Jimmy Styks Puffer Inflatable Paddle Board Review

Standing out as one of the cleanest boards, the Jimmy Styks puffer definitely seems to be a promising opportunity for anyone who wants to take their hobby to the next level.

As far as the brand goes, Jimmy Styks doesn’t necessarily compete with the big guys on the market but that was never an essential criteria to make a solid product. However, the manufacturer doesn’t seem to be making any compromises as it delivers a relatively new product at the same price rage as the ones we grow familiar with.

So, what is it that would compel you to go for a Jimmy Styks board and not a Tower’s for example if they both carry a similar price tag? Let’s figure it out.

Jimmy Styks Puffer Review — Features & Specs

Measurements

Here is the glorious Puffer with its admirable aesthetics and authentic design which carries the genes of good old classic boards and the modifications of inflatable paddle boards.

A hybrid of sorts, the Puffer measures a rather uncommon 11 feet and 6 inches in length. Within its category, this board definitely stands out as a significantly large iSUP but that has worked in its favor in many ways.

Although limiting its user base to young adults and adults, the board will definitely perform at an exemplary level due to its slender yet long hull.

Moreover, the width of the Puffer is surprisingly good, making the length to width ratio pretty much impeccable. In fact, at 31 inches in width, you are set for a wobble free ride and a platform that is capable of catering for every adjustment movement which cannot be said about most inflatable paddle boards on the market.

Besides, the board will be significantly more stable, enabling to you balance yourself comfortably and continuously as you practice Yoga, workout or for regular use.

Last but definitely not least comes thickness which is rather the most anticipated dimension on inflatable paddle boards recently as it has been the direct culprit behind a lot of concerns.

Indeed, a lot of paddlers have complained about the thickness of their boards being responsible for it bending at the center which is why the Puffer decided to go with a 5.9 inches thick hull thereby eliminating all suspicion and granting you a platform that is capable of taking up to 280 pounds as a maximum weight limit.

Quality

Undeniably, there is a bit of a discussion around the quality of inflatable paddle boards which can often lead to two completely different conclusions, depending on how knowledgeable you are.

A lot of people think that because they are inflatable then that automatically means that they are vulnerable. However, what a lot of them don’t know is that the Puffer for example is made out of the toughest army grade PVC material.

This is the exact same stuff that is used to build zodiacs and bulletproof vests. PVC & dropstitching scream durability and longevity.
Further, a skin this tough will definitely require a tough build which is why Jimmy Styks went with an industrial drop stitch construction that perfectly pulls this board together leaving no room for chance or punctures for that matter.

In the end, this leaves us with a zodiac like inflatable paddle board that is virtually indestructible.

Features

Features are definitely a big part of any inflatable paddle board and Jimmy Styks has played that cord ever so wholly. The Puffer might not be the most practical inflatable paddle board but it’s definitely one to perfectly balance both authenticity and modern practicality ever so seamlessly.

• The board’s primary feature has got to be the EVA gripping pad which is nicely designed to extend over the most common feet placement zones and nothing beyond. Well, except for the extra patch under the cargo net, the board does a great job at keeping the pad under space control. As far as its benefits, induced stability and balance are almost secondary to the command power this pad grants you whilst paddling.

 

• Hopping to the next big feature on this board, the cargo net. Undeniably, not the most authentic look but you’ll certainly learn to compromise once you use the net for a couple times. Indeed, this cargo net will hold down anything from your shoes to your paddle, enabling you to roam freely whenever you wish.

 

• As far as navigation is concerned, the Puffer sticks with what works and what works is a single fin system. Evidently, there has been quite a debate between single and tri-fin setup but at the end of the day, there is no significant difference between the two. Hence, the fin is removable and that’s pretty neat for packaging and storage.

Performance

As far as performance goes, it is undeniable that this board is not made for big races. However, it is still one of the sharpest entry level boards in the game.

Actually, the Puffer is so well made that it looks too sharp to be inflatable. With those cliff sharp edges and pointy nose, the board at hand is definitely made to slice through water efficiently and that it does.

Further, the navigation system on this beast definitely helps deliver command to the paddler as it is designed to enable steady tracking but also respond to commands as quick and swift as possible.

Packaging

Packaging is definitely a big tradition for paddle boards in general but especially for inflatable ones. Hence, Jimmy Styks decided to keep the tradition alive by hooking up the Puffer with pretty much everything you’ll need as a paddler to maintain and actually enjoy the board. The package thus contains:

• Adjustable Carbon Travel Paddle
• Click-N-Go Standard Keyless Fin
• 10′ Coil Leash
• Dual Action High-Pressure Pump
• Repair Kit
• Premium iSUP Board Bag