Fbsport Paddle Board Review – Is The Viral Lightning SUP Good In 2024?
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If you’ve spent any time at a beach or lake then you’ve probably seen a Fbsport paddle board! And the reason for this, is because recently they went viral and have been selling thousands of sups all around the world.
That’s why – in this article I will be going through specs and features of the Fbsport inflatable paddle board and then doing a detailed review to see if this sup is worth the hype.
Let’s get into it.
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Table Of Contents
Fbsport Lightning Paddle Board: Summary Of Results
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
| PROS | CONS |
| – Great price and value for what you get. – Because of the extra width it is extremely stable and easy to use even for beginners. – The performance is high – it’s easy to turn, quite speedy on the water and fun to use. – It has a nice rocker that lets you cut through chop and use it in any body of water. – The SUP is built well and you can see there was care in the construction. | – The accessories aren’t extremely high quality. – I’m not in love with the simple appearance. |
What Were The Downsides?
Before we talk about the downsides of this paddle board, it’s important to talk about the positioning in the market.
This is classified as an entry-level beginner to intermediate SUP.
With that being said, we found that the paddle board was great, but the accessories were left a little bit wanting.
- The paddle is heavy because they used aluminum to cut costs
- The pump is alright but it makes it harder than it should be to inflate.
But these are pretty much expected for the price that this board is listed at.
It comes with a full set of accessories at a great price, so in my opinion the lower-tier accessories weren’t a deal breaker.
Let’s get into the detailed specs of the Fbsport Lightning paddle board.
Detailed Specs
Here are all the detailed specs that you need to know about the board:
| Length | 11′ |
| Width | 33″ |
| Thickness | 6″ |
| Weight | 28 LBS |
| Max Weight Capacity | 350 LBS |
| Recommended Inflation | 12-15 PSI |
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How We Tested The Fbsport Paddle Board
Recently we took the inflatable Fbsport paddle board out onto a lake and river so that we could get an understanding of how it performed in both calm water and mildly strong river currents.
This gave us a nice idea of how it would perform in different conditions.
Generally we focussed on answering these questions with the review:
1 – Is It Easy To Use?
3 – How Does It Function In Different Conditions?
So keep reading as we answer these questions one-by-one.
Fbsport Lightning 11′: Detailed Review
Is The Fbsport Paddle Board Easy To Use?
This paddle board is designed to be versatile, letting you try a bit of everything, and I think Fbsport nailed it.
Any new paddle board feels a bit unsteady at first, but I felt really comfortable on this one after just a minute.
When you inflate it to 15 PSI, the board becomes super stiff with almost no flex. I weight about 90 kg (198 lbs) and the board barely flexed at all when in use.
Not to mention, the fact that they have a width of 33″ makes it really stable (most sups are 32″)
| 💡 This makes this paddle board stable and easy to get going on even if you’re a complete beginner. |
Fbsport really nailed it when it comes to designing a board that is easy to use for everyone. It is also something that you could grow with as you get better at paddle boarding.
How Does It Function In Different Conditions?
Like I mentioned before, we took the sup into a big lake that also joins onto a river so that we could get an idea of how it works in different conditions.
This paddle board worked great in different conditions. It’s pretty easy to maneuver, even with the additional 1 inch that they’ve added to the width. It takes a few strokes on each side of the sup to turn it.
It also tracks well. The tri-fin set up made it easy to paddle against the river current. The board stayed on course, and overall, I couldn’t have asked for more.
Our advice: this paddleboard is best for flatwater use. It can handle the sea, but if you’re interested in surfing, you might want to check out the Boardworks Versa.
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Other Specs:
Let’s get into the construction, board materials and accessories.
Materials
The Fbsport lightning paddle board is made using high-quality PVC and enhanced with a high-density wiring drawing material that makes the board light and durable.
It’s lightweight and easy to lift up over your head to carry it wherever you want to go.
You can also see that there was effort in the construction which I appreciated. They included a diamond ridged EVA deck pad that covers enough of the board that it’s easy to move around while being practical. And it also is extremely non-slip and cushy so you can stand or kneel on it if you get tired.
Board Design & Shape
Like I said before, the Fbsport paddle board is an all-around board that is most suited for flatter water conditions. But this does NOT mean that it doesn’t function well in the sea or rivers.
The board has a slight rocker in the nose, which helps to cut through small chop and waves – but it won’t be enough rocker if you are looking to surf down a steep wave. If you’re looking to do that then you’ll need to put a lot of weight onto the back of the board and hone your technique.
For navigating a river or lake, this board works perfectly. It has a semi-rounded nose, which is a nice balance between the sharp nose of a surfboard and the rounded nose of a yoga paddle board. This middle-ground design is typical for all-around paddle boards.
The construction quality is top-notch. It’s clear they paid a lot of attention to the shape and design of the board. This isn’t just some big company churning out low-quality stuff; you can tell it was designed with paddlers in mind, and I really appreciate that.
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Other Features:
You can see a summary of all the key features of the Fbsport paddle board below:
Image taken from fb-sport.com
Fins
The Fbsport paddle board has a tri-fin set up that fits nicely into a US universal fin box. It is really easy to use and doesn’t require any tools. You just slot it into the groove and then screw it in with your fingers and it works nicely.
I love that they went with the universal fin option because if you lose your fin then you can easily just go to any surf store or order another one online without all the hassle that comes with other fin models.
I also like that they went with a tri-fin set up because it makes it much easier to hold a straight line (track) while paddling in water with currents.
Traction Pad
The traction pad is made from thick, durable EVA foam that’s really soft and comfortable.
We also love how it covers a large part of the board, giving you plenty of space to move around without slipping.
The deckpad is soft enough that you can sit or kneel on the board comfortably for a long time.
Handles
The board comes with 1 handle in the center that is made of a high quality fabric that is thick and easy to hold.
D-Rings
The board includes 11 different D-rings that you can use to attach various things like extra bungees, water bottles, coolers, etc.
Bungees
The Fbsport Lightning has a 6-point front bungee that gives you plenty of room to store things like your sandles, paddles, hats and whatever else you have with you. I really like how much storage space they provided with this board.
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Fbsport Paddle Board Accessories
The Fbsport inflatable sup comes with the following accessories.
- 1x Lightning 11′ Inflatable Paddle Board
- 1x Paddle
- 1x Fbsport Paddle Board Pump
- 1x Backpack
- 1x Carrying Shoulder Strap
- 1x Ankle Leash
- 1x Repair Kit
I really like that its a full set of accessories that will get you out onto the water fast. As mentioned before the accessories aren’t the highlight of this paddle board but I’m glad that they included everything so that you don’t have to shop around.
| Here are my favorite paddle boarding accessories if you want to replace some: The 23 Best Paddleboard Accessories That You Need In 2024 |
Conclusion
So, is the Fbsport Lightning Paddle Board worth the hype in 2024? Absolutely. It’s versatile, easy to use, and built with quality materials. While the accessories might not be top-notch, they’re sufficient to get you started. The board itself offers great stability and performance, making it a fantastic choice for beginners and intermediate paddlers.
Whether you’re navigating a calm lake, a river, or even the sea, this board performs well in various conditions. With its thoughtful design and solid construction, it’s clear that Fbsport has put a lot of effort into creating a reliable and enjoyable paddle board.
If you’re looking for a paddle board that offers great value for money and a smooth paddling experience, the Fbsport Lightning is definitely worth considering.
| Check Best Price ➡️ Amazon |
Summary Of The Findings:
| Category | Our Findings |
| Versatility | The SUP was versatile, it handled a river with a strong current really easily and it was completely manageable. (8/10) |
| Construction | It is lightweight and has a good quality of construction, there was a high level of rigidity even when we tried to flex the board. (8/10) |
| Stability | This is the boards major highlight for me – Because of the extra inch of width they added, the board is very stable and easy to use. (9/10) |
| Appearance | I didn’t love the design, but other people like it so its a personal preference. A benefit is that its bright and easy to see on the water. (7.5/10) |
| Performance | This is an all-around paddle board that is designed to give you a ‘little bit of everything’ and I think that it truly achieves this. There’s not much more you can ask for from a paddle board (8.5/10) |
| Looking for insider guides to some amazing paddle boarding locations? Check the Paddleboard Insiders Location Guides |
FAQs
How many years will a paddle board last?
A paddle board can last anywhere from 3 to 5 years with proper care (1). High-quality boards, like those made with durable materials, can last even longer. Make sure to rinse it off after use, store it properly, and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for extended periods.
Do cheap paddle boards work?
Yes, cheap paddle boards can work, but they often come with some trade-offs. They might not be as durable or perform as well as higher-end boards. If you’re a beginner or just planning to use it occasionally, a cheaper board can be a good starting point.
Is it better to paddleboard with one fin or three?
It depends on what you’re looking to do. A single fin is great for straight-line paddling and flat water. Three fins (a tri-fin setup) offer better stability and maneuverability, especially in choppy water or waves. For general use, a tri-fin setup is often preferred.
How do I know if my paddle board is good
A good paddle board will feel stable and comfortable when you’re on it. It should be made of durable materials and have a solid construction. Check for a sturdy deck pad, quality handles, and reliable fin setups. If it performs well in various conditions and feels right for your skill level, it’s a good board.
Is an inflatable paddle board worth it?
Yes, inflatable paddle boards are worth it for many people. They are portable, easy to store, and surprisingly durable. Modern inflatables can be very rigid and perform almost as well as hard boards. They’re a great option if you don’t have a lot of storage space or want to take your board on the go.
References:
1 – Matthew Solan, Try this: All aboard for paddleboarding, taken from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/try-this-all-aboard-for-paddleboarding
