Review of the Starboard iGO Double Chamber Deluxe 11’2″ Inflatable Paddle Board
PROS
| 👍 Top Of The Line Brand |
| 👍 Well Constructed |
| 👍 Deluxe Double Chamber Technology |
| 👍 Welded Seams |
| 👍 Carbon Reinforced Rails |
| 👍 Woven Drop Stitch Technology |
| 👍 Stable |
| 👍 Balanced performance |
| 👍 Two grab handles |
| 👍 Front Bungee System |
| 👍 Carry Strap |
| 👍 Top Quality Accessory Package |
CONS
| ❌ Package does not include paddle |
| ❌ Expensive. Still a great paddle. This is one of the very best all-around paddle boards you can buy. |
| ❌ Like every all-around it's not fast |
Read: How to choose a paddle board paddle
My Overall Rating:
(9 / 10)
Starboard iGO Deluxe Double Chamber
Specs
- Length: 11’2″
- Width: 32″
- Thickness: 6″
- Weight: 23.5 lbs
- Max Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years with product registration
My Viewpoint
The Starboard iGO Deluxe DC is one of the best all around inflatable paddle boards you can buy.
It offers balanced performance with decent glide, stability and handling. It glides well on flat-water and can still be used to surf small shorebreak. The construction and materials are top quality. This board should last a long time and is a good value.
Starboard (along with Red Paddle Co.) is one of the most innovative paddle board brands on the market. They help push the edge of iSUP technology.
What you notice when looking at their boards is the attention to detail you only find in the best. Their inflatables use fusion technology for a lighter, stronger, cleaner construction.
These are good looking paddle boards. You won’t find irregularities to the pvc or excess glue you often find in cheaper inflatables.
In the water you notice the iGO Deluxe DC has a different “feel”. There is a better connection to the water. With cheap boards you may feel like you’re riding a cork.
Riding enough hard paddle boards you eventually begin to understand the difference in a quality inflatable. Quality inflatable paddle boards like the iGO Deluxe approach an authentic hard paddle board ride.
Starboard has a wide range of inflatable paddle boards from Race, Touring, All-Around, Surf, Yoga, Whitewater and even paddle boards that convert into windsurfers. Starboard has five All-Around inflatable paddle board models including the Blend Deluxe.
For me too many options become confusing. I have chosen the iGO Deluxe 11’2″ as the All-Around model that appeals to most recreational paddlers. In fact the iGO Deluxe is one of Starboards best selling models.
The iGO Deluxe offers a great combination of stability and glide. It is the ideal inflatable paddle board for flat-water shoreline exploration and cruising fun.
Significant Features
D-rings
Four D-rings on the nose with a cargo bungee net.
There is a D-ring for towing on the tip of the nose.
Carry handles
There is a carry handle on the center of the deck pad. Plus one on the tail of the board for pulling the board in and out of the water.
Deck pad
Comfortable and grippy 3mm crocodile skin square grooved deck pad on the standing area. With a small 4mm diamond grooved pad on the tail.
Fins
Starboard gave the IGO Deluxe one long 9″ touring center fin and no side fins. This is a common set up with touring boards for better glide and tracking. The fin was made by FCS who are a well known surfboard fin designer and manufacturer. The fin snaps in and out easily. It requires no tools or screws.
Safety & Extra Stiffness Double Air Chamber
A unique and innovative feature, the Blend Deluxe has two air chambers. The smaller extra air chamber is located in the center of the board and runs from the carry handle to the front cargo area.
If your inflatable paddle board sprung a leak in the water you could paddle into shore with the flotation of the small extra chamber. Now I have never heard of an iSUP springing a leak like that. Inflatable paddle boards like the Starboard are extremely durable and I think the odds of your paddle board deflating in the water are zero, unless a shark bites your board. Anyway it sounds good and extra safety measures are always appreciated.
The extra air chamber does add stiffness to the board for better performance. The “I-beams” that separate the chambers are like surfboard stringers adding strength and reducing flex. Starboard placed the extra chamber in the perfect location to reduce flex when paddling. Adding more rigidity to an inflatable paddle board always makes it perform better. Not only do these double “I-beams” improve performance they give the Blend Deluxe a more authentic hard paddle board “feel” when paddling.
Construction
Starboard uses a glue-less fusion technology to fuse the top and bottom layers of pvc together. This forms a lighter and stronger bond.
A 3k carbon fiber rail band is added to the sides of the Blend Deluxe for more stiffness without adding weight.
Along with the extra air chamber more hull stiffness is added with the use of quality high-density dropstitching. All top quality inflatable paddle boards are now using the best reinforced dropstitching within the hull core.
The result of constructing a stronger board is that it can be inflated to a higher psi. In the case of the Blend Deluxe you can inflate it to 18 psi compared to the standard 15 psi. The higher the air pressure the stiffer the board.
Accessory package
The Starboard Deluxe has great accessories. My only complaint is that a paddle is not included.
The V8 double action pump makes inflating your board quicker and easier than ever. I like the removable base/foot pad that helps with the paddling effort. The pump and intake valve of both top of the line.
The Starboard carry bag is one of my favorite bags and among the very best. You need to feel the material Starboard uses to appreciate this bag. This is a well designed and constructed travel bag. It feels solid and durable yet lightweight. It converts into a backpack with shoulder straps and a waist belt. It is very comfortable and could be used as hiking backpack. It has wheels for airport use. This is a good looking bag you can use for serious travel.
Value
The iGO Deluxe is a great value in an inflatable paddle board. While not cheap Starboard paddle boards are among the best in the industry. They perform well in the water. The design and construction are top notch. You see the attention to detail, Starboard does everything right from beginning to end. Starboard paddle boards are durable and should keep a paddler happy for many years.
Performance
Stability 
(8.5 / 10)
(8.5 / 10)Glide (8 / 10)
(8 / 10)Maneuverability (8 / 10)
Surf (6 / 10)
(6 / 10)Construction (9.5 / 10)
(9.5 / 10)Value (8.5 / 10)
Stability
The iGO Deluxe is stable enough for a beginner to learn on. With 32″ of width and a 9″ center fin the board remains stable even when riding over chop or small surf.
Glide
The iGO Deluxe glides and tracks very well and is the boards strongest asset. The streamlined shape and fin set up remind me of a touring board. While this is not the fastest board on the water, unless speed is a priority you will be happy with the speed of the Blend. This board is ideal for flat-water cruising.
Maneuverability
The iGO Deluxe maneuvers well for an all-around inflatable paddle board. While handling is not its strongest point it feels responsive. It turns well and feels stable in both flat-water and chop.
Best Application
The iGO Deluxe is ideal for flat-water cruising and shoreline exploration. It is decent at everything and can be used by a wide variety of paddlers and all water conditions. You can take the Blend Deluxe out for a flat-water cruise and surf small shore-break. It is stable enough for practicing yoga. It would be great for an intense fitness paddle. This is one the best all around inflatable paddle boards on the market.
