The BlueFin Cruise Carbon is the revised and reinforced version of the popular BlueFin Cruise. The carbon version is available in two different lengths: 325 cm (10’8) and 366 cm (12′).
How good is the BlueFin Cruise Carbon?
The board is very stiff and robust and can almost keep up with a hardboard. The Cruise Carbon is an all-rounder board and is suitable for beginners and advanced riders. The rigidity and thickness ensure that the models can carry a weight of 130 kg (10’8) and 140 kg (12′).
More articles you might find interesting: All BlueFin SUP boards reviewed.
Product details
Features
- Weight: 15 kg (10’8); 19 kg (12′)
- Material: PVC
- Maximum load capacity:130 kg (10’8); 140 kg (12′)
- Dimensions: 325 x 82 x 16 cm; 366 x 82 x 16 cm
- Pack size: 92 x 58 x 32 cm
- Scope of delivery: SUP paddle board bag, paddle, air pump, 3 removable paddle board fins, carrying strap, kayak seat, leash, repair kit
Advantages and disadvantages
- Very stiff
- High-quality construction with two air chambers
- Extensive range of accessories
- Backpack with wheels
- Very light paddle
- Very good driving characteristics
- High load capacity
- Heavy
- Not always available
More SUP boards from the BlueFin brand:
- BlueFin SUP Boards
- BlueFin Cruise
- BlueFin Sprint
- BlueFin Sprint Carbon
- BlueFin Aura Fit
- BlueFin Voyage
- BlueFin Mammoth
BlueFin Cruise Carbon Rating?
Areas of application
Cruise Carbon 10’8
The shorter model is a classic all-round board. It is suitable for beginners who want to try out different waters. The board can be used for tours on lakes and canals, family outings and even in light swell.
Cruise Carbon 12′
The extra length is particularly suitable for longer tours. Both boards have the advantage that they can be used in different areas. One advantage here is the three removable fins, which allow the board to be adapted to different conditions.
Driving characteristics
Neither model is designed for very high speeds. They are very stable and the shorter board in particular offers beginners a lot of stability. The Cruiser Carbon 12′ is suitable for long to very long tours.
Due to its length, it tracks very accurately and therefore makes it easier to drive straight ahead. The board is therefore intended more for advanced riders, as they have a better feel for the board.
The three fins ensure a stable and safe ride. They allow the paddler to adapt to different situations:
- All 3 fins for great stability and maneuverability in currents and swell.
- Only the center fin to improve straight-line stability on longer tours.
- Only the small side fins, in case the board goes through shallower waters and the center fin should not be damaged.
Shape
The BlueFin Cruise Carbon measures either 325 x 81 x 16 cm or 366 x 81 x 16 cm. The width of 81 cm ensures very good tipping stability. In terms of stability and maneuverability, the ratio of length to width is just right, especially on the shorter model.
Both Cruise Carbon models have a very good thickness of 16 cm. This is accompanied by a large filling volume and a lot of buoyancy. This means that the boards can carry up to 130 kg or 140 kg.
Material and processing
The main feature of the Cruiser Carbon is its enormous stiffness. A multi-layer PVC coating using the drop stitch process is responsible for this. The side edges of the boards are additionally reinforced, making them significantly more robust.
The integrated carbon layer increases the resistance and hardness of the board. This also increases the weight of the board. At 15 kg or 19 kg, the Cruise Carbon is one of the heavier SUPs.
Thanks to the practical backpack with wheels, transportation is no problem when empty. The inflated board is much more difficult to transport.
The BlueFin Cruise Carbon has two air chambers that provide additional stability. If one of the two chambers is damaged, the other air chamber can prevent the board from sinking. However, the probability of this happening is very low given the quality of the Cruise Carbon.
Surface
A large EVA pad provides a non-slip and non-slip surface. The BlueFin Cruise Carbon has a total of five carrying handles, one at each end and one on each side. The middle handle can also be used as a paddle holder.
The board has 14 D-rings for attaching the leash, kayak seat and other accessories. Two luggage nets at the front and rear offer plenty of storage space for equipment and food.
For all hobby and action filmmakers, the Cruise Carbon offers a mount for action cameras in the front area. This way, the journey can be captured for eternity.
Experiences and customer opinions?
Customer reviews of the BlueFin Cruise Carbon are mainly very positive. The board itself, but also the high-quality accessories, are praised. In most cases, criticism does not go beyond the initial plastic smell and occasional adhesive residue. Only a few buyers have any complaints about the product itself. More often, however, there is talk of a somewhat disappointing service.
Click here to go directly to the customer reviews.
BlueFin Cruise Carbon accessories?
The BlueFin comes in a set with:
- Carbon paddle with kayak function
- Triple Action air pump
- Backpack with wheels
- 3 removable fins
- Spiral leash
- Kayak seat
- Carrying strap
- Repair kit
BlueFin Cruise Carbon Alternatives?
BlueFin Cruise
Why is the BlueFin Cruise a good alternative?
The BlueFin Cruise is ideal for those who don’t place too much value on the stiffness of the board. This feature is not essential, especially for beginners. Both models offer the same quality standards. The price of the BlueFin Cruise is significantly lower, especially when reviewed against the longer carbon model.
Skinfox Whale
Why is the Skinfox Whale a good alternative?
The board costs almost as much as the BlueFin Cruise Carbon 10’8. It measures 365 x 82 x 15 cm and is more similar to the BlueFin Cruise Carbon 12′. The Skinfox Whale is therefore a kind of combination of both BlueFin models. It is a very stable SUP that comes with a kayak seat.
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