So, which board do you prefer?

So ultimately if you have the storage the 14’ hardboard wins for overall experience on the water.  Definitely uses for air though.

Hm, now I have inflatable 14' long an 23" wide, and feel pretty stable on flat water, but when it becomes windy or cross waves from jetskies or fast boats I'll gonna get fall and swim or stay on my knees on SUP. If 14' hard board is more stable, that will gonna be my option, but at the same time I'd think that sea kayak is more versatile and I wanna try it in ocean (paddle board is unusefull in ocean)

What is the difference in price between the 2? My impression is that hard boards are also significantly more expensive.

definately looks like the inflatable has a tough time keeping the same top speed, which makes sense. the real question is if starboard's unlimited 18' x 27" starboard airline would help with the top speed matching closer the hardboard.

Great video.  This really shows that it would be wonderful to have a 14' hard board, BUT...storage, durability and the cost,  2.5 times that of an inflatable makes a hard board a challenging buy.  Don't forget the board bag too.  I have been anxiously awaiting this video to help me decide on my purchase.  I don't race, however I enjoy speed and efficiency, storing a 14' hard board is not an option for me, most of my paddling is on flat to light chop water, width is a variable, but as Ethan points out, an inflatable is simply going to require more width for stability.  This seals the deal for me ,  inflatable is a must in my situation.  PS...I have a 12-6 Hollow Carbon board, great board, but I need the new board at a different location and I definitely want more length, thus the "hard" decision to move from a hard board to an inflatable.  Lastly, it would seem when it comes to racing there should be a consideration for the two different types of boards and in turn have two different classes of racing, hard & inflatable.  Thanks again Ethan.

Hi Ethan, I just wanted to follow up and thank you again for all your great advice.  I did go with the Starboard Sprint 14x27 and the Black Project Tex Carbon medium paddle. I was able to get a number of paddles in and really found the Starboard to be enjoyable.  I am glad I went with the 27" width.  As you mentioned, the stability is good, but not like a rigid board where you tend to feel some platform as you start to reach a 10-20 degree roll angle.  With the inflatable, once I start to roll the board, I need to work on being more reactionary to correct the roll with my balance or I am going to get wet.  Your fin video was great, might consider the Black Project Ray for more stability, then the stock Starboard fin.  The board tracks very well and the speed seems good too.  With recording speed, what are you using, iPhone, gps, Strava, combo of, etc?  Thanks so much and Happy New Year.

Nice analysis. Here's mine on the subject.

I've been on a Red Paddle Co Elite 14x27 for several years and on the small lake I paddle that's about 3.7 miles around I typically wind up with anywhere between 4.9-5.2 Mph average speed depending on the wind. Although 5.2 was rare. My goal was alway at least 5.0.

I now have a Starboard Allstar 14x24.5 and my typical average is 5.4. Was hoping for a little faster and I may get there. Have only had it 2 weeks. But I'm clearly faster on the hard board.

Perhaps if they were both equal width it would be closer. Nonetheless I love the feel of the Allstar much better

Great and informative video.  I wonder how the performance test would go if you were on a 24.5" wide Starboard All Star Airline to make it more comparable to the 23" wide hard board?

Hi Ethan. I would like to ask you. If you inflate an inflatable board to 15 psi out of 15-18. How will the board behave against the wind? Will it sail? Does 3psi have a significant effect on the rigidity of the board for fast gliding through the water?

I prefer performance on hard hard but need the durability of inflatable. Had a full carbon hardboard, I did a lot of repair, so I choose inflatable.

I didn't watch the whole video because I kind of already made my decision about 5 minutes in based off the video + my previous experiences with both types. One thing not touched on is looking cool. Definitely look infinitely more cool on a hard board vs standing on a floating bag of air. Of course cool factor probably shouldn't be the primary concern but it is a definite positive for the hard board.

Hi Ethan! A 28 width for an inflatable would be better, right?

Same board comparison with different paddles - Cheap V Premium?