If you’re acquainted with the iRocker brand, you’re probably aware that the Blackfin range is a luxury version of many of the boards they regularly provide, similar to how Lexus and Toyota work together.
When it comes to the Blackfin series, however, Blackfin model V is truly unique. Therefore we are going to discuss everything about in Blackfin Model V Review.
If you’re familiar with the iRocker brand, you’re probably aware that the Blackfin lineup is a luxury version of many of the boards they regularly provide, similar to how Lexus and Toyota work together. But when it comes to the iRocker, the Blackfin model V is truly unique.
Explore iRocker Blackfin Model V Review
The sport is the closest equivalent iRocker model to this, albeit it is a full foot and a half shorter and slightly thinner than the model V Anna. Regardless, all boards have the same general shape and are designed for the same purpose: speed. The Model V, on the other hand, is much more tailored toward a serious paddleboarder looking for serious performance.
Of course, because this is a luxury board, it is not inexpensive. So, the true question is whether the price is justified. We’ll answer that question in our review of the iRockerBlackfin Model V by looking at the board as a whole and deciding whether we’d pay the top price for it.
Read our full and In-depth iROCKER Blackfin Model XL Review 2024.
Performance
The Blackfin Model V is unquestionably designed for speed. Its entire profile is geared towards accelerating velocity. There are no complaints in that category, and it would take a brick wall to stop you once you get up to full speed on the water.
However, when you reach such a high speed, maneuverability can become a problem. At slower speeds, you don’t notice it as much, but it becomes more evident as you accelerate. The three fins setup, on the other hand, comes in handy for making it as maneuverable as possible. We don’t consider this a defect in the board’s design because it’s exactly what we’d expect from a board created by a professional for the sake of speed
Despite the fact that it has a very thin profile, it feels much more sturdy than you may expect. All things considered, this is perhaps the most stable of its dimensions on the market right now. Despite being quite long and thin, it feels robust and bends very little.
iROCKER Blackfin Model V is the least suitable for any type of surfing of all the boards in the Blackfin lineup (and the iRocker lineup in general). It can handle moderate choppy water, but if you try to use it for surfing, the nose would sink directly into the water. When the nose goes under, the wave can launch you from behind and ruin your connection with it for the sake of
When it comes to the board’s performance, the most remarkable feature is what iRocker wants you to accomplish with it. The firm has put a lot of emphasis on the fishing part of the blackfin series, which we’ll speak about more when we get into the features of the board. Indeed, it has all of the mounts of its sister boards and can connect a considerable number of fishing-specific gear to the deck, however fishing on this model would be considerably more difficult than on the other BlackfiniSUPs.
We didn’t undertake any fishing testing on this board, but most people would find it a little more difficult to use in general, let alone while attempting to catch fish off the side. Even so, we expect people with prior expertise with this type of vehicle to find the Model V to be a great way to show off all of their hard-won talents.
Features
Model V, like all previous Blackfin models, has an abundance of features and is a product of the last two years, when the trend has been to maximize the possible use of iSUPs.
When it comes to D-rings, iRocker never disappoints. Model V features 20 D-rings strewn around the board. Some of these have a specific purpose (for example, the four D-rings and deck pad made for a kayak seat), while others allow you to use them to attach goods, get towed behind a boat, or dock at a port.
They included a single D-ring underneath the nose, which we really like. For most people, this may not seem like a significant aspect, but we’ve got enough practice bringing forwards to shore with a rope. The absolute greatest location for this function is behind the nose, and we’re not sure why more manufacturers don’t include one.
The model V has the normal three grab handles found on most iRock models: one on the front, one on the back, and one on the nose of the board. This allows for optimum portability because you can easily carry the board along the shore and in the water because you have several methods to grab onto it, including the option to lift the fins to avoid damaging them if you’re dragging your ice up the beach.
Bungie storage sections at the front and back not only provide ample storage space for your belongings but also provide an extra handhold. Yes, we understand that these bungees aren’t supposed to be used as a grab point and aren’t made for it, but when you’re out on the water, you might need a quick location to grasp on to pull yourself on board, especially if you notice a large wave coming your way. Having these strengthened sheaths to grip provides you the confidence to grab without fear of injuring yourself.
As previously said, there are a plethora of action mounts scattered throughout the deck, totaling up to eight. These are versatile and can be used to attach cameras, cellphones, GPS units, and even cupholders! There are also two fishing rack attachment points, allowing you to get even more use out of this iSUP. If that wasn’t enough, there’s also a sand spear attachment that lets you anchor in shallow waters or on sandbars.
Board Design
This isn’t what we’d call an all-around board because it’s primarily geared for speed and touring. However, it’s clear that the developers at iRocker did more than just create a water bullet.
The rails are strengthened with carbon fiber, just like the other Blackfin boards, making the board even more sturdy when completely inflated. Plus, if you’re going by docs that might have barnacles or oyster shells that would ordinarily rip other iSUPs to tears, it gives you a little extra confidence. Because mobility is occasionally a challenge with this board, it gives you more confidence if you unintentionally slam the board against a pier or seawall.
One small criticism we have about this board is that it has fewer color selections than the other black fan boards. While the Model X and XL have six different color options, the Model V only has three. This is usually the case when a model is produced in fewer quantities than others. Obviously, more popular models will have more color possibilities because they will be produced in greater numbers. It’s understandable that there are only three color selections because this is a niche product compared to its sibling boards.
The deck pad is perhaps the most noticeable change this year. The Model V, more than the other models in the range, benefits from the alteration in the deck pad. There is a piece of softer foam padding with various channels that allows water to collect and swiftly drain. There is a tiny area in front of the back bungees that allows you to stand in one location for more traction.
When you’re attempting to move quickly on the water and there’s splashing all around you, this extra traction comes in handy. Furthermore, the positioning is great for putting more stress on the rear and moving the nose higher in the air. Other models with a more severe version of this have been observed, although those are mostly for racing iSUPs. While the Model V can surely be used for racing, it serves other uses as well.
One of the reasons we like this company’s iSUPs is the three fins configuration. It’s not only more maneuverable, but it’s also easier to set up and transport because all three fins are removable.
Plus, if you find yourself in very shallow water, you may discover that having the fins is a burden, so having the option to remove one or more is a fantastic thing to have.
Construction
When it comes to the more expensive inflatable paddle boards, there is always controversy regarding whether three or four layers of material are required. On the one hand, having four layers gives you the strongest construction, but it comes at the expense of a large amount of weight and performance loss when compared to a triple-layer construction. Four layers, in our opinion, feel more sturdy, but we’ve never noticed any further advantages over a triple-layer structure.
As a result, the 2021 Blackfin models from iRocker continue to use triple-layer construction. With the exception of the most discerning clients, there is likely no discernible difference between it and a four-layered iSUP. Given the weight of this board, we believe that adding another layer would be counterproductive. After all, the weight of this board is pushing many paddlers to their limits. Even so, having a board of this size and weight has its benefits. It can, for example, support a whopping 485 pounds of weight. Most riders are unlikely to weigh that much, but it does mean that you can bring on another person and stuff without fear of falling into the water or tipping over.
Included Accessories
As you’d expect from a board that prides itself on its high-end appearance, the accessories department is well-stocked. You can expect the following right out of the box:
- 1 x Carbon Matte Shaft with Nylon Blade 3-Piece Travel Paddle (An upgrade from the carbon blend shaft used in the previous years)
- 1 x Hand Pump with Dual Chambers and Triple Action
- 1 x 10′ leash with key keeper
- 1 x Roller Backpack for Travel
- 3 x Nylon SUP Fins (removable) (1 Center and 2 Side Fins)
- 1 x Kit for Repair (Patches and Valve Wrench)
Our Take
After all is said and done, we have a complicated recommendation for this board. Is this a high-end board? Yes. Is the high cost justified? Yes, but only if you intend to use the board’s built-in functions.
When it comes to these specialty boards, we believe it is not worth it for most individuals because they will find them to be too challenging. Because of its proportions, the Model V requires more balancing, as well as a little more strength due to its overall weight.
If you’ve been using paddleboards for a while and are looking for something to push you to the next level (especially in terms of speed), we’d definitely recommend this board if it’s within your budget.
This is not the paddleboard to start with if you have never used one before. There are many boards on the market that are used for speed and cost almost twice as much as the Model V. That said, when you consider what you receive with this board, this is a great deal.
If you’re an experienced paddleboarder who feels constrained by standard board designs, the 2021 iRocker Blackfin Model V is the board for you.
