The materials used to manufacture paddleboards are typically categorized into three types:
Regular material, Reinforced material and Double Layer.
Regular Material:
Also known as single-layer PVC drop stitch fabric, it consists of PVC coated mesh and drop stitch construction. The PVC thickness is typically 1.1mm (0.0433 inches), and the overall weight of the drop stitch fabric is approximately 2.7 kg/㎡ (0.553 lb/ft²). Stand up sup paddle board made from standard grade material weigh around 8 kg (approximately 17.64 lb). These boards can generally withstand a maximum air pressure of up to 15 PSI.
For beginners or casual users who seek to experience the joy of inflatable paddle boarding without a strong emphasis on speed and performance, opting for paddle boards constructed with single-layer drop stitch fabric is a suitable choice. They are lightweight, cost-effective, easy to maneuver, and suitable for calm water environments.
Reinforced Material:
The formal name is Monocoque Structural Laminate (MSL), and it is also composed of PVC coated mesh and drop stitch construction. Its PVC thickness is approximately 1.3mm (0.0512 inches), and it features a denser arrangement of drop stitch threads, resulting in a fabric weight of around 3.1 kg/㎡ (0.635 lb/ft²). The thicker PVC can withstand greater lateral forces, and the denser drop stitch arrangement enables the paddle board to handle increased longitudinal forces. This characteristic allows paddle boards made with reinforced material to typically withstand air pressures of 20 PSI or higher.
Double Layer material.
In addition to Standard and Reinforced materials, there is another type of material designed for more challenging water environments is Double Layer material that adding an extra layer of PVC on top of the regular material. Its PVC layer thickness is approximately 2.1mm (0.0827 inches), and it also has a weight of around 3.6 kg/㎡ (0.738 lb/ft²), which is 35% heavier than the Standard material.
The double-layer design enhances the board's resistance to abrasion, making it more resilient when facing rocks and branches. This design equips the board to handle complex water conditions with ease, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced paddlers.
Comparison Table:
Type |
Features |
Suitable Waters |
Suitable Users |
Regular |
Affordable, Lightweight, Easy to Control |
Calm Waters |
Beginners, Recreational Players |
Reinforced |
Moderate Price, Moderate Weight, Easy to Control |
Most Waters |
All Types of Players |
Double Layer drop stitch fabric |
High Strength, Stable |
All Waters |
Intermediate to Advanced Players |
Summary of Target Audience:
Each type of material has its own advantages, catering to different target audiences.
- Audience for Regular Material
Regular Material is suitable for beginners or recreational players who prioritize fun over speed and performance. It offers an easy entry point to experience the joy of inflatable paddle boards. It is recommended for use in calm waters.
- Audience for Reinforced Material
Reinforced Material is ideal for versatile enthusiasts looking to participate in a variety of activities across diverse water environments. For instance, if a customer is interested in a yoga paddle board or a fishing paddle board, a reinforced material SUP would be an excellent choice. This option offers a balanced combination of increased strength, moderate weight, and affordability.
- Audience for Double Layer Material
Double Layer Material is ideal for intermediate to advanced players seeking enhanced strength and stability. It is designed to tackle more complex water conditions.
Here is Marcello Sports. If you're looking to custom paddle boards based on your customer demographics or need to wholesale SUP paddle board, please feel free to contact us anytime.