5 Areas Where More Expensive Paddleboards Offer More
#1 Included Gear
The more expensive a paddleboard, the better the included gear will be. In most cases, you get a free lightweight paddle (often made from carbon), leash, high-quality, comfortable backpack, leash and additional equipment when buying a high-end model.
Cheap models typically come with little or not much included gear, so this is an area where extra money can really make sense.
#2 Built Quality
The more expensive a SUP, the higher the overall build quality and design of the product.
Cheaper paddleboards feature lower-quality materials. Deck pads, rail protectors and similar elements are typically made from cheap materials that don’t last as long as the materials used for more expensive models.
Just like with included gear, these parts of a cheaper paddleboard show many signs of low-quality materials and overall design.
#3 Design
For sure, there is no rule that more expensive paddleboards look better. However, they usually have a more creative design, with better-looking printing on the deck pad, rails and board features like d-rings fitting the overall color scheme of the paddleboard.
Affordable models typically have a simple design, and cheaper printing that doesn’t look as good.
#4 Stiffness
Typically, more expensive paddleboards are stiffer. Just like the overall build quality of a SUP, stiffness depends on the materials as well as board design.
Higher stiffness means a more stable ride and better control on the water. You can expect a stiffer paddleboard to be more responsive, have a faster glide and track straighter for easier paddling.
Stiffness is an important factor for overall performance of a SUP – so don’t underestimate it.
#5 Durability
Just like stiffness, durability is largely affected by built quality and materials. More expensive paddleboards are made from higher-quality materials that do not break down as fast.
As mentioned above, cheap SUPs often feature lower-quality deck pads, rails, gluing and stitching.
How Much Do More Expensive and Cheaper Paddleboards Cost?
Typically, you can get a cheap paddleboard for about £300. More expensive models typically cost more than £500 and depending on what exactly you want the price of a SUP further increases.
Most of the time, spending an extra £200 or so is enough to get your hands on a better quality board that lasts longer and offers better features.
As you can see, when it comes to SUP boards, there are many reasons why spending more money when buying a board makes sense.
Is Spending More Money on a Premium Paddleboard Worth It?
If you want a better overall idea of the features more expensive paddleboards offer, it is.
There are many reasons why it makes sense to make the investment in a high-end paddleboard instead of just buying something cheap out of convenience.
No matter if you’re looking for included gear, design or stiffness – spending extra money will help you get your hands on a better model.
However, there is a limit to it. Sure, some brands offer their boards for £1,000 or more.
But find that adding much more money, after you invest about £500, does not make the board better in any way we’ve described above.
Final Verdict
Overall, it can be said that spending more money on a premium-quality SUP is worth it. However, there is a limit when spending more, doesn’t add much more value.
Or, if you plan to use your new board only on calm water and for short paddle trips, there is no need for spending extra cash. You just don’t need the best of gear or stiffness,
If you want a better overall idea of what money can get you in the current market, visit our post about the best paddleboards out there.
