The core construction of the Blackfin Model XL remains largely the same, which is a good thing. The board continues to feature the highly durable triple-layer composite PVC, carbon-fiber reinforced rails, and the knitted linear drop-stitch inner core that has been hallmarks of its superior performance.

These materials ensure the board maintains its rigidity, durability, and overall reliability, providing the same top-tier experience that users expect from the Blackfin series.

One of the most significant updates for the 2024 model is the redesigned front bungee system. The new system now includes two separate bungees that can be easily removed, offering greater flexibility for customization.

This update allows you to tailor the board to your specific needs, whether you need extra space for gear or want a cleaner deck. This added versatility is a welcome improvement, especially for paddlers who require different storage options depending on their activities, such as fishing, touring, or carrying camping gear.

While the internal construction has remained unchanged, iRocker has introduced new design elements and colourway options to give the 2024 Blackfin Model XL a refreshed, modern look.

These updates enhance the board’s aesthetic appeal and allow paddlers to choose a design that matches their personal style. The new colours provide a contemporary feel, making the board functional and visually appealing on the water.

The Blackfin Model XL is known for its stability, making it an excellent choice for beginners, larger paddlers, and those who want to carry extra gear. At 11'6" long and 34" wide, this board offers a high volume and a stable platform, making it one of the most stable iSUPs on the market.

The board's wide shape, which extends from the nose to the tail, contributes to its stability. Even though the nose is slightly tapered and the tail is squared off to improve speed, these design elements do not compromise the board's overall stability.

The Blackfin Model XL is so stable that it's perfect for paddlers above 6'5" and 250 lbs. Our team, including paddlers over 6'2" and 225 lbs, found the board incredibly stable and enjoyable to paddle.

The 2024 model also benefits from improved construction, which has made the board even more rigid. This increased rigidity helps maintain the board's shape under load, further enhancing its stability. Whether you're paddling solo, with a child, or with a pet, you can trust the Blackfin Model XL to provide a stable and secure ride.

One of the surprises of the Blackfin Model XL is its speed. Despite being a large and wide board, it performs admirably in speed tests. During our top speed test, we reached a sprint speed of 5.2 MPH, which is impressive for a board of this size. The board maintained an average speed of 3.6 MPH in our cruising speed test.

The board's speed can be attributed to its tapered nose and squared-off tail, which allow it to cut through the water more efficiently. While the Blackfin Model XL isn't designed for high-speed touring or racing, it's still a fun board to paddle. If you're looking for an iSUP that offers a good balance of speed and stability, the Blackfin Model XL should be at the top of your list.

Tracking refers to how well a paddleboard maintains a straight line when paddling. The Blackfin Model XL features a tri-fin setup with snap-lock fins, which helps it track well in the water. While the 34" width of the board means you might have to adjust your paddling technique slightly, the overall tracking is solid.

During our tests, we found that the Blackfin Model XL required about 6-7 paddle strokes on each side before switching sides. This is impressive for a board of this width and length.

 For beginners, the tri-fin setup combined with the board's length makes it easy to keep the board straight while building paddling skills. Experienced paddlers will appreciate the board's reliable tracking and minimal need for correction.

Maneuverability is often a trade-off with stability and tracking, but the Blackfin Model XL strikes a good balance. The board is 11'6" long and 34" wide, so it's not the most maneuverable iSUP, but it still performs well in this category.

We tested the board's maneuverability by performing reverse sweep strokes. It took about 4.5-5 strokes to complete a full 360-degree turn, which is a decent result for a board of this size.

Additionally, the board is stable enough to allow for step-back turns, which involve shifting your weight to the back to lift the nose out of the water and spin more quickly. While the Blackfin Model XL lacks a raised kick pad for added comfort during these turns, it's still a good board for beginners to learn on.

Crafted with a premium selection of materials, the Blackfin Model XL incorporates a triple-layer composite PVC, carbon-fiber reinforced rails, and a knitted drop-stitch inner core. This combination ensures the board is durable and highly rigid, maintaining its structure even under challenging conditions. Using carbon-fiber rails significantly increases the board's strength, allowing it to withstand the wear and tear of frequent use.

A notable aspect of the Blackfin Model XL is its meticulous attention to detail in construction. iRocker, the brand behind the Blackfin series, has slowed down its production process to ensure precision and higher quality.

By taking their time during the manufacturing phase, they have significantly improved the board's overall build. The result is straighter rails, better-reinforced seams, and an overall increase in the board's durability. These enhancements ensure that the Model XL remains reliable, even after extensive use.

One thing to also note is that unlike the best inflatable paddle boards with kayak seat conversion kits, this one doesn't come with one so you will need to buy that on top.

Stiffness plays a critical role in the performance of an inflatable paddle board. A stiffer board provides greater stability and control, especially when carrying a heavier load or navigating choppy waters.

During a bend test, the Blackfin Model XL demonstrated impressive rigidity, bending only ¾ of an inch at its recommended 16 PSI. This is a 20% improvement over earlier models, making it one of the stiffest boards available.

This increased stiffness can be attributed to the decision to reduce the gap between PVC's top and bottom layers along the rails. This innovation has significantly enhanced the board's structural integrity, ensuring it remains firm and stable.

With its top-tier materials, precise construction, and improved stiffness, the Blackfin Model XL is built to last and perform exceptionally well in various water conditions. 

Whether you're an experienced paddler or a beginner, this board delivers reliability and durability for long-term use. We inflated this using our Airbank Puffer Pro air pump which inflated it in under 10 minutes. If you need to inflate multiple boards at once, then you might want to look at the Topump TPS300 which lets you inflate almost 4 boards on one charge.

The Blackfin Model XL's stability makes it an excellent choice for beginners just starting with paddleboarding. The board's wide and stable platform will give new paddlers the confidence to get out on the water and start having fun.

If you're taller than 6' and weigh over 200 lbs, the Blackfin Model XL is one of the best boards you can choose. Its high weight capacity and stable design make it perfect for larger paddlers who want a board that can handle their size without compromising performance.

The Blackfin Model XL is a great board for families who want to paddle together. Its large size and high weight capacity allow it to easily accommodate a child or pet and all the gear needed for a day on the water. Even the best family paddle board for large groups can't always have the best tracking but this Blackfin Model XL has done a great job of it.

The Blackfin Model XL is a fantastic choice if you enjoy SUP fishing. Some people prefer the best inflatable kayaks as a fishing option but with this board's stability and ample space, carrying all your fishing gear becomes easy, and the tri-fin setup provides good tracking for your paddling to your favourite fishing spot.