After checking out the difference between inflatable and rigid boards, you might be ready to get yourself one of the traditional hard body stand up paddle boards for all of your paddling adventures. Though we tend to prefer the inflatable models, we took some time to check out all of the best rigid paddleboards on the market. After comparing all the options for sale out there, we’ve come up with the official Just Paddleboard guide to the very best stand up paddle boards for the money right now. And since we only want to share current information with you, rest assured that this list is updated and revised regularly as new boards hit the market and we have time to check them out.
Best Stand Up Paddle Boards for the Money 2016 - 2017
You will notice from the list above that we focused on good all arounder boards in the ten footer length. These are very versatile stand up paddleboards that you can take out in all different types of water conditions from waves at the beach to flat water at the lake. Any of the hard body SUPs that you see listed on this page are good beginner SUPs and they are all very affordable – with many of these paddleboards priced in the under $500 – $700 range!
To further help you decide which of these makes the best choice for your shopping today, we’ve listed each model below with some basic information about its features and what you can expect from it. Let us know if you have any other questions!
About Isle 10’8″ Soft Top SUP
This is hands down one of my very favorite rigid SUPs on the market right now. It is made by a brand that has built a strong reputation of creating high quality paddleboard gear at affordable prices. And this awesome little SUP is no exception to that.
The first thing to know about the Isle Soft Top model is that you can order it in one of two different color designs (at least so far). You can go with the wood grain finish that you see in the photo or the nice blue tone that you can see in the smaller photo up above. Honestly, I can’t decide which I like better cause they both look great.
Another thing to note about this one is that it does come with a paddle, leash, and fin, but that is all that you get with it in terms of accessories. So if you want a carry bag/sleeve or storage rack, then you have to get that separate.
The weight limit on the Isle Soft Top paddleboard is 275 pounds, so that is enough to accommodate most adults and even some heavier guys and ladies. This ten footer board is only about 31 inches wide but it is pretty thick at 5 inches. So, you end up with a very stable SUP out in the water. However, it is designed for calm waters like flat water paddling and cruising small waves.
It is made out of a soft poly foam that is covered in plastic/fiberglass. That means you get a durable, high quality ride that is not as heavy as the non-foam paddleboards.
About Keeper Sports StandUp PaddleBoard Set
This lightweight solid body SUP is made of EPS foam like the Isle model listed above. In fact, it is very similar to the Isle Soft Top model as they are almost identical in length, width, thickness and design.
You do get a few more extras with this one though. The included accessories are a paddle, a leash, ankle strap, roof shield and instant padded roof racks. If you need those things, then this one might be a better purchase for you. Otherwise, I still prefer the Isle Soft Top.
Another important difference to note about this model from Keeper Sports is that the weight limit is higher at 300 pounds. So, if you need a little extra room in the carry capacity, then definitely go with this one. Even if you are close to the limit on the Isle Soft Top, it is probably worth it to go with this Keeper Sports model for the extra stability that you’ll get. (this rule of thumb applies to any of the boards because the closer you are to the weight limit, the less stable your ride will be out on the water.)
About California Board Company StandUp PaddleBoard Set
One thing to know about this board is that California Board Company (CBC) and Keeper Sports are the same company now. So, with either brand, you’re getting the same great board that you’re used to. And as I’m sure you can tell, this CBC SUP set looks a lot like the Keeper Sports set above. That’s because there really isn’t much difference in them.
This CBC paddleboard is also made of the lightweight EPS foam and the finish gives you an attractive wood grain design, which looks great.
You get all the same accessories with this one – a paddle, a leash, ankle strap, roof shield and instant padded roof racks.
The only real difference between this CBC model and the one by Keeper Sports is the price. This one is actually just a little bit more expensive at the retail price point. With that in mind, I would suggest the Keeper Sports model instead, unless you just like the design of this one cause the price difference isn’t really that much.
About Bic Sport DURA-TEC Original SUP
The Bic Sport brand is another company that makes a lot of high quality boards for paddlers like you and me. This model is part of their DURA-TEC line, which focuses on rugged durability and good performance. This line was actually designed after their successful ACE-TEC line, which you can see below.
Like the SUPs above, this Bic Sport DURA-TEC Original model is made out of high density foam at the core with a polyethylene outer skin. The shape and design harkens back to surfboards and you can expect this one to do well out in the waves as well as on flat water.
A unique feature of this one is that you can order it in different sizes. This is perfect if you’re shopping for a good SUP for kids as the smallest size is just right for them. Here’s a break down of the available sizes and weight limits:
- 8’4 model for riders up to 80 lbs
- 9’4 model for riders up to 135 lbs
- 9’10 model for riders up to 200 lbs
- 10’4 model for riders up to 185 lbs
- 11’4 model for riders up to 220 lbs
This is a great entry level paddleboard for paddlers of all sizes and ages. It offers good stability at a low price.
About Bic Sport ACE-TEC Original SUP
If you like the DURA-TEC model up above but prefer something with more of surfing-inspire design,then this Bic Sport ACE-TEC model is exactly what you’re looking for. It was modeled after those awesome longboard surfboards so that you have something that performs well out in the waves and the flat water.
You get the same rugged durability and exceptional performance with this model that you’ve come to expect from Bic Sport. It is made of the same lightweight EPS foam core and polyethylene outer skin. Like the others listed above, it is light enough to lift onto your roof rack without any help.
The Bic Sport ACE-TEC is available in three different sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits your body weight. Generally speaking, the shorter the board, the better it is for surfing, so keep that in mind if you intend to use it mostly in the ocean.
Available sizes are:
- 9’6 model for riders under 120 lbs
- 10’6 model for riders under 200 lbs
- 11’6 model for riders under 240 lbs
Overall, this is a good standup paddleboard for teens and adults at a very affordable price. It’s high quality and you can choose the best size for your body. All you have to do is buy a paddle and you’re ready to hit the water.
About Bic Sport ACE-TEC Cross Fit SUP
Compared to the other Bic Sport models listed above, you’ll notice that the design of the ACE-TEC Cross Fit is a little different. It doesn’t have that longboard surfboard design like the others. Instead, it focuses on being a great all rounder SUP. That makes it good for all types of paddling in different water conditions – including surfing, yoga and flat water cruising.
This one is a true ten footer at 10’0″ in length. It comes in at 33-inches wide and 4.75-inches thick. And it can support up to 220 pounds without sacrificing performance. One thing that you’ll notice when you take this Bic Sport model out is that it’s shape gives it a better glide and performance in the water. And if you wanna take stuff out on the water with you, then you’ll appreciate the six attachment points on the board.
One thing we want to point out about this one from Bic Sport is that it does have a price retail price than the other Bic Sport paddleboards listed above. And while it can definitely be used by beginners, it is probably a better choice for someone who has some paddling experience because the cost is higher than the other boards listed above. But, if you’re looking for some the highest quality and versatility, even as a beginner, then know that this SUP will last you a long time.
About Greco Surf 11-ft. The Ark SUP
Greco Surf emerged on the SUP scene in 2015 and their 11-footer The Ark board is a great option if you want a longer rigid SUP. And, it is one of the cheapest SUPs for the money right now.
Like the other SUPs listed up above, Greco Surf’s The Ark has an EPS foam core and nylon/fiberglass exterior. That means you get a lightweight paddleboard that is very durable and rigid. Though this one doesn’t have a lot of flashy colors or designs, it is a very high quality SUP that tracks well in lots of different water conditions.
An interesting feature of The Ark SUP is that it has built-in elastic tie-downs, which are great for things like your dry bag. It does come with a very nice high-end leash, but that’s the only accessory you get. So, be prepared to order your paddle separately. Also note that this one does have a three-fin setup.
This board is great for people of all ages. And it has a weight limit of up to 300 pounds. Greco Surf recommends no more than about 275 lbs for the best performance.
Read our full review of the Greco Surf THE ARK 11′ SUP.
About Tava 10’5″ SUP
This board from Tava is another new entry to the marketplace for 2015. Based on experience with their inflatable model, I expected this one to be good and I was correct. It is actually the same size and shape as their inflatable model, but I think that this rigid model actually performs better in the water!
The Tava SUP is an epoxy SUP that is great for beginners and seasoned SUPers. It is an all rounder paddleboard, which means that it performs well in all types of water conditions like waves and calm lakes. The design gives you a three-fit setup.
This Tava SUP is part of a package deal. It includes a basic plastic paddle. In all honesty, I would buy a different paddle because the quality of the one that is included isn’t that great. It’s fine but you can definitely get a better paddle.
The weight limit for the Tava standup paddleboard is 275 pounds and it is good for teens as well as adults.
About Surftech Balboa SUP
Surftech is another brand that is known for making high quality standup paddle boards. They actually have a lot of different models on the market right now, but we’ve selected the Balboa as a good board for those who want a great all arounder board for paddlers with a little experience out there.
The Balboa SUP is a little heavier than the models listed above thanks to its AST construction. Even though the construction is different, this is still a durable and rugged standup paddleboard that will last you for many years to come.
It does not come with a paddle or any other major accessories, but the Balboa does feature a leash plug at the tail end of the board. You can use the leash plug to secure things like your leash, your PFD or dock tether. So, it is a pretty nice feature to have on a paddle board.
This one is a very stable SUP in all types of water and it tracks well. Since it is so easy to handle and maneuver in the water, it is a good choice for beginners as well as those seasoned paddlers. However, I do want to point out that the price of the Balboa is a little more expensive than most of the SUPs on this page. That is partly because the difference in materials used in its construction.
About Bic Sport ACE-TEC Stand Up Paddle Board
If this one looks suspiciously similar to the Bic Sport ACE-TEC Original stand up paddle board that is listed up above, that is for a good reason. This is basically the old 2015 model of that board. So, as you might expect, they share pretty much identical features and specs.
The only real difference between this one and the new 2016 model is the color/design choices. It looks like you get bright colors with this model over the new one, so if that is important to you then go with this model.
Sizes, features and weight limits are all identical to the 2016 version of this board, so you can refer to that up above.
Since prices and discount vary, we recommend that you evaluate this 2015 model against the new 2016 model only on sale price. You can go with the cheapest model and have the exact same board.
Read our full review of the BIC Sport ACE-TEC Performer Stand Up Paddleboard 2016 model.
