Buying an SUP Bag for my 14′-er
***My appologies – unfortunately it is difficult to see a table this wide on my blog. I’ll look for a solution to fix that (sometime)***
After a quick search I found a few bags to protect my 14′ boards and I’ve entered them into my decision matrix below:
| Brand | Model | Type | Dimensions (max) | Fin Slot | Zipper | Protection / Foam | Handles | Board handle Access | Vents | Shoulder Strap | Compression Straps | Extra | Cost (14') | Weight | Worthwhile review link(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCS | SUP Racing Cover | Traditional | 14' x 30" x ? | Yes | Coffin Style | 5 mm | mid-rail, nose, tail | No | Yes | Yes | 8 External | 1. Nose & Tail reinforcement | $263 | 5.9 kg | |
| Pro-Lite | SESSION SPLIT SUP BAG (ADJUSTABLE 12'6 - 14'0) | Split (across width) | 14' x 28.5" x 4.5" | Yes | None! | 5 mm | 5 external | No | Yes | Yes | 6 External | 1. Red Flags for excess length. 2. Adjustable for 12'6" to 14' boards 3. Tie down loops 4. Reinforced Nose | $99 | Distressed Mullet Review | |
| Lahui Kai | Lahui Kai Race/Touring BLUE 14' Board Bag | Traditional | 14' x 30" x 6" | Yes | Unknown | 10 mm | Yes | Yes | Yes | Inner (quantity unknown) | $165 | ||||
| Boardworks | SUP RACE BAG ’17 | Traditional | 14' x 32" x 7" | Yes | Unknown | 5 mm | mid-rail, nose, tail | Yes (velcro closure) | Yes | Yes | Unknown | 1. Velcro Fin closure | $209 | ||
| Tower SUP | SUP Board Cover (Large) | UV cover | 14' x variable (likely to fit all boards) | Yes | None | None | No | Yes | N/A | No | No | $70 |
I really like the coffin style zipper of the FCS bag, but I’m not willing to spend the extra $164 to get it, and since I’m looking for protection against myself rather than the airlines, I’m going to try the $99 Pro-Lite Session Split!
Note: If I knew that the Lahui Kai had coffin zippers before I purchased the Pro-Lite, I would have probably spend the extra $66 and grabbed that one instead!
UPDATE 1: I purchased the Pro-Lite Session split and it should be here by the weekend.
UPDATE 2: Thanks to Austin at Paddleboardandsurf.com I just learned that the Lahui Kai has a coffin zipper… I may have to purchase it if I don’t like the Pro-Lite!
UPDATE 3: Even though I like the Pro-Lite, the 2 piece slip cover is a little bit less convenient than I had hoped, so I’ve decided to add a Lahui Kai bag for my second board.
