Overview: Isle vs iRocker
Isle and iRocker, iRocker and Isle – say it fast enough and you’ve got one pretty great tongue twister! These two behemoth brands in the inflatable SUP industry are frequent recommendations for many paddlers for various uses. Both companies produce high-quality inflatable paddle boards that focus on both performance and usability, but there are some pretty significant differences between them as well.
Why We Like iRocker
iRocker is known for their feature-packed paddle boards that come in a huge variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. We’ve also known iRocker to be a brand that listens to its customers and industry professionals (like ourselves here at Inflatable Boarder and other high-quality reviewers) and uses that feedback to improve their products year over year. With regular development and innovation iRocker’s iSUPs continue to get better with each generation.
Why We Like Isle
Isle has been producing stand up paddle boards for a long time as one of the first major companies to begin producing SUPs in the mid 2000’s and inflatable SUPs in 2013. With over a decade of iSUP production under their belt, Isle hasn’t stopped experimenting and innovating. Their latest release might be one of the biggest technological leaps in the industry in the last 5 years – Infinity Fiber Stringers. We’ll get to that later. Isle’s iSUPs have traditionally held a very clean aesthetic and focused more on the casual cruising style of paddling with generally wider shapes.
— iRocker vs Isle 2024 Quick Compare —
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iRocker and Isle iSUPs Compared
Below we’ve organized and compared the various iSUP offerings from Isle and iRocker by most closely matching board sizes. This isn’t a perfect comparison, though. There are no perfect matches in size and shape between the two brands, and each brand has their own unique take on different styles of iSUP.
iRocker | Isle | |||
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Explorer Pro 14’
| 14’0” x 31” x 6” Touring MSRP: $1266* Check Best Price |
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Blackfin Model V | 12’6” x 32” x 6” Touring MSRP: $1215* Check Best Price | |||
Explorer Pro 12’
| 12’0” x 31.5” x 6” Touring MSRP: $1166* Check Best Price |
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Pioneer Pro 11’6”
| 11’6” x 36” x 6” Large All Around MSRP: $1266* Check Best Price |
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Switch 2-in-1
| 11’6” x 35.5” x 6” Large All Around/Kayak MSRP: $995 Check Best Price |
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Sportsman
| 11’6” x 36” x 6” Large All Around/Fishing MSRP: $945 Check Best Price |
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Blackfin Model XL
| 11’6” x 34” x 6” Large All Around / Fishing MSRP: $1215* Check Best Price | |||
Blackfin XL Ultra
| 11’6” x 34” x 6” Large Compact / Fishing MSRP: $1050 Check Best Price | |||
Explorer 2.0
| 11’6” x 32” x 6” Large All Around/Touring MSRP: $895 Check Best Price |
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Blackfin Model X
| 10’6” x 35” x 6” Large All Around / Fishing MSRP: $965 Check Best Price | Pioneer Pro 10’6”
| 11’6” x 34” x 6” Large All Around MSRP: $1166* Check Best Price |
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Pioneer 2.0
| 10’6” x 34” x 6” Cruiser All Around MSRP: $795 Check Best Price |
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Blackfin CX ULTRA
| 10’6” x 32.5” x 6” Compact / Fishing MSRP: $950 Check Best Price | |||
iRocker 11’ All Around ULTRA
| 11’0” x 32” x 6” Compact All Around MSRP: $800 Check Best Price | |||
iRocker CRUISER ULTRA
| 10’6” x 33” x 6” Compact All Around MSRP: $800 Check Best Price | |||
iRocker 10’ All Around ULTRA
| 10’0” x 32” x 6” Compact All Around MSRP: $700 Check Best Price | Pioneer Pro 9’6”
| 9’6” x 32” x 6” Small All Around/Kids/Kayak MSRP: $1066* Check Best Price |
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NAUTICAL 11'6"
| 11’6” x 32” x 6” Budget All Around MSRP: $570 Check Best Price | |||
NAUTICAL 10'6"
| 10’6” x 32” x 6” Budget All Around MSRP: $550 Check Best Price | |||
Nautical GO Ten Six
| 10’6” x 32” x 6” Budget Compact All Around MSRP: $515* Check Best Price | |||
Nautical GO Cruiser
| 10’6” x 34” x 6” Budget Compact All Around MSRP: $565* Check Best Price | |||
Nautical Kids
| 9’0” x 32” x 6” Kids MSRP: $450 Check Best Price | Grom
| 8’6” x 28” x 6” Large All Around MSRP: $595 Check Best Price |
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Megalodon 2.0
| 12’0” x 45” x 8” 15’ x 56” x 8” Multi Person MSRP: $1245/$1495 Check Best Price |
*Non-ULTRA Blackfin iSUPs, Nautical GO iSUPs, and Isle “Pro”-series iSUPs use a kit building feature to select your exact accessories, changing the price accordingly. These prices reflect a standard kit similar to the other iSUPs.
iSUP Constructions
Inflatable paddle boards all have three essential parts: a drop stitch fabric core, a PVC shell layer, and PVC seams and rails. However, there is a huge range of available materials to choose from for each of those parts and construction techniques to put them together.
iRocker iSUP Construction
iRocker uses a variety of different materials in their iSUP constructions for different sub-brands and models.
Blackfin iSUPs
The Blackfin series iSUPs by iRocker all have the stand-out feature of a carbon fiber fabric rail reinforcement. This fabric material is sandwiched against the board by an extra layer of PVC in order to increase durability in one of the highest-wearing areas of the board – the rail. The internal drop stitch core of the Blackfin boards is made with a traditional knitted fabric and V-pattern stitching between the deck and hull of the board. iRocker describes the total construction of the Blackfin boards as a triple-layer composite. This is the fabric base layer, plus a double layer of PVC material to make the shell. The top and bottom have a glued interior seam layer, an outer rail layer, and then the carbon fiber sandwich.
Ultra Series iSUPs
In 2022 iRocker began releasing their Ultra-series iSUPs. There are now 5 Ultra models including two Blackfin Ultra iSUPs. The Ultra series boards are most obviously identified by their ability to fold in half lengthwise so they can be folded into a transportation/storage backpack that’s nearly half the size of a regular iSUP bag. Less obvious to see is the big change to the internal structure with a woven fabric base layer on the deck and hull and X-pattern drop stitching between the layers. This makes the board significantly lighter without reducing rigidity.
Nautical Series iSUPs
The Nautical series offer a great inflatable SUP for paddlers on a budget. The internal core of the board is a standard knitted drop stitch material and the PVC shell is made of a single layer of highly durable PVC material. The rails still get two layers of PVC for additional protection and reinforcement strips of PVC over the rails’ edges.
Isle iSUP Construction
Isle has two primary constructions – AirTech Fusion and AirTech Fusion Light. In addition, the new Pro series iSUPs have additional construction elements to make them even more stiff and durable.
Isle AirTech Fusion & AirTech Fusion Light Construction
AirTech Fusion uses a knitted drop stitch fabric core and two layers of fusion PVC material to create Isle’s core line of iSUPs (the Pioneer 2.0, Explorer 2.0, and Sportsman). The two layers of PVC material are mechanically bonded together through heat and pressure, known as “fusion” construction, for a long-lasting and lightweight build. The seam between the deck and hull is sealed with a strip of glued PVC around the rail, and then reinforced with another layer of PVC.
AirTech Fusion Light switches things up by using a woven fabric base layer and X-pattern drop stitching to reduce weight and retain excellent rigidity. Rather than two layers of fusion PVC for the shell, the AirTech Fusion Light construction uses a single layer of reinforced PVC fused directly to the fabric layer. This adds even more weight savings without sacrificing performance.
Isle Pro Series Construction
In the spring of 2023, Isle released their Pro series iSUPs. These boards are designed for maximum rigidity and performance. They start with an AirTech Fusion Light body – same as above – but make two big changes. First, the inner rail layer is welded to the deck and hull rather than glued. Second, the Pro series iSUPs each get six stringers made of a mixture of fiberglass and a plastic matrix strategically placed to drastically increase board stiffness without interfering with the ability to deflate and roll the board or weigh it down. The new stringers do the job amazingly well, creating some of the most rigid iSUPs we have tested to date.
iSUP Features and Kits
Both iRocker and Isle offer a large variety of built-in and optional accessories and features for their iSUPs. Each brand’s own identity shines through with the different options available.
iRocker Features and Kits
iRocker focuses a lot of attention on providing built-in functionality to their boards. This means multiple cargo areas, built in passenger handles, extra D-rings, threaded accessory mounts, and more, all permanently affixed to the board. With this feature set you can use a variety of accessories and accessory mounting options available from iRocker.
The Ultra iSUPs are designed to be super compact when not in use by folding in half before rolling up for transportation and storage. The result is a complete iSUP package that fits into a back nearly half the size of a traditional iSUP backpack. These boards also include a five piece paddle that fits in the bag along with an electric pump. All together the packed board can easily fit between the front and rear seats of most cars.
The Blackfin series iSUPs are made with the SUP angler in mind and feature additional threaded mounting points as well as Scotty-style brackets for tackle racks and other fishing accessories.
All of iRocker’s iSUPs are available as complete packages, though the Blackfin iSUPs and new Nautical Go iSUPs are also available as board-and-fins only if you choose.
Isle Features and Kits
Isle’s iSUPs have a focus on wider, cruiser style, shapes for excellent stability, large open deck spaces, and customization regarding where your things can go on the board. The standard Isle iSUPs provide ample cargo storage and large, soft deck pads for comfort and grip whether you are standing, sitting, or laying down. The Isle Sportsman caters to the SUP angler with additional mounting points.
The Isle Switch and Isle Pro series iSUPs utilize the new Isle Link system of lash tabs along the sides of the board. Combined with the G-hook cargo straps and other accessories, the Isle Link system allows you to fully customize the location of cargo areas, kayak seats, and more along the full length of the board.
Accessories and Upgrades
Both Isle and iRocker offer a variety of optional accessories and upgrades, however by sheer volume iRocker offers far more optional accessories built to integrate specifically with their iSUPs.
Available for both brands are kayak seats, kayak paddles/kayak paddle conversion kits, electric pumps, fishing tackle organizers, dry bags, anchors, PFDs, and paddle upgrade options. iRocker offers a few more items like stand-alone rod holders, speakers, cup holders, and coolers.
Our Favorite iRocker and Isle iSUPs
Blackfin XL Ultra
The new Blackfin XL Ultra is a high performance iSUP that packs down into a surprisingly small package thanks to the split-fold board design. At 11’6” x 34” the XL Ultra is full-size with great stability, high weight capacity, rigid construction, and a full set of features for any adventure.
Isle Explorer Pro 12’
The Isle Explorer Pro 12’ is one of the best crossover All-Around/Touring iSUPs I’ve paddled so far. The ultra-rigid construction combined with the slightly longer and narrower shape make the Explorer Pro 12’ fast and efficient on the water, but the wide tail, parallel standing area, and stiffness keep it extremely stable. The Isle Link system lets you customize the board however you like and it paddles very well when converted to a kayak.
iRocker 11’ All Around Ultra
Don’t let the excellent set of all-around iSUP features on the iRocker 11’ Ultra fool you, this board can also get up and go. The lightweight, rigid construction accelerates quickly, and moves fast across the water with superb tracking. And when you’re done paddling for the day, the entire kit packs into a package small enough to fit on the floor behind the front seat of a car.
Isle Pioneer 2.0
The Pioneer 2.0 is a classic go-to cruiser recommendation for the paddler who wants a stable, clean platform for hanging around on the water, sharing a paddle with friends, family, or pets, and even some SUP yoga on occasion. The 34” width and wide tail make the board extremely stable, and the AirTech Fusion construction keeps it at a super reasonable weight.
Final Thoughts: iRocker vs Isle
iRocker and Isle are both fantastic brands that I’m glad we have in the Stand Up Paddle Board industry. They both consistently innovate and push the sport forward while still keeping the needs and desires of the core recreational user group at heart. I regularly recommend boards from both companies to readers depending on their specific needs. I would say that iRocker’s iSUPs take an edge over Isle when it comes to maximizing versatility of a single board, but Isle takes the edge when it comes to high-performance and kayak crossovers, particularly for larger paddlers or paddling with multiple people.
