With proven dimensions of 10'6'' x 33'' (320 x 84 cm), the colourful all-round SUP from Sport Vibrations offers a wide range of uses. With a length of 3.30 metres, you won't win any races, but you can make good progress on tours. The outline of the board is kept fairly straight, especially in the centre section, which ensures good directional stability (compared to the compact board length). This means that the lightweight board can be propelled smoothly without having to constantly switch paddles. However, every five to seven paddle strokes are normal for less experienced paddlers and no shame in drawing a nice straight line. The Balance is extremely manoeuvrable during turning manoeuvres. Both when you stop in the middle for the crossbow turn or when you go to the tail and the board is only in the water for the last metre, it turns very quickly and remains stable.
Lightweight all-round iSUP
We measured the board weight at 8.1 kilos (without fin, without air), which is just above the manufacturer's specification, but is actually very light. This ensures playful handling on land and a fast paddling feeling on the water. Even children who are already big enough to paddle should be able to move the board easily on their own. The low weight is achieved, among other things, by a modern construction method in which the dropstitch material, i.e. the threads between the upper and lower layers, is welded to the outer PVC layer and not glued ("Fusion Technology").
The workmanship is clean and neat. The pump supplied is rather narrow and high, which reduces the pumping force. Two "gears" on the pump allow a higher volume flow when inflating and then, after switching (after a minute or two), high pressure can be achieved with little force. The board is inflated to a maximum of 15 psi (about one bar) and, at six inches thick, offers sufficient stiffness even for heavy paddlers.
The board rolls along in a spacious bag that still has room for the pump and a paddle. The fin can be mounted quickly and easily with your fingers without tools. In addition to the small luggage net on the bow - for day equipment - there are four more stainless steel eyelets on deck. An optional Paddle seat be attached. The SUP can then be used as a canoe: with a double paddle and facing in the direction of travel. The three-part paddle can be equipped with a second paddle blade (here for 34,95 Euro) to a double paddle.
Stiff, high-quality paddle
The three-piece version of the paddle with colour-matching decor costs 99.95 euros and offers quite a lot in return: the shaft with visible carbon not only looks classy, but is also quite stiff when paddling. The paddle blade is made of robust plastic. At a measured 880 grams, it is not a particularly lightweight, but it swings well, builds up medium pressure very easily, moves stably through the water and looks very well equipped and finished for this price range. Carbon is rarely used in this price range and a noticeably lighter paddle usually costs at least 70 to 100 euros more. The clamp connection is wobble-free and secure with a push button and clamping lever, while the Vario extension tube has a guide groove for quick, precise length adjustment. The clamp is beautifully rounded with no corners or edges. The carbon paddle knob is also very flattering in the hand.
Yoga & sunbathing on the SUP without a grill pattern
The Balance model is explicitly advertised as a yoga board and we actually find some important features here that make it particularly suitable for this purpose. In addition to the fresh, positive design, the 33-inch width naturally offers the necessary stability. SUP yoga always has a balance component, but it shouldn't be too difficult. For this purpose, 33 or 34 inches have proven to be very effective. Then there's the very large deck pad, which has been laid all the way to the tail. In other words, the soft surface, which is designed to provide comfort and slip resistance when paddling. When doing yoga or simply relaxing, it is pleasant if the pattern is not too pronounced. Although the balance pad has a sufficiently non-slip structure, it is less rough than usual, "so you don't immediately get a grill pattern on your skin when lying down", our tester was pleased to report. The pad also goes all the way to the tail. Some other boards have a wedge-shaped raised pad at the end, but this has been omitted here for greater comfort.
Conclusion on the all-round SUP with yoga suitability from Sport Vibrations
The Balance model offers well-suited dimensions and good equipment for use as a yoga board, as a family board (also for an adult plus a child) or for smaller exploratory tours on lakes or rivers. At just 8.1 kilos, it is light and easy to handle.
- Info & Shop: Sport Vibrations
- Price Board: 595 Euro incl. wheeled rucksack, pump, shipping and 2-year warranty
- Price paddle: 99,95 Euro incl. shipping
