Vilano Navigator 10′ Inflatable SUP Review

Vilano is one of the most prominent brands in the industry as a whole and a lot of that merit goes back to the proliferative approach of the company.

Indeed, this is a brand which has excelled at making street and mountain bikes before jumping onto the iSUP niche which explains the simplicity yet inner complexity of the board at hand.

The Vilano Navigator is one of the company’s latest updates of a strong line of inflatable SUPs which can only mean that it has learned at least one thing from every previous board that was launched onto the market.

Accordingly, here is the Vilano Navigator and here are some insightful details that will help you take a final decision.

Vilano Navigator Review — Features & Specs

Measurement

Of course, we can’t speak of a paddle board without mentioning its measurements because it is a definitive criterion which has a much bigger impact.

Starting at the prominent dimension, length is a very important aspect of the board which has an impact on the user and the performance of the board as well. Hence, the Vilano at hand decides to go with a generic 10 feet in length which cancels out the possibility of it being incompatible with the rider.

So, unless you’re a giant or a child, then this board will be just the right length for you. Also, 10 feet of length will grant you a much better perspective on paddle boarding as it enables the board to cruise steadily and shift directions smoothly.

Moreover, the width of any iSUP is rather critical for the rider especially if you’re a beginner. Indeed, depending on the width of the board, your experience can go from a total breeze to a big pain in the back. Hence, Vilano granted this Navigator an extra inch above 30 to make it extra stable which will in its turn make it easier for you to balance yourself on top of the board and actually enjoy your paddling ride instead of constantly trying to stay on top.

As for thickness, the Navigator was just not taking any chances and especially on a critical dimension like this. Indeed, a lot of cheap inflatable paddle boards go with a 4 inches thickness hull or under which is especially risky since continuous extra weight can eventually make it bend at the center.

However, at 6 inches, it’s pretty much impossible to do that with this Navigator, giving you the previlege of stay high and dry as you paddle through lakes, rivers and so on.

PS: considering the thickness of the board, it is hence capable of taking up to 250 pounds as a maximum capacity.

Quality

Quality is definitely a big deal for any of our purchases but it should especially be the case for inflatable paddle boards. there is an abundance of boards out there and the last thing you’d want to do is to go with a cheap both in price and quality board. Hence, the Vilano Navigator is a solid representative of what a quality stand up paddle board should be like.

Accordingly, the Navigator is strictly made out of the toughest military grade PVC material which is the same stuff the army uses to build a lot of its equipment. Moreover, Vilano didn’t leave at that but decided to reinforce the hull of the board with an extra industrial drop stitch construction which perfectly seals the seam on the board, granting you a solid and virtually indestructible board.

Features

Naturally, the first thing we notice as paddlers are the visible features on the back of the board and that’s a healthy approach because features can make a huge part of our experience. Accordingly, Vilano decided to hook this inflatable paddle board up with the following:

• The first thing that catches your attention when looking at the Navigator is the cool EVA gripping pad. The gripping pad does not only cover most of the board’s back but it will also make it a lot easier for you to stay on top. Indeed, this is an anti slip gripping pad which means that your feet will have a firmer grip on the hull and consequently make navigation equally easier.

• The Vilano Navigator comes with 11 D-rings in total. 4 are on the nose and they’re attached with a bungee cord making a neat little cargo net. 4 more D-rings are fixed around the pad which allow you to attach a kayak seat. Moreover, this board also feature some special D-rings on the left side/edge which are meant to hook a shoulder strap on for an improved handling. A 11th D-rings is located on the tail which is meant for safety leash attachment.

• What also makes this board a great is the carry handle at the center of the board which will make it possible for you to carry the board outside water on your own.

• Further, the board at hand doesn’t cut corners on the navigation system and it goes with the simple and generic single fin approach. There’s some debate between the mono and triple fin system but at the end of the day, there’s no evident shift between the two except for the look-. learn more under the performance tab.

Performance

As far as performance goes, we should first hold the Vilano Navigator for what it is. Indeed, the Vilano navigator is a solid recreational performer which can be used for touring, light exercise, yoga or even surfing. However, it is not expected to compete with high calibre competitive boards.

Nonetheless, soft nose and width of the board will significantly induce your stability and balance while the length and navigation system grant you a better perspective on navigation and smooth steering. That is what makes this board a solid performer and that is what makes it a Vilano.

Packaging

Packaging is always a huge deal but it is especially the case for inflatable paddle boards. Accordingly, the Navigator at hand comes with a healthy package that provides you with all you’ll need to maintain the board and it goes as follows:

• High pressure pump with integrated pressure gauge
• Piece collapsible aluminium paddle
• Removable central fin
• Shoulder strap
• Carry bag that can fit all of the above.