the SUP guru

woman sitting on vilano journey isup

Vilano Journey Inflatable SUP Review

If a leisurely excursion in any type of water anywhere across the world sounds like luxury to you, it can be yours! You don’t have to make special packing arrangements or rent any off-brand water vessels to paddle in luxury.

All you need is the Vilano Journey iSUP!

Vilano Journey Inflatable SUP Stand up Paddle Board Kit

  • Rigid & Durable: It feels very similar to a hard board. The board is made of high grade PVC material with Korean Drop-Stitch construction and built to last.
  • Inflatable & Portable: Deflated it’s only 1 foot in diameter by 36″

Check Price On Amazon

The PVC inflatable SUP has Korean drop-stitch construction to stay rigid, afloat, and durable no matter what water condition you plan on cruising.

If traveling the nation or overseas to find the perfect water source is on your Summer agenda, then don’t hesitate to buy an iSUP! Deflated and rolled up for travel, the Journey is a small 1 foot and 36 inch package that can easily fit into a backpack into the trunk of your car or cabinet in an airplane.

The 9’9″ x 30″ x 5″ iSUP is a lightweight 23 pounds, but it can hold over 10 times its own weight. Do you plan on sharing your ride? If multiple riders can stay close to the 240 pound weight limit, you’ll have company to tour the open waters in Vilano style!

vilano inflatable sup board close up

Speaking of style, the iSUP is a stunning white and gray color that’s sure to attract classic attention while on-board. The dark gray diamond groove traction pad is comfortable and stylishly sleek to perfectly match the skin.

You won’t be without sustenance while you paddle either. The board is loaded with d-rings all over the place for ultimate storage convenience while you seek for adventure!

 

Main Advantages

  • Price
  • Ultra portable
  • Complete package

Main Drawbacks

  • New company

 

Who is the Vilano Journey iSUP Best Suited For?

The Vilano Journey iSUP will function at its best on flat water as a recreational SUP for all-round use. Its dimensions can handle a little bit of surf but the shape is designed for calm water. Beginners will learn quick on this board and pro stand up paddle boarders will have zero complaints.

 

Journey 9’9″ Paddle Board Reviews

No joke, everyone loves this board! It’s a five star iSUP across the board! Buyers love the value, the skin design, and especially the rigidity that feels like a hard board on water.

vilano isup carry strapWhile Vilano is new to dabbling in SUPs, since 2013, it’s still no good reason to forgo them. They have been proving to be a cheaper brand with just as high quality products as the big name brands.

It’s evident by the raving reviews of the happy masses.

However, the only complaints on this iSUP have been due to user error in not getting it up to the correct PSI. If you don’t get it to max PSI, you’re going to experience flex and unstable paddling.

The pressure gauge doesn’t move until you reach a certain PSI, between 7-10 PSI before it will start to show results.

While very few buyers might blame the company or the product for these misunderstandings, it’s actually a true concept for all good inflatable paddle boards!

 

Vilano Journey iSUP FAQ’s

What is the Recommended PSI for the Vilano Journey iSUP?

The max recommended level is 15 PSI. This will most likely take a workout to accomplish 15 PSI with the included manual pump but this is typical of all iSUPs.

 

What is Included in the Complete Package?

Vilano doesn’t take any shortcuts when it comes to throwing in the necessities. The complete package includes the board, adjustable paddle, and a manual pump with pressure gauge. It also comes with a removable center fin, backpack, and shoulder strap. Of course you’ll receive a patch kit with valve wrench as well.

 

What are the Adjustable Measurements of the Paddle?

The paddle can be broken down into three pieces for easy storage. It’s fully adjustable and measures from 65.5-86 inches long.

 

What Color is the Vilano Journey?

Some potential buyers are confused with the color options so we’ll set it straight.

The older models featured a white and aqua color. The newer models have the white and gray color scheme and design.

 

How many D-Rings does the Journey iSUP have?

The iSUP features 9 d-rings on board and 2 on the sides for the shoulder strap.

 

What is Vilano Customer Service like?

The Journey comes with a 1-year warranty from the excellent company. They keep a close eye on customer reviews and do everything possible to ensure 100 percent customer satisfaction. They offer transparent and direct access to their customer service personnel, and they strive hard to provide the best service and products.

 

What is the Max Weight Limit of the Journey iSUP?

Some potential buyers get confused with conflicting information about this aspect of the Journey iSUP. The older versions of this board were only 4″ thick and could hold up to 200 pounds. This newer version is 5″ thick and can hold up to 240 pounds.

 

How many Fins does this iSUP have?

This is a single fin system with one center fin. The center fin is easy to install with the slide-in and pin rail box. The removable center fin also makes for tighter rolling and smaller packaging when deflated.

 

Board Specifications

vilano journey isupBrand/Model: Vilano Journey

Length: 9’9″

Thickness: 5″

Type: PVC (Inflatable)

Color Options: White/Gray

Suitable For: All-Round, Flat Water

Guru Rating: 8.6/10

 

Comparable Boards to the Vilano Journey Paddle Board

If you’re looking to spend even less than this newer Vilano model, you might be interested in the Vilano Navigator iSUP that’s 10′ long, 31 inches wide, and 6 inches thick.

It’s slightly larger than the Journey, but it comes with all the same accessories for a lower price. It sports two colors: gray and blue or gray and orange! It’s your pick!

For more on this awesome iSUP, check out our full review on it here!

However, if you’d rather consider an already best seller iSUP that’s rooted in the SUP community, you might prefer to see how the Peak 10’6″ iSUP holds up! It’s longer, wider, and thicker than the Journey and can hold up to 300 pounds!

The larger dimensions allows for even taller, heavier, and multiple riders to enjoy the sport of paddling. It even maintains a light weight of 23 pounds! Oh, the joys of options right?

How do you pick? To help make the process of elimination easier, read our full review on it here!

 

Noteworthy Features

  • Lightweight
  • Competitive price
  • Single center fin

 

Our Verdict on the Vilano Journey 9’9′ iSUP!

To sum it up, the Vilano Journey iSUP is an incredible buy! For everything Vilano throws in for the purchase, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth. This newer version will get your paddling journey off to an extraordinary start!

Vilano Journey Inflatable SUP Stand up Paddle Board Kit

  • Rigid & Durable: It feels very similar to a hard board. The board is made of high grade PVC material with Korean Drop-Stitch construction and built to last.
  • Inflatable & Portable: Deflated it’s only 1 foot in diameter by 36″

Check Price On Amazon