Chances are if you are looking to buy a Body Glove paddle board you are interested in getting started in the world of paddle boarding, Welcome future paddling friend!
In these Body Glove Paddle Board Reviews, we will be reviewing NOT JUST the infamous Body Glove Performer 11 but we will also show what other boards are on offer that Body Glove produces.
Towards the end of the article, we will be breaking down everything that has to do with Body Glove’s paddle boards. We go through accessories, warranty, and common customer FAQs as well as where to buy them and possible Body Glove Alternatives.
Read on as we dissect this brand and uncover if it’s a good fit for you.
Body Glove Paddle Board Reviews
Below is a list of paddle boards that Body Glove makes. Of course, we will be going into quite a bit of detail on the Body Glove Performer 11 but we also wanted to outline some other possible options in case you felt the Performer 11 is not a good fit for you.
To Jump to Each Section Click “Jump to Review” on the left under Price.
Board | Dimensions | Weight | Max Capacity | Activity | Price |
Performer 11 | 11′ X 34″ X 5.4″ | 24 Lbs | 320 Lbs | Recreational | $$ Jump to Review |
X2 Tandem | 13’6” X 34” X 5.4” | 64 Lbs | 450 Lbs | Recreational/ Tandem | $$$ Jump to Review |
Cruiser 10’6″ | 10’6” X 33” X 5.4’ | N/A | N/A | Recreational | $$$ Jump to Review |
Solo | 10’4″ X 33 X 5.4 | N/A | 320 lBS | Recreational | $$$ Jump to Review |
Grommet 8′ Kids | 8’ X 27” X 4” | N/A | 130 Lbs | Kids | $$$ Jump to Review |
Navigator Plus | 10’6″ X 33” X 5.4” | N/A | N/A | Recreational | $$$$$ Jump to Review |
Crusader Multi Person SUP | 15’ X 66” X 6” | N/A | 1000 Lbs | Multi-Person | $$$$$$$$$$$ Jump to Review |
N/A = Manufacturer has not provides specific informationon this
Body Glove Performer 11 (Popular Pick)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 11’ x 34” x 5.4”
- Board Weight: 24 Lbs
- Maximum Capacity: 320 Lbs
- Materials: Triple Layer PVC With Triple Layer Rails and Stringers
Total Score: 7.5/10 (Average of Below Accumulated Scores)
- On-Water Performance – 7.75
- Stability 8
- Tracking 7
- Speed 7.5
- Maneuverability 8.5
- SUP Construction – 7
- Board Features – 7.7
- Deck Pad 8
- D Rings 6.5
- Deck Bungees 8
- Action Mounts: 7
- Handle 9
- Accessories – 7.5
- Backpack 7
- Paddle 7.5
- Pump 8
- Fins 7.5
- Set-Up/ Take Down – 7.5
The Body Glove Performer 11 is one of the most popular paddle boards that you will see out on the water. Often times in one paddling sesh you can see multiple generations of these boards out on the water at once on a busy day on the lake.
So Why The Body Glove Performer 11?
- Can be had for a rather inexpensive price at Costco at around $400 depending on what time of year you buy. It is also protected by the Costco “No Frills” 90-day return policy and refunded membership fee.
- Having paddled the 2022 Performer 11 myself in the Okanagan Lake. I found the board to be stable for its shape while maintaining good rigidity. More rigidity = better stability which = you have an easier time standing on the board!
- The Performer 11 offers good stability for people of many different sizes and shapes thanks to its elongated 34” width (many All Around SUPs are 32 or 33” wide) and 11’ length. Making it a great starter board to get people into the water and paddling.
- As a whole, they are great starter boards that can take a good amount of abuse. I see many generations of these boards from the pre-2020s still in the water and holding up strong.
- The Performer 11, like the iRocker Ultra boards, now comes with an electric pump. Making getting on the water that much easier. Let the pump do the work while you set up the board for your next paddle session.
Who The Body Glove Performer 11 is For:
The Body Glove Performer 11 is for people who want to start getting into stand-up paddle boarding. I felt that this was a good “Jack of all Trades” board. It does not do anything supremely well but everything can be categorized as DECENT.
Oftentimes to get into the water and start the paddle boarding chapter of your life that’s all you really need!
Smaller paddlers will tend to feel more stable on the Performer 11. However the board may feel a bit more awkward to paddle due to its 11’ length.
Body Glove has done its best to make this board as lightweight as possible at 24 lbs. Making it not too difficult to move with each paddle stroke. Still, the board does have some nuances to be wary of…
On-Water Performance
I was lucky enough to be able to test the Body Glove Performer 11 against a few other paddle boards in the same session at Okanagan Lake. In my test I pitted it against the Gii Meno 11’6” and the Nixy Monterey paddle boards. Both of these boards are more expensive and in my opinion made of better materials.
While I felt the Monterey was faster and the Gili Meno 11’6 was more stable. The Performer 11 did not feel out of place and could still keep up with these boards.
When I first hopped onto the Performer 11 it did feel a bit more “bouncy” but the difference was not night and day. The Performer gave a person of my size (6’1, 185 lbs) a good stable platform to paddle off of. Although for longer distance paddling I would choose the Meno 11’6” or Monterey over the Performer 11 any day.
One of the biggest differences I felt was that the board did not track as well as the above-mentioned boards. The tail liked to wag more per paddle stroke, limiting how many strokes you could do per side to get into a good paddling rhythm.
This is due to the Body Glove’s 3-fin set-up (2023 and beyond is now a slide-in single fin) But from a maneuverability point of view, it performs well for an 11’ paddle board.
Board Features and Design
The 2023 Body Glover Performer 11 does have some upgraded features over previous versions. For one they have now added a rear deck bungee area. In my experience, this is where you place items that you don’t want to get wet. Things like speakers, dry shirts, etc typically get spared from waves on the back bungees.
On top of this, the Performer 11 comes with an electric pump and has sacrificed the manual pump in the process. They also have a GoPro holder, top and rear stringers as well as their patented triple-layer constructions and side rails which protect the board from unseen scrapes from below.
One of the unique features of the Performer 11 is the fact that it has a towing holder at the front. If I’m honest I’m not sure I would have made this a priority item. If I’m being towed behind on a board I’d prefer to actually be holding the line personally.
You can see the Full Body Glove Performer 11 Review we did here!
Pros
- Affordable when purchased from Costco
- It comes with everything needed to get started
- Beginner-friendly meaning it is stable for most sized paddlers
- Comes with an electric pump which is a big bonus
Cons
- Tracking ability is compromised
- There is still some bend in the board despite stringers and rails
- The board doesn’t do any one thing great
Body Glove X2 Tandem Inflatable Paddle Board (Tandem Pick)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 13’6” x 34” x 5.4”
- Board Weight: 64 Lbs
- Maximum Capacity: 450 Lbs
- Materials: Triple Layer PVC With Triple Layer Rails and Stringers
From one of the most common paddle boards in the world to one of the most common tandem paddle boards in the world. The Body Glove X2 is the ideal vessel for couples and families who prefer to paddle on the same board together while being engulfed in nature.
So Why The Body Glove X2 Tandem?
- It can support 450 lbs of weight which makes two people standing on the board more manageable
- The kit comes with two 4 piece paddles and two kayak seats allowing it to transform into a kayak hybrid.
- Instead of Lugging one of those heavy non-portable family-friendly canoes or kayaks you can have one that folds to the size of a large bag that can easily be stored in any apartment.
Who is the Body Glove X2 Tandem for?
The Body Glove X2 Tandem paddle board is ideal for couples and families who want to paddle and explore the outdoor world together without having to deal with the space that your typical canoe or kayak would need.
Folding up to the size of a large hockey bag the X2 Tandem is a good pick for couples who have good communication skills and understanding of their skills. It may take some practice but if you are both sympatico it should be a good team bonding experience.
Two adults can be put on this board with a small child or dog. Just make sure you do not go over the 450 lbs maximum capacity as the board will be almost impossible to stand on and paddle strokes will feel forced.
On-Water Performance
Being a rather heavy craft it will take some skill and will to properly maneuver this board thanks to its 13’6” frame and 62 lbs weight. However, that extra length will help the board track better. Especially when in kayak formation you will be able to paddle more efficiently with the kayak blade attachment and the extra person to give the board some more oomph.
Board Features and Design
The X2 paddle board has a lot of the same features as the Body Glove Performer 11 but with a few added extras.
The X2 comes with two kayak seats and two 4 piece paddles which include two kayak blade attachments. This allows you to transform this formation from paddle board to kayak with just a few quick adjustments. This is an especially handy feature if you’ve been standing up for a while and need to give your feet a rest after all that stand-up paddling!
The board’s other features are virtually identical to the Body Glove Performer 11 in that it has triple-layer PVC rails and overall construction. The Go Pro mount, towing mount as well as the water bottle holder handle.
The main obstacle is the 64 lbs weight which is quite a big difference for 2 and a half extra feet of paddle board compared to the Performer 11!
Although Body Glove has made sure they put handles on the nose and tail of the board to make sure it’s easier for two people to carry. Still, you wouldn’t want to take this board on too far of an excursion as the bag and board’s weight are simply not built for it.
Pros
- I have seen a few generations of these tandem boards on the water meaning they have some durability
- Comes with kayak seats and extra paddles allowing you to stand or sit while paddling
- The board comes with an electric pump which is super handy for a board if its size
- Comes at a reasonable price when bought from Costco
Cons
- The board is super heavy which limits where you can go with it
- There have been recalls on this board as recent as 2022
- Not in our list of best tandem paddle boards
Body Glove Cruiser 10’6” SUP (Cruiser Pick)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 10’6” x 33” x 5.4”
- Board Weight: Not Specified
- Maximum Capacity: Not Specified
- Materials: Triple Layer PVC With Triple Layer Rails and Stringers
The Body Glove Cruiser 10’6” is your typical run of the mill all around board with Body Gloves add on accessories.
So Who Should Be Using This Board?
The Body Glove Cruiser 10’6” is for smaller paddlers who want a more maneuverable board compared to the Body Glover Performer 11. It will be lighter and more transportable due to its shorter length and 1” shorter width.
This board comes with a paddle, manual pump, and bag. Its onboard accessories include an action camera attachment point, 3 rows of bungee deck webbing that can hold a waterproof backpack or dry bag.
Of Course, it also has Body Gloves patented handle/ water bottle holder found on the Performer 11. This makes for easier access to grab your drink rather than the bottle rolling around in the front bungee storage area
Judging by its accessories it appears the package has not been updated since 2021.
Pros
- Lightweight and more suitable for shorter paddlers
- Can be bought at a good price point from Body Glove
- It comes with everything you need to get started
Cons
- Not the best all-around board for tracking due to the fin system
- The permanently attached fins make the board harder to fold up
- The bag is not the greatest quality, especially compared to other all-around packages
Body Glove Solo Paddle Board (Small Paddler Pick)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 10’4” x 33” x 5.4”
- Board Weight: Not Specified
- Maximum Capacity: 320 Lbs
- Materials: Double Layer Stringers and Side Rails
The Body Glove Solo SUP is a very maneuverable board that has a wider tail which makes up for its slightly shorter length.
This board is ideal for calm waters such as lakes, calm bays and slow rivers. We would not recommend paddling this board in tidal areas or fast moving water systems.
Who Should Use This Board?
The Body Glove Solo Paddle Board is ideal for beginner paddlers under 6’0 who are new to paddle boarding. People over 6’0 can also paddle this board but will probably need a bit of paddle boarding experience to have complete comfort in its stability.
The Solo is also a great space saver, especially when compared to some of the bigger paddle boards like the Performer or X2. It will also fold easier due to its double-layer stringer and side rails compared to those Body Glove boards that are triple-layered.
This has led to a few complaints from customers who have stated that the glue has become un-done. This board appears to still be in 2022 spec and has not had any upgrades for 2023.
Pros
- A great board for smaller beginner paddlers
- A solid pick for teenagers who are too big for the Grommet
- Offers everything needed to get started in the water
- Has a wide tail that adds to the board’s stability
Cons
- Fixed fins make the board harder to fold
- Tracking on this board will not be particularly great due to the wide tail design and 3 equal-sized 5” fins
- Not an ideal board for heavier folks or used as a tandem board
- The accessory package is rather underwhelming
- Not a lot of place to store larger items on the deck due to its bungee layout
Body Glove Grommet 8’ Paddle Board (Kids Pick)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 8 x 27” x 4”
- Board Weight: Not Specified
- Maximum Capacity: 130 Lbs
- Materials: Triple Layer Stringers and Double Layer Side Rails
Now kids have the option to graduate from their parent’s paddle board to a board of their very own! This board will help them learn paddling techniques for a board that best suits their size and weight.
Who Should Use This Board?
The Grommet has a 130 lb maximum capacity so its ideal weight class for optimal performance would be about 90 lbs and below.
The 130 lbs would be rated as capacity until the paddle board feels less than steady to stand on. This would mean kids from 6 years all the way to 12 years old would be ideal as long as they are within that 90 lb weight class.
As with most 8’ boards, the Grommet will not be the best tracking board out there but it will be plenty maneuverable. Especially with the board’s 3-fin Body Glove setup.
One customer specifically mentioned that while their youngest daughter could paddle on the board at 50 lbs. The oldest is 95 lbs and she feels that the board was not stable enough for her. In that case, it’s best to upgrade to the Body Glove Solo board for those “in between sizes”.
Pros
- Ideal board for kids under 90 lbs, especially ones that are within the mid 50’s range
- A good amount of bungee deck webbing provided
- Comes with all the accessories needed
- Has Body Glove patented handle/ drink holder for your kid to stow a water bottle
Cons
- Not ideal for older kids due to the board’s small dimensions
- The permanent fins make folding more difficult
- Any kid over 90 lbs and the board will be less stable
- Not ideal for taller kids
Body Glove Navigator + 10’6” SUP (All Around Pick)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 10’6” x 33” x 5.4”
- Board Weight: Not Specified
- Maximum Capacity: Not Specified
- Materials: Triple Layer Stringers and Triple Layer Side Rails
The Body Glove Navigator + looks a lot like the Body Glove Cruiser in terms of the board’s shape and dimensions. Although the deckpad has a bit of a different shape towards the top. This is a 2021-designed board that has not had any changes in the past few years.
Who Should Use This Board?
The Navigator +, much like the Cruiser is for small to medium-sized paddlers who want an all-around style board. For newer paddlers folks 6’1 and under would be the ideal passengers for this board. I’m not entirely sure why Body Glove does not specify the maximum capacity for this board.
This package comes with everything you need to get started including an aluminum 3-piece paddle, single chamber dual action pump ankle leash, cell phone dry bag repair kit, and of course the backpack.
As with other Body Glove paddle boards, it features onboard accessories like 3 rows of front bungee deck webbing, triple layer side rails and stringers, the action camera mount, a set of D rings towards the back of the board for coolers.
And of course that patented Body Glove handle/ bottle holder which helps keep your drink secure while paddling through those waves caused by those pesky boaters.
Pros
- Comes with all the accessories needed to get out there
- Decent board for a beginner who is of a small to medium build
- Has the patented bottle handle holder
Cons
- Has not been updated since 2021
- 3 permanent fins will not help in the folding process
- The tracking on this board will be rather subpar compared to other all-around boards
- For a 2021 board, I believe its massively overpriced
Body Glove Crusader 15’ Multi-Person SUP (Best For Groups of People)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 15’ x 66 x 6
- Board Weight: Not Specified
- Maximum Capacity: 1000 Lbs
- Materials: Triple Layer Construction and Double Layer Side Rails
The Body Glove Crusader is definitely NOT a board you want to paddle by yourself. This is a BIG BOY board that needs at least 2 people to paddle!
Who Should Use This Board?
The ideal amount of paddlers for this paddle board would be 4 but you can accommodate anywhere from 2-6 paddlers at one time. This would be a great board to use in calm lakes and can be used for the family cabin or even be a great SUP to inspire team bonding at camps.
The Crusader will be heavy but thankfully this board features 8 handles that allow multiple people to carry this SUP to the shoreline without much of a hitch. The board also has 2 inflation valves and comes with a quad-fin setup to allow for more even tracking. Although they are the permanent Body Glove fins that most 2021 and older models feature.
Pros
- A great SUP for a family cabin, camp, or rental
- 1000 lb maximum capacity is massive even for a multi-person SUP
- Lots of handles which makes transporting this SUP with multiple people easy
Cons
- This will be a very heavy board
- Weight, dimensions not specified on the product page
- Comes with only one paddle
- Looks to be an older designed board.
Body Glove’s SUP On-Board Features and Accessories
Body Glove paddle boards come with a good amount of notable on-board features.
Their most impressive and innovative on-board feature is their patented bottle holder handle. Often times the front bungees don’t do a good enough job of securing water bottles to the board so often times they tend to slide unless they are secured to something. With the Bottle holder handle you can just put whatever beverage you want between your legs and paddle off into the sunset!
It also features a tow mount for those who like to tow paddle boards behind boats as well as an action camera mount to document that time a seal popped right next to your board (I always miss documenting the little buggers!).
New for 2022 and beyond, Body Glove Performer and X2 now include an electric pump in their SUP Packages which gives the package even more value. Set up the paddle board while the pump does all the hard work for you!
The board also includes a tool-less center fin system instead of the 3 permanent fins. I personally feel like this is a plus as now those pesky permanent fins won’t get in the way of you rolling up the board! If I were to have my way though I would have kept the 3 fins but made them all with a detachable proprietary fin system.
New for 2023 The Body Glover Performer 11 comes with rear deck bungees which I find to be handy for things you don’t want to get wet such as speakers etc.
Body Glove Warranty and Returns Information
Body Glove does not have any specific warranty information about its current ISUPs. They mostly mention their wetsuits and PFDs in the warranty information. Even some Amazon boards have a 6-month to 1-year limited warranty!
“Having done a bit of digging I did find an older Body Glove Performer 11 user manual and it states a 1-year warranty on manufacturing defects. Typically the sweet spot for most reputable paddle boards is 2 years.”
– Editors Notes
Thankfully if you buy through Costco you are protected by their 90-day returns and one month off membership policy.
Where to Buy Body Glove Paddle Boards
You can buy Body Glove Paddles Boards from their website. Specifically the other models outside of the Performer 11 and the X2.
For the Body Glover Perfomer 11 you can purchase it from Amazon, Costco, or its website.
Body Glove Paddle Board FAQs
Below are some common customer FAQs that people ask me about Body Glove Paddle Boards.
How Much Weight Can Body Glove Paddle Boards Hold?
Body Glove Paddle Boards can take anywhere from 130 lbs for the Grommit to 1000 lbs for the Crusader Multi-Person SUP.
If we are talking about the Body Glover Performer 11 it can take a maximum capacity of 320 lbs although we would suggest the sweet spot would be 250 lbs and under for proper paddling performance.
How Do You Fold a Body Glove Paddle Board
How you fold a Body Glove paddle board is that you go from front to back folding it into sections. We have included a video to show you how to do this with the Body Glover Performer which has the 3 permanent fins. You can do the same technique with the newer Body Glove boards as well.
What PSI Should I Set My Body Glove Paddle Board To?
In their user manual Body Glove specifically states that you do not inflate the board to anything higher than 15 PSI. Body Glove even goes on to warn about making sure the sun does not raise that PSI above 15, as heat can raise the PSI to a degree or two.
Have There been Recalls on Body Glove Paddle Boards in the past?
Yes the 2022 Body Glove X2 Tandem was recalled in Canada for the paddle boards glue separating at the seams. The board is grey with blue and white stripes. It seems they have rectified this for the 2023 X2 models.
Similar Paddle Board Manufacturers
The following are paddle board manufacturers to consider should Body Glove’s paddle boards not appeal to you.
iRocker Paddle Boards
iRocker has a variety of different paddle boards that specialize in all-around boards. They typically range in size from 10’ to 11’6” and have 3 models for different price points. The Budget Nautical series, the middle-class iRocker and iRocker Ultra boards, and the more expensive Blackfin boards specialize in having more cargo and being more stable overall.
Nautical boards can be found within the same price point as Body Glove although the iRocker and Blackfin boards will be more expensive.
See our Full iRocker Paddle Board Reviews here.
Serenelife Paddle Boards
A paddle board brand that sells its boards primarily through Amazon. Serenelife offers a similar price point as Body Glove but does not have as many paddle board varieties. These paddle boards do come in more color schemes although I find the Body Glove paddle boards are faster performers in the water.
See our Full Serenelife Paddle Board Reviews here.